news from kenya
AHERO
I am on the farm, spending so much time in it (7 hours a day, every day, hoping that perhaps God will remember us this time). It is greener (rainy and muddy all through). I managed to plant millet and maize and cow-peas. Now they are on their 60th day, with another 30 days to ripen.
The work of God is always my concern – I’m still on Christian life correspondence course lesson 16. I will be through in two months. Is there a spare ‘Where there is no doctor’ because Lawrence went away with the book.
Now I do agree calling every day to ones neighbour, and make him face his God. You know I had always stressed strongly about the neighbour because it will make our Lord really happy and that perhaps will make the outcome of our judgement lighter. Remember him asking you, “What did you do to your neighbour when he fell?”
Christ I know is unique, being born in difficult circumstances. A child to be born now needs a bundle and a half of money and material. Affording mothers will tell you about modern clinics where the attendants are handy and where modern gadgets are found, but for the Lord Jesus that night and Joseph, there was no place except the manger – a place for donkeys and sheep.
Bro. Nelson Otimeo Anyals
Photo of Nelson with a friend working under U.N. as a human rights representative.
All our mail from abroad is stacked in the school boxes we use here. The Government, under the Ministry of Education, which is responsible for the rental fees, has not yet paid for the boxes and this resulted in their closure in mid-February. We fear that the mail may be returned to senders if the 3-month duration expires. The postal charges have gone up as from March 2005. The new rate for the U.K. is Kshs.75 for letters. This is just equivalent to 1 US dollar, something which is costly for the developing world.
On 20th March we were visited by a hurricane known as Nyakoyi, followed by a heavy downpour that left many people homeless, properties of millions destroyed and even claimed some lives. The worst hit districts were Nyando, where I come from, and Suba. I personally was lightly affected, anyway my health is fair with the wet conditions. We look forward to the hour and day of the Master’s return so that he may put things right.
I understand “How To Grow A Balanced Diet” is now out of stock. I eagerly await the outcome of your initiation with the Netherlands Charity. We at this end experience the drought in full measure and when it starts to rain it is so short that our crops do nothing to stave off hunger in our midst. We therefore welcome anything that can avert the problem. The drought resistant cassava is good anyway but its toxicity had previously turned lethal here in Kenya. For us sorghum and peas are good. Sorghum will find our black cotton soil so productive and hence a high yield.
Many world affairs today are conforming to the requirement of Bible prophecy. Therefore whilst people are fearful and afraid of current developments, those who understand the significance of Bible prophecy look upon the scene with hope, for the signs of the times proclaim the imminence of Christ’s return. The Present Day Events Report No. 455 on how Israel counselled the withdrawal of the settlements in Gaza shows their complete ingratitude to God’s masterplan of Israeli territorial landmark. Maybe it will succeed but let them prepare for the wrath of God. In short, they will not frame their doings to turn unto their God (Hosea 5:4).
Bro. Lawrence K’Owiti
BONDO
I would like to encourage all my brethren and sisters world-wide to care for all people, not only those we are sharing the same faith with, as caring for one another is a very practical way of demonstrating our lives as Christians. Care does not mean that we take total control of a person, but it is in many ways manifested through physical and emotional activities such as love, help, sympathy, empathy, danger, trouble. The same way Jesus himself cared much for us to the extent of dying for us. So why can’t we do the same for others because as Christians we should follow Jesus’ footsteps.
Here on this side of the world we, as brothers and sisters, have not been in a position to adequately teach the saving truth of the gospel in some areas because of shortage of funds. So on behalf of our ecclesia, Sisters’ group, Sunday School, here are some areas for which we are requesting more help:-
(a) Bible school support
(b) Orphanage support
(c) Bibles e.g. NIV, RSV, King James editions
(d) Sunday School teaching materials
(e) Medical support
Is it possible for us to also have “Where There Is No Doctor” and “How To Grow A Balanced Diet”?
Bro. Vincent Odhiambo.
BULIMBO
Thanks a lot for what you sent me recently, they are of vital importance as pertaining to my salvation and the truth that I have found from the Gospel News. You promised to send us the Bible, so that we can be spreading the gospel to the outside world, we have not yet received it. Secondly, Bro. Sadique Bukhebi Joumer says he has not yet received the Kiswahili Bible Basics.
