PARISHIONERS at a Kidderminster church have had the chance to come face-to-face with an African volunteer who is helping to change lives thanks to their support.

James Bunyasi, who works with the Omwabini organisation in Western Kenya, spent more than a week in Wyre Forest as a guest of Rev Mary Austin, of Trinity Methodist Church.

The group, which was formed in 2002 by James's mother, Mary, offers help and support to orphans who have lost parents to the HIV and AIDS viruses.

Starting with just 12 volunteers in the small town of Kimilili, Omwabini, which means rescue in a tribal language, has since helped more than 1,500 families and now has more than 50 people working for it.

Mrs Austin, who is hoping to spread the word and help raise funds for the organisation through the church, has visited the country twice after meeting Mrs Bunyasi's mother in 2001.

She said: "The growth of Omwabini in just four years has just been phenomenal. It now has more than 50 staff, who are volunteers.

"It is amazing to see the help that can be given to children in the country for such small amounts of money. People sometimes think it is just a case of giving money and then everything will be all right but it is not as easy as that."

It was the first time Mr Bunyasi, who gave up an accounting job with a large firm in the country's capital, Nairobi, to join the organisation, had made the trip to Wyre Forest.

The 34-year-old has since returned to Kenya to continue the work and hopes to use some of his experiences from his visit.

Speaking before he returned home, Mr Bunyasi said: "I have enjoyed my time here very much. I think it is a very nice place.

"The support we are receiving from the people in this country means we can provide education, health care and shelter to families. Without this assistance it would be difficult because we do not have the resources in Kenya.

"It is amazing to see the look on some of the children's faces."