Kenya, Land of Jubilee!
From: David Bedford (Pastor - St Andrews URC Canterbury)
Anyone who has ever been to Africa will know what I mean when I say that Africa gets into your blood. This was my fourth time in Africa but my first visit to Kenya and it was an experience that stretched my to the limit, caused me to trust God more deeply, and relighted the fire of the Spirit within me. It also humbled me almost daily as I saw and spoke with saints toiling for the Lord in circumstances far more challenging than any of us will ever face, and doing so with grace and with a smile.
The invite to come to Kenya had come from Rev Daniel Gitau, Presbyter of the Nakuru District 3 Presbytery of Chrisco, which comprises 10 congregations and multiple projects. Let me first tell you about Chrisco:
Chrisco Fellowship Church
This church was started in 1978 by Apostle Harry Das, from Guyana who came to Nairobi for two weeks in 1977. After these two weeks God called him to settle in Kenya and pray for this nation that was wracked by ethnic hatred, to teach Kenyans to reach spiritual maturity and help foster unity among pastors, church leaders, and believers who came his way. His wife Cora Das who is an African American had introduced Das to Christianity. The name "Chrisco" stands for "Christ's co-workers' church." Initially the Chrisco Church started both a "morning glory" service when people could meet for prayers before their offices or work places opened and lunch hour services. These meetings were initially held at All Saints Cathedral, at Cameo Cinema on Kenyatta Avenue, and on the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) ground floor. The number of members meeting in these prayer fellowships increased and they converted the prayer meetings into the Chrisco Church. The Chrisco Church is founded on New Testament teachings especially the fivefold ministry gifts of apostleship, prophesy, teaching, evangelism, and pastoral ministries given by God to the church. The church has a following among working class people in big towns. Its unique method of evangelism makes it popular. Its radio and TV evangelism has made it known all over the country. The church also evangelizes through literature printed on its own printing press. So Chrisco is a worldwide movement headed by Apostle Harry Das, with an Apostle for Kenya, then Presbyters, Pastors, Elders & Deacons.
Support to enable me to go
To enable me to respond to this invitation I am grateful to the URC for support via a Belonging to the World Church grant (every five years only) and an In-Service Training grant. I am also grateful to St Andrews members who gave money towards finishing the IT Suite at the Dolphin Academy (Kamwaura) and two laptops, which were given to me to take for the school.
Context
I was privileged to be in Kenya at probably the most significant moment in its history since its independence in 1963. Let me paint a short history: in 1912 the Edinburgh Missionary Conference launched the modern missionary movement and out of that came a conference in Nairobi in 1913 where Christian Leaders (75% white) gathered to pray for Kenya and turn it into a truly Christian Nation. 50 Years on (Jubilee) it received its Independence (Leaders like Kenyatta. Moi, & Kibaki fought for it). Sadly in 2007/8 there was a contested election which resulted in a wave of violence which left around 1500 killed and up to 250,000 internally displaced persons (IDP’s). The Body of Christ immediately realized its lack of leadership had partly caused this, heard 2 Chronicles 7:14 and began to cry out to God, on behalf of the Nation in repentance for all that had happened. The Government created a number of ‘Peace Commissioners’ many of whom were Christian Leaders, set about writing a new constitution (including a lot of devolved government to the 47 counties) which was accepted in 2010 by vote of the people, and everyone has been focused since on speaking peace into the nation. The Churches mobilized themselves in the area of prayer, and Civic/Voter education, and their standing in the nation has risen dramatically as a result. So 2013 (50 years of Independence: another Jubilee) after much political wheeling and dealing, Kenya was ready for new elections which God willing would pass off peacefully.
