Love and Water Flow from ACK St. Paul’s Church, Athi River, Kenya
by The Reverend Doctor Jeff Dorn
On May 5, 2025, Canon Leah Turner and the Reverend Doctor Jeff Dorn embarked on a life-changing journey. This journey took them to prison, the homes and businesses of over twenty parishioners, a women’s seminar, a youth seminar, and Sunday services at ACK St. Paul’s and ACK St. Mary’s churches in the Machakos Diocese.
The primary purpose of this trip was the commissioning of the borehole well, made possible by generous contributions from the Anglican Church of the Redeemer in Norwood, the Anglican Relief and Development Fund, and additional churches within the ADNE.
The commissioning service was held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, and was presided over by The Rt. Reverend Andrew Williams and The Ven. Canon Patrick Munuve. The Ven. Brian Odhiambo, the Vicar of ACK St. Paul’s, Canon Leah, and Rev. Jeff also participated in the commissioning service.
Service Participants from left to right: The Ven. Brian Odhiambo, The Ven. Canon Patrick Munuve, Canon Rev. Leah Turner, and The Rev. Doctor Jeff Dorn
“It was truly a joyous time, as dignitaries of the Machakos Diocese gathered with members of the church and representatives from other parishes to celebrate what God had done and, more importantly, will do as the water from this well flows freely for years to come!” stated Rev. Jeff Dorn.
He went on to say, “It was incredibly poignant that the children and staff of ACK St. Paul’s Academy, that meets within the church compound, were part of the service as they will be the next generation of believers who will share this water with their community. It was wonderful to have them participate in the service with song, dance, poetry and the recitation of memory verses.”
ACK St. Paul’s dream for a well that can provide access to fresh, clean water to everyone in their community is now a reality. As the water flows, God’s love also flows to all who come to the well.
The well, with its water tower and water distribution building.
After the commissioning service on Wednesday, Canon Leah and Rev. Jeff, led by their host, the Ven. Brian, embarked on four days of ministry.
The first stop was Kitengele Prison. The team, along with member of the church delivered a large supply of personal items to the prison. These items would later be distributed to the inmates.
Donations to the prison included toilet paper, shoes, shampoo, soap, tooth brushes and tooth paste.
They ministered to approximately 300 men who were awaiting sentencing in a prison in Kitengela, where just over 40 men stood and gave their lives to Jesus.
They went on pastoral visits to over 20 families, during which the ministry team prayed for the church families' homes and businesses.
The team also participated in a service held by the school to celebrate the start of a new term. Canon Leah shared with the children that God knows each of them by name.
Saturday found the team ministering to two groups at the church. Canon Leah led a seminar for women, and Rev. Jeff ministered to a group of young people. Both had an incredible time of ministry.
Canon Leah had the privilege of preaching the Word in two services at ACK St. Paul’s while Rev. Jeff preached at ACK St. Mary’s Syokimau Parish for two services with The Ven. Canon Patrick Munuve on his last Sunday as Vicar for the parish. He would be consecrated as Bishop of the Diocese the following Sunday.
Canon Leah and Rev. Jeff began their trip back to Massachusetts the next day, but not before a photo safari at the Nairobi National Park. They were able to photograph over 35 different species of animals during their visit to the park. “It was a truly amazing experience worshiping the God who created these amazing creatures!” exclaimed Jeff as he hung out of the car window, taking one of the 747 pictures he took as The Ven. Brian drove them through the park.
The team returned to Massachusetts on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. It was a truly amazing experience to participate in this well project and all that ACK St. Paul’s and the Diocese of Machakos are doing to allow the love of God and the living water to flow to the people of Kenya. We look forward to partnering with them again.
On June 18, 2025, the team received word from Can. Brian that they hired an individual to work in the water distribution building. They are now dispensing water to the members of the community. What wonderful news!
Community member receiving water from the well.