FRANKFORD W.Va. (WVDN) – On Saturday, Nov. 15, the public is invited to the Enon Baptist Church Family Life Center from 8-11 a.m. for a pancake breakfast. All funds raised will benefit the mission work of Chris Deskins of Maxwelton, who, along with his wife Laura, will return to Kenya, Africa in April 2026.
For $5, enjoy three large pancakes and a drink. For $8, breakfast will include three large pancakes, two sausage patties and a drink. Choose from the signature cinnamon roll flavor, a special pumpkin roll flavor or create your own custom pancake from a choice of batters, toppings, mix-ins and syrups.
What began in 2020 for Chris Deskins has turned into a personal mission for not only bringing the Gospel to the people of Kenya but also helping to deliver humanitarian aid where it’s needed most.
“We support ministries in India, the Ivory Coast of Africa and Kenya,” Deskins said. “Particularly with Kenya, I’ve been called by God to go. I’ve been twice and we’re going back in April for 10 days.”
Deskins originally worked with International Gospel Missions (IGM) and, although now an independent, he continues to work with the organization often.
“If we can reach just one person, it’s worth it,” Deskins said. “You can’t put a dollar amount on a soul. We pray for more than that, but if it’s one, then that’s what it is.”
When asked to describe the most fulfilling aspect of mission work, Deskins didn’t hesitate: “Just to have someone come to know God and know that it’s worthwhile,” he replied.
Although English is an official language in Kenya, Deskins has become fluent in Swahili so that he may communicate with ease and overcome any language barrier with locals.
“We’ll do a prison ministry, hospital ministry, a crusade, a youth conference, as well as both a men’s and women’s conference,” Deskins revealed. “We will visit homes and churches, and we are going to do a Baptism in April.”
According to Deskins, locals have a strong belief in what is appropriate church attire.
“The men dress in suit and tie, and women wear a dress,” he said. “They have only one, but they wear it every Sunday. If they don’t come to church, it’s because they don’t have something they feel is fitting to wear. So, we go to them,” he added. “We don’t just get them saved and leave, we teach them the word of God and we also provide Bibles.”
In addition to spreading the Gospel, Deskins and his wife, Laura, work to provide support to orphans through both religion and aid.
“Education is not free,” he said. “They have to pay for it, and through that, they are fed. The school feeds the children lunch, and in some cases, that may be the only meal they get. There is no middle class – you’re either super rich or you’re poor.”
According to Deskins, Kenya is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. Flooding and the ongoing need for food and housing are among the greatest challenges facing locals and those who wish to help.
“We build them houses,” Chris said. “I love the people of Kenya. We are humanitarian, but we focus on the spiritual as well.”
For more information or to support upcoming mission work, head out and enjoy the pancake breakfast this Saturday at Enon Baptist Church Family Life Center, located at 4488 Vago Road in Frankford. If you are unable to attend but would still like information on making a monetary donation or to support an orphan, contact Chris or Laura Deskins through the church.