Bro. Emmanuel Joumer
Comment – the books are either in the post or lost.
BUNGOMA
I am a new reader of the Bible truth, being assisted by Bro. Eric Wamalwa and Bro. George Wabwile, baptised believers of the gospel, sharing the true faith. I have heard of a book entitled Bible Basics, the content of which have greatly interested me. I would like to introduce myself to you so that I may learn more as I continue searching for more scripture. I also need some books to give me more information about the Bible. Therefore I am asking you to kindly send me any books that are available.
Bro. Anasetus Khaemba
Photo: Bro. Anasetus Khaemba
Much greetings in the Hope of Israel. The lessons you sent have enabled our ecclesia to grow entirely in godliness so, brother, I would wish that you continue sending more to me. The ‘Bible Reader’s Calendar’ is a good idea, in fact we have found it more useful to us and it is our desire to have it supplied yearly. Contemporary Christians believe that the Kingdom of God will be set permanently in heaven. This has made us disagree with them and put us in a position of teaching them the truth that the Kingdom of God will be set up on this planet earth and not in heaven, see Matt.6:9. The matter of truth after revealed to them will win a number of them to believe the gospel, but most of them would reject it and by so doing the scripture is fulfilled where it says “the unbelievers will be condemned.”
Bro. George Maina Wabwile
Second line left Bro. Emmanuel Wantala with some Sunday School children.
Sis Matrine Maina and Bro. George Maina Wabwile with their young children Jacob Wanjala and Baraka Simiyn
I am very interested in the books which you have sent Bro. George Maina and Bro. Eric Wamalwa. Please send me Bible Basics; I will intensify my studies and teach my friends when you send this.
Bro. Emmanuel E. Kundu
Receive my greetings in the Lord Jesus. I am grateful to be able to write to you informing you about my exodus from Pentecostal mission. Moreover I am a newly converted brother fellowshipping with Bro. George Maina and Bro. Eric Wamalwa. The Pentecostal popular notions have greatly diverted the views of the present generation away from the true Scripture. The brothers in Christ mentioned above actually prove the right channel towards the Kingdom of God. I would request you to supply me with the book Bible Basics and any other copy available. I am sure, with your support, I will progress in godliness. God bless you abundantly as we fight against obstructions towards the Kingdom of God.
Bro. Wycliffe W. Wasike
Photo: Bro. Wasike
I was pleased to learn about the position of brothers and sisters over there. I could not imagine such a large number. The high level of poverty in Kenya has greatly affected Kenyan ecclesias. I have heard some are forced to run illegal businesses like brewing alcohol, commonly known as changla and bonsaa, and selling them to fetch some cash for sustaining their families. The book on “How to Grow a Balanced Diet” can help much if the information is applied correctly. I have set up an experiment on horticulture and some cereal crops. My intention is to pass the information to other people. Africans can learn better from the practical and therefore I am thinking of setting up a field school for the purpose of teaching others using the above book. Your proposal and efforts to help others learn to spread English is profitable since most of the people in Africa do not know how to teach English and therefore miss much because they cannot read the literature you have been dispersing. May God facilitate this work.
Bro. Eric Wamalwa
I always receive the Magazine, may the Lord increase your wisdom. I appreciate your daily prayers for my lifetime at Chwele Hall as I become stronger in faith (Romans 10:9-13). Please brother! how can I receive a Bible concordance and an English King James Bible with references per verse for my studies?
Bro. Geoffrey Wanyama
Thanks a lot for everything, I have not received Introducing Bible Basics, but they will be of much benefit to me.
Malnutrition is hitting our population especially those with children. The book How to Grow a Balanced Diet will assist our members in Christ to have every essential food on the farms for healthy living and thus avoid diseases, so please send it. I’ve also not yet received the Eureka set sent me some time earlier. The Bible Reading Calendars are essential for our members and very convenient. The other request I’m putting before you is the sending of the Present Day Events leaflets you sent in your earlier mails to me, they keep us updated on what transpires in the world. Because of drought which affectes Kenya and most African countries, the population will starve if the Lord Jesus’ coming doesn’t occur very soon. This requires plant breeders to produce resistant crops such as cassava, shorghum, peas etc. Relative to these I refer you to ICPE Kenya, KARI Kenya seed company for more information for suitability of one variety or more as they change with time and new ones are bred to replace the defaced ones.
