Have you ever wanted to make a difference in the world but didn’t know where to start? Well, look no further because we’ve got an incredible story to share with you. Meet Justin Riley, a Westbow Gives Back volunteer who recently took a trip to Kenya and documented the amazing work being done by the organization. This is his story.
Making a Difference with Westbow Gives Back
“It’s been really cool to be a part of Westbow Gives Back,” says Justin. “It’s great that it has given me a chance to make a difference, both in my community and across the world. It’s also been great as it’s helped strengthen my connection with Westbow.”
For those who don’t know, Westbow Gives Back is a non-profit organization dedicated to positively impact one million lives and break the cycle of poverty through the power of education. Westbow Gives Back works to improve the living conditions of those most affected by poverty or those in need, particularly in developing countries, through initiatives like building wells, providing education, and more.
And Justin was lucky enough to get the chance to see the impact of Westbow Gives Back first-hand during their trip to Kenya.
“In November 2021, I travelled to Kenya with Dick, Maryanne, and three representatives from our partners at Hungry For Life,” Justin explains. “Our first stop was Nairobi, where we spent a few days visiting the Shiphra Centre, an orphanage run by Martha Njeri. Martha houses, clothes, and feeds over 60 orphans. She is a remarkable woman and meeting her was so touching and inspiring.”
After visiting Nairobi, Justin and their team travelled to Yogo to stay with Pastor Silas and visit his schools. They also travelled around the village, meeting widows in need, and seeing how Voice of Hope (a partner to Westbow Gives Back) could assist them.
“These women were absolutely incredible,” Justin says. “Their spirits were so high, they were so happy to see us, so full of faith and joy.”
The team’s last stop took them to Kakamega, where they visited even more inspiring widows and inspected a well they had built to support a school and a small village.
“The whole trip was so amazing,” Justin says. “It was truly inspiring to see how people affected by poverty and hardship kept their spirits high, as well as see the difference Westbow Gives Back was making in their communities.”
An Impactful Trip
Of all the amazing experiences Justin had during their trip, one story stands out. “We met a sweet old lady, named Plaster. I believe, she was blind and couldn’t stand or walk. She was left in a small room, on the side of her house, alone. Her daughter-in-law came by occasionally, to check on her, but for the most part, she was all alone with no one to care for her. She was so happy, so filled with joy to meet us, that she insisted on singing to us. So we all stood and listened to her sing, in her small room, in the dark.”
It’s moments like this that truly show the impact Westbow Gives Back is making in these communities. Despite the challenges these people face, they’re still filled with joy and hope. And that’s all thanks to the efforts of organizations like Westbow Gives Back.
Using Skills for Good
Justin is Westbow’s videographer, and he went on this trip not only to experience the impact of Westbow Gives Back but to document it too. “The whole reason I was able to go on this trip was to document their experience and the organization’s work in Kenya. The team shot a plethora of photos, videos, interviews, and stories, and this content has been used to spread the word and showcase the work of Westbow Gives Back. It is through these stories that people can see the difference that is being made in these communities, and be inspired to get involved and make a difference themselves.
So, for anyone interested in volunteering, Justin’s advice is simple: volunteer any way you can. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, any help you can give makes a difference. You will be giving someone access to things they might not have otherwise, whether it be food, shelter, education, or clean water, and the feeling you get from giving back is truly priceless.
The work of Westbow Gives Back in Kenya is truly inspiring and impactful. It’s amazing to see the resilience and gratitude of the people in the face of poverty and hardship, and the difference that Westbow Gives Back is making in their lives. We are grateful for the volunteers who make this work possible and for those who continue to support this organization. If you’re interested in making a difference, why not get involved with Westbow Gives Back and make a positive impact in someone’s life?