An organization was created that leveraged its relationships with hundreds of thousands of people who were educated and challenged to make a difference in one country in Africa?

A committed network of churches decided to focus on key problem areas in one country in Africa?

Those churches partnered with communities in one country in Africa such that they might meet and work together to discover and address the needs of that community?

Those with a heart for Africa had a relevant and exciting outlet that provided the means for them to actually put their passion into action?

The people involved in this, the worst crisis the world has ever seen, could address the issues of the present while providing a hope for not only this life but for the eternity beyond?

We could move the needle in that one country in such a way that the rest of the world would take notice and ask, "What happened there? Why is that country different?"

Imagine. . .

At the 410 Bridge, we believe that our personal relationship with God is directly proportionate to our service to His people. He has commanded us to use what is given to us to serve His people, and this command is the crux of our organization. Our staff is comprised of people who recognize God's call to service and who want to answer that call by using their gifts to minister to others. We share a heart for the nation of Kenya and a passion to build lasting relationships with the people we encounter there in an effort to help spur them on to change. We believe that a network of committed U.S. churches partnering with communities and villages in a single country in Africa can make a difference. We believe that this focused, single country approach will not only change the lives of God's children in Africa, but also transform the hearts and minds of the American church through service to His Kingdom.

Pastor Allan Osterwise and Jamie Kendrew on their Vision Mission's Trip in November 2007.

Here at Grace we have become a community partner with the village of Joska. The village of Joska is a fast growing marketplace community. Located about 40 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, the town sits along the heavily traveled byway of Kangundo Road, making it accessible to people from neighboring communities. In addition, people are choosing to migrate from Nairobi into the village of Joska allowing them to live outside the city and commute to work. While Joska itself is home to about 2,000 people, within the last three years the community has experienced a rapid growth, making the ten-village region home to approximately 40,000 people.

The population increase has been difficult to manage. There is potential for increased farming and agricultural activities; however, there is a lack of capital and water to support these endeavors. In addition, there are currently no public secondary schools as well as no hospital and thus, education and health care cannot easily be provided.

Population growth has also caused an influx of street children in Joska. To address this situation, local leader John Mutahi founded the Christ Compassion Rehabilitation Center. The center houses approximately 40 former street children and acts as a safe environment for these children to learn and grow. When in Kenya, 410 Bridge Founder Lanny Donoho connected with John and felt a desire to specifically get involved with his efforts.

Overall, a partnership with the community of Joska will serve to assist them in providing for their growing community. As they hope to change the minds and hearts of their people.

For more information about the 410 Bridge, please contact Pastor Allan or visit the 410 Bridge online.