Ngong is a town near the Ngong Hills along the Great Rift Valley, located southwest of Nairobi, with a general population of 57,483. Ngong is a Maasai word meaning “knuckles” due to the 4 hill peaks of the ridge, which stands alone rising from the plain around Nairobi. Because of the elevation and the rolling hills, it is a prime place for elite runners from all over to come and to train. A runners’ life in Ngong is extremely difficult. The body needs proper care and sufficient nutrition in order to fully sustain the rigorous life of a training athlete. From witness of many of the runners, they are faced with a scarcity of food and water, due to poverty, and are often separated from their families because of insufficient funds. Some of these runners have made names for themselves, such as Robert Cheruiyat (four-time Boston Marathon winner) and Paul Tergat (World record holder and Kenyan Olympian). Many children look up to the success of these particular individuals and spend their days training to follow in their steps. Our mission in Ngong will be to build a running center for humanitarian aid and sustainable life change. The center will help to instill hope and a new opportunity of life for the young people who will be impacted by the mission of Vapor in this area.

The need for a Vapor center in Ngong first surfaced in the organic stages while Micah was establishing the center in Kawangware. In 2005, Micah encountered the testimonials of the runners and recognized a need to instil spiritual growth. While there, he began weekly bible studies with the runners. During this time of investment, Micah met an elite runner, Edward Kimosop, who represents a main theme of struggle shared with the other runners. Edward came to the United States to pursue an opportunity of income through the avenue of running competitive races. Unfortunately, he faced mismanagement. In a time of great need, Edward remembered the generosity and the love that Micah extended through the bible studies in Kenya and contacted him to aid in the situation. Micah contacted Brett and Trishia Ralston, who had also met Edward on a survey trip in 2007, to accommodate running opportunities for Edward. The time that Edward lived with the Ralston’s provided confirmation and they accepted the invitation to build the center in Ngong.

 

Plans have been finalized for Vapor to aid the other lives in Ngong who are affected by such abject poverty and seek the sports of running and soccer as outlets for life change. Brett and Trishia Ralston are leading the effort to build a center and disciple a local team in Ngong, Kenya. The center is on track to open in June 2010. It is with great anticipation that Vapor will be establishing its third center in this strategic location, Ngong, Kenya.