Co-Founders
Two missionaries, one calling — to give beauty for ashes in Kitale, Kenya.
Lawrence Carruthers
Co-Founder & Director
Lawrence Carruthers is a missionary who felt a profound call to Kenya in the early 2000s. With a background in pastoral ministry and community development, Lawrence arrived in Kitale with a burden for the most vulnerable — children abandoned, orphaned, and without hope. He and Francine are members of Kelowna Christian Centre (KCC), 903 Badke Rd, Kelowna BC, Canada — the church community that launched and continues to cover this mission.
It was Lawrence who stood before 32 children in 2008 and made a covenant: "We will not leave you." That promise has shaped everything Out of the Ashes has become. Today he oversees the strategic growth of the ministry, village outreach teams, and the prison ministry programme.
"God did not call us to success. He called us to faithfulness — and faithfulness to these 32 children has produced more than we ever imagined."
Francine Lebel Carruthers
Co-Founder & Programme Director
Francine Lebel Carruthers is a missionary whose heart for Kenya was shaped long before she ever set foot in Kitale. With a background in early childhood education and family ministry, Francine arrived alongside Lawrence with a deep compassion for children who had never known the safety of a home. She and Lawrence are rooted members of Kelowna Christian Centre (KCC), 903 Badke Rd, Kelowna BC, Canada — the church that first sent them and continues to partner in this work.
It is Francine who shaped the culture of the children's home — its warmth, its routines, and its deep sense of family. She has been the quiet constant through every season of this ministry, overseeing the day-to-day care of the children, discipleship, and the educational programme that has produced nurses, teachers, and university graduates.
"Every child who walks through our door carries the image of God. Our job is simply to remind them of that truth — over and over again."
Their Core Conviction
Lawrence and Francine believe that through local and indigenous relationships, empowered by international partnerships, lasting transformation is possible in Kenya. They remain committed to raising up local leaders, empowering Kenyan staff, and building a ministry that outlasts their own tenure.
"Our aim is not to be needed forever — but to plant deeply enough that these children and communities carry the mission forward themselves."
Local Directors
These leaders came later — but their dedication and local knowledge are the backbone of everything we do on the ground.
Gideon Omondi Luchera
Director
Gideon is a dedicated humanitarian, mentor, and faith-driven leader committed to restoring hope and transforming lives. His journey began in 2008 through a life-changing encounter with Rev. Larry Carruthers and Francine Lebel-Carruthers — united by a shared passion for vulnerable children, this partnership became the foundation of Out of the Ashes.
In 2011, he co-founded Out of the Ashes as a registered organization in Kenya. Since then, the programme has supported over 50 children, many of whom now serve as doctors, police officers, investigators, librarians, and administrators — with many more still in education.
Gideon plays a key role in day-to-day leadership and mentorship, walking closely with each child in their growth journey. He believes every child, regardless of background, deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to rise above their circumstances.
"Your investment today is not just a gift — it is a legacy of hope for generations to come."
Livingstone Wanjala
Director
Livingstone is a devoted youth mentor and community leader whose journey — from a child in need of care to a leader shaping the future of vulnerable children — embodies the very mission of Out of the Ashes. Raised in the home from the age of twelve, he experienced firsthand the power of compassion, structure, and opportunity.
The home provided not only safety, but access to education, emotional support, and the chance to dream beyond his circumstances. Inspired by the staff and guided by the values instilled in him, Livingstone committed himself to personal growth and excellence throughout his school years.
After completing his education, he remained actively connected to the home through mentorship, youth programmes, and community outreach. His lived experience and strong leadership led to his appointment to the Board of Directors in 2024 — a milestone for both him and the organisation he calls family.
"Out of the Ashes gave me a future I never imagined. Now it is my privilege to give that same hope to the next generation."
KCC — Kelowna Christian Centre
Out of the Ashes operates under the covering of Kelowna Christian Centre (KCC), 903 Badke Rd, Kelowna BC, Canada — the church community that launched and continues to support this mission.
[Additional KCC history to be added here.]
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Our team warmly welcomes correspondence from supporters, churches, and ministry partners.