Kingsway’s Creation Story

They saw the need

In 2003, during one of a series of mission trips, Joe Byrd couldn’t shake a vision. As he looked at the children living in rows of huts as far as the eye could see, he thought, “These kids need help”. It was this thought that haunted him and his wife Janice as they returned to the United States. Visions of the thousands of children they’d seen living in inhumane conditions burdened them. The images were burned in their minds. They knew they had found a cause and needed to act. An idea began to form of a place where children with could be part of a family. A place where children with no hope could find a place to live, learn and love. A place to call home.

The Right People Came Together

After returning from Johannesburg, the Byrds began to share their ideas with others. They were soon joined by Rahab and Silas Waweru, a couple studying in Kentucky but native to Kenya. Active in mission trips to their native country, Rahab and Silas knew first hand of the dire need. As word of the organization grew, Rachael and Greg Walkup joined the cause. Fellow missionaries, the indescribable conditions they witnessed while visiting different parts of Africa moved them so much that they knew they needed to help.

Teach Them to Fish

Everyone has heard the saying, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. The founders of Kingsway knew they needed to teach the children to “fish”. They realized that to accomplish this, a well rounded education had to be provided. Kingsway would use a holistic approach meeting the needs of each child, physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally.

To truly redirect the future of Africa, this generation needs to know faith, love and hope. Faith will be given through teaching His word. Love will be given by providing a home. Hope will be given by providing a future. This is how the children of Africa will learn to “fish”.

The Journey Begins

After four years of planning, Kingsway International is ready to launch its mission- to change the world, one child at a time. The preliminary plans are in place to begin purchasing land in both Kenya and South Africa. In 2008 the Byrds plan to travel to Nairobi to obtain the necessary permits and to purchase the land for the first orphanage/school of Kingsway International.

Africa is just the beginning

As the mission says, Kingsway is out to help the children of the world. Their plans are to eventually expand from Africa into Central and South America. While the need for aid in Africa is staggering, His work is needed in many other regions in the world.