My observation is that God has been very pleased with His Church and the Nation is beginning to rise again and grow: in the past months huge deposits of natural resources have been discovered in Kenya (Titanium, Gold, Oil, Coal, Gem Stones) which added to the Coffee and Tea industries looks good for the future. Nakuru Christian Leaders Platform (NCLP) and their vision to empower Nakuru County electorate to make informed choices, has made a huge impact. I spoke at their meeting for political aspirants on February 20th taking them to the model of Christian Governor Nehemiah. Their prayer wing: “God Bless Kenya” held an enormous prayer gathering on February 17th where at least 3000 were on their knees crying out to God for their nation. See the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4eEBdO8X7Y See also the Kenyan National Anthem which is an incredibly moving prayer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UI8l7N-76I I also had the privilege at speaking at two gatherings of Christian Leaders for prayer in Subukia & Molo, where I took them to 2 Chronicles 7:14 as a reminder, and spoke of the Lord breaking the Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10) pain off the Nation if they would be a channel for His blessing and seek to enlarge the territory of the Kingdom. The media (TV and papers) was wall-to-wall election and it was on everyone’s mind. Daniel’s work through NCLP has been incredibly significant and become an all-consuming passion over the past few years, and there is no doubt that God has used him. (See further http://nclplatform.wordpress.com/). The election as president of Uhuru Kenyatta would appear to be a huge step forward for Kenya. The view of those I spoke to was that the ICC charges which he will need to answer in the Hague have not real substance.
Daniels Ministry & Vision
In 1990 Daniel was called by his church in Nakuru to run an evangelistic crusade in the small nearby community of Dundori. This remote town was filled with people in a desperate state due to hunger, disease and inadequate clothing. Whilst praying for guidance, the Lord gave Daniel the idea of starting a training project where young people could learn skills to begin to earn a living. With help from Christians from the UK, the project began with lessons in dressmaking and building skills, which allowed participants to make their own money. As a result of the two-week crusade, the Christian Co-Workers Church was born, which grew from 30 people to several hundred within a short space of time. From that grew a medical centre, a school and a feeding centre. Dundori is now a thriving community where abject poverty has disappeared and no one goes hungry.
Congregations & Projects
Given Daniels relationship with St Andrews which goes back to the early nineties when Pastor Derek Newton and the congregation helped and supported him through his training at Roffey Place, Horsham, I wanted to work alongside him in the work and seek to understand how we could be of mutual encouragement in mission. So I asked Daniel to set me to work, which he did: I visited 6 out of ten of the congregations (had I not got a huge stomach upset it would have been more), and the projects. Let me tell you about them:
1. Nakuru Worship Centre came into the presbytery in 2011 and is led by Pastor Mark Latali (married to Margaret). It’s City Centre, in the industrial area, and it meets in a tent!
They are a growing congregation of around 150 including children/youth, and include a number of professional people in the areas of health, education & government. I spoke there on a Sunday and did a series of three evening meetings on being ‘Missionaries’. They have huge potential.
2. Molo was planted from Dundori and Pastor Leonard Mbae (& Mary) is related to Daniel and was brought up and discipled by him. Leonard is also Hospital Chaplain in Molo Hospital. I spoke at a lunchtime meeting, later at the evening meeting and also on my final Sunday. I also spoke with Mary at the local Molo Secondary School to 600 pupils on God is doing a new thing. Leonard is highly connected to the Body of Christ in the Molo area. Congregation incudes some professional people and a good lot of youth and children, who shape the worship well. Experienced lovely hospitality in Leonard’s home with their children: twins Joshua and Caleb, and daughters Grace & Praise.
3. Dundori was the church Daniel planted and from which many of the others have come. The buildings are 15 years old and my visit coincided with them holding a first fundraising for a new building (Daniel wants one to seat 3000!). Pastor Gideon (& Beatrice) Oyiengo leads the congregation alongside his work as a GP and with the Clinic. KS390,000 was raised (roughly £3000) to start the building off. A very encouraging start. The congregation is around 200, again with many children/youth.
4. Lanet was one I didn’t get to but I spent a large amount of time with Pastor Peter (& Ann) Kimani who was often our driver for the longer journeys, often in Gideon’s car. The congregation has around 50 adult members, 20 young adults and 60 children.
5. Sakaitim is one I know nothing about except that its Pastor is John Wool Wanyoike.
6. Njoro is set in a tiny building in the centre of this town and I led an evening study. Precious people including Michael Ndurigu, the Head at Dolphin, and his family. Pastor Peter Maina Kuria is a sweet spirit.
7. Kamwaura is part of the Dolphin site and where the school had its beginnings. Pastor Simon Nganga (who does much of the minute taking and is good at computers looks after the congregation. In fact he has just got a new home (rent KS 500 weekly £3.25) to stay in with his family and mother, which he kindly showed us, and we prayed. It’s ten minutes walk from the school.
