Merriam-Webster defines “wellspring” as “a source of continual supply,” and the bible teaches us that Jesus is the wellspring of life. Acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from God, Wellspring endeavors to be God’s hand in meeting the needs of orphaned and abandoned children of the GFE Children’s Home in Kenya, East Africa as well as the needs of the Fallen Sparrow Pet Bird Rescue and Sanctuary in U.S. Mid-South, the Memphis metropolitan area.

Wellspring began in the heart of God. He called Alan and Pam May to go to Eldoret, Kenya to establish a children’s home. Alan and Pam had no children of their own, no knowledge of Swahili, no experience raising children, and certainly no wherewithal to care for so many children. In fact, the call on their lives is a beautiful illustration of God’s use of the least likely people to do His bidding. The Mays packed up and moved to Kenya on Valentine’s Day 2005, and within a month, God provided them a place to live and another rental house around the corner from their own to establish the Haven Children’s Home. By the end of 2005, there were 21 children affectionately calling Alan and Pam Daddy and Mama Mzungu (Daddy White Man and Mama White Woman).

Already partnering with Ben and Mary Bahati, the founders of Global Field Evangelism – Kenya, the Mays and the Bahatis envisioned a permanent home where the children of the Haven and the girls of the Bahatis’ Fresh Start, a home for about twenty girls, could flourish together without the heavy burden of monthly rent, inadequate septic systems, and cramped quarters. By 2007, land was acquired and construction was underway on a three acre plot in a rural setting. A dining hall and two two-story dormitory buildings were built. The boys’ dorm was named the Haven and the girls’ dorm was named Fresh Start, and the joint home is called the GFE Children’s Home. They moved into the new home in 2008, and to date, more than 150 children have become part of the GFE Children’s Home. 

 The Mays returned to the U.S. in 2008 once the GFE Children’s Home was well established and Kenyan leadership was in place. They revisited Kenya annually until 2020 with mission teams to serve the children and their caregivers, and to partner with them to minister to their local community.

The Covid-19 pandemic brought an end to an era. The children’s home suffered in many ways including the loss of a full school year and the loss of much financial support. Kenyan children did not have the option of virtual learning, and because many of their supporters were battling their own Covid related challenges, annual visits from mission teams ended. Pam May lost her life in 2020 due to complications from Covid 19. Alan May survived Covid 19 but lost his health to an ongoing battle with what has been called Long Covid.

Alan’s journey without Pam has been arduous. Post-Covid, he was no longer able to work as a private tutor due to cognitive challenges. He left his position as Missions Director of his church in July 2023 and began Social Security Disability in January 2025. During the years between Pam’s death and going on disability, Alan began caring for pet birds, taking in many as rescues. The Lord gave Alan the vision for Fallen Sparrow Pet Bird Rescue and Sanctuary. This ministry addresses the need to care for parrots and other pet birds in need of rescue while at the same time provides a venue for people to serve together to care for the birds and to form friendships in this day and age when too many people have resorted to social media for virtual interaction instead of face to face relationship.

Whether it be the care of orphaned and abandoned children in Kenya, East Africa or the provision of a pet bird sanctuary where people of all walks of life can come together in service and friendship, Jesus is our wellspring. He supplies our every need.

“He will cover you with His feathers; and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4