Choir Practice & a Lifetime of Impact: Randy & Irma Heath

Dr. Daniel & Mary Beth Gilbert

Wednesday, November 19

7:00 am

Dr Daniel & Mary Beth Gilbert

From a Church Choir to Changing Lives in Kenya

It all started with a choir practice.

Randy and Irma Heath didn’t set out to become key supporters of EmPowered Living International. A choir they sang in simply needed a place for practice. Dr. Daniel Gilbert, then pastor at St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, opened the doors—and unwittingly opened a door to a lifelong partnership in ministry.

Their choir director said, “we should all show up at this nice Pastor’s church one Sunday to show our appreciation.”

“We went to his service one Sunday,” Randy recalls, “and we both really liked his preaching. It’s biblically based and grounded in the truth. It’s really expounding the Word of God.”

That first visit sparked a connection that would span over a decade. Soon, they began supporting Dr. Gilbert’s work in Kenya—first with Ebenezer Children’s Home, then with the training of pastors through ELIM Theological Institute.

Why They Stay Committed

For Randy and Irma, two core values stand out in EmPowered Living’s ministry:

1. Meeting People Where They Are

   Irma puts it simply: “Jesus met people where they were. And that’s what ELM is doing.” Whether it’s providing meals and education for orphans at Ebenezer House or training pastors in remote villages, the ministry addresses both spiritual and physical needs—just as Jesus did.

2. Teaching the Uncompromised Word of God

   Randy admires Dr. Gilbert’s commitment to accurate biblical teaching in a world where truth is often diluted. “He’s trying to present the Word of God in the clearest, best way possible,” Randy says. “That’s really important, especially today, when so many churches are wandering away from the truth.”

The Ripple Effect of Their Support

Their giving has helped:

• Orphans like Felix, whose life is transformed.

• Pastors like Tabitha Awuor, who teaches forgiveness and sees lives changed in her community.

• Leaders like Pastor Mark Orwa, who moved from legalism to grace and now trains others.

“These children didn’t ask for their circumstances,” Irma reflects. “Jesus Christ brings hope. And that’s what this ministry does.”

A Legacy of Truth and Hope

Though Randy is now retired, the Heath’s spend their days caring for their son Christian (who has special needs), he and Irma continue to support EmPowered Living because they believe in its long-term impact.

“Anything that teaches people how to evangelize and disciple is valuable,” Randy says. “Dr. Gilbert is teaching people how to resist distortion, how to know the truth, and how to stick with it.”

Join Randy and Irma in Making a Difference

Their story proves that even small beginnings can lead to lasting change. Whether through prayer, giving, or spreading the word, you too can be part of transforming lives in Kenya—and beyond.

“Truth and hope are what Jesus brings,” Irma says. “And that’s what this ministry is all about.”