Meet Maria

& Russ Baker

Discover their journey


& the work they were called to do in Kenya

Welcome to our ministry

He is the Remedy Africa

< in Chebaiywa, Kenya>

Hi! We are Russ and Maria Baker, and we are glad you are here to learn more about the Ministry we founded. In 2013, we took our first steps onto Kenyan soil, embarking on a short-term mission trip that would forever change our lives. We came with hearts open to serve, but little did we know that Kenya would become our home and the center of our ministry. By 2019, we had committed to living full-time in Kenya, fully embracing the call to make disciples and transform lives.

Our journey began with a simple yet profound mission: to reach out to young men in desperate need of hope. We started with a football team, drawing together around 30 young men who had been written off by their communities. These were men battling the temptations of the world—alcohol, drugs, depression, and even the darkness of suicide. They were labeled as "trouble" and cast aside, but we saw them differently. We saw them as young men of potential, worth, and value. Through the love of Christ, we told them, "I see you, and you are loved." That simple acknowledgment opened doors to their hearts, allowing Jesus to begin His transformative work.

What started on the football field soon blossomed into so much more. We realized that these young men needed more than just spiritual guidance—they needed practical opportunities to build better lives. This realization led us to expand our ministry into farming and agricultural projects, creating jobs and providing a sustainable livelihood for many. As we nurtured these seeds of change, our ministry grew to include community development, clean water projects, school sponsorships, and weekly Bible study groups.

But the impact didn't stop there. The young men we discipled became leaders themselves, planting a church, leading evangelistic outreaches, and even starting a Kids' Bible Camp to protect the next generation from the very struggles they had overcome. Through our Widows' Economic Empowerment program, we saw women who had been left with nothing rise to become pillars of strength and dignity in their communities.

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to relationships. We believe in meeting people where they are and walking with them at their pace, just as Jesus did. It's not always easy—ministry can be messy, painful, and challenging. But it's also beautiful, life-giving, and 100% worth it. Our greatest desire is to raise up Kenyan leaders who are God-fearing, God-trusting, and God-honoring, equipped to be missionaries in their own communities and beyond.

We have no agenda other than to share the love of Jesus with our friends and neighbors. To serve well and love well. We believe that through faith, compassion, and the power of community, we can create a ripple effect of transformation that reaches far beyond what we could ever imagine.

Join us in this journey as we continue to grow He is the Remedy, a ministry built on the foundation of faith, hope, and relentless love.

Watch Our Full Story Here

Dedicated Hearts, United in our mission

Our valued

Discover Our Ongoing

Team Members

< Empowering lives & Building Communities >

Caleb

Operations Manager

Caleb is an experienced farm manager with a deep knowledge of farming and animal care. Married with one child and another on the way, he is a natural entrepreneur and a jack of all trades, known for his organizational skills and versatility. Caleb's hands-on approach and commitment make him a key part of He Is the Remedy's success.

Joshua

Farm Manager

Joshua is a farm manager with a gentle spirit, known for his humility and ability to relate to people easily. As a kind and nurturing leader, he helps others grow through his loving management style. Married with one child, Joshua’s heart for people makes him a vital part of the He Is the Remedy team.

Mathew

Farm Manager, Co-Founder BLAST

Matthew, co-founder of the BLAST evangelical team, brings a deep love for Jesus to his role as a farm manager. A Sunday school teacher and preacher, Matthew manages all three of our farms and is passionate about sharing the Gospel. Married with one child and another on the way, his leadership in both ministry and farm management is foundational to our mission.

Coach

Football Coach & Mentor

Coach is a dedicated football coach and mentor, living at Remedy House as a house father to the players. With a focus on discipline and spiritual growth, he prioritizes ministry over football, investing 24/7 in the lives of the young men he mentors. Married with two kids, Coach’s commitment to building character and faith sets him apart as a true leader.

Justus

Office Administrator

Justus, our office administrator, was the first scholar sponsored by He Is the Remedy to graduate from university. Now, as a humble and smart entrepreneur, he is giving back to the ministry that helped him succeed. His desire to serve and his administrative skills make him an invaluable member of the team.

Daniel

Chaplain

Daniel serves as the Chaplain of He Is the Remedy Church, conducting weekly devotions and partnering with all departments as the spiritual leader. Compassionate and thoughtful, Daniel is currently enrolled in an online chaplaincy course, furthering his passion for spiritual guidance and pastoral care within the ministry.

Justin

Community Development Officer

Justine is a dedicated footballer, team captain, and an active member of the BLAST evangelism team. With a huge heart for ministry, his primary goal is to bring more people to know Christ. Known for his gentle spirit and soft-spoken nature, Justine is kind, eager to learn, and continually growing in his role. His passion for both football and ministry makes him a valuable asset to the team.

