In the bustling town of Kabati, Murang’a County, a unique church brings a special sense of community and spirituality to the deaf. El Toto Church, tucked away just 200 meters from the busy Thika Superhighway, offers a serene yet vibrant environment for worshippers who communicate in silence.
On a typical Sunday afternoon, while vendors sell their wares and youth snap photos along the dusty streets, a different kind of connection happens inside a rented house nearby. Here, the deaf gather to worship freely, united by Kenyan Sign Language and their shared faith.
Cindy Kwak’s Mission to Empower
El Toto Church was founded in 2020 by Cindy Kwak, a South Korean native raised in Kenya by missionary parents. Deeply committed to helping vulnerable communities, Cindy launched this church during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as a branch of their Dandora mission.
The idea for El Toto came after Cindy encountered a group of deaf women at Kabati’s market. Fluent in Kenyan Sign Language, she introduced herself and discovered their longing for a place where they could worship comfortably.
“I met these women signing in the market, and when I approached them, I realized their desire for a worship space that truly embraced them,” Cindy shared. “That’s when the idea for El Toto Church was born.”
Building a Community of Worship
Starting with just a few members, El Toto Church quickly grew as word spread throughout the area. Today, the congregation gathers every Sunday at 2 PM for two hours of heartfelt worship. Mary Muthoni, one of the church’s earliest members, reflects on the transformative experience.
“Before, it was a struggle to find people who understood us,” Mary shared. “Meeting Cindy changed everything. Now, we worship freely, and our community feels like home.”
Similarly, Everlyne Awino, another member, notes the profound impact the church has had on her faith. “Worshipping here has strengthened my belief in God and even changed how I approach life and work,” she said.
A Unique Worship Experience
El Toto Church’s services are conducted almost entirely in silence, with Kenyan Sign Language as the medium of communication. Cindy also serves as an interpreter when visitors who don’t understand sign language join the congregation.
Reading and discussing scripture takes more time compared to traditional church services, as members rely on sign language to follow the sermon. This patience and inclusivity create a deeply personal and reflective worship experience.
Beyond Worship: Empowering Women Through Work
Cindy’s mission extends beyond the church walls. She also founded Nashipai Leather, a company that employs and trains deaf women in leather crafting. From wallets and bags to belts, these high-quality products not only sustain the women financially but also help them provide for their families.
“Nashipai Leather is all about empowering these women,” Cindy explained. “We teach them how to stitch leather products, sell them, and use the proceeds to support their livelihoods.”
Through initiatives like Nashipai Leather, Cindy has created a space where deaf women can thrive both spiritually and economically.
