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.