Bro. Chrisantus W. Wasike
CHWELE
One of the articles in Glad Tidings No. 1447 had a cover picture saying “Nothing stays the same”. Well David somehow altered the cover picture and imposed on it the photo of Bro Daniel
Walhambu to make it a real Kenyan edition – demonstrating “nothing stays the same”!
Bro. David Wanjala
Photo: The cover of Glad Tidings with the changes as mentioned..
ELDORET
I do thank you for sending me the Bible Reader’s Calendar 2005. Please send me Bible Basics Study Manual. I’m sorry to let you know of the latest development in my family. On 9th February 2005, our dear Sister, who is my wife, passed away on that chilly morning. I have been telling you about her sickness which started in early January 1999. It has been too expensive in our life, especially when I lost my job when our company collapsed. It has been a terrible life with sickness and my children had to stop schooling.
Bro. Jacob Okoth
KABABU
Many brethren, sisters and correspondence contacts claim that they are in lonely places, for this reason we wish to identify ourselves with those who fall into this category in South Nyanza area. You are welcome to contact us and heal yourselves wherever you are:
1. Kabubu, Box 1040, Suna – 40400
2. Kiagware, Box 303, Ogembo
3. Kericho, Box 1591, Kericho – 20200
4. Nyangweso, Box 76, Nyangweso 40311
5. Nyandenga, Box 52, Mbita
6. Oilumbo, Box 12, Pala-Sarb
7. Ndisi, Box 306, Ndhiwa – 40320
8. Oruba, Box 1040, Suna – 40400
So please you are welcome to contact us. Our meeting services start at 9.00.a.m.- 11.00.a.m. on Sundays. Also we have Bible study classes on weekdays. Welcome personally and we will be very happy to see you, if it is possible.
Bro. Samuel Masawa
KINANGOP
I am a new convert having received baptism on 24th April. I felt very joyful beginning a new life in Christ, joining other Christadelphians. My tutor has been Bro. Edwin Skinner from UK. I pray God to bless him in this life and reward him when Jesus comes. I cannot write everything here on paper but rather I say thanks to God for him. I thank God for all His mighty works in me and most of all every breath for every moment. Great is the faithfulness of the Lord who is my Father and Saviour, in whom I put my trust. I thank the Christadelphians all over the world, for indeed I have come to prove this as the real faith. As a matter of fact I was a Catholic, faithful all my life, before baptism into Christ, to all their teachings; I was through to the level of going to the seminary to train for the Catholic priesthood, having done philosophy and theology. But the enlightenment of the Bible and the gospel that I have found through Christadelphians is very wonderful and gracious and I have come to see this is why the good Lord has preserved me and passed me through many hardships of this life. Now I feel prepared for even more challenges in this new life in Christ, but I don’t fear, for the Lord is with me. One big problem I am facing now is that I am married with four children and my wife is converted to a certain Pentecostal church, therefore she has been very much against me studying the material and lessons of Christadelphians for almost four years since I started. The problem is to make her understand and give in to learn about Bible truths. This is not easy, and I am calling for help and prayers from all brothers and sisters, for I cannot turn back, recalling the word of God in Deut 13:1-11 and in particular verses 1-3 and verse 6. So I find in all means I have to convince everyone, including my wife, children and parents about the Bible truths. This needs a lot of courage, wisdom and understanding, recalling the mind and advice of Jesus that we be wise and cunning as a serpent.
Bro. Peter Njuguna
KISUMU
It has taken me a long time to write to you, this has been due to some common disturbances, but for now I’m O.K. hoping likewise you are. I so appreciated the book from you, ‘Where There is No Doctor and I do thank you. I am hoping to receive the coming issues of Gospel News.
