Advocacy, Community, and Unity: Celebrating a Week of Impact with Our Founder, Steven Tendo
At ELOI Ministries, our mission is driven by the tireless dedication of our leadership and the unwavering support of our community. This week, we had the immense pleasure of witnessing our founder, Pastor Steven, advance our cause on two distinct yet equally vital fronts: high-level advocacy and community building. From the halls of government to […]
Opening Your Doors: The Power of Hosting an Immigrant
Introduction: The Vulnerability of Release What happens the day an immigrant is finally released from an ICE detention center? Or the day their allotted time at an immigrant shelter expires? They step out into a country where they likely do not speak the language, do not have the legal right to work yet, and have […]
A Journey to Purpose: Post-Recovery Support in East Africa
Introduction: The Mental Health Crisis Among Youth One of the most critical areas ELOI Ministries focuses on in the USA is Health, specifically Mental Health. The youth addiction crisis in America is devastating families, leaving young people feeling lost, isolated, and without direction even after they have completed initial rehabilitation. Recovery is not just about […]
The Renewed Trauma of Detention: Why We Defend New Americans
Introduction: The Illusion of Immediate Safety When a New American crosses the border legally seeking asylum, the assumption is that the trauma is over. The reality is often the exact opposite. When they arrive in the US and apply for immigration relief, many are incarcerated in detention centers or jails run by ICE. This is […]
Statement of Gratitude from Our Executive Director: Pastor Steven Tendo
Over the past several weeks, my life has taken a difficult and unexpected turn. On February 4th, I was detained by ICE and held for 16 days. Those days were heavy, but even amid fear and uncertainty, I felt the strength of a community that refused to let me stand alone. I want to express […]
Official Statement from ELOI Ministries on the Detention of our Executive Director, Pastor Steven Tendo
It is with heavy hearts and deep concern that we speak to our partners, supporters, and the global community regarding the arrest and continued detention of our Executive Director, Pastor Steven Tendo, in the United States of America. Pastor Steven Tendo has been residing in the United States as an asylum seeker, faithfully and diligently […]
The Silent Killer: Heart Health in the Immigrant Community
Introduction: The “New World” Diet February is American Heart Month. While we often focus on infectious diseases (malaria, HIV) when talking about Africa, the biggest killer of African immigrants in the US is Non-Communicable Disease—specifically Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Heart Disease. Why? Because migration changes the body. The Stress Factor: “The Immigrant Heart” It […]
The Griot in the Living Room: Why Oral History Matters for Black History Month
Introduction: When an Elder Dies, a Library Burns There is an African proverb: “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.” We are in the middle of Black History Month. Often, we look to books and documentaries for history. But for the African immigrant community, our history is sitting in the living […]
8,000 Miles of Love: The Reality of Marriage in the Immigration Wait
Introduction: The Empty Seat at Dinner This Valentine’s Day, restaurants across America will be full of couples. But for thousands of asylum seekers and refugees, the seat across from them will be empty. Their spouse is 8,000 miles away—in a camp in Kenya, a village in Uganda, or hiding in a safe house. This is […]
The Mask We Wear: “Code-Switching” and the Mental Load of the African Immigrant
Introduction: The Two Voices Listen closely to an African immigrant speaking to their family on the phone. You hear a certain cadence, an accent, a warmth, perhaps a mix of English and a local dialect. Now, listen to that same person answer a work call 30 seconds later. The pitch changes. The accent flattens. The […]