My Story

Divine Inspiration

My first trip to Kisii began with the simple goal of connecting through local churches. Traveling alone to Nairobi, I was warmly greeted by Felix and his pastors, who made me feel instantly welcome. Although I’d visited Kenya before, this was my first international assignment for Issues of Life International Ministries. Expecting a typical missionary experience, I was surprised by the overwhelming hospitality; all that was asked of me was to preach and share in their meals of ugali, rice or just bread and chai (tea). It was delightful.

What began as a brief visit turned into a long-term mission as the ministry in Kisii grew from outdoor gatherings under trees to established classrooms and church services. It was amazing to witness so much being accomplished with so little to work with.

Despite financial and operational challenges, the IOL community’s resilience shone through: teachers worked unpaid, students persevered, and leaders supported one another. Though recently, due to unforeseen waterborne illnesses that affected our entire community, our efforts now focus on building a well to supply clean water, reflecting the shift toward lasting and sustainable change.

My time in Kisii was transformative for me personally. What began as a missionary assignment soon blossomed into a true alliance with the community. I found myself deeply connected with the people, sharing in their struggles, their celebrations, and their dreams. Together, we built bonds of trust, friendship, and relationships that can only be described as family. Our shared experiences gave me a renewed sense of hope and purpose that I carry with me to this day.

Humbly Submitted,

Harriet Dennis, Founder, Issues of Life International Ministries, Inc.

Our Story
Joyphone Clean Water Project

A Well for Joyphone: Help Us Bring Clean Water to Kisii, Kenya

It’s been said—by parents, counselors, therapists, and clergy—that nothing is more painful than the death of a child. But what happens when that child is an orphan, with no parents to care for them in life or to mourn them in death?

And what if that child dies from something completely preventable—like unsafe drinking water?

That is the heartbreaking story of Joyphone Nyatichi, a bright 14-year-old student at the King’s Mercy School, part of the Issues of Life Children’s Home, Orphanage and Mission Center in Kisii, Kenya.

In March 2025, tragedy struck. The local river—the school’s main source of drinking water—was found to be contaminated with fecal matter. Dozens of children began falling ill. On some days, up to 80 children were rushed to the hospital, along with teachers and staff, all suffering from waterborne illnesses. Before any intervention could be made, Joyphone passed away from complications caused by the contaminated water. Her death shook the entire school and orphanage community. But it also sparked a mission of hope.

Why Clean Water Matters

In Kenya today, over 28 million people lack access to safe drinking water. In rural communities like Kisii, children are especially vulnerable to waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery—diseases that can easily be prevented with clean water access.

Each day, more than 700 children worldwide die from unsafe water and poor sanitation. But we can change that—starting with Joyphone’s community.

Our Response: Dig a Well. Save Lives.

Before this crisis, our organization had planned a routine mission trip to the IOL Mission Center for August 2025. But after receiving the health alert from Kenya’s Ministry of Health and learning of Joyphone’s death, our team unanimously agreed: the priority must shift to clean water.

We are now raising funds to dig a deep-water well on the grounds of the IOL Mission Center. This well will provide clean, safe water not only for the 200+ children who live and study there, but also for the surrounding community.

How You Can Help

We need to raise $52,000 to cover the full cost of digging, equipment, and maintenance for the well.

Your donation will go directly toward:

Drilling and installing a deep borehole well
Water purification and storage systems
Long-term maintenance and training for local caretakers

Every dollar brings us one step closer to making sure no child at the IOL Mission Center ever dies from unsafe and unreliable water again.

Give in Honor of Joyphone

Joyphone’s life was filled with promise. Her death is a tragedy—but your support can ensure her story leads to hope, healing, and life for so many others.

🙏 Will you help us bring clean water to Kisii?
💧 Donate today. Save lives tomorrow.

IN HONOR OF JOYPHONE TYATICHI (2011-2025)