Dear Friends,
This week, please pray with us for Dr. Naomi James in Kenya.
Home to nearly 55 million people (86% Christian and 11% Muslim), Kenya has one of the world’s youngest populations, with 73% of Kenyans under the age of 30. Kenya’s Ministry of Health estimates that 10% of the population suffers from depression or anxiety disorders. However, mental illness remains a taboo topic in the country, and popular myths concerning its causes prevail. Kenyan families need greater mental health education and support in order to raise up future generations of psychologically healthy and empowered citizens.
Naomi serves as the lead psychologist of Oasis Africa, a highly impactful counseling and training organization founded by Gladys and Gershon Mwiti, who are also members of the ScholarLeaders Fellowship. In Naomi’s experience, women’s mental health is critical not only for their own wellbeing, but also for their families’ welfare. Naomi seeks to bolster awareness of mental health issues in Kenya, and to support strong families for children to grow up safely and joyfully.
Through LeaderStudies, ScholarLeaders supported Naomi for her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Daystar University in Kenya. Naomi’s research examined factors that compromise women’s ability to cope with traumatic experiences like war, community violence, sexual assault, and domestic abuse.
Naomi shares the following message:
Greetings in Jesus name.
My name is Naomi James. I live in Kenya and work with a mental health organization called Oasis Africa.
I wish to register my appreciation to the ScholarLeaders community for your continued support and encouragement. I pray that the Lord will continue to give you wisdom and knowledge for His service and to renew your strength.
Prayer Requests
1. Pray for my family to grow deeper in the word of God, to be rooted and built up in Him, and to live in obedience to His word.
2. In Kenya, we shall hold national elections in August. Campaigns are ongoing. Pray that we shall experience peace and that the Lord will give us servant leaders.
3. Pray for my work, that the Lord may use us in our organization to be mental health ambassadors bringing healing to a wounded society.
Regards,
Naomi James