8. Eastgate ironically proved to be the weakest yet with an evangelist at the helm (Elder Stephen Makori married to Damasir) could the one to grow the fastest. Eastgate has an IDP Camp on its doorstep of 3000!
9. Nykiabi I know nothing more.
10. Gorika Again I know no more.
And so to the projects: the following is information gleaned prior to coming:
A. Great Commission Medical Centre
The Great Commission Medical Centre is located at Dundori Centre, 25km east of Nakuru Town in Nakuru District, Kenya. The Medical Centre is a faith-based health care organization owned by Christ Co-Workers Fellowship and sponsored by the Great Commission Trust UK and other sponsors. The medical centre was established in 1994 as a small medical clinic and has been in operation since then. It provides health services to the residents of Dundori and its environs.
The centre has five permanent staff consisting of technical staff (a medical director, nurses and a laboratory technician), two locums as needs arise and a permanent night guard.
Mission Statement
The Centre is called to serve marginalized communities by providing essential, affordable, quality care with a holistic, integrated and sustainable approach. This faith-based institution feels it has a responsibility to alleviate human suffering as a service to God.
Health Services
Currently the centre provides medical services to the most vulnerable groups:
Antenatal Women – exposed to sexually transmitted diseases, maternity problems such as abortions and birthing complications
Under Fives – exposed to malnutrition or HIV/AIDS acquired in utero
Youth – exposed to sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, criminal abortions and drug abuse
It provides quality services covering curative, preventative and health promotion services. Other services include general and special counseling for VCT, PLWHA, youths, training of support groups and health workers. Free medical camps are occasionally offered.
Staff
Clinical Officer plus nurse. Offering a 24 hour service
Facilities
2 Consultation rooms.
2 Treatment rooms.
3-Bed Male Ward.
3-Bed Female Ward,
Pharmacy/Medical store.
Labour, Nursery and Maternity ward.
Future Plans
Building a laboratory.
Signage.
Need for more medical personnel.
Clinic challenged by performance of government facility.
Vision
To improve dental facility & eye care.
Provide a mobile clinic.
Purchase land for a new facility that people can pay for and then the revenue be used for clinics for the needy.
Comment: Pastor Gideon is clearly absolutely central to this work and needs our prayers. Sadly I was not able to see the clinic in action.
B. Great Commission Academy - Kamwaura
The Great Commission (Dolphin) Academy is a faith-based school located in the Kamwaura local community about 8 kilometres from Njoro Town in the Nakuru district of the Rift Valley province of Kenya. The primary school has been operational since 2001 (ECD since 1997) and has a current pupil population of 295 including ECD (2013 figure) with sixteen teaching staff, two cooks, and a night watchman.
Project Background:
The Christ Co-Workers Fellowship started this school to compliment the Kenyan Government’s efforts of providing universal primary education to Kenyans. As the one existing public primary school was overcrowded as a result of this policy, there was a need to establish another school one kilometer away which would bring education services closer to families in the vicinity.
Aims: To provide an affordable, quality education facility to the community
Create jobs for trained, unemployed teachers and support staff
Become the best performing and most competitive school in the district
Instill morals in pupils by providing a good Christian learning environment
The Classes:
Pre-school ECD Section: 3-5/6 years – Baby Class, Middle Class and Top Class: these use the Church building.
Primary Section: Class 1- 8 (Age 7 to 14)
The Facilities – One permanent block with Classes 4, 5 + 6, the rest of the classes are housed in semi-permanent buildings made of timber and iron sheet roofing. Many of these buildings are in need of replacement and easily flood when its rains.
A well has been added by a charity: Life Water Kenya, which is excellent and could in time provide a source of employment/income to sell bottled water.
Future plans
Purchase of a school vehicle (being hired at present)
Space is an issue as site is only one acre.
Starting of a secondary school in Molo (14-18 years).
IT Suite soon to be up and running (8 computers gifted by GOOGLE and another eight on way. Pastor David brought two laptops for the school. Hope is that folk from community will come into IT Suite and pay for lessons.
Comment: The vehicle required is a Toyota Alphard, which would cost KS 1.25m to 1.5m (£10-£12K). Such a capital injection would transform its effectiveness (see below). The other tension for the Great Commission Trust and donors is that such capital projects are not easily achieved when the revenue needs of teachers salaries is an every present pressure. Somehow the school needs to journey as soon as possible towards a balanced budget with a good number paying fees and thus allowing the possibility of bursaries for maybe still the majority.
