Hello Friends,
It has been a busy few months, and we realize it has been a while since our last update. As we look back, we are once again reminded of God’s faithful guidance and provision every step of the way.
When we made this transition nearly ten years ago, Isaiah 58 became a foundational passage for us. Isaiah 58 challenges us to share our bread with the hungry, care for the poor, and extend God’s love in tangible ways. These verses have helped shape our ministry and continue to guide us as we serve in New York City and Kenya. The chapter also reminds us that when we faithfully care for others, God promises to guide us continually, provide for our needs, and strengthen us for the journey ahead. Looking back over these past ten years, we can testify that He has been faithful to keep those promises.
In the fall of 2025, Naomi began feeling strongly that we needed more living space. For the past eight years, we have lived in two small rooms totaling approximately 200 square feet without a kitchen or full bathroom. Our shower was a considerable walk down the hall and shared with numerous staff and guests. We had created a small kitchenette, but we were simply making do without a proper kitchen.
We brought this need before our board, and they were very supportive of finding a better solution. NYSUM has done its best to provide for us, but there simply wasn’t an available space that met our needs. We began looking at apartments, but the costs were beyond our budget, and most landlords required proof of monthly income equal to three times the rent.
As we continued to pray, Naomi remained confident that God would provide a place that truly felt like home. Then, in May, Pastor Peter, President of NYSUM, called Naomi into his office and shared what he believed could be the answer to our housing needs. He laid out a proposal on paper, and together with the maintenance supervisor, we went to see the space.
The idea was simple but exciting: by opening a wall between one of our current rooms and a much larger adjoining room, we could create a proper living area complete with a kitchen, refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, and even a private shower. Naomi was thrilled with the proposal and could hardly wait to share the news.
Once again, God has come through for us. Renovations are expected to begin at the end of August, after the room’s current rental commitments are finished and NYSUM’s busiest season has passed. They have even asked me to help with the renovations, and I am already excited as we begin planning the project.
Another tremendous blessing is that this arrangement allows us to remain part of the NYSUM community while gaining the additional space we need. We will pay $2,000 per month, but we do not have to complete a rental application, provide a security deposit, or pay separate utility costs. We are able to keep our current mailing address, retain our parking space, and have storage available for ministry supplies. When we compare this to renting an apartment in New York City, we can clearly see God’s provision and perfect timing. We are grateful for how He continues to meet our needs in ways we could never have planned ourselves.
As we look ahead to this new chapter, we are trusting God to provide the additional monthly support needed to cover this housing expense. Having a true home base will not only be a blessing to us personally, but it will also strengthen our ability to continue serving effectively in both New York City and Kenya. It will provide a place of rest, hospitality, and stability as we continue the work God has called us to do.
In April, Naomi was in New York City serving with NYSUM and helping prepare for the Women’s Makeover Outreach. This ministry requires months of planning, coordination, and resource gathering to make it a meaningful experience for both the women being served and the volunteers. Naomi’s careful planning and organizational skills played a key role in the success of the event. The outreach was a tremendous blessing to the shelter residents and to the volunteers who traveled from several states to serve alongside us.
At the same time, I was in Kenya working on the Life Center project, where progress continued, though often more slowly than expected due to the many challenges that arise along the way.
From May 1–17, I returned to New York City to spend time with my dear wife, attend four medical appointments, assist with NYSUM ministries, and reconnect with some of our friends living on the streets. Unfortunately, there was not much opportunity for rest during that visit.
On May 17, I returned to Kenya, and on May 29, Naomi joined me here.
At the Life Center, we continue to make progress, but the challenges often seem endless. Just when I think we have finally resolved the many plumbing issues, new ones appear.
Recently, I purchased a washing machine for the guest house and clinic laundry. I was excited about the prospect of no longer washing clothes by hand in a bucket! After connecting it and starting a load, I stepped away to work on other tasks. When I returned, water was flowing out of a drain, through a wall, and up through a floor drain in another room.
The following day, while the plumber was addressing those issues, I mentioned that the cold-water line to the kitchen sink appeared to be blocked. As he removed the stem from a shut-off valve inside a wall cabinet, water suddenly began spraying everywhere. I ran to the rooftop to shut off the main water valve, but not before the cabinet and much of the kitchen had been flooded. Moments like these have become part of daily life here!
Naomi’s arrival has been a tremendous encouragement and blessing. It is wonderful to be together again. She has enjoyed meeting members of the community and has been helping furnish the facility. At the moment, she is focusing on preparing two guest rooms and assisting with the clinic.
We are scheduled to return to New York, arriving at JFK on June 20. We have several medical appointments planned and are hoping to get some much-needed rest before beginning a full summer schedule of outreach teams.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and faithful support. We are grateful for each of you and for your partnership in the work God continues to do in both New York City and Kenya.
If you would like to partner with us in prayer as we step into this new season and trust God to provide for these additional housing expenses, we would be deeply grateful.
With gratitude,
Paul and Naomi
BLIP 