Bethesda Child Care Centre was founded in 2013 by Pastor John and Elizabeth, inspired by a vision to provide a safe, nurturing home for orphaned and vulnerable children in Kenya. Guided by faith and compassion, they sought to address the challenges faced by abandoned infants and young children, who were often overlooked by existing institutions.

Elizabeth, with her experience as a social worker in an orphanage, recognized a critical gap: children under six years old, often orphaned or abandoned, had few options for care. Many were left in hospitals or with struggling guardians, facing an uncertain future. This inspired Pastor John and Elizabeth to create a haven where children could receive personalized care, education, and the opportunity to thrive.

In August 2013, Bethesda Child Care Centre was officially registered in Kenya under the broader Bethesda Ministry, which also encompasses health care, education, and evangelism. Starting with two orphaned sisters, Esther (6 months old) and Veronicah (2.5 years old), the centre began in the couple’s modest three-bedroom home in Mawanga Estate, Nakuru County. By the end of that year, the home had grown to six children, each bringing a unique story of resilience and hope.

As Bethesda’s mission became known, children referred through the children’s department and courts began arriving, some as young as a week old. With love and dedication, Pastor John and Elizabeth worked tirelessly to meet their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, often enduring sleepless nights and long hospital stays to ensure each child’s well-being. By 2020, it became clear that the growing number of children had outgrown the family home. In God’s perfect timing, Bethesda was blessed with the opportunity to purchase a five-acre piece of land in Mirangine, Nyandarua County. The new property provided space for a purpose-built home and sustainable initiatives, such as farming vegetables and fruit trees to support the children’s nutritional needs.

In 2020, Bethesda officially moved into its new facility, offering a safe, loving environment for up to 50 children. This larger home allowed the centre to expand its mission, providing quality education, health services, and a familial setting where children can grow up healthy, happy, and empowered.