June Newsletter

Written By George Wafula

Warm greetings to you and your loved ones.

We thank you for your continued support and commitment to this great work in Kenya and Uganda. As we reflect on the semester that has just concluded, our hearts are filled with gratitude for all that has been accomplished through your generosity and prayers.

A Transformational Semester at KMTI

What an honor it was to host the Executive Director of IOM, Pastor Dwayne Higgason, along with his team from Grace Temple Church, as they taught during our April class.

The team made a profound and lasting impact on our students. They went above and beyond to ensure every student understood the biblical concepts they were teaching. Through both their teaching and personal example, they modeled:

  • Integrity

  • Passion for God

  • Teamwork

  • Servant leadership

These values continue to shape the lives and ministries of our students.

Following the classes, many students testified about the transformation they experienced. They shared that their lives had changed—not only academically, but also in character and spiritual growth—as they studied God’s Word together.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Students also participated in Krav Maga self-defense training led by Jak Varnado.

For many, this was their first opportunity to receive self-defense training, despite serving in areas where personal safety is often a concern.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Pastor Dwayne for your continued love and support for KMTI. Your consistency in bringing teams to serve, teach, and invest in our students has made an incredible difference.

A Word from Pastor Dwayne Higgason

What a wonderful time we had with Dr. George Wafula and the team at KMTI!

We arrived at KMTI on August 11, 2026, to teach “God’s Provisions in Christ” to the current class of pastors and ministry leaders.

Our team consisted of seven instructors:

Team 144 (Krav Maga Instructors)

  • Jak Varnado

  • Kazia Anderson

Bible Instructors

  • Felicia Johnson

  • Jason Cascio

  • Austin Smith

  • Taylor Higgason

  • Pastor Dwayne Higgason

Together, we taught lessons centered on The Covenant and the Kingdom.

Sunday Ministry Across Kenya

We arrived on Saturday and spent Sunday preaching in five different churches, each led by a KMTI graduate.

For three members of our team, it was their very first opportunity to preach in Kenya.

I had the privilege of ministering at Pastor George’s church in Bungoma. It was a joy to spend time with my dear friend and worship alongside his church family.

Teaching at KMTI

Beginning Monday morning, classes ran each day from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Throughout the week we:

  • Shared teaching responsibilities

  • Answered hundreds of ministry questions

  • Encouraged pastors in shepherding and church leadership

  • Invested deeply in the next generation of Kingdom leaders

Every afternoon, pastors also participated in Team 144’s Krav Maga self-defense training.

A large number participated enthusiastically as they learned practical techniques for escaping dangerous situations they may encounter while serving in ministry.

Our goal has always been simple:

That every World Changer returns home safely to their family at the end of each day.

Ministry at Kitale Prison

On Wednesday, two members of our team accompanied Dr. George to minister at Kitale Main Prison.

A KMTI graduate now serves there as prison chaplain, and Austin Smith and Taylor Higgason had the privilege of preaching to the men incarcerated there.

The experience deeply impacted both of them.

First-Time KMTI Instructors

For three of our teachers, this was their first opportunity to teach at KMTI.

Jason Cascio

Jason first came to Kenya in 2012 as part of a construction team. During this trip, he stood teaching inside the very meeting hall he had helped build years earlier. It was an emotional full-circle moment.

Austin Smith

Austin had previously visited Kenya but had never experienced KMTI firsthand.

Taylor Higgason

This was Taylor’s very first overseas mission trip.

Each of them left Kenya with a renewed passion for the nations.

Remembering Larry and Beverly Neese

This trip was especially emotional for me.

I stayed in the main house with Jason while the rest of our team stayed in the Mama Beverly House.

Every meal around the familiar table with the Lazy Susan, every meeting in the living room, reminded me of Beverly Neese, whose hospitality made everyone feel at home.

I also found myself remembering Larry Neese, whose tireless leadership introduced so many of us to ministry across Africa.

Their physical absence was deeply felt, but their legacy continues through every life being impacted at KMTI.

Reaping What Others Have Sown

When I preached at graduation last year, the Lord impressed this Scripture on my heart:

“I have sent you to reap where you have not labored. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”
John 4:38

During this trip, I realized I was walking in fields cultivated by Leroy Curtis, Larry Neese, and George Wafula.

I was harvesting fruit from fields that faithful servants had plowed and planted long before me.

Such is the privilege of serving in our Father’s Kingdom—we labor together, and God alone receives the glory.

To all our donors,

Your generous support has become the foundation of every success we celebrate today.

Every transformed student…
Every strengthened pastor…
Every life impacted…

…has been made possible because of your faithful partnership.

Thank you for making this transformation possible.

— Dr. George Wafula

George Wafula
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May Newsletter