This can’t be the definition of Retirement… or is it?
I’m too old to have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder
— back then we were just called “active kids,” and teachers and parents coped with it.
Through that condition, however, I’ve learned and been blessed with the ability to hold some semblance of order in what others might see as overwhelming chaos.
The list that follows attempts to recap all of the efforts and causes I have worked with in 2025. With the end of the year and the beginning of the next, it seems fitting to make this journal entry.
Please don’t feel the need to scour every word below or to think that I’m trying to draw attention to my work.
All I ask is that you consider being a little curious about these different efforts.
If one intrigues you and you’d like to know more, just drop me a note. Or better yet—make your own list of who and how you support a variety of works and needs, and send it to me!
Project Recap — 12/22/25
In no particular order
💧 The Bucket Ministry
— Container Structure, Southern Kenya
The Bucket Ministry (TBM) serves around the world by supplying water filters and sharing God’s love. In 2024, with friends Guy Rogers and Jason Miller, I spent 10 days on an Amazon riverboat with TBM. They are currently mobilizing in a remote location in southern Kenya.
This project includes three 40-ft containers that will provide storage, electrical power, lodging, and training spaces for nomadic tribes that move through the area. Friends Guy and Cristin Rodgers were able to see the project firsthand and provide much-needed technical guidance on how best to utilize the containers. Additionally, Pat and Mary Beth Maloy have been generous in their support.
I’ll be in Kenya in May and hope to visit this location.
⚽ Bart’s Football Club
— Bart Barker, Choma, Zambia
A U.S. West Coast soccer club offered surplus equipment to Bart Barker, who founded and leads a soccer club in Zambia. I was asked to assist with shipping the gear to Africa.
As this developed, we learned that the donated gear was not a strong need and that the shipping cost was prohibitive. But not all was lost. While working on this, I happened to meet a gentleman who sponsors soccer groups in Costa Rica. The gear was perfect for them—and he had the ability to ship it.
🦌 Hunt South Africa
— Rufus Luttig, Adelaide, South Africa
It’s common practice for African hunting guides to provide local villages with animal meat. However, hunting seasons mean there are extended periods when no meat is available.
Rufus, a long-time guide in Adelaide, South Africa, asked his clients and supporters for a 20-ft refrigerated container to store game meat and ensure a year-round supply. I was asked to help.
I located a container supplier in South Africa and secured a quality unit, including delivery, that matched the available site power. This model may be repeated for other hunting guides in western and southern Africa, as this challenge is not unique.
⚡Tom Brasching
— Nairobi, Kenya
Tom, a young German electrical engineer and missionary living in Nairobi, shared a plan to launch an electrical and solar construction business focused on employing young people he has been training.
Rather than relying solely on my feedback, I connected him with Kua Ventures in Nairobi to complete a full business analysis. This is the third time I’ve engaged Kua for evaluations like this, and I’ve consistently found them to be an excellent resource.
Tom has also been a tremendous help consulting on solar electrical components for The Bucket Ministry’s off-grid container project and the 20-ft refrigerated container in South Africa. Going forward, we hope he will be part of our group connected to Strathmore University.
❄️ EcoLife
— Hadijah Nantambi, Kampala, Uganda
Through friends Hadijah Nantambi of Uganda and her business partner—and my friend here in California—Kyle Gaiser, we are continuing to develop off-grid walk-in coolers focused on post-harvest storage.
Last May, we had a packed week of meetings in Nairobi centered on this initiative. As this technology develops, it has the potential to help feed Africa, where only about 25% of harvested food is consumed due to a lack of cold storage.
I plan to visit Hadijah in Uganda in May.
🎓 Strathmore University Energy Research Center
— Nairobi, Kenya
Last May, we were fortunate to spend time with the staff and faculty of Strathmore University in Nairobi. From those conversations, we agreed to pursue launching an Off-Grid Cold Stores Group.
Through a collection of research groups and companies, we aim to share technology, experience, and best practices. Our goal is to establish an open-source, simple base system that can be built and used by anyone in need of cold storage.
I’ll be back in Nairobi in May to continue this work.
⛪ Samuel’s Church
— Sammy Fundiwa, Lusaka, Zambia
On my first trip to Africa in 2017, I met Samuel Fundiwa through Fountain of Life Africa in Zambia. This past May, we shared dinner in Lusaka, where I learned more about the church he has founded and is building.
