Title: Special Update from Kenya: The Messianic Torah Observer

Host: Rod Thomas

Date: September 27, 2025

Location: Migori, Kenya

Summary: In this special installment of The Messianic Torah Observer, Rod Thomas provides an update on his and Hilary Qumran’s missionary journey in Kenya. This episode is not a teaching installment but rather an update on their activities and experiences while addressing the needs of widows and orphans in southwest Kenya.

Key Points:

• Arrival and Initial Activities: Rod and Hilary arrived in Nairobi on August 25 and spent five days working with the Kenyan government to legalize the Qumran Family Foundation (QFF) to operate in Kenya.
• Base of Operations: They are based at the Calabash Hotel in Migori, which serves as their home base for the two months they are in Kenya.
• Graduation Ceremony: The first graduating class of 41 widows from the QFF Empowerment of Widows program received their certificates on September 22. The program teaches basic literacy and math skills to help widows become self-sufficient.
• New School in Kissi: QFF has built a new school in Kisii on land donated by the father of one of their teachers. The school will provide education and business training to widows.
• Future Plans: Rod and Hillary plan to install internet at the Kehancha School, continue vetting new students, and possibly build an orphanage on the donated land in Kisii.
• Challenges and Solutions: They faced challenges with local transactions and set up an M-Pesa account to handle expenses. They also navigated the difficult terrain and security concerns in the region.

Call to Action: Rod encourages listeners to support the Qumran Family Foundation through donations and prayers. Donations can be made at qumranfamilyfoundation.org, and all contributions are tax-deductible.

Closing Remarks: Rod expresses gratitude for the support and prayers from the listeners and looks forward to providing another update before they leave Kenya. He wishes everyone a blessed Yom Kippur and Sukkot.