news from kenya
AHERO
It is just because we cannot meet the cost of running a mail box that we use the school boxes. They are not always dependable, mail can get into wrong hands, sometimes lost or even opened to check what is inside. While we are weary of starvation, we hear that our maize is sold in your markets by unknown elements in our government; the situation is still prevailing lightly. We yearn for the time when things like this will be history. The war on terrorism could be identified with Armageddon. If the Bush administration shows unwillingness to uproot Al Qaeda and arrest Osama Bin Laden, then Russia could come in. Most of our human governments forget that they are installed by God, for His purpose. Your fellow in the walk Zionwards,
Bro. Lawrence K’owiti
BARICHO
What is an ecclesia? Does every believer know what it is? It is a group of called- out ones. God told David that he was not to build Him a house, but his son would build it (Solomon’s temple. 2 Sam. 7; 1 Chron. 17). But the main lesson is that we, God’s people, together become God’s ‘house’ and Jesus is the chief cornerstone (read 1 Peter 2); he was the “stone that was rejected”
Bro. David Karaba
BONDO
Through Gospel News I have learned especially of Christadelphians globally. Without it I would never have known of the ecclesial groupings within Africa and all over the world. Here at Bondo ecclesia we were blessed last year in that two friends were baptized, one was doing the Correspondence Course and the other was a local contact with the help of Bro. John Yonjo. So we now just comfort one another, pray and have the Sunday service together, looking forward to the Lord’s second appearing to be the King and reward the righteous with the eternal life here on earth; we eagerly pray to be among them.
Bro. Vincent Odhiambo
Here in Kenya we are tirelessly making many preaching efforts everywhere before the return of the Lord, and hope you are also doing the same. In Kenya last year there was a shortage of rain during the planting season, as a result crops have failed terribly and the end result is hunger. There are other signs: the political climate in Kenya is not good at all, as there is a lot of bickering among members of the ruling party. There are fears as well, due to high crime rates and despite police efforts they have come to nought. We hear of murder, rape, drugs abuse, theft every day. There are also charismatic sects who claim they possess the Holy Spirit gifts and powers. The biggest ‘sign’ is the parable of the fig tree; when it shoots forth we know for sure that the seasons are near. When we see the Jews regathered in their homeland, and Arab opposition to it, those studying the Scriptures know very well that the Lord can come at any moment. Let us all lift up our eyes and our heads, for our redemption is at hand.
Bro. Raphael Joni Aimo
Photo: This was taken last year when Brothers and Sisters from Bondo ecclesia paid a visit to Dago for the one-day Bible School held at Bro. Raphael Aimo’s home. On the left is Bro. Benedict Miruka who has now fallen asleep awaiting the resurrection.
BUNGOMA
We would like to take the opportunity of thanking you for Bible Basics and Gospel News. These materials have helped us much in terms of spiritual development. Brothers and Sisters also thank you for your spiritual devotion in sending us these things. We would like you to keep up this exercise so that the truth reaches every angle of this world. We understand very well that these are the last times, seeing present events fulfilling Bible prophecy. We would be grateful if you could send things like ‘Eureka’ (Vols. 1-5), ‘Elpis Israel’ and an Exposition of Song of Solomon and any other books you know to be of importance and help to us.
Brothers Chrisantus Wanjala & John Simiya
“Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him”. Ezekiel 34:3-5: “You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the crippled you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts”.
Bro. Francis Mayende
I am newly converted, being a baptized believer of the gospel, sharing the one true faith. I was recently introduced to Gospel News to all Nations; the contents of it greatly interested me because I have come to learn that most parts of the world have received the good news about the Kingdom of God. I introduce myself to you so as to learn more about the Scriptures; I also want to give gratitude to you for the books you sent to Bro. Eric Wamalwa, in fact, brother, these books have greatly helped me in godliness. I therefore request you to consider me for receiving more books.
Bro. George Maina Wabwile
Photo: A discussion with friends and Brethren and Sisters (second left is Bro. George Maina).
KANDIEGE
“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God”. Any thing of value will not come if we are only spectators; we must participate to receive the prize. The example of believers in the first century should be ours. ‘They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in prayer, and in breaking of bread” (Acts 2). If we continue in the same calling the reward will be ours.
Bro. John Okello
KOBUJOI
We are looking forward to a visit from the UK., which seems exciting to me and I hope it is the same to the contacts in the Kobujoi area. Getting to Kobujoi is rather difficult owing to the state of the roads. They are mud roads and so during the rainy season things can get so tough. But our Brethren are not cowards, they will brave the roads and get to Kobujoi. May our Hevenly Father grant them a safe and very much blessed journey.
