Kenya Update – August 2024

Engaging the Next Generation with Biblical Truth to the Sanctity of Life

Last year, we had a training on the ‘Journey of a Life-Giver’ where participants agreed that the issue of teenage pregnancy and abortion was increasingly a reality among both primary and secondary school students. The need to sensitize and educate both girls and boys at the primary schools on the sanctity of life and the call for life-giving actions was considered a preventive intervention in a world where they are bombarded with ideologies that seek to normalize violations of human life.

Last month, the U4A team had an opportunity in Muluti Comprehensive School to share on the sacredness of human life, it’s violations and the calling for a biblical response which embraces the heart of God on these issues. The students were very receptive and most of those present took the opportunity given to welcome into their lives the Lord Jesus Christ as the Greatest Life-Giver to be their Saviour and Lord. At the end of the training, we crowned it all by sharing dignity pads with the girls and Oh, the joy they had as they received these packages! We gave boxes of dignity pads to the administration to issue to the girls on request. The deputy Head Teacher expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the U4A partners, adding that the school was blessed to have us equip the students to be life-givers as well as providing the dignity pads. She added, ” No child will come to seek permission to leave school because she is on her period. This is wonderful.”

Figs. 1,2,3 Boys and girls attentively listening to the lesson. Fig. 4. Girls glad to have dignity pads.

Report written by Josephine Maina

Leadership Empowerment in Kanzauwu, Kitui county.

Jesus Christ ministered to multitudes but He deliberately took more time with His disciples than with the multitude. This was strategic as these are the same people He later sent out to minister to the multitudes.

Recently, we had a day of teaching, training and dialogue with church leaders from Kanzauwu, in Kitui county where pastors and leaders from more than five churches gathered. Using the life of King David, leaders appreciated how God builds the character of those He calls to lead as He progressively raises them and increases their influence for to serve His purposes on the earth. Through much patience and perseverance King David arose from the cave of Adullam to rule over the whole of Israel from Zion.

One of the pastors, Rev. John Kacholi, who attended the seminar was greatly inspired and made a passionate plea to have other leadership empowerment sessions in the near future. We sincerely appreciate U4A partnership as we go out to make disciples and teaching them to obey all that God has commanded us (Matthew 28:19-20).

Fig 1: Pastor Maina teaching the leaders. Fig 2: Leaders following the teachings.

Written by Maina Rukenya

From Under a Tree to Under a Roof: Oloika Community Church Dedication

For many years, Oloika congregation in Maasai community has gathered under a tree for worship and fellowship, demonstrating their faith and community spirit despite the challenges of the hot sun and cold and rainy seasons. We are overjoyed to report that, through the generous contributions of our U4A donors and partners, we have constructed a new church building that will now serve this community.

The desire and vision to have a comfortable place for the congregation grew stronger as the numbers increased and the need to have proper structure became more pressing.

We are grateful to God and U4A partners whose generosity have transformed our vision into reality and provided us with a beautiful space to gather and worship away from the varying weather conditions. Your support has not only built a church but has also strengthened our faith in God and the unity of Believers. This new building stands as a testament to your kindness and commitment to God and His work. Thank you for being a part of this journey and for helping us create a lasting legacy of faith and fellowship.

Figs. 1& 2 Oloika Church service under a tree on a rainy day with members listening keenly as Pastor Titus shared from God’s word.

Figs. 3,4 & 5: Doctor Okongo, U4A Kenya Team and the mission team from USA at the Oloika community church dedication.

Report by Pastor Titus Musenya

Maasai Men Embracing a Biblical World View

Here in the Maasai communities, we are living at a critical and defining moment as far as the Christian faith is concerned. When the Church arrived here many years ago, the missionaries faced enormous challenges trying to convince the Maasai men to trade their deeply rooted cultural values for Christin ones. After some time, women and children flocked churches, and the church neglected men. This led to men to consider that church is to be for women and children only.

However, there has been a shift in the recent years as Unite 4 Africa, facilitated by Dr. Okongo Samson, has launched a big campaign dabbed “Mbelegenya” (Maasai word for change). It’s core focus is to intentionally reach out to Maasai men, in matters of true faith in God as opposed to the negative cultural practices. While at it, we do not fail to commend and encourage them to uphold the many good cultural practices that are deeply rooted in the Maa culture such as a deep sense of concern for the family’s wellbeing and the communal spirit of sharing.

We have been visiting them in their local Christian communities to discuss the way forward and letting them participate fully in the search for solutions through discipleship and men only conferences. Thanks to God, so far, we have started seeing some transformation. The older men who have many wives are accepting Christ and becoming the ambassadors of change to their children. Though they are polygamous, they have agreed to encourage their sons and daughters to be monogamous. Just as it is said that change is inevitable, time has come for the Maasai men to embrace change by applying Biblical principles.

Figs. 1&2 Dr. Okongo and Rev. Moses leading a Maasai dance and facilitating a men’s seminar.

Fig 3. Maasai men in thousands accepting Christ and embracing the Christian faith.

Report written by Rev. Moses Rianto

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Pray that more doors will be open to minister to church leaders with greater impact.
• Pray that the church leaders will practice the teachings given and empower the church through Spirit-led Disciple Making.
• Please pray for the new wave of revival of men coming to Christ in Maasai land so that there is lasting change.
• Please pray for the new communities that are being reached for Christ to be receptive to the Gospel.