Kisumu, March 8, 2026 –As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, attention often turns to women whose dedication and compassion are improving lives beyond their own communities.
Among them is American missionary Andre Patrice Carter, whose humanitarian and faith-based work has steadily uplifted vulnerable groups in western Kenya and the coastal city of Mombasa.
Carter’s connection with Kenya began in 2015 after she received an invitation from church leaders in Mombasa.
What was initially meant to be a short ministry visit gradually turned into a long-term commitment, as she became involved in outreach programs supporting prisoners, widows, children and families facing hardship.
Her first introduction to the country came through Bishop Elisha Juma and Rev. Mary Juma, who hosted her through their ministries, Assemblies of God in Tudor and Power of Word God Ministries in Mombasa.
Looking back, Carter says the welcome she received shaped the journey that followed.
“My start in Kenya was at Rev. Juma’s ministry in Mombasa. Without them, I would not have known Kenya. They welcomed me, and that opened the door for everything that followed,” Carter recalls.
After her initial work along the coast, Carter later expanded her outreach to Kisumu, where many of her initiatives have taken firm root.
A key area of her work has been at Kisumu Women’s Prison in Kodiaga, where she has collaborated with prison authorities in programs aimed at restoring hope among incarcerated women.
Part of that effort involved supporting the establishment of a school within the prison compound to serve children who live with their imprisoned mothers.
She has also participated in counselling sessions and spiritual programs meant to encourage inmates as they rebuild their lives.
Her involvement has had a ripple effect across many families.
One woman who benefited from her support towards her son’s prison college was overwhelmed with joy.
“When my son joined the prison training program, I had little hope. Today he has completed the course and can start life again,” said Marceline Ombat.
“Apostle Carter stood with us when we needed it most,” the grateful mother said.
Carter has also invested heavily in education for vulnerable children.
She supported two students, a boy and a girl, through their four years of secondary school, ensuring they remained in class despite financial challenges.
Before the assistance arrived, the girl’s mother had reportedly contemplated selling her kidney to raise school fees, but Carter intervened and offered to sponsor the child’s education.
Both students are now second-year university students pursuing their career ambitions.
For Carter, helping young people gain access to education is a meaningful way to uplift communities.
“If you educate one child, you uplift an entire generation.
Watching these students reach university is one of the greatest joys of my mission in Kenya,” she says.
Her humanitarian work has also extended into rural areas.
In Migori County, about five hours from Kisumu, Carter helped initiate a shelter that offers temporary assistance to widows who often face serious economic and social challenges after losing their spouses.
Such support has created a safe space where widows can receive food, emotional encouragement and practical help as they rebuild their lives.
Jane Auma, a widow from Homa Bay County, says the initiative has brought renewed strength to many families.
“The love from Apostle Carter has made us strong again. Our families have food, and we know someone cares for us,” Auma says.
To further empower the women, Carter also introduced a “merry-go-round” savings program among widows across the Nyanza Region, allowing them to contribute small amounts of money and support one another financially.
“She treats us like a mother. We pray that God gives her long life and strength to continue helping widows and orphans,” Auma adds.
Carter’s outreach has also reached vulnerable children living on the streets of Kisumu.
Through mentorship, spiritual guidance and encouragement, the children have found renewed confidence and direction.
She also organised transport to ensure they could attend church services regularly.
“Many of these children just need someone to believe in them,” Carter says.
“When they feel loved, their lives begin to change.”
Another aspect of her work focuses on access to clean water.
Residents in Migori County and Siaya County have benefited from wells constructed to provide safe water for domestic use, thereby reducing the long distances families previously had to travel to access water.
Church leaders who have partnered with Carter say her service demonstrates the power of compassion and faith working together.
“Apostle Carter has shown us what it means to serve beyond borders. Her heart for widows, prisoners and children is truly remarkable,” says Mary Juma.
As International Women’s Day highlights women making meaningful contributions around the world, Carter’s story reflects how acts of kindness and commitment can leave a lasting impact far from home.
From prison outreach programs to village support initiatives, and from classrooms to church gatherings, her mission continues to inspire hope across communities in Kenya.
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What blessing your program is. With so much sickness and disease in the land. I believe this program will help so many people to recieve healing. I would love a copy of your meal plan because I want to be a part of the 40 days. I have been praying for a change.Thank you Woman of God