Church of God Donates Gear to Homa Bay Fishermen
November 27, 2025
“Hold Hope!” Campaign for World Food Day
Church of God Donates Boats, Fishing Nets, and Boat Motors to Support Small-Scale Fishermen in Homa Bay
On November 27, the World Mission Society Church of God held a “Fishing Gear Donation Ceremony to Support the Self-Reliance of Small-Scale Fishermen” near Lake Victoria in Homa Bay, Kenya. The event was organized as part of the global “Hold Hope!” campaign in celebration of World Food Day (October 16).
Practical Support to Overcome Structural Challenges
In Homa Bay, many small-scale fishermen rely on renting boats, fishing nets, and boat motors in order to make a living. However, the high rental fees place a heavy burden on their incomes.
Fishermen spend 50% of their monthly earnings on equipment rental, and 38% on fuel and operational expenses, leaving them with a net income of about 12%. This cycle makes it extremely difficult for families to achieve economic independence.
To help break this cycle and create a foundation for sustainable livelihoods, the Church prepared new boats, fishing nets, and boat motors and delivered them to local fishermen. These essential tools will enable them to work without the weight of rental costs and to secure more stable incomes for their families.
“Prepared with the Heart of a Mother”
A representative from the Church shared heartfelt words at the ceremony:
“We prepared these boats, nets, and motors with the heart of a mother who cares for her family. These items are not merely tools—they represent hope for the future of the fishermen and their households. We pray that all local residents may gain new strength in the love of God, who embraces all people as one family.”
Fishermen who received the equipment expressed deep gratitude, saying it opened a new chapter for them—one where their hard work can directly support their families without overwhelming financial hurdles.
A Worldwide Effort to Deliver Hope
This donation is one of many activities being carried out worldwide through the “Hold Hope!” campaign. The goal is to bring assistance and hope to vulnerable people and small-scale food producers across the globe.
Recent activities include:
- Food assistance for vulnerable communities in Kenya, Nepal, the Philippines, Mexico, Nigeria, and Ukraine
- Delivery of food parcels to 30 households in Starehe, Nairobi on October 23
- Distribution of food and basic necessities to 6,400 households in 25 countries in February and March for the World Day of Social Justice (February 20)
The campaign reflects the Church’s commitment to meaningful and sustainable humanitarian work, not as one-time events but as ongoing global efforts.
Part of the Global Initiative “Global Hope Supporters”
This donation activity is part of the Church’s international humanitarian initiative, “Global Hope Supporters.”
It falls under the category of Poverty and Hunger Alleviation, one of the areas aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The initiative spans six global themes, including climate action, educational support, and building safe and resilient communities.
Practicing God’s Love in 175 Countries
The World Mission Society Church of God consists of more than 7,800 churches in 175 countries, with 3.92 million members.
Guided by the teachings of the Bible, members believe in God the Father and God the Mother, and practice the love of Christ who taught, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
To date, the Church has conducted over 44,000 volunteer activities worldwide, including:
- Environmental cleanups and tree planting
- Disaster relief
- Blood donation campaigns
- Painting school murals and improving educational environments
- Community assistance and neighborhood outreach
- Intercultural exchange programs
In Kenya, the Church has been actively involved in various volunteer initiatives, including planting trees along the Nairobi River and Tudor Creek in Mombasa, cleaning Ngara Road in Nairobi, Lake Victoria in Homa Bay, and Vihiga Road in Kisumu. The Church has also supported vulnerable families, painted murals at Homa Bay Primary School, installed security fencing at Kangemi High School, and conducted the “Worldwide Blood Drive to Give Life Through the Love of the Passover” to help address nationwide blood shortages.
Delivering Hope Continually
The Church of God will continue to share the love of God the Father and God the Mother with communities in Kenya and around the world. Through continuous volunteer work and practical support, the Church remains committed to helping neighbors build brighter and more hopeful futures.
