Abstract:
The purpose of this research is to establish the impact and challenges of
microfinance businesses as a means of doing evangelism in poverty-stricken informal
communities. In particular the research establishes the benefits and difficulties that the
Pillars of Kibera (POK) faces with respect to the domains of fellowship and business
in the context of Kisumu Ndogo in Kibera. This is done with a view to detect areas
that need to be changed with respect to small businesses and Christian fellowships.
The research is based on participant observation and ethnographic interviews.
The data analysis also subscribes to the methodology of ethnographic research and the
tools of social anthropology.
From anthropological analysis, key issues that emerge as challenges to the
domains of fellowship and business are those of limited resources, demonstration
effects, materialism and disunity. Although members of POK have a good
understanding of their identity, it emerged that they have been unaware of two key
negative features of their culture which have had debilitating effects on their spiritual
development and their aspirations to escape poverty. These are demonstration effect
and a more than proportionate emphasis on materialism.
The research analysis and recommendations were made to create an awareness
of cultural blind spots that have negative effects on the development of the business
initiatives of POK and its evangelistic enterprise.
