Partner: Stakwell Yurenimo

God brought Stakwell into the life of JL when he was a young teenager in his village in Kurungu, Northern Kenya. He was a member of the Samburu tribe, who are pastoralists who move around with their cattle. He was born into a traditional polygamous family, the son of his father's first of 3 wives. Like all young boys, he was given the responsibility of shepherding the cattle all day. But according to his father, Stakwell was not a good shepherd -- so he was sent away to boarding school. There he was put in a room with a Turkana lad, who are the mortal enemies of the Samburu.

Stakwell did everything he could to offend and run the Turkana teenager away—but to no avail.  Finally on the soccer field Stakwell purposefully injured the Turkana lad, knocking out many of his teeth.  He was expelled from school as a result—and went home a hero for injuring a hated Turkana.  Eventually he was allowed back in school where he came to know Christ as his personal Savior through the influence of the Turkana young man who forgave Stakwell for all of his offenses to him.  His life was dramatically transformed.

Through the support of NDI partners, Stakwell went to Bible College. After graduation he had a desire to begin a Sports Ministry since it was through sports that he came to know Christ.  As he and JL discussed this vision, they took a big step of faith and began the “Samburu Sports Camp.”  Since that humble beginning the Camp has developed into one of the most well known and respected ministries in Northern Kenya.  Under Stakwell’s leadership, several major sports events are held each year that brings over a dozen tribal groups together for friendly competition.  So Stakwell and the Camp have become renown as a place of peace and peace-making.

JL has helped build a number of traditional “African Rondovals” that have also become popular with tourist and visiting mission teams from America and Europe.  It is a great place for your church to partner with Stakwell and his wife, Francesca in a sports camp, VBS, medical outreach or multi-purpose mission trip among the beautiful and fascinating Samburu tribe.