Helping Orphans Fulfill their Purpose: Meet DBU Alumnus Ishmael Omondi

"Founding Big Dream Vision has had a very special place in my heart, especially since I am a living testimony of what God can do. I can testify that God did not forsake me, even when I was left with nothing." — Ishmael Omondi

Ishmael Omondi was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. When he was 10, his parents unexpectedly passed away, and he moved in with his oldest sister, Judy. Less than two years later, Judy suffered a sudden heart attack and passed away. Ishmael had no family left to take care of him, and he had to figure out how to survive on his own on the streets of Nairobi.

During this season of unimaginable loss, Ishmael was left with many questions he could not answer. He asked God, "Why do these bad things keep happening to me?" Then, one day, as Ishmael was visiting his mother's grave, when he asked God these questions, God responded, "I am the one who brought you here. I knew you before you were born, and at the end of the day, I will bring everyone home at my designated time. You haven't finished your purpose yet; you still have a long way to go."

Ishmael reminded himself of Galatians 2:20, where Paul discusses being crucified with Christ. This revelation kept him on track when the suffering continued. "Growing up without parents was tough. I never imagined I would have to go through that," he shared. "Going to school with a worn-out uniform and without food to eat was unbearable as the other students judged me. My faith in God surpassed all this struggle, and I knew He had me and would never leave or forsake me."

During junior high, Ishmael began playing basketball at his school, and his coach, Cary Odhiambo, took him in. He coached Ishmael on every aspect of the game, and he fell in love with it. "It became my escape from everything," Ishmael shared. As Ishmael grew older, he continued to play basketball and garnered lots of attention due to his skills and height, as he stands six feet and eleven inches tall. Ishmael received a full scholarship to play basketball at Nairobi International School. He was taught and mentored by Mrs. Radhika Lee, who was passionate about helping students reach their full potential. Ishmael continued to improve at the game and won a championship title at age 14, which opened the door for him to play in the United States.

Ishmael continued to play basketball and excel at the sport. In 2008, he tried out for DBU's basketball team. Despite his great experience at DBU, Ishmael began his college career at the University of Texas Arlington under head coach Scott Cross. He had a formative time playing the sport he loves, but God shook up his plans and led Ishmael back to DBU. DBU Head Basketball Coach Blake Flickner majorly impacted Ishmael's DBU experience. In 2010, DBU won the NCCAA championship for the first time in program history. Coach Flickner mentored Ishmael and the team on and off the court. "Coach taught me how to deal with day-to-day struggles through Bible studies and prayers that helped me grow spiritually and become inclined to God's divine purpose for my life."

Ishmael made lifelong friends on the team, including Jordan McGowen. The two of them continue to stay in touch and encourage each other today. Ishmael and Jordan led their team. Ishmael also highlighted his teammate Tut Mikany, who came to the United States as a refugee when he was eight. Tut and Ishmael remain good friends today, and their children have also become good friends.

"It was such a blessing to be a part of a team that was walking in line with God's divine order. It has impacted my life astronomically and helped me comprehend life through God's eyes. Finding one's purpose is essential, and many who are called miss this aspect, but being in God's Word daily with the team opened my heart and mind to know this vision in my life."

Ishmael's DBU experience outside of the basketball team allowed him to flourish in every other area of life. He loved being involved with the international department and getting to know all of the other International students on campus. Ishmael honed his skills as a student, and his GPA improved each semester. He studied business with a focus on management under the mentorship of Dr. Ross O'Brien. "Dr. O'Brien helped me comprehend the need for a business in the Christian space, which laid the foundation for the Lord's plans for my future." In 2012, Ishmael graduated with a B.B.A. in Management. He later pursued an M.B.A. at West Texas A&M University and graduated in 2016.

After winning the NCCAA championship in 2010, Ishmael called a few of his teammates together and explained his vision of creating a ministry that will transform orphan's lives. Every single teammate he called showed up and brought friends. Everyone was behind Ishmael and his vision. DBU Chancellor Dr. Gary Cook has also been a big supporter of Ishmael and his passions. "Dr. Cook has continued to support the mission through prayers and financial means, and I thank the Lord for his generosity."

After earning his degrees, Ishmael started creating a business plan derived from Jeremiah 29:11. As an orphan, Ishmael dreamt of a ministry that allowed orphans to thrive, reach their full potential, and fulfill the Lord's purpose. Ishmael founded Big Dream Vision, a non-profit whose mission is to help orphaned children individually through counseling, mentoring, and assistance of needs to help them accomplish their purpose. "At Big Dream Vision, we believe that if orphans thrive, they will be able to give hope to others through the testimony of their journey with Jesus."

Big Dream Vision's primary ministry is to help children through sports. They focus on coaching kids in basketball and developing their skills to create opportunities for them to earn scholarships and offers from schools in the U.S., Australia, Europe, and Canada. Ishmael shared that one of their recruits, Ricky Okeyo, is a current DBU student. They've had other students attend schools in Ohio and New Jersey. Emmanuel Megnanglo attended Trine University and won the 2023-2024 D3 NCAA championship, where they were invited to visit the White House due to their accomplishment. Ishmael celebrates these success stories as God is working through him to lead these kids to fulfill their calling.

Big Dream Vision ensures children have everything they need to live healthy: food, clothing, school supplies, and more. Over the years, Big Dream Vision has renovated the Dagoretti Orphange's bathrooms, provided clean water, conducted medical camps, provided 14,000 feminine products to girls in remote areas of Kenya, and treated children who are HIV/AIDS positive. Ishmael shared that 85% of the 2.6 million children with HIV are from sub-Saharan Africa, about 650,000 children are living with the virus in Africa, and nearly 1,000 infected infants are born in Africa each day.

Last year, the Lord inspired Ishmael to create a basketball tournament that brought together Africa's best talent. He invited scouts from potential schools across the globe to allow students to show off their skills and get scholarships. This tournament ended up becoming the largest basketball tournament in Kenya. Ishmael and Big Dream Vision also shared the Gospel with all the attendees to plant the seeds of salvation in all the children and recruiters. Watch the recap video.

Big Dream Vision is also in the process of building a brand-new basketball court at an orphanage in Mombasa, Kenya. "We want to ensure that the children will not miss out on any opportunities due to a lack of resources," he shared. The grand opening is scheduled for the end of 2024.

Ishmael shared that Big Dream Vision also helps his local community in Texas. They provide food and sports training for low-income areas in Dallas. Each year, they provide 5,000 drinking bottles to the Sand Branch community, which lacks proper sewage and water systems. They also speak to children in the area by sharing stories of Big Dream Vision recruits to inspire kids that God will provide the resources to achieve their purpose.

Ishmael, his wife, Ashley, and their son, Micah, reside in DFW and attend Cornerstone Baptist Church. The lead pastor, Dr. Dwight McKissic, and his wife, Vera, have been incredibly supportive of Big Dream Mission, and Ishmael is grateful for all the help they have provided. Along with running a nonprofit, Ishmael is an International and Local Realtor who sows back into the organization through real estate. He treats real estate as a ministry and drives 100s of miles each week trying to help people find their dream homes locally or internationally. For each transaction, he donates ten percent back to the organization to provide orphan care and support.