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PCEA Acacia Grove Mission

A Maasai from Olkinyiei PCEA Acacia Grove Mission (AGM) - a 'Mission to the Maasai' - became a reality in late 2005 when, despite many initial barriers, the way opened up for a work of outreach and church planting to begin amongst the Maasai people in and around Olkinyiei, in the Narok District of southwest Kenya.

AGM exists to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and to serve the Maasai people in His Name.

Gary and Mary Reid, and their family, experienced a very clear call from God to pioneer this new work and their involvement has continued since the beginning.

One of the initial encouragements for the Reids was when a suitable plot of land became available in Olkinyiei for them to build a house on.

Construction work on the mission compound, which began in 2006 with the Reids building their own house, was completed in July 2009. Living in Olkinyiei, in the spiritual heartland of the colourful Maasi tribe, has enabled them to be close to the people with whom they work and seek to serve.

Over the past three years, the work of outreach and Bible teaching has grown significantly; and, along with caring, practical help for the many needs of the Maasai, has enabled four churches to be planted in the area. Through these churches, and a weekly Bible study at the mission, the Maasai are being taught God’s Word and nurtured in their new-found faith.

In speaking of the work of AGM, Gary Reid says:

"God has blessed us richly over these years with wonderful Maasai to help us in this work. As a team, we share the Word of God with our local communities, seeking to be effective witnesses, touching the lives of people and hopefully bringing positive change not just socially, but ultimately to individual lives. With this thought we strive to attempt great things for God and expect great things from God!
At Acacia Grove Mission we reach people for Christ by loving, serving and simply living out our faith amongst these very dear people, embracing a holistic view of mission: preaching and teaching as we are commanded by our Lord whilst serving the people and caring for their real spiritual and physical needs as God grants us opportunity."

Current activities

Church planting - Three churches have been planted in Olkinyiei, and one in Siana Group Ranch. It has been a great joy and encouragement to see this work grow, as God by His Spirit has been working in the hearts of individuals and changing the lives of the Maasai people in these areas. To share with them in worship of the Almighty as Lord and Saviour, and to hear them sing and watch them dance, as only they can, is indeed an uplifting experience! Despite persecution in some of the churches, the members in each have remained strong as the Holy Spirit continues to work in and through their lives.
Bible Study - Every Saturday between 40 and 50 attend a Bible study. Those attending are mainly from Insintin, which is the nearest church to the mission. But there are also believers present from different Protestant denominations, some travelling long distances to attend. There is much interaction, with many questions being asked!
Teaching of Evangelists - Within the area there are young men who wish to tell others about their Saviour and so classes providing training in evangelism are held weekly.
Literacy classes - During 2008 and 2009, literacy classes were held to help some of the children on the Maasai Seeds of Hope Programme to ‘catch up’ with their schooling; and to help some of the young men, who faithfully tell others about Jesus, how to read and write. Many women wanted to attend but due to the demands of family life, they struggled to do so.
Equipping Evangelists - AGM works together with the Bible Society of Kenya in assisting pastors and evangelists through the ‘Faith comes by Hearing' project, which seeks to put audio tapes into the hands of illiterate people, so that they may hear the Word of God. This project was launched in Olkinyiei in February 2009.
Scripture Distribution - AGM seeks to give God’s Word to as many as possible. However, not all can read. For this reason, distribution of the Scriptures is limited to schools and members of churches who can read to their families. ‘Every Home Crusade’, in Belfast, supplies AGM with the Scriptures used for distribution; and the Maasai Bibles are purchased from the Bible Society of Kenya.
Maasai Seeds of Hope Programme - This work reaches out to orphans and under privileged children in Olkinyiei. The children are helped through supplying them with items such as school uniforms, shoes, coats, bags and other school equipment; with their progress continuing to be monitored through the years of their primary education. These children are blessed by being able to go to school and have the opportunity to learn to read and write.
Sponsorship of Local Dispensaries - Wherever possible, AGM works with local dispensaries, assisting them practically with the renovation and upkeep of their buildings and, where funds are available, with the supply of equipment - all of which helps maintain better health care.
Transportation - AGM serves the Maasai of Olkinyiei by transporting critically ill or injured people to hospital. The 180 kilometre round trip may need to be taken at anytime, and in all weather conditions.
Special Assistance - In certain cases, further action will be implemented, transporting seriously ill Maasai to hospitals/ doctors in the Nairobi area, where they will undergo tests or major operations. This assistance has proved to be a significant help and blessing to those who have benefitted from it.
Rain Catchments - Water remains a fundamental component of life. AGM, together with African Child Ministries, assists under privileged families with this basic need by installing a rain catchment system, involving a water tank, tap and guttering. AGM seeks to encourage the use of such systems in nursery schools and homes throughout Olkinyiei. Tanks are purchased in Nairobi and delivered into Olkinyiei. AGM then takes the tanks to the homesteads where they are needed and carries out the installation.
Bore hole - At the end of 2008, Operation Eyesight International sank a community borehole on the mission compound. During 2010, it is hoped to install a system which will allow water from the borehole to be pumped closer to people's homes. This will require much work on everyone’s part, as trenches will have to be dug and pipes laid deep enough that elephants will not break them!
Food Aid - Periodically, AGM will distribute food aid to families in areas worst hit by drought. Supply of food is made possible by generous funding from Christian people in Ireland.
Income Generating Initiatives - Within the boundaries of the mission compound there are two shops, which provide an income for two widows while also generating cash that enables food to be purchased for a local women’s group. These women have also begun preparing an area within the compound for bee-keeping. It is hoped that this new venture, which is the women's own initiative, will provide them with additional income, and the children with nutritious honey to improve their energy levels.

In the course of 2009, two primary schools within Olkinyiei began the process of applying for sponsorship by PCEA Acacia Grove Mission. Sponsorship of these schools will enable AGM to extend its service to the community even further; and, with the help of African Child Ministries, to upgrade these schools, as well as teach the children the Word of God once a week.

Vision for the future

It is hoped that in the days to come, many more of the Maasai of Olkinyiei will lift their hands and hearts to God in thanksgiving and praise for what He has accomplished.