About R.O.C.K. Ministries International
Who are we?
R.O.C.K. Ministries is a bible-based, Christian organization dedicated to reaching and rehabilitating street children and orphans in Kenya. R.O.C.K. was originally established in 1996 as a non-profit organization primarily working with gang families in the U.S. whose children were at risk.
We established a program to meet the needs of these children by opening our hearts and arms to provide them with the care and love they so desperately needed. While they were not orphans, they were grossly neglected. In time, we were able to involve other agencies in providing for the needs of these families.
After numerous trips to Africa and seeing the number and plight of street children, the decision was made to relocate to Kenya and continue our program here. The move was made in 2002, and by September 2003 we became a registered NGO in Kenya. In August 2004, we established a permanent base in Kisumu, Kenya where we are currently working with street children and orphans.
Where are we?
We are occupying a large residential home located on Tom Mboya Drive opposite KBC in Milimani near Kisumu town. We have recently purchased property for the purpose of building a children's village in Malava which would house 210 children, plus house parents and staff. This will become the permanent residence of the street children who are being educated and rehabilitated. Kisumu Children's Centre will become the intake center for those children still on the streets.
What we are doing?
Currently we are meeting twice per week with 25-30 street boys for kid's church. We firmly believe there is no lasting change unless there is a change of heart through a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. After kid's church, the boys are fed and provided with a clean change of clothes. We also have a team of volunteer men who are helping them bathe and we are providing lotion for scabies, giving hair cuts, and attending to medical needs as we become aware of them.
With approval from the Municipal Council and the Department of Environment, we recently started a street sweeping project whereby a team of boys, supervised by adult volunteers, are sweeping the streets of Kisumu and are learning to take some responsibility for their environment.
As we begin bringing the boys into our home, we will immediately begin preparing them to enter the academic world. Many have not been to school or their schooling has been interrupted by their time on the streets. Our Malava site will have a full primary and, ultimately, secondary Christian school. For those unable to manage academically, we will provide training in a technical trade so they will be able to sustain themselves and a family, once they have completed our program.
