Ministry Focus
Today Curtis is in Nairobi, Kenya, continuing the work he began among college students there. His ministry is local, church-based (African Inland Church of Kiambiu) and in team collaboration with Kenyan church and youth leaders. Curtis also spends two months per year in the States encouraging and discipling African-American students. He is currently the director of Sankofa Student Ministries under Missions Door focusing on students of African descent. The uniqueness of Sankofa's ministry lies in teaching African identity as an integral component of one's spirituality and hosting an annual international student conference among African-American and Kenyan students in Nairobi.
Faith Story
Curtis became a Christian at the age of 18 through the ministry of Older Boys and Girls Conference on Chicago's South Side. He then enrolled at Southern Illinois University and was a student leader with InterVarsity.
During his second year there, Curtis started an independent Christian Fellowship called Black Student Ministries in affiliation with Missions Door.
After graduating, Curtis taught social studies for three years at an inner-city high school in Chicago, while working with Missions Door missionary Mack White on campus visitations and Bible studies.
Feeling called to do mission work exclusively, Curtis quit teaching and joined the Missions Door team full time in 1996. Then, while a graduate student in history at Chicago State University, Curtis, along with others, founded Jesus Thang Forever.
Upon graduation from Chicago State University, Curtis went to Nairobi, Kenya, where he served as a part-time college student missionary during his two-year stay.
Education
M.A. in Church History from Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Curtis and Esther by making a financial donation using a Credit Card or by Direct Debit (ACH).
Learn more about where this ministry happens
On the eastern coast of Africa, a lyrical melting pot celebrates many cultures
With more than 40 Kenyan ethnic groups, plus immigrants from across Africa and the Middle East, Kenya represents a melting pot of storytelling, songs, dances and colorful costumes.
The country boasts several famous national parks preserving mountains, forests, lakes and savanna. Millions of wildebeest make an impressive 1,800-mile migration through its grasslands each year.
In contrast to open lands and rural areas, the cosmopolitan capital city of Nairobi is just one of several major cities in Kenya.
While the country is relatively peaceful, some instances of political violence and terrorism have caused many to flee its borders.
Education receives significant focus, particularly in efforts to improve primary schools. The country has 48 universities.
Your participation with Missions Door enables ministry among college students, in collaboration with Kenyan churches and youth leaders.
Cultural Snapshot
Kenyans are avid tea drinkers. Much of the world’s tea, coffee and flowers come from Kenya.
Faith Fact
The majority Christian community in Kenya faces challenges to accommodate a growing number of devout Muslim students in public schools established and often still funded by churches.
Country Profile
Population: 45 million, 42% ages 0–14
Major Religions: 47% Protestant, 23% Catholic, 11% Muslim
Languages: Kiswahili (national), English (official), local languages
Literacy: 87%
Poverty: 43%
Ministry service area:
City
Ministry location:
, Kenya