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Meshack: Finally Home!

What do colporteuring, ADRA, NEWSTART and Africa all have in common?

A man named Meshack.

Meshack and Caroline with their children James & Mitchelle and orphan Vincent (behind Mitchelle).

Because of his servant’s heart and eager willingness to work until the task is done, Meshack Odero has been noticed by many people over the years. In 1998, when he was noticed for the first time by Adventists, Meshack was working as a guard supervising the road where ADRA South Sudan had its office. He offered to do any other tasks they had around the office and ended up working there as cashier, receptionist, storeman, logistics manager and finally Meshack was sent to an ADRA project in South Sudan where he was cashier and stores manager.

When the project was turned over to nationals, Meshack lost his job. Soon he was setup with books and trained as a colporteur. Unfortunately, the shed where his books were stored burnt to the ground. To earn a living, pay rent and educate his children (Zadock, Sylvia and James did not have regular sponsors then), he worked numerous jobs (mostly gardening).

Meshack, son James and daughter Sylvia in the slums of Nairobi

Because Judy, who worked with him for ADRA South Sudan (1997-), has been able to introduce him to western Adventists like Joy Butler and Carole Platt. Judy knows Meshack personally and believes he will be a fantastic community leader and ambassador for Christ.

Meshack, outstanding in his field!

Supporters of Education Care Projects Kenya heard of Meshack’s need and donated money to purchase a small plot of land for Meshack on his tribal land where he could put all of his varied experience, hard working attitude and passion for health into practice.

Putting his dream into action, Meshack established Chuny Maler Kodero Homes (CMK) where NEWSTART principles are practiced to teach his local community through modeling and ministry. As an example of what he can teach the community, Meshack planted a large garden of veges, greens, maise and bamboo, built a demonstration shower and composting toilet and built a home for his family. Community members are being taught to do the same.

88 year-old Salome amazed by toilet/shower block

Meshack feels he is finally home. He is doing what God has shaped him for throughout his entire life. He is teaching his community about healthy eating, cleanliness, sustainable living and work (composting toilet, foot pump to irrigate land, etc), and self sufficiency.

Maise, a dietary staple, harvested from the CMK fields!

Now a partner of ECPK, Chuny Maler Kodero Homes is educating the local community. As CMK develops, Meshack plans to assist the homeless, teach new cultural attitudes and continue living the Gospel by helping ‘the least of these’ as he brings constant training and care to his community.