Our Story

Founders Lawrence and Francine Carruthers with children

The Beginning

From Ashes to Hope — Kitale, Kenya, 2008

Out of the Ashes Kenya was founded in 2008 by missionaries Lawrence Carruthers and Francine Lebel Carruthers in the town of Kitale, in western Kenya's Trans-Nzoia County.

What began as a heartbroken response to 32 vulnerable children with nowhere to go became a multi-ministry organisation touching thousands of lives across the region. The founders' conviction was simple: every child made in the image of God deserves to be loved, educated, and given a future.

"He gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…" — Isaiah 61:3

From the very name of the organisation — drawn from Isaiah 61 — Lawrence and Francine declared that what the world saw as lost, broken, and forgotten could become something beautiful. And over 18 years, that is precisely what God has done.

Meet the Founders See the Impact

Our Sending Church

Kelowna Christian Centre — Canada

Lawrence and Francine came to faith in 1991 and began serving at Kelowna Christian Centre (KCC) in Kelowna, BC, Canada soon after. Their lives were shaped through evangelism, discipleship, teaching, and years of faithful service. Francine also taught in the church school.

Over time, they became deeply involved in missions — doing numerous international short-term trips and eventually leading KCC's missions department, Building Beyond Borders. In 2006, they worked in northern Uganda, helping rescue and restore former child soldiers. When the war ended, God opened the door to Kenya.

In 2008, Lawrence visited Kenya and KCC began supporting an orphanage. Within a year, serious accountability issues came to light. In 2010, Lawrence and Francine were sent to investigate. What they found changed everything — instead of leaving, they stayed.

"Your support does not replace local responsibility. It strengthens it." — Lawrence Carruthers

KCC continues to stand as a sending church, committed to the Gospel and to reaching the most vulnerable. Their covering, prayer, and partnership remain the foundation beneath everything Out of the Ashes Kenya does.

Our Church Plants

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Milestones

18 Years of Faithful Service

2008

Founded in Kitale

Lawrence and Francine Carruthers welcome 32 vulnerable children into the first children's home — a covenant of faith that would change hundreds of lives.

2010

Moving to Kitale & Street Outreach

After financial challenges were overcome, Lawrence and Francine relocated full-time to Kitale. Outreach to street children begins — sharing food and the Gospel in the dustbins and slums of the city.

2012

First Aid & Village Campaigns

Basic first aid and medical care begin among the street children. First major village outreach campaigns launch, including the Mt. Elgon region and the Giggeu campaign.

2014

Elimlim Clinic Established

An abandoned building is transformed into a functioning medical clinic. The Elimlim Clinic becomes a registered medical facility — bringing free healthcare to thousands.

2015

Family Placement Model

The children's orphanage model closes. Children are lovingly placed into verified family homes — giving each child a true family rather than an institution.

2016

Prison Ministry Begins

A dedicated prison ministry launches, visiting correctional facilities across Trans-Nzoia County with the Gospel, Bibles, and pastoral care.

2020

First Nurse Graduate & Medical Teams

The oldest child rescued in 2008 completes nursing training and becomes a Registered Nurse — living proof of the mission's fruit. International medical teams begin joining clinic outreaches.

2026

Continuing the Mission

18+ years on, the mission continues: 57 children, a registered clinic, village outreaches, prison ministry — and more lives transformed every year.