Alex's Story and Gavin's Story
A Seed Planted by Gavin
One of the most touching teams to travel to Kenya over the past decade included the parents and sister of 13-year-old Gavin Grube, who had lost his battle with cancer. In memory of Gavin’s life, his love for Jesus, and the hope that carried him through suffering, his family and friends raised funds to sponsor Can Do Kids International’s third water project in 2015.
It was a beautiful, yet deeply emotional time. On the one-year anniversary of Gavin meeting Jesus, his family stood in Kenya for the opening of “Gavin’s Well” — a rainwater harvesting project that would serve more than 800 students. Where there had once been thirst, waterborne sickness, and frequent jigger infections, there was now clean, reliable water and renewed hope.
As part of the celebration, Gavin’s father wrote a heartfelt story about his son — about courage, faith, and following Jesus through cancer. That story was printed in a small booklet and handed to the students at the school.
The Boy in the Crowd
Alex around the time he received Gavin’s booklet
Among the 800 students that day was a young boy named Alex Irungu. Alex was not a sponsored student. He was simply one of the many children attending the school that received the water tank and the booklet.
When CDK announced that a water tank would be built, there was much excitement. For years, the school had struggled without reliable access to clean water. The promise of safe water meant better health, dignity, and opportunity.
But what impacted Alex most was the story behind the gift.
The visitors explained that the water tank was sponsored in memory of a boy their age who had died of cancer. His parents, instead of retreating in grief, chose to honor their son by helping children they did not know. Their generosity, born out of unimaginable loss, pierced Alex’s heart.
He carried the booklet home and carefully tucked it inside his metal sanduku — his small suitcase where he kept his treasures. He did not know it then, but a seed had been planted.
A Life Redirected
That moment reshaped Alex’s understanding of love and generosity.
From Gavin’s family, he learned that giving is not about how much you have — it is about the heart behind it. Their example awakened a conviction in him: whatever he had, he would intentionally give back.
Years later, while at university, Alex approached JJ, the CDK Kenya Program Director, and asked to be involved in the organization’s work. JJ welcomed him warmly, mentoring him like a son as God nurtured his heart for service. During that same season, Alex was elected Chairperson of the Compassion and Counseling Department at his university — an experience that affirmed his calling to serve others.
After graduating in 2021 with a degree in Software Engineering, Alex began volunteering fully with CDK. Recognizing a need for better organization of projects and activities, he developed a software management system for the Kenya programs. It became a major milestone — one that not only strengthened the ministry but also opened unexpected professional doors.
Alex with Zero Waste Company owner and CDK board president, Parker Scheuermann, as they encourage students.
Through the relationships and trust built at CDK, Alex was given an opportunity at Zero Waste Logistics, a company owned by the CDK Board President, where he has been employed for the past year as a Software Engineer.
Looking back, Alex often reflects on the words of Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
His life is a testimony to that promise. What began as an act of generosity toward school children - meeting their most basic needs- has overflowed into one person’s career opportunities, ministry impact, and a life devoted to serving others. God uses our faithful service and multiplies the blessings as we follow His plans instead of Him fitting into ours.
Alex and his beautiful bride
Multiplying the Seed
In 2023, Alex was married, and together with his wife he launched an online platform called The Alexs Family. They started with no recording equipment and no subscribers — only a desire to strengthen marriages and encourage families. Though resources remain simple, their audience continues to grow across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as they promote healthy, Christ-centered relationships.
The seed planted in a primary school classroom is now being sown into marriages, communities, and future generations.
Acts 20:35 has become another guiding scripture in Alex’s life:
“In everything I did I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Far More Than We Imagine
When Gavin’s family chose to give in the midst of grief, they could not see the full ripple effect of their obedience. We may never see it all this side of heaven, but Alex’s story gives us a glimpse of the continuing waves.
Gavin’s life inspired Alex. And now Alex is inspiring others. God is in it all. As Scripture reminds us, God does far more than we can ever think or imagine.
Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen”