Zoe Empowers - Kenya Mission Trip

This past June, a group of 18 from the Florida conference went to Kenya to visit ZOE Empowers including members from Gator Wesley, First UMC of Lakeland, Good Samaritan (Tallahassee), First UMC of Homosassa, Beach Fort Myers, and Cypress Lakes UMC. All these churches have created a partnership with ZOE Empowers.

Our team ranged in age from 13 to 80. It was incredible seeing the impact the ZOE Empowers children had on the entire team. The organization “empowers orphaned children and vulnerable youth with the solutions to move their families beyond extreme poverty—for good. Zoe Empowers is a global network of local organizations equipping vulnerable youth through a three-year, community-based, indigenous-led program. When young people are empowered by a supportive community, they can lead their own journey from extreme poverty to self-sufficiency, eliminating the need for endless aid.”?(https://wearezoe.org)

We were able to meet brand new groups that our churches are partnering with. Gator Wesley and Good Samaritan recently partnered together with a brand-new empowerment group. They were able to spend time with them to encourage them, pray with them, and visit their new businesses and homes – a life-changing moment for all.

Since 2017, Florida United Methodist churches and individuals have partnered with over 127 groups representing more than 11,000 children – children who were once beggars and are now bosses. Together the Florida United Methodist churches/ministries that are partnering with ZOE Empowers are not only changing the lives of these children but entire communities. Florida United Methodist Churches and Florida United Methodist Wesley Foundations are coming together with ZOE Empowers to equip vulnerable children to overcome life-threatening poverty for good. What a thing to celebrate!

If you are interested in hearing more about ZOE Empowers or ways to partner, contact Molly McEntire at?[email protected].