Larry and Francine carruthers
Larry and Francine Carruthers come from Kelowna, BC, where they were active members of the Kelowna Christian Centre Church for many years. Initially Larry chaired the Missions Committee, served on many short term missions and led teams into Africa. Responding to God’s call and an acute need, Larry and Francine made the decision to move to Kitale, Kenya, permanently in 2010.
When they first moved to Kitale, Larry and Francine assumed full responsibility for 30 children in the Mali Saba Children’s Home. As they met and got to know the children, they realized that many of them already had families or relatives that simply could not afford them. Their focus then went beyond rescuing the children to providing the assistance and support to see them raised in healthy, family homes and provided with a quality life and education. There are currently 30 children being supported in 11 family homes.
The average cost of caring for the basic needs and education of a child is $80.00 per month. Often two “partial” sponsors ($40.00 per month) contribute to cover the cost of one child. So in some cases the child you are sponsoring may also be sponsored by another family as well. If you wish to sponsor or help sponsor a child, go to http:// kcc.net/donate.html or mark your tithing envelope “Larry and Francine Carruthers.” You can contact them directly via email at larry4africa@gmail.com
Francine, also oversees a medical clinic, Elimlim Community Health Center, for street people. Elimlim is Turkana for "Showers of Blessings" also the nickname given to Francine years ago by the street boys. Francine has created a team of foreign volunteers including a doctor and a paid staff consisting of a Kenyan doctor and nurse, who faithfully work along her side each week. The clinic runs 4 days a week, two days of drop ins, minor surgery, an eye clinic, and community development teaching courses. They treat over a hundred patients weekly locally, and have started outreaches into the very rural areas treating 200-300 patients.
"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
David and Patti Ens
David and Patti Ens are International Workers with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. They direct two dorms (one for boys and one for girls) for the underprivileged university students in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. With a goal to develop future Christian leaders, the Ens have rented dorms that are centrally located to seven different universities. Student who apply are screened and sign an agreement consenting to be trained for an hour a day in leadership, theology, discipleship, and evangelism, in addition to whatever University Program they are taking. Once a month, the students invite their classmates to outreach events where they hear stories of faith.
Patti, who was once a refugee from Cambodia, met David in Paris, France in 1983. They married a few years later and became missionaries with CM&A in 1990. They were redeployed from France to Cambodia in 2000. They have three children: Jesse, Stephanie and Melanie. Their two eldest children are married and their youngest child, Melanie has recently graduated from the International Baccalaureate program.
The Ens describe Cambodia as an ancient land whose gentle people are mostly followers of Theravada Buddhism. Their country borders Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Cambodia is governed by a monarchy, thus is it the “Kingdom of Cambodia.” Currently King Norodom Sihamoni is the head of state, but it is Prime Minister Hun Sen who actually leads the country and heads up the government. Phnom Penh, which is largest, as well as capital city of the country, is home to political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. The economy of the country largely depends upon agriculture. Other significant sectors are construction, garments, and tourism. One of their biggest challenges for the Ens, is Cambodia’s rampant corruption.
Each year, the Ens offer “English Camps.” These short term missions opportunities are primarily to help teach English to the students of Cambodia. Last year The Ens hosted an English Camp in both Phnom Penh and in Siem Reap. Plans are underway for another English Camp Short Term Missions Trip in February 2017. To stay in contact with the Ens you can request their newsletter, "News From the Ens of the Earth,” at ensoftheearth@gmail.com.
The Ens need approximately $15,000 US per year to keep their dorms open. If you would like to help, please send your donation through your church or to the C&MA national office clearly marked: “ENS – WORK – CAMBODIA”. A receipt of a charitable donation will be issued.