Christlike Academy Today
Stories have the power to change the world, and do I have a story for you….
Twelve years ago, Christlike Academy was a small two-story building ringed by a dirt yard — 70 children, most of them abandoned by parents who left them with relatives or with no one at all. For many, school was the only safe place they had. They received a standard education with two meals of porridge and rice. It didn't look like much, but seeds of hope were planted, tended, and continued to grow.
Look at what it has become.
Today, more than 400 students fill Christlike Academy from pre-K through 9th grade, and every one of them sits down to two solid meals of rice and vegetables each day. The school is fully accredited, has added a Scouts program, and a science lab. And the children are not just attending— they are excelling, consistently scoring in the top percentage of their peers across Kenya.
This is not luck. This is what happens when students, teachers, and administrators pour years of faithful work into children the world tends to overlook, and the results are nothing short of a miracle.
But the work is not finished. More children in this community need the same lifeline, and the waiting list continues to grow. The facility is too small for the students it already has, and too few people know this need exists.
From 70 children to 400. From porridge to a future. The story is still being written, and there is room in it for you.
Limuru, Kenya
Residents of Misiri Slum in Limuru face persistent poverty, largely shaped by the low wages earned in the nearby tea plantations. Work there is seasonal: when harvest ends, many are left without income and with little to fill the long months in between. In the absence of steady work and few alternatives, some turn to alcohol and drug use as an escape, while young women may be drawn into transactional sex to survive. These circumstances have contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS, leaving many children without parents. Relatives and neighbors often take these children in, but with household resources already stretched thin, the children frequently go without reliable food, schooling, and other basic needs. Compounding their hardship, the community often views these children's futures with despair, seeing them as doomed rather than full of potential.
Linus Kirimi was introduced to Christ when he was a boy by a missionary. He accepted Christ as his Savior at age 9. As Linus was being discipled, the Lord put a call to ministry on his heart to work with those in the community with the greatest needs. As he grew in his faith he served in churches, Christian schools, and Kenyan Baptist Theological College.
At 33 years old, Linus moved into the Misiri slum in Limuru, Kenya, in order to be with “the least of these”. While ministering to this community, Living Proof Baptist Church was born.
In 2003 Elizabeth Wanjohi agreed to Linus’ proposal to marry him and live in the distressed community of Misiri, forsaking the comforts of her own family. And together, the Kirimis served their community.
The Birth of Christlike Academy
Foundations Kenya Board of Directors
Wendy Lawhon
Wendy is a homeschooling mom to 7 and wife of a pastor/director of Hamoreh Ministries. Her husband travels regularly to train pastors in East Africa. She is involved with her church and children’s Classical Conversations community. She has a heart for missions, having served overseas and in neighboring communities.
The need became clear to help friends in Kenya who are struggling to love and provide for children in desperate circumstances. She gathered friends to pray and Foundations Kenya was born. Having the privilege to serve together as a family is her next great adventure!
Founder, President of the Board
Windy McCall
Casey Cease loves Jesus, his wife and kids, and helping organizations thrive. With extensive experience in business and ministry, Casey brings a passion for Jesus, people, and missions to this organization. He has been to Kenya and seen firsthand the need and the ways that a little bit of money goes a long, long way in helping children have their basic needs met, thrive in education, and most importantly, learn about the transforming love of Jesus Christ. Casey has helped launch two other ministries serving in East Africa, and is thrilled about the possibilities that Foundations Kenya has to bring life-changing opportunities the the Church and surrounding communities through starting and supporting Christ-centered schools.
Board Member, Treasurer
Jerry is a Senior Manager of Communications for Enterprise Products Partners. His team implements and supports all telecommunications infrastructure required to safely operate their plants and pipeline systems throughout the US.
Since coming to the Lord later in life, he has grown a heart for serving others in his community. After being introduced to the people of Kenya, he has grown a heart for serving his brothers and sisters around the globe. I guess you can say that his community has expanded a bit.
Board Member, SecretaryJerry Roberts
Karin Harper
Karin is captivated by the adventure of life and inspires others to live in a way that is both life-giving and impactful. She is a lover of God, people, cultures, missions, and the church. She lived in Estonia for 6 years and Spain for 4 year helping people investigate whether there is a God and if He could be real in their lives. She was blown away by the privilege of getting a front row seat to watch God work.
She was in real estate for several years and savored the opportunity to love and serve clients and co-workers. She worked for 7 years at Gateway Church in Austin, TX as a Grow Pastor and currently works at Woodmen Valley Chapel as the Director of Community Groups and Spiritual Growth.
She’s excited to be on the board of Foundations Kenya because she believes in the mission of loving and feeding families in need in Africa - both physically and spiritually.
Board Member
Windy McCall is a daughter of the King, wife to Ross McCall and mom to two wonderful young boys. She takes it as a compliment when she is confused for Wendy Lawhon.
Windy worked in the accounting field for 10 years before having children and now spends her time homeschooling. She is in charge of bookkeeping for Foundations Kenya.
She still finds it amazing how God uses behind the scenes skills for His glory and to benefit those in need. She hopes to one day have the privilege to join one of Foundation Kenya’s mission trips.
Board MemberCasey Cease
Jennifer Burnum is the Minister to Children & Families at First Baptist Church in College Station, Texas. She is married to Randy and they have a son, Jacob, who is in the Texas A&M Aerospace Engineering program. She enjoys cooking, being outside exploring and playing with their two blue heelers.
Board Member