Bro. Geofrey Chirchir
LOITOKITOK
When writing this letter I am 600km south of Nakuru ecclesia. The nearest ecclesia to me is Mombasa, almost 300km. Nairobi is around 350km. The roads connecting me to this area are bumpy and very dusty, becoming impossible during the rainy season. Many of the people in Loitokitok are nomadic Masai tribe who cannot speak fluent Kiswahili or English. Apostolic churches are everywhere in Loitokitok; I am the only Christadelphian here. I am appealing to members who might live along the Kenya and Tanzania borders to try their best to meet with me so that we can spread the true gospel. I would remind Brothers and Sisters world wide of Luke 21:19, Matthew 24:13 and Mark 13:13, all of which speak of the need to stand firm that we may be saved and be in the everlasting Kingdom of God on earth, when it will be full of the knowledge and glory of the Lord (Habakkuk 2:14).
Bro. Peter Thuro Kanuki (in isolation)
MARALAL
I am thankful to God for His kindness and goodness to us in keeping us well and uniting us in our remembrance of our absent Master. I am very happy to have had your letter and Gospel News giving more encouragement regarding the soon coming of Christ to establish the Kingdom of God, which we are eagerly waiting for. I am here at the far end of Kenya (isolation) with my wife and four children and also have some four students who I am instructing through Bible Basics. We must give ourselves to the service of God; we cannot serve God and mammon. “In everything give thanks to Him, for this is His will and pleasure concerning you”. Also, let Christ dwell in our hearts by faith and in the footsteps of Christ Jesus. I send a photo taken after teaching children the Bible stories.
Bro. Joseph Nuani
Photo: Bro Nuani and his children
MATUU
We are so glad to hear of so many converts through the waters of baptism, including some from the Muslim community. Gospel News is always giving encouragement from various Brothers and Sisters throughout the world. How challenging it is when one reads the progress of an ecclesia or individual or how a Brother/Sister first received the message of truth. We also read of the distress/tribulation of our Brethren and Sisters. We in the Central area of Kenya are making good use of Bible Basics. We have an annual programme whereby each ecclesia studies from the book every Sunday and also an evening study; this has been taking place since January last year. From Jan-June we studied Part 1, ‘The things concerning the Kingdom of God’. From July we studied Part 2 on ‘The things concerning the Name of Jesus Christ’. We have now studied the Life in Christ and finished by the study on fellowship. This has been encouraging for Brothers and Sisters, and even for our friends.
Bro. Lazarus Kingoo
MBITA
One very important point must now be emphasised: there will be two sorts of people in the Kingdom of God – mortals and immortals. There will, in fact, be a – three-tier structure: First, the Lord Jesus Christ, the immortal King: second, His immortal helpers and third, multitudes of ordinary flesh and blood mortal men and women, who will be the mortal population of the Kingdom. Read: Isa. 65:19:20; 1 Cor. 6:2; Luke 22:29-30; Rev. 20:6.
Bro. Daniel Ogembo
NANYUKI
May I inform you that the work of God here is growing, for we now have two other friends who have joined our studies. As I read Gospel News I understand that Bible Basics is now translated into Kiswahili; may God bless those who have arranged this. I request two Bible Basics in Kiswahili for the two friends who cannot understand English.
Bro. Francis Kinandu
TIRIKI
In our district there are many who believe in the Trinity and it is very hard to turn them from their belief. I ask you to send me some booklets to show these people the Truth.
Bro. Mondest Gwademba
Photo: Bro. Gwademba’s two sons, Alex (left) and Douglas
Photo taken at Ndisi, October, 2004, sent by Bro. John Kine
SUNA MIGORI
The reason for my long silence is because of ill health. Thanks to the Lord I am now well and I am able to be in touch once again with the loved ones, especially Brothers and Sisters in the Lord. More good news is that we have been blessed with an ecclesia close to where I reside. We used to walk quite a long distance to attend Sunday meetings, but sometimes, when I was ill, I was isolated. I am very thankful to those at Karabu for starting a meeting in a Brother’s house in Migori, even though we are small in number – four Brothers, three Sisters, 10 Sunday School children and one contact. Our hope for the coming Kingdom surpasses everything. If Jesus remains away we hope he will keep adding more to his flock when we will be forced to look for a bigger space for our meetings.
Bro. Joseph Onyango
TONGAREN
I enclose an article on Gen. 2:24. Many brethren have completely misinterpreted this, having gone as far as rejecting their parents in regard to assisting them.
Bro. Martin Wamalwa
Photo: Bro Martin [left] and Bro Solomon