C. Great Commission Feeding and Rehabilitation Centre - Molo
Our vision.
To be a leading rehabilitation centre that provides former street children an opportunity to learn and acquire vocational skills that help them face the future with hope.
The centre has diversified into four programmes:
1. The Feeding Programme
The programme was started in 2002 to provide a meal a day to the street children of Molo, whose problems stemmed from domestic violence, rebellion, irresponsible parents, HIV/AIDS or poverty at home. The aim was to provide a conducive environment where these children can be “tamed” and then seek to rehabilitate them to normal life. Progression: tea after service to juice for children to lunchtime feeding programme. Then targeting of vulnerable families, food to villages on a bike. etc.
2. The Back To School Programme
This aims to facilitate the schooling of the children who are willing to go back to school after rehabilitation. We visit the homes of these street children and for the needy cases of the willing children; we provide assistance to join school. In this programme, we have 29 children; 21 boys and 8 girls. Most of them are in primary school. Last year, one girl completed her secondary education. In 2013 6 children are being helped through secondary school. It costs triple the amount to send a child through secondary school. Comment: Leonard says that roughly £500 per year would sponsor a child through secondary education and thus utterly transform their life!!
3. The Vocational Training Programme
This programme aims to impart skills that will make the beneficiaries able to get paid employment or employ themselves. It targets the boys and girls that are past school going age. Eight boys are ready for vocational training in carpentry, masonry and motor mechanics. Additional financial support is required.
4. The Family Support Programme
This programme seeks to economically empower parents/guardians to be self reliant by advancing financial support and technical advise to start and run an income generating activity. The programme initially assisted beneficiary farmers to keep grade cows for commercial purposes. Unfortunately, the target area was heavily affected by the recent post elections violence in Kenya. So since the well-publicised troubles and civil unrest of 2007/8, the centre has also been involved, in conjunction with others, in counseling and meeting the needs of people in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, and in helping them to return, where appropriate, to their former homes.
Future Plans
As above &
Use Kibunja land for developing of day and boarding Secondary School.
Comment: a big vision but one I can see being fulfilled by the grace of God.
Support from the UK: The Great Commission Trust (registered charity 802537)
The Principal objective of the Trust is to ‘advance the Christian religion by the promotion of the Gospel throughout the UK and overseas.’
:To help people in both physical and spiritual need
:To help link people in need to Christian teaching and resource and support networks
:To help establish and build such networks
The Trust aims to do this by providing financial and business resources for Christian evangelistic enterprises.
TRUSTEES: David Hurst (Hon Chairman 0207 694 5141 @ 32 Kenway Avenue, London SW5 ORR david.hurst@kpmg.co.uk), Martin Read (Hon Treasurer) and Jonathan Wardell.
Income: 2004 £38338
2005 £47572
2006 £69545
2007 £37368
2008 £44434
2009 £56594
2010 £49233
2011 £59841
Of which roughly 50% goes to Kenya projects as the trust has other work it supports.
General thoughts and recommendations.
1. Given the above income figures for GCT either significant income is going to the work but not through the Trust (if so is it tax efficient giving?) or it is clear that the needs of the school and its revenue budget are dominating the trust’s agenda to the detriment of the multiple capital projects which others might respond to?
2. I have returned from Kenya with a particular burden to raise the capital for the School Vehicle and will seek to convene a group of interested people to achieve this end hopefully by September 2013.
3. Whilst accepting the huge cultural differences which exist it appears to me that for lack of clarity a number of revenue funding needs as becoming associated with the GCT or with other donors: these don’t just include the salaries for school staff but also the support of some of the Pastors of the Congregations, and Daniel’s personal needs. Could not the Trust separate all these out and invite donations to be designated for these and indeed other purposes (i.e. the Clinics needs / the Molo sponsorship needs / etc.) thus they would become restricted funds in the GCT accounts?
4. Finally let nothing I am saying detract from the enormous admiration and praise to God that wells up within me when I think of these saints ministering to hundreds of people weekly in the name of Christ in Kenya.
David Bedford
Pastor.
St Andrews URC Canterbury.
(Trip: February 15th to March 6th 2013).