At the time, the building had no roof. We were able to help move the project forward and now look forward to seeing photos of a finished structure—with a roof. In true African style, the church is named Voice of Healing and Soul Winning Ministries.
🛠️ Kenny Vines
— Luangwa, Zambia
Kenny Vines is the Swiss Army Knife of missionaries. For more than 13 years, he and his family of five have lived in Luangwa, Zambia, training local pastors and operating wood- and metal-working schools.
While Kenny coaches the local high school basketball team, his wife Dr. Leslie serves at the local rural clinic. When we visited last May, we asked if we could bless them by making their home a little cooler and more comfortable. Circulating fans have since been installed.
As part of Kenny’s work, fallen trees are milled into lumber, including Leadwood (Combretum imberbe). The wood is cut into 2-inch slabs, dried, and is beautiful. If anyone knows an interested buyer, I’d love to see it put to good use.
Update: since first writing this, it looks like we may have a use for the wood in Kenya.
❤️ A-HOPE for Children
— Ethiopia / NPSA Charitable
In late 2024, the National Portable Storage Association (NPSA) launched an initiative to support charitable causes. With more than 850 member companies, the association asked me—as a founding member and two-time Chairman—to participate.
In May, we were able to provide $50,000 to A-HOPE for Children in Ethiopia, a group serving HIV-positive children. I had the privilege of delivering the check in Addis Ababa.
For 2026, we will be raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals—a choice made after careful consideration and for all the right reasons.
🏪 Full Stop Convenience
— Metrinah Mumba, Kabwe, Zambia
In 2024, our friend Metrinah Mumba stayed with us in California and shared her vision for a business venture designed to train and employ women from rural villages outside major cities.
As mentioned in a prior journal entry, our daughter Natalie spent a month with Metrinah helping launch the effort. This past July, we helped fund tools and equipment for a significant service contract they were awarded. With care and guidance, we’re hopeful this venture will bring lasting change to lives and communities.
👧 Inspire Girls Foundation
— Lillian Biira, Kasese, Uganda
Lillian and her husband Isaiah are the founders of Inspire Girls Foundation. I visited them in 2024, and this year Lillian visited us in California, where she spoke at The Giving Exchange Gala.
The Giving Exchange supports a range of organizations across Eastern Africa. Lillian’s work demonstrates how well-supported, healthy organizations can create meaningful and lasting community impact. This year, through The Giving Exchange, Inspire Girls secured property that will serve as their operational base.
🐟 Lakeside Fish Farm / Pioneer School
— Bugesera, Rwanda
Roger and Faith Shaw faced a difficult year due to a legal challenge involving their fish farm, which has now been resolved. Despite this, Pioneer School has continued to grow—both in classrooms and student enrollment.
Their story is a reminder that faithful commitment through hard seasons often bears fruit. Continued involvement has deepened both the work and our friendship.
🎒 Hope Haven School
— Susan Hollern, Kigali, Rwanda
Hope Haven began in 2012 with a small vision and has since grown to serve more than 2,200 students. Under the leadership of founder Susan Hollern, the school celebrated its first graduating high school class last year.
Three years ago, Susan launched a program to guide graduates through their transition into college. Deborah and I are grateful to be part of supporting that next chapter.
🏥 Julayo
— Dr. Julia Polk, Lagos, Nigeria
In late 2024, I was introduced to Dr. Julia Polk, founder of Julayo. She had a 40-ft container filled with medical supplies destined for a clinic in Nigeria but needed help navigating customs, port fees, and transport.
I had no contacts in Nigeria—until the day she asked for help. That same day, at a conference, I was seated next to a woman I had never met: a pastor from Nigeria with strong transportation connections.
I quickly introduced Dr. Polk to my new friend, ImisiOluwa Owolabi, and watched the pieces fall into place.
Closing Reflection
Looking back, none of this feels planned—and maybe that’s the point.
These projects weren’t driven by strategy or a checklist, but by relationships, timing, and simple yeses along the way. If there’s a takeaway here, it’s not about how much was done, but how much can happen when you stay available. As we head into a new year, I’m grateful for the people behind these efforts and curious to see what the next chapter brings.
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