The contribution of the pillars of Kibera (POK) ministry to slum evangelism

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to establish the impact and challenges of microfinance businesses as a means of doing evangelism in poverty-stricken informal communities. In particular the research establishes the benefits and difficulties that the Pillars of Kibera (POK) faces with respect to the domains of fellowship and business in the context of Kisumu Ndogo in Kibera. This is done with a view to detect areas that need to be changed with respect to small businesses and Christian fellowships. The research is based on participant observation and ethnographic interviews. The data analysis also subscribes to the methodology of ethnographic research and the tools of social anthropology. From anthropological analysis, key issues that emerge as challenges to the domains of fellowship and business are those of limited resources, demonstration effects, materialism and disunity. Although members of POK have a good understanding of their identity, it emerged that they have been unaware of two key negative features of their culture which have had debilitating effects on their spiritual development and their aspirations to escape poverty. These are demonstration effect and a more than proportionate emphasis on materialism. The research analysis and recommendations were made to create an awareness of cultural blind spots that have negative effects on the development of the business initiatives of POK and its evangelistic enterprise.