Our Story Hand Prints Story

Handprints Society was born from a divine calling placed on the heart of the latelate John Mukolwe in the year 2010, alongside his wife Jacinta Mukolwe. John grew up in extreme poverty. As a child, meals were uncertain, school fees were a burden beyond reach, and the home he lived in was fragile and broken. These hardships marked his early life deeply. Yet, through God’s grace, his story did not end in despair. When God later blessed him, John could not forget the pain of hunger, the shame of lacking shelter, and the hopelessness of poverty. Instead of turning away, he turned back with compassion. He believed that if God could lift him, then God could lift others too. What began as simple acts of obedience helping a widow, feeding a hungry child, supporting a struggling family slowly grew into a movement of love. In 2022, as the work expanded significantly into remote regions, particularly West Pokot, the name Bushfire Ministries was birthed symbolizing a fire ignited by God, spreading hope, transformation, and revival wherever it touches. Today, though John has gone to be with the Lord, the vision lives on. God’s work has continued to flourish, strengthened by faithful supporters, partners, and friends from all over the world, who have come alongside this ministry to help carry the vision forward.

When God later blessed us and lifted us into a better life, John never forgot where he came from. Instead of erasing those painful memories, he allowed them to guide his heart. He carried a quiet but firm conviction that no child should go hungry, no widow should suffer alone, and no family should be left without hope simply because help was out of reach.

In 2010, John and I received a strong calling from God to step out and serve the needy. Together, we began reaching out to vulnerable families and communities one step at a time. I faithfully stood, supporting the vision, praying, planning, and carrying the same compassion John carried. Our home, our hearts, and even our limited resources became tools for ministry.

Over the years, the work grew from sharing meals with widows during Christmas, to sponsoring children, to organizing medical camps, and supporting families in crisis. What began as a simple act of obedience started to transform entire communities.

A Turning Point — The Birth of Bushfire Ministries

A significant moment came in 2022 during an outreach trip to Karia village in West Pokot. A need was discovered by John. While exploring the area, he encountered a remote and neglected region, far from the nearest market center. The people there were living in dire conditions — many lacked access to basic necessities, and 100% of the villagers he met were illiterate.

The burden of this discovery stirred him to take action — to bring transformation through evangelism, education, and humanitarian aid. The community’s overwhelming need, combined with the burning desire to bring lasting transformation, led to the birth of Bushfire Ministries, a branch of Handprints Society.

The name “Bushfire” symbolized a flame of hope spreading rapidly across dry and forgotten places, bringing light, warmth, and restoration. It became the identity under which the Pokot church, preschool, and outreach center grew.

Today and Beyond

Today, Handprints Society continues to build upon this foundation that was laid. The ministry has expanded its reach across regions in Kenya, touching hundreds of lives through education, food relief, healthcare, shelter, and spiritual support.

Even though John is no longer with us, his heart lives on in every project, every child helped, every widow supported, and every village reached. God’s work has continued to flourish, strengthened by the prayers, generosity, and support of people from all over the world who stand with this ministry.

“Championing love, hope, compassion, and transformation for the most vulnerable.”