About
Who we are
The Owiti Ebenezer Foundation, Inc. (OEF), a registered 501(c)(3) organization, was established to provide a secure channel for sponsors and donors to transfer their funds safely to the Ebenezer Life Center (ELC). OEF operates entirely through volunteers who generously offer their time and effort without compensation, all in the service of sponsors and donors.
The founders of OEF, Russell and Jane Anderson of Fenelton, Pennsylvania, first encountered Bishop Winnie Owiti at a business meeting in the mid-1990s and made a commitment to sponsor five orphans under the care of the Owiti family. Shortly thereafter, they had the privilege of meeting Archbishop Silas Owiti, who was a guest speaker at their church in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.
The Andersons continued to send their sponsorship checks without any issues until one month when they received a call from ELC inquiring about their donation for the children. It appeared that their donation had gone missing, and they soon discovered just how misplaced it was. A short time later, they learned that their bank account had been overdrawn, which was something they had believed couldn't happen.
Upon reviewing returned checks and bank statements, they quickly discovered that their "lost" check was not lost at all. It had been stolen, altered, and instead of the original amount of $125, it had been rewritten and cashed for $2,250. They promptly reported this to the bank, which initially met their claims with skepticism, casting doubt on the integrity of the Andersons.
The Andersons turned to prayer and made a promise to the Lord that if the funds were returned to their account, they would utilize the recovered funds to establish a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to ensuring the secure transfer of all sponsors and donors' funds to ELC's account in Kenya. Shortly after their prayer and commitment, the bank informed them that the funds were being returned to their account. With the funds once again available, they began the process of obtaining 501(c)(3) status. Thanks to their efforts, a safe and reliable method for transferring U.S. funds to ELC's account in Kenya was established, and in 1997, OEF was officially founded, securely transferring sponsors and donors' funds electronically to ELC.
For many years, OEF operated out of an unused bedroom in the Andersons' farmhouse in Fenelton, Pennsylvania. During this time, the Owiti family visited them, and Silas utilized the office space for his creative endeavors. African curios, including wood and soapstone carvings, were used by the Owitis as a means to raise operating funds for ELC. The Andersons received these curios from Africa, priced them, and transported them from Fenelton to various cities where Winnie and Silas were hosted. Russell and Jane accompanied the late Archbishop Silas Owiti and his wife, Winnie Owiti, on their travels in the Americas, raising funds for underprivileged children. They traveled extensively throughout the eastern United States and parts of Canada.
Although it was not recommended for the Andersons to travel to Africa, their youngest daughter, Melissa, visited Kenya and ELC on two occasions. During her first visit, she celebrated her 20th birthday with the children at ELC. On her second journey to Kenya, she brought along 22 suitcases filled with school t-shirts, school supplies, and ample hygiene items for all the children living at ELC.
OEF has steadfastly supported the work at ELC for over two decades and shows no signs of discontinuing its support. Russ, Jane, and Melissa have made a commitment to continue working with ELC until the Lord returns or until they are called to their eternal home.
In the organization's leadership, Jane B. Anderson serves as the president, Russell Anderson as the vice president, Melissa J. Anderson as the secretary, and Edwin Oriewo as the Vice President of Operations.
Our Purpose
The Owiti Ebenezer Foundation is dedicated to spreading the love of God by providing care and support to abandoned children, underprivileged youth, and marginalized widows. Our vision is to create a society where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, experiences a sense of support, value, and empowerment through genuine acts of care.
The Owiti Ebenezer Foundation offers compassionate services such as food, shelter, and education to children in need. Through your generous donations, we also create transformative opportunities for widows, empowering them with new possibilities and a chance for a brighter future. Your kind contributions make this mission possible, bringing hope and positive change to those we serve.
Guiding Principles
Our principles are deeply rooted in faith and trust in God. We firmly believe that the love of God has the power to bring about transformative change in people's lives.
Our approach is holistic, addressing the complete well-being of individuals, encompassing their physical, mental, and spiritual needs.
We maintain open doors, welcoming and assisting individuals with diverse and unique requirements. We actively collaborate with other organizations to broaden our impact.
Sustainability is at the core of our mission. We aim to empower local communities, helping them flourish and break free from the cycle of poverty.
Our Core Values
1. Ebenezer: We honor the spirit of "Ebenezer," acknowledging that our progress and achievements are made possible through God's grace and guidance.
2. Love: Love is the cornerstone of our work. We demonstrate unconditional love and compassion in all that we do, recognizing its power to heal and transform lives.
3. Stewardship: We are responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We manage them with care, transparency, and accountability, ensuring they are used effectively to fulfill our mission.
4. Transformation: We believe in the potential for positive change in every individual. Our aim is to facilitate transformation, helping people grow, thrive, and become their best selves.