Lawrence & Francine Carruthers
Two missionaries, one calling — to give beauty for ashes in Kitale, Kenya.
Lawrence Carruthers
Co-Founder & Director
Lawrence Carruthers is a missionary who felt a profound call to Kenya in the early 2000s. With a background in pastoral ministry and community development, Lawrence arrived in Kitale with a burden for the most vulnerable — children abandoned, orphaned, and without hope.
It was Lawrence who stood before 32 children in 2011 and made a covenant: "We will not leave you." That promise has shaped everything Out of the Ashes has become. Today he oversees the strategic growth of the ministry, village outreach teams, and the prison ministry programme.
"God did not call us to success. He called us to faithfulness — and faithfulness to these 32 children has produced more than we ever imagined."
Francine Lebel Carruthers
Co-Founder & Programme Director
Francine Lebel Carruthers grew up in Canada where she trained in education and child development. A deep love for Africa — and for the One who calls the poor "blessed" — led her to Kenya where she met Lawrence and together they planted Out of the Ashes.
Francine is the heartbeat of the children's home and education programme. She personally mentors many of the children, oversees the school sponsorships, and coordinates medical clinic operations. Her warmth and tenacity have shaped the culture of the organisation.
"Every child who walks through our door carries the image of God. Our job is simply to remind them of that truth — over and over again."
Their Core Conviction
Lawrence and Francine believe that the local church, empowered by international partnerships, is the best agent of lasting transformation in Kenya. They remain committed to raising up local leaders, empowering Kenyan staff, and building a ministry that outlasts their own tenure.
"Our aim is not to be needed forever — but to plant deeply enough that these children and communities carry the mission forward themselves."
Connect With Lawrence & Francine
The founders warmly welcome correspondence from supporters, churches, and ministry partners.