While Andy was in Africa last week, he met Rev. Stanley Mwiti Ringeera who shared a story with Andy about his cousin Stella whom he grew up with. Stella was a transgender woman who faced immense stigma and discrimination in her community. Born in the late 1950s in Kenya, Stella was raised as a girl despite her physical appearance becoming increasingly masculine over time. She struggled to find acceptance throughout her life.

Stella’s struggle was exacerbated by the lack of understanding and tolerance within her community. Her attempts at farming and selling livestock were met with rejection, and even her own church members considered her an abomination, leading to her withdrawal from church life.

As Stella’s health declined due to depression, she made a request to her cousin Stanley, who had become a pastor. She asked that, when she passed away, he would bury her and speak kind words to God, knowing that others wouldn’t. This request deeply touched Stanley.

Sadly, Stella passed away in the early 1970s. Stanley honored her request, and her burial became a transformative experience for him. He began to question how many others like Stella were suffering in Africa, and he resolved to use his own life to help those in need.

Stanley now urges the world to expand its understanding of love and to embrace those like Stella, people made in the image of God. He implores his global siblings to take a stand and fight for the countless “Stellas” around the world.

Watch Rev. Stanley’s video here.

Also, during Worship last Sunday, we announced that Allendale will incorporate drag queens every 5th Sunday in worship to help us embody and reflect the image of God from which we are all created. We celebrated this announcement with a beautiful song and witness of Momma Ashley Rose! We’re excited for this new partnership and looking forward to the next 5th Sunday!

While Andy was in Africa last week, he met Rev. Stanley Mwiti Ringeera who shared a story with Andy about his cousin Stella whom he grew up with. Stella was a transgender woman who faced immense stigma and discrimination in her community. Born in the late 1950s in Kenya, Stella was raised as a girl despite her physical appearance becoming increasingly masculine over time. She struggled to find acceptance throughout her life.

Stella’s struggle was exacerbated by the lack of understanding and tolerance within her community. Her attempts at farming and selling livestock were met with rejection, and even her own church members considered her an abomination, leading to her withdrawal from church life.

As Stella’s health declined due to depression, she made a request to her cousin Stanley, who had become a pastor. She asked that, when she passed away, he would bury her and speak kind words to God, knowing that others wouldn’t. This request deeply touched Stanley.

Sadly, Stella passed away in the early 1970s. Stanley honored her request, and her burial became a transformative experience for him. He began to question how many others like Stella were suffering in Africa, and he resolved to use his own life to help those in need.

Stanley now urges the world to expand its understanding of love and to embrace those like Stella, people made in the image of God. He implores his global siblings to take a stand and fight for the countless “Stellas” around the world.

Watch Rev. Stanley’s video here.

Also, during Worship last Sunday, we announced that Allendale will incorporate drag queens every 5th Sunday in worship to help us embody and reflect the image of God from which we are all created. We celebrated this announcement with a beautiful song and witness of Momma Ashley Rose! We’re excited for this new partnership and looking forward to the next 5th Sunday!