April 14, 2025, brought great joy and thanksgiving to Africa Rural Trainers (ART) as we officially resumed the distribution of ESV Bibles nationally. These Bibles were donated by Micheal and Judy Stewart, their friends, and their church (The Church of Corinth) in the United States. This generous gift of 600 Bibles was made to support student pastors in their Bible training across Kenya. The national office team was present on-site as the Bibles reached two key cohorts in South Rift: Mulot and Oloolung’a 2.

The first stop was at Mulot, the largest ART class with 62 pastors and church leaders. While in session studying Spiritual Formation, 52 present students received their Bibles. The room was filled with gratitude as the team paused to pray, give thanks to the Lord, and teach the pastors how to effectively use their new Bibles. It was a sacred and emotional moment—many students had long awaited a Bible of their own.

Later in the day, the team proceeded to Oloolung’a, where the first South Rift cohort was established. They met with a second cohort, Oloolung’a 2, started in this area. Though the class was not in session, 16 out of 20 students made the effort to come and receive their Bibles. They celebrated the arrival with songs, prayers, and heartfelt appreciation. 

Two students, James Akula and Tabitha Wandere, shared moving testimonies. James thanked the Stewarts and the Church of Corinth for the Bible, calling it a treasured tool for preaching truthfully to his congregation. Tabitha expressed her gratitude for the Bible as a gift that will build her faith and help her teach others. She shared a dream of one day meeting the donors to say thank you in person. Their words were a beautiful reminder of the impact this gift will have on countless communities. We have distributed a total of 438 ESV study Bible across the country.