Kenya Update November 2024
Restored Relationship in Nkare Nanyuki Resulting to Greater Kingdom Impact
In the month of August 2023, I was traveling with Dr. Okongo Samson and had the opportunity to meet with a group of pastors who had theological, denominational and minor doctrinal differences which brought disagreements between them. This was accentuated by different leadership styles and poor conflict management skills. The tensions made it difficult for them to work together in Kingdom advancement in their community.
Having been mentored by Dr. Okongo, I witnessed how he objectively mediated and encouraged unity through shared biblical values and vision. By modeling Christlike humility, he showed us that our shared faith in Jesus is greater than any differences. Individual and group meetings gave pastors opportunity to share their concerns and challenges. Open dialogues served as avenues for pastors to express their frustrations in a respectful and productive environment.
One year later, after a series of successful mentorship sessions, visits and virtual meetings, the pastors have resolved their differences and have established Nkare Nanyuki Interdenominational Pastors Fellowship where they meet regularly with a clear purpose: to support one another, strengthen their churches, and work collectively on church planting and community outreach and church planting initiatives to the glory of God. They have already planted nine new churches as they reach new communities with the gospel and discipleship is ongoing. Thanks to God, the mentorship process was a great success. By fostering unity and collaboration, these pastors have not only mended their relationships but have also synergized their efforts for greater kingdom impact. Rev. Lazarus Nnko, one of these pastors testified, “I stand here today as a witness to the transforming power of mentorship and the grace of God through Dr. Okongo. Through his unwavering dedication, wisdom, and guidance, he has sown seeds of unity among us as leaders. We now work hand-in-hand in the kingdom of God.”
Jesus Christ prayed for oneness among His followers (John 17:21), and desires that this is not just spoken about but lived out in our lives and ministries. Glory to God and much appreciation to God, Dr. Okongo Samson, Rev. Shyla Samson, U4A Board members, friends and all partners.
Written by Pastor Titus Musenya U4A Kenya Director
Photos taken during various sessions of unity building in August 2023.
Goats for Orphans on the Increase at Mbitini
A goat is a precious commodity to an orphan in rural Africa, just like a car is to many elsewhere. The stories of the goats for orphans brings sweet reminiscence of my early teenage years because I used to take care of a few rabbits and hens when I was in Primary School. The joy of owning these animals brought tremendous expectation just like someone who has a job and knows that, after a number of days there will be some pay into their account.
Well, it is the same feeling an orphan has when he knows that he owns a goat that will bring him increase in several ways after a period of taking care of it. It cultivates a sense of stewardship and responsibility. In my case, I would sell some of these animals and buy a few items that I needed such as clothes or food items and this would supplement the little my mother was earning as a casual laborer in a coffee factory.
Last month we went back to Mbitini community to visit some of the orphans who received goats in November 2023, to see how they were doing. In one of the homes, we arrived just as Nicodemus Mwangangi, an 8-year-old Grade 2 pupil was coming home from school. He put his school bag down, rushed to a thicket near their house and with a beaming face, brought not just the goat he received from U4A, but also its kid/baby. The goat’s milk is being sold to get some income for the family since his younger brother Emmanuel, (whose life changing story was shared in the September 2024 update), was first to have his goat give birth, which gave them milk for the family’s use. Many of the goats given in late last year have already delivered kids/babies and we are glad that transformation is taking place in these families, thanks to U4A and all our partners.
Written by Maina Rukenya
Nicodemus Mwangangi with his goat and its kid outside their house.
Moses, Agnes and Mutua Kyalo standing beside the goats and their kids within their homestead. There is a remarkable improvement of these orphaned siblings’ well-being within one year.
An Orphan Girl’s Dream to be an Author is Revived
Miriam Mwalii is a 16 years old orphaned girl in Form 2 (10th Grade) in Mbitini Mixed Secondary School. She walks nearly two hours to school but is so upbeat about excelling that to her it is not that big of a deal. We visited her in the school and she poured her thanksgiving for the support she got from U4A. She had been out of school for an entire school term because of lack of tuition fees.
This greatly affected her grades in school. In her own words, she was almost losing hope of ever going back to school when U4A intervened and paid-up tuition fees and arrears and she has now been at school consistently. In the most recent exam, she was awarded the position of the ‘Most Improved Student’ in her class. When asked if there is anything else she would like done for her she replied, “All I want is tuition fees so that I can be at school consistently.” Her dream is to be an author of literature books for high school students. We had a discussion on what it would take on her part to get there and she assured us that she would be focused on her studies as well as trust in God to excel both in school and in life.
An author is in the making just because U4A partners have shown practical love and support to make this and so much more possible.
Written by Josephine Ruguru
Pastor Maina and Josephine, U4A leaders visiting Miriam at School.
Prayer Points
- Thank God with us for the improved well-being of the orphans through the goats for orphans project and that the multiplication of goats will continue.
- Let us trust together that support towards the goats for orphan project will increase in this coming year.
- As more church planting is taking place, please pray that the New Believers’ identity will be grounded in Christ and that the churches and pastors’ oneness will grow for the extension of the Kingdom of God
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