In the Maasai culture, being a woman often means navigating a life of limited opportunities. Women typically don’t own property or have independent means of generating income. The complexities increase in polygamous households, where some Maasai men have multiple wives. For widows – especially those who were second wives – the challenges intensify. Those without sons may have minimal or nonexistent support.
This is Maria’s story.
A widow in rural Kenya, Maria found herself alone and vulnerable. Kijani Farm, a ministry centered on sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and fostering community, reached out to her. Founded by Brian and Heather Dellamater, Kijani Farm comes alongside the Maasai in five transformative ways: work, church, water, healthcare, and education.
A team of six from SonSet Solutions joined this mission, eager to support the Dellamaters and deepen relationships with the Maasai. Their efforts included extending a Starlink Internet connection across key buildings at the farm. They also shared a health talk at a local government school, assisted in a classroom, tutored students needing extra support, and discussed future plans for a medical clinic – all while enjoying rich fellowship with the Dellamater family.
Chai time, a cherished daily tradition in Maasai culture, is an important point of connection. At 10 a.m., everyone pauses for tea and conversation – sometimes lighthearted, often deeply meaningful. During neighborhood and school visits, the team was welcomed with chai or vegetarian stews – sometimes with goat meat and chapati. These moments of hospitality continued to build trust and community.
For Maria, the transformation was tangible. Her new home – a small, corrugated metal structure – was completed and fitted with a Solar Ministry Toolkit, providing her with light and power to charge cell phones. These resources offer security and the potential for a modest income. At the home’s dedication ceremony, prayers were lifted, and Maria spoke words of quiet faith: she believed God was providing for her and watching over her.
At Kijani Farm, the Dellamaters live by the principle of going “an inch wide and a mile deep.” By investing deeply in their relationships with the Maasai, they have seen the gospel become transformative – not through grand gestures, but through consistent, faithful presence.
By Jean Anderson, September 2025