God’s Abundant Blessing on Solid Rock Global Ministries
By Dr. Mark Denison
Steve and Betty Bishop continue to minister to the people of southern Kenya in the name of Jesus. They offer vocational life skills and spiritual nourishment, including discipleship training and Bible classes. For example, the Sowing and Reaping Vocational Training Center (known as The Farm) in Matoso Village, Kenya, continues to train students after 15 years of remarkable blessing and success. Their students are orphans and vulnerable youth who have no hope of getting an education because of the expense required to attend school. Through a two-year program, students are discipled in their faith as they learn to minister within their cultural context.
The goal of Solid Rock is simple, says Mr. Bishop. “Our mission is to provide a high quality education in vocational skills and Bible knowledge to change the lives of the poor in southwest Kenya and northwest Tanzania.” The vision is becoming reality.
Several things stand out as we rejoice in the ministry of Solid Rock.
Another amazing initiative has been the Logos College of Theology, where thousands of attendees are trained to pastor churches and establish ministries throughout India. Additional outreach programs include the Agape Mission School, which educates 200 children, and “Widow Support,” which offers financial support to 130 widows.
Blessings
The ministry has nine acres of lakefront property on Lake Victoria, with 15 buildings on site. God has provided necessary resources to build dormitories for out-of-area students on their new, adjoining property. Each project requires additional funding.
Goals for 2017
The Bishops are in Kenya now, working toward the completion of several exciting goals. These include the completion of new dorms for 150 students, the construction of nine fish ponds, an enlarged farm cooperative for widows and the elderly, and more training seminars for public school teachers.
Projects that are underway or pending
Four additional dorm buildings are coming, along with future fish ponds, a new chicken house, and a driving course for mechanic students seeking driving permits.
Lives that are being changed
Over 200 children attend Bible study each week, aside from another 350 in VBS. Seminars are changing hearts in the area, along with six widows who were ministered to by plowing and planting their fields. Every week, new people are coming to faith in Christ.
Needs in the coming months
Solid Rock seeks continued prayer support for their workers to remain healthy and safe. The ministry seeks favor with the Kenyan government. A priority is to continue to spread the news of the ministry throughout the area. Also, funds are needed for future projects and more believers are always needed to partner with the ministry.
Vision for the future
The vision for the future is clear. They seek to provide a quality education and graduate students with life skills and a mature relationship with Jesus Christ. It is their hope to see Kenya changed spiritually and physically because of the young people coming through their school. Eventually, the ministry seeks to expand the school to a three-year program, used as the government testing center for all vocational training in southern Kenya.
For more information
To learn more about Solid Rock Ministries, reach out to Steve and Betty through their ministry website: solidrockglobal.org. You can email Steve at Steve.Bishop@solidrockglobal.org.