Caroline

Community Development Officer

Caroline is a founding member of the BLAST team, bringing a wealth of knowledge in agriculture to the ministry. With a certificate in general agriculture and strong expertise in animal husbandry, she plays a crucial role in community development. Caroline’s dedication and practical skills make her an essential part of the team as she helps to strengthen the community through sustainable agricultural practices.

Elisha

Office Administrator

With a Bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism, Elisha brings valuable administrative skills to He Is the Remedy. His expertise not only benefits the organization but also helps bridge the ministry’s relationship with the community. Having volunteered with HITRA for two years, Elisha is deeply committed to supporting the ministry’s goals and fostering meaningful connections within the community.

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Updates from Kenya

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MTK Elevate Media visits Our Ministry

MTK Elevate Media visits Our Ministry

August 30, 20243 min read

Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting MTK Elevate Media, led by their founder, Michael Kalu, and his wife and business partner, Joelle Thinga. They traveled from Mombasa to visit our ministry in Chebaiywa, and their visit was more than just a media project—it was an opportunity to capture the essence of what He is the Remedy is all about and to inspire the next generation of young creatives within our community.

Bringing Our Story to Life

MTK Elevate Media’s journey from the coastal city of Mombasa to the heart of our village was a significant one. Their mission was to document and highlight the transformative work happening here, from our football program to our various community outreach initiatives. Michael Kalu and his team spent days with us, carefully capturing the daily rhythms of our ministry. Through their lens, they showcased not just the activities we engage in but the deep impact these efforts have on the lives of those we serve.

From the joyful energy on the football field to the quiet moments of prayer and reflection in our community meetings, MTK Elevate Media skillfully documented it all. Their work will allow us to share our story more effectively with supporters, partners, and potential donors, showing them the real, tangible difference their support makes.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Michael Kalu’s visit wasn’t just about capturing footage; it was also about giving back to our community. Many of our football players have expressed an interest in the arts, particularly in media and photography. Recognizing this, Michael took the time to hold teaching sessions with them. He shared his expertise in media arts, offering valuable insights into photography, videography, and storytelling through film.

These sessions were incredibly well-received. The players were not only excited to learn from a professional but were also inspired to explore new creative avenues. In a country where the media industry is rapidly growing, there are increasing job and business opportunities in this field. Michael’s encouragement and practical advice have sparked a new wave of enthusiasm among our players, some of whom are now seriously considering careers in media arts.

He is the Remedy

Launching a New Online Presence

Joelle Thinga, who is working closely with Michael and is an integral part of MTK Elevate Media, also played a key role during their visit. Joelle is currently working with us to launch our new website, which will serve as a vital platform for sharing our mission, updates, and opportunities for involvement. Her expertise in business and media is helping to create an online presence that will not only showcase the impact of our ministry but also engage and inspire our global community of supporters. We’re excited about the new possibilities this website will bring and grateful for Joelle’s dedication to bringing it to life.

Expanding Horizons

The visit from MTK Elevate Media was a reminder of the power of collaboration and the importance of exposing our young people to new opportunities. By encouraging them to explore media arts, we’re helping to open doors that could lead to fulfilling careers and entrepreneurial ventures. This aligns perfectly with our mission to empower the next generation, not just spiritually and socially, but also economically.

We are incredibly grateful to Michael Kalu, Joelle Thinga, and their team for their time, expertise, and willingness to invest in our community. The impact of their visit will be felt long after they’ve returned to Mombasa, as our young people begin to explore new creative paths inspired by their teachings.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to build on the momentum from this visit, we are excited about the potential for future collaborations and the opportunities that lie ahead for our young creatives. We look forward to sharing the final media pieces produced by MTK Elevate Media, which will undoubtedly bring our ministry’s story to life in a powerful way.

Stay tuned for updates and insights from the sessions, as well as the incredible stories captured during their time here. And who knows? Perhaps the next great Kenyan filmmaker is among our ranks, just waiting for the right opportunity to shine.

blog author image

Maria & Russ Baker

Russ and Maria Baker are the driving force behind He is the Remedy, a ministry focused on transforming lives in Kenya through three core pillars: Faith and Discipline through Football, Life Skills and Outreach through Farming, and Community Empowerment and Evangelism. With a deep commitment to building relationships and fostering sustainable change, they work tirelessly to raise up Kenyan leaders, share the love of Jesus, and empower communities to thrive. Their mission is to bring hope, faith, and tangible support to those in need, creating a brighter future for the entire community.

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He is the Remedy is a charitable nonprofit corporation in the state of California and a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax deductible in accordance with IRS rules and regulations. Tax-ID: 81- 4213386

He is the Remedy Africa is also a

Registered Kenyan Non-Profit.

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He is the Remedy & He is the Remedy Africa.

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