“14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!""
— Romans 10:14,15 (NKJV)
Before attending the Pioneer Business Planting training, Jaffan Ombati from Kenya was living a life full of struggles. He was deeply committed to serving God through ministry, dedicating his life entirely to church planting activities. For Jaffan, working in the church meant being fully devoted, leaving no room for any other form of employment or income generation. This single-minded focus on ministry left him financially strained, as he had no stable income to support his family. He had tried starting small businesses, but each one failed, deepening his sense of hopelessness.
Jaffan has a wife and three daughters, the eldest being 12 years old and the youngest just two. His wife worked on a small farm to help provide for the family, but it was never enough. Jaffan occasionally took on part-time work as a taxi driver, but these gigs were inconsistent and far from providing the financial stability his family needed. Life was tough, and the pressure of supporting his family with such limited means weighed heavily on him.
Jaffan Ombati from Kenya
The Turning Point
In 2021, Jaffan’s life took a pivotal turn when he attended the Pioneer Business Planting (PBP) training in Kenya as he was invited by his friend Kefa. At first, Jaffan continued with his ministry work, not fully realizing the potential of what he had learned in the training. But soon after, his circumstances took a dramatic turn. The church he had planted was taken over by the official board of the registered ministry he had invited to support him. Jaffan was left with nothing—his church, his source of spiritual fulfillment, was no longer his.
This loss forced Jaffan to rethink his life. He remembered the lessons from the PBP training and began to see that serving God could extend beyond the walls of the church. He realized that even in business, one could honor God. With this newfound understanding, he decided to start a small business, with the help of his wife, who took on the day-to-day management of their grocery business. This business sold essentials like soap, sugar, salt, cooking oil, tea leaves, beans, rice and tomatoes purchased from local farmers. His wife is also baking mandazi (bread cooked in oil) that they sell.
The business began to thrive, and for the first time, Jaffan felt a sense of financial security. He was no longer just a man struggling to survive—he was a provider. His faith grew stronger as he saw how he could reach more people through his business than he ever could through ministry alone. Every interaction in his business or while driving a taxi became an opportunity to share his faith and inspire others. His wife took charge of the business, allowing Jaffan to devote more time to ministry while also ensuring the family’s financial stability.
Jaffan’s mini store business
Jaffan’s wife making mandazi
Selling salt
Selling laundry soap
Selling tomatoes
Planting and selling beans
A New Path to Success
The PBP training opened Jaffan’s mind to the possibilities of combining business with ministry. He discovered that he could reach more people through his business than he could through the church alone. His faith grew stronger as he saw the positive impact of his business on his community and his family. He was no longer just a minister; he was a business owner, a provider, and a mentor.
Encouraged by the success of his grocery store, Jaffan started planning for a second business: a small hotel where the location is near technical schools and high schools. He saw this as another opportunity to reach out to the community, particularly students, and provide them with both food and spiritual nourishment. Although the project is still in progress, Jaffan is determined to see it through, confident that it will further his mission of combining business with ministry.
Impact on the Community
Jaffan’s transformation didn’t stop at his own success. He began teaching others in his community, particularly in Meru (Northern Kenya) where he helped individuals discover their potential and start their own businesses. His story became a beacon of hope, showing that with the right mindset and support, anyone could overcome their struggles and achieve success.
He shared how his wife, who initially worked on a small farm, had become a capable business manager, learning to separate business and personal finances and ensuring the growth of their family business. Jaffan’s teaching extended to his children as well, as he planned to educate them on business management, hoping to instill in them the same entrepreneurial spirit that had transformed his life.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Jaffan’s ambitions are clear. He plans to expand his business ventures and continue planting churches in new areas. He believes that through these businesses, he can reach the “unreached” – those who might not be drawn to a traditional church setting but could be introduced to the faith through his business interactions.
His ultimate goal is not just to grow businesses but to multiply churches and inspire others to stand on their own, both spiritually and financially. He dreams of a future where his community is filled with empowered individuals who are able to provide for themselves and spread the word of God.
Conclusion
Jaffan’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith, perseverance, and the right guidance. Through the Pioneer Business Planting training, he turned his life around, going from a struggling minister to a successful business owner and community leader. His journey continues, as he strives to expand his influence, inspire others, and bring about positive change in his community. His life is a shining example of how faith and business can work hand in hand to create a brighter future for all.
“Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.”
— Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)
