Grammy Award-winning gospel singer CeCe Winans, a longtime supporter of Compassion International, recently traveled to Kenya. While there, she dedicated time to meeting with Compassion participants and visiting local communities.
She was hosted by Compassion Kenya’s National Director and Rev. Peter Mueti from the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA). The visit took place at PCEA Embulbul, a Compassion Frontline Church Partner, aimed at strengthening the collaboration among the church, Compassion, and the community. Children and youth welcomed the visitors with energetic songs, dances, and prayers, led by church leaders who also shared an overview of the program, its observed impact, and the ongoing needs amid the challenges of urban poverty.
The young participants led the worship, creating a joyful and thankful atmosphere. CeCe Winans joined in singing “Holy Forever,” her voice blending with a powerful chorus that echoed through the sanctuary. For the children, singing with a famous gospel artist was truly motivating and planted seeds of hope. She interacted with the participants by hugging each one and praying over them and her blessings.
Since becoming a Compassion Frontline Church in 2007, PCEA Embulbul has served as a center for holistic child development. It currently supports 48 children and 157 youth, focusing on education, child protection, caregiver empowerment, and spiritual growth. This reflects Compassion’s mission of partnering with churches to uplift children in all aspects of their lives. During CeCe Winans’ visit, she saw firsthand how Compassion works together with the church to help children escape poverty in Jesus’ name.
After the church visit, CeCe and her husband were joined by Compassion staff and church leaders for a home visit to a Compassion-sponsored participant in Embulbul, to experience the community firsthand. They met Doreen, a single mother caring for three children, including Compassion-sponsored twins Andrew and Felister. Doreen’s story reflects resilience and hope. Once struggling to support her family, she received help through Compassion’s highly vulnerable children intervention.
Highly Vulnerable Children (HVC) interventions are designed to assist Compassion’s most at-risk registered beneficiaries. The primary objective is to provide emergency and additional support not covered by core programs or existing Complementary Interventions (CIVs). These interventions are vital in stabilizing highly vulnerable children, helping them stay engaged in programs and work toward their goals. In Compassion’s context, a child is considered highly vulnerable when facing issues such as caregiver deprivation or incapacity, exposure to abuse and exploitation, or living with disabilities and special needs.
Through the Highly Vulnerable Children (HVC) program by Compassion, Doreen received assistance to kickstart a small samosa business—an opportunity that helped her family regain stability during a difficult period. She now supports her household with dignity, and her children continue to excel in school. Andrew, who was born with congenital limb difficulties, has shown significant improvement thanks to corrective support, while his twin sister Felister is performing well academically. During a home visit, CeCe and her husband joined in prayer; her husband blessed the household, and CeCe shared words of encouragement and love with each family member.
This visit clearly emphasized the central role of partnership in Compassion’s ministry. Working with local churches, such as PCEA Embulbul, allows for direct engagement with children and families in their communities, providing spiritual, educational, and practical support tailored to their specific needs. Supporters like CeCe Winans enhance this effort by reaffirming that these communities are not forgotten and that the global church stands in support of them.
