The Story Behind the Birth of Changing A Destiny, by Kathy Kohl – Executive Director
Why This Mission Is So Close to My Heart
In 2017, during a mission trip to Kenya, I visited an orphanage called Baby Life Rescue—and that’s where I met a tiny baby boy named Raymond. His story shook me to my core: he had been abandoned in a trash bag along the side of the road, just after he was born. By God’s grace, a stranger found him and took him to the hospital, and he was eventually placed in the orphanage.
I had the blessing of visiting Raymond three times during my trip and formed a deep bond with him. After returning home, my dear friend Nicole went to visit Raymond on my behalf. She sent me photos and videos to show how he was doing—and when I saw a photo of Nicole and her husband Tom holding him, something stirred in my spirit. I felt God was prompting me to ask them to consider adopting Raymond.
When I asked Nicole, she said she would pray about it—but God had already begun working in their hearts. That same year, they brought baby Raymond home. Now, eight years later, I’ve had the joy of watching him grow into a healthy, happy young boy.
This story is the seed that grew into Changing A Destiny. Nicole and I share a calling to help more children like Raymond—children with no education, no opportunity, and often, no hope. With 2.5 acres of land in Kenya, and a church and school on-site, we are working to bring education, faith, and love to the next generation.
Nicole and Tom—Raymond’s parents—are living out the Gospel as the hands and feet of Jesus in Kenya. Our vision is simple but powerful: to give as many children as possible the chance at an education and a future filled with purpose, hope, and the love of Jesus.
Raymond may be the earthly inspiration behind this mission, but the true source of our passion is our Savior’s love. Through Him, we hope to change lives—and destinies—forever.
I asked Nicole and she said she would pray about it, but God had already put the idea in their hearts. They brought baby Raymond home in 2017. Here we are seven years later. I have been able to watch him grow up to be a healthy, happy boy. He loves his big sister, Gloria, and she’s happy that God answered her prayers by giving her a baby brother.
Nicole and I would love to be able to help more children like Raymond. God has placed it on our hearts to build a church & school to help educate the future generation. We already raised enough funds to purchase 2 acres of land (completed April 2022), built a church (completed April 2023) & a three to eight classroom school (three classe rooms were complet January 2025), and feed children in one of the poorest counties in Kenya. Check out our YouTube channel for more updates. Nicole & Tom, Raymond’s parents, are the hands and feet of Jesus on the land in Kenya. They are volunteering their time and talents to the is amazing mission.
One of our newest goals is purchasing more land to plant crops and have live-stock. This will be a huge step towards the project becoming more self-sufficient.
The end goal is to give as many children as possible the opportunity for education. Without an education, the destiny of children in Kenya is bleak. They will never receive the opportunity to go to college and develop a professional career. We hope to CHANGE THEIR DESTINIES through education and by sharing with them the love of Jesus.
While Raymond is the earthly inspiration for this mission, our Savior’s love is the heavenly inspiration.
