How Beans, Maize, and the Gospel Are Changing Lives in West Kenya
In the small town of Webuye, nestled in western Kenya near the border of Uganda, Naomi Nyongesa is doing more than running a small shop—she’s working to transform her community. From a small, makeshift table on the side of the road, Naomi sells beans and maize—blending business, evangelism, and discipleship in a way that reflects Videre’s mission: equipping local entrepreneurs to live out their faith through their work.
Naomi’s stand, situated at the intersection of two major roadways, isn’t just a place to buy food: she recognizes it as a hub of spiritual connection and outreach. “I go to hotels. I go to schools. I market to families,” she says. Her work takes her deep into her community—literally and relationally. Every transaction opens the door to a relationship. “As they come, we make friendship. I can be able to share with them Christ.”
One of those relationships led her to start a new Discovery Bible Study (DBS). A woman who regularly came to Naomi for food invited her to visit her home. That visit led to a new group meeting together to study God’s Word, multiplying the impact of both Naomi’s business and her calling to evangelism.
Spiritual Life in Webuye
The town of Webuye is located in Bungoma County, a region of rolling green hills and farmland. It’s culturally rich, with most people speaking both Kiswahili and local dialects like Bukusu. Christianity is widespread in Kenya, but many still rely on religious tradition rather than personal discipleship. In rural areas like Webuye, there’s often hunger—not just for food, but for deeper spiritual connection and truth. The Disciple Making Movement (DMM) model is a powerful tool in these regions, offering a reproducible, relationship-based approach to discipleship.
Naomi isn’t new to ministry. She’s been a pastor since 2015 and has been sharing the gospel through DMM for over a year. But it’s through her business—made possible by Videre’s training and support—that she’s now able to reach more people than before.
“As a family or as an individual, this business has helped me,” she says. “I know it is going to help me to be able to get my daily income… I want to thank God—one, because of helping me or connecting me to the Videre team. Because sincerely, you have been a blessing.”
A Model of Business as Mission
Naomi’s story reminds us that sustainable impact comes from within. She’s not waiting for resources to arrive from outside. She’s already moving—building relationships, meeting physical needs, and pointing people to Jesus—all while keeping her shelves stocked with food for the community.
This is why Videre exists: to equip local leaders to take the gospel to the unreached through the skills and businesses they already have or dream of building. And in towns like Webuye, that’s exactly what’s happening.
Winnie’s Story of Business as Mission
In communities where jobs are scarce and opportunities are limited, business can be more than just a means of income—it can be a tool for transformation. Winnie, a baker and disciple-maker, understands this firsthand.
As the owner of Win All Bakers, Winnie doesn’t just run a business; she uses it as a platform to share the love of Christ and uplift those around her. Every Sunday, she leads a Discovery Bible Study, where she gathers with others to read Scripture, share insights, and grow together in faith. But her ministry doesn’t stop there.
Business as a Ministry
For Winnie, business is not just about making a living—it’s about making an impact. She intentionally uses her bakery to support those in need, especially within her disciple-making community.
“There was a lady in our Bible study who had lost her job and had nothing to feed her child,” Winnie shares. “I called her to my house, gave her some flour so she could cook for her child, and some money for groceries. In the little that I get from my business, I also help others in need.”
Without her business, Winnie says she wouldn’t be able to give. She believes that work is not just about providing for herself but also about being a blessing to others. “You cannot help someone if you have nothing to help. So you have to work, you have to do business, so that you can also help in the kingdom.”
Training the Next Generation
Winnie has a heart for the younger generation, particularly those struggling with joblessness. She sees business training as a way to equip them, not only with skills but also with a sense of purpose.
“There are so many youth who are jobless,” she says. “If I train them, they will have something to do. They will not be idle. And in training them about baking, I will also be teaching them the Word of God.”
Many people, she explains, have business ideas but don’t know how to begin. Through training and mentorship, she hopes to instill confidence in others, just as Videre has done for her.
The Impact of Videre’s Training
Winnie’s journey has been shaped by the training and support she received from Videre and its dedicated coaches. “We are not where we used to be,” she says. “It is still a journey, but we are moving forward.”
Her hope is that many more will receive the same kind of training that transformed her own business and ministry. “We are ready to learn. We are teachable. Whatever they will teach us, we will apply. So we need them in our lives.”
Winnie’s story is a powerful reminder that business can be more than a livelihood—it can be a vehicle for discipleship, generosity, and lasting change. Through her work, she is not only baking bread but also feeding souls, building up her community, and expanding God’s kingdom one life at a time.
Join the Movement
Videre exists to equip disciple-makers like Winnie with the tools and training they need to start and sustain businesses that serve as access ministries. If you want to be part of this mission—whether by donating, mentoring, or joining a trip—we’d love to connect with you.
Empowering Ministries Through Sustainable Business – Chris’s Story
At Videre, we believe in the transformative power of equipping local leaders with the tools and resources they need to make a sustainable impact. Chris Wasilwa, a leader overseeing eight counties in Western Kenya, is a shining example of how entrepreneurial support can amplify ministry efforts and change lives.
Chris leads a network of 2,000 churches and 5,000 disciple-making groups in his region. His dedication to advancing the gospel is matched by his innovative approach to sustainability. Through Videre’s program, Chris was able to restart his timber business, which has become a cornerstone of both his ministry and his family’s well-being.
Sustainability Fuels Ministry
The profits from Chris’s timber business go far beyond meeting his family’s needs. Chris uses these funds to invest in others, whether by helping a family in need with food or clothing or by supporting ministry gatherings with tea and refreshments.
One of these moving stories he shared involved his visits to Mount Elgon, where children and families often lack basic necessities. Chris collects clothes on market days and distributes them to those in need. This simple act of kindness has opened doors for reconciliation and sharing the Gospel among tribes historically in conflict.
Access Ministry in Action
Chris refers to his business profits as “access ministry,” enabling him to build relationships, serve communities, and introduce the hope of Christ. During one visit, his team brought gifts to rival tribal groups, creating an unprecedented moment of peace and unity. Through acts of generosity, these tribes not only welcomed his team but also prayed and learned together—an extraordinary outcome in a region marked by division.
Impact Beyond the Local Community
Thanks to the success of his business, Chris has been able to coach and support the leaders under his supervision, ensuring that their ministries continue to thrive. The ripple effect of his work is profound: stronger leaders, more effective discipleship, and countless lives touched by the Gospel.
At Videre, we’re inspired by stories like Chris’s, which demonstrate how sustainable businesses can empower ministry leaders to make a lasting impact in their communities.
As we scale up in 2025, we’re eager to equip more leaders like Chris to sustain their ministries and transform their communities. Join us by donating to support this work or by participating in one of our trips to witness the impact firsthand. Together, we can empower more leaders to make an eternal difference.