Elder Rasband Shares Hope and Generosity with Kenya's Mully Children's Family

Elder Rasband Shares Hope and Generosity with Kenya's Mully Children's Family

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles began a five-country ministry across Central Africa this week, but his first stop in Nairobi, Kenya, wasn't just a simple meeting—it was the fulfillment of a heartfelt promise.

The Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints arrived in Nairobi on Friday, October 24, 2025, to meet with Dr. Charles Mulli, founder and CEO of the inspiring Mully Children’s Family (MCF) organization. This reunion was special, connecting a chance meeting from the previous December.

it was the fulfillment of a heartfelt promise.

From Salt Lake City to Nairobi: A Promise Fulfilled

Elder Rasband and Dr. Mulli first connected during the Christmas concert of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in Utah, where Dr. Mulli’s remarkable story of service was shared. Elder Rasband’s visit to Kenya was the culmination of that initial friendship.

“It’s thrilling for me today to be here and see the realization, Dr. Mulli, of that little visit we had in Salt Lake City, where I promised you that we would meet again in Kenya,” Elder Rasband said.

The Mully Children's Family, founded by Dr. Mulli and his wife, Esther, in 1989, is an organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating children in need. In the 35 years since its founding, the MCF has provided shelter, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support to more than 27,000 children.

Elder Rasband praised Dr. Mulli's dedication, calling him an "instrument in his hand to bring these children and 9,000 other children off the streets... and give them a place they can call home.”

Gift of Education

A Gift of Education and Hope

To celebrate the reunion and support the organization's powerful mission, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented the Mully Children’s Family with a significant donation.

The presentation ceremony was a joyful occasion, attended by Church leaders, including Elder Kevin R. Duncan of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife, Nancy, as well as Elder Thierry K. Mutombo and Elder Paul B. Pieper of the Africa Central Area Presidency, with their wives, Nathalie and Melissa. The gathering also featured a performance by the MCF choir, made up of some of the children the organization serves.

Church leaders presented a donation of nearly KES 18.3 million (Kenyan Shillings) on behalf of Church members worldwide.

Dr. Mulli emphasized that this generous contribution will go directly toward the most essential needs of the children:

"The money that has been donated to us will be used, and it will enable us to buy books. There are exercise books that are also textbooks for reading."

The focus on education highlights the long-term commitment to lifting these children out of poverty and providing them with a sustainable future.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (middle, front row) and his wife, Melanie, pose for a photo with other Church leaders and guests following a donation ceremony with Dr. Charles Mulli, founder and CEO of the Mully Children's Family (middle, front row), in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday, October 24, 2025.

Jesus Christ Is Smiling On You

Concluding the uplifting visit, Elder Rasband expressed the spiritual significance of the work being done in Kenya.

“I feel that Jesus Christ is smiling on you and your family today,” Elder Rasband said. “You bring glory to His name, and you do it all in His name.”

Following his inspiring time in Kenya, Elder Rasband will continue his Central Africa ministry, which includes visits with government, interfaith leaders, and local Latter-day Saints in the Seychelles, Ethiopia, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

What other service projects or humanitarian efforts have you seen recently that are bringing glory to God's name?