Bro. Richard Oduma
KITALE
The signs of the times within and without the brotherhood clearly testify to the imminence of the Lord’s coming. The Kingdom is at hand of that there is no doubt. There is no time to be carefree or dilatory in the development of faith or to be entrapped by things that do not really matter. Even ecclesial activities, being overly occupied in organising and arranging, can deflect attention from the prime purpose of life - developing the character of God and reflecting divine virtues. This is the time for urgent and wise preparation. The coming of the Lord will be a most rewarding, but an absolutely startling moment that we can but dimly imagine. I consider that the sowing in corruption referred to in 1 Cor. 15:42 deals with the incident of death and the placing into the grave. It is our desire to keep the writings of our Christadelphian fellowship to the brotherhood. The world is in a frightful state, politically and morally. The question of intrinsic evil in human nature has surely reached its summit; it is only one of many situations that seem to be insoluble. We await the only solution possible, the return of our Saviour and Redeemer to change this ungodly world into a reflection of the Creator’s hand.
Bro. Martin W. Chemiati
KOBUJOI
I have been very pleased with the Bible Reading Calendar produced by the CAT. it would be nice if you could produce one for next year.
Bro. Geoffrey Chichir
LOITOKTOK
How happy I am for the Gospel News which keeps me well informed of what is happening around the world. I received the book “Where There Is No Doctor” and it is now used by a small town known as Enterara in the semi arid areas of Kenya. You can just imagine how nice it is to see people in and out of my house seeking what to do with illness. I have got two Bible students, one who can read and write and another who does not know Kiswahili or English language. Thank you very much for the parcel that you sent. I am requesting some notes on how to grow a balanced diet and the best method of farming. I find it more useful to advise people on modern methods of farming than giving people money.
We are living in the last days just before the return of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. This is a time when warnings are common words to us. We are living in a world of warnings, terrorist attacks, AIDS, epidemics, droughts and so forth. People are taking extra precautions to avoid terrorist attacks but the repeated word of God in Matthew, Mark and Luke have gone unnoticed. As we continue our journey towards the Kingdom of God, seeing people being deceived and deceiving themselves are common. We are now to stand on our guard for this day will come unexpectedly, just like the thief coming when you least expect him, and our Saviour Jesus Christ will come to restore order in this troubled world. Just as Isaiah 11:6 puts it, “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together and a little child will lead them.” As we continue with our journey this should be the signpost in front of us, struggling to be in this peaceful Kingdom of God with Jesus as the King, expecting Jesus Christ to appear at any time. So, brother and sister, let us take extra care not to be deceived, neither deceive ourselves but stand firm until the end comes.
Bro. Peter Thuo Kariuki
Photo: Bro. Peter and Sister Judy in isolation
MALONDO
Loving greetings to all beloved brothers and sisters world-wide. We enjoyed the visit from Sis Beatrice Tenys who came over 30km from Kisulunu. After reading five chapters of that day, Bro. Moses gave a word of exhortation on the subject of moving from Jericho to Jerusalem or Jerusalem to Jericho. His main intention was to warn all of us to repent and confess our sin before God,and to love one another. After sharing our Lord’s table Bro. John Simuyo extended a warm welcome to all members to meet regularly at our homes, building one another up in the bonds of the truth.
We are very sorrowful to announce the falling asleep in Christ on 4th March 2005 of our beloved Sis Elizabeth, the lovely mother to Bro. Obonyo of Mzeria ecclesia. She faithfully upheld the truth for many years in that part of the vineyard. Our Sister now rests in the hope of eternal life at the coming of the Lord. Several brothers and sisters from our ecclesia made a trip to Wanga, over 50Km to where her funeral service was held.
Bro. Gilbert Walela
Photo: Bro. Gilbert Walela right and his friend Sirengo who is interested in the truth.
MUMORONI
What is a Christian? Many people would answer that it is a name found in the Bible for the Bible is a Christian book, which is true. But simply taking a name of some Bible character does not change one’s heart. A name is important but it is an outward thing. Some parents give their children Biblical names when they are born. Don’t trust your name for serving the Lord. There is only one Name under heaven whereby we can be saved and that is the Name of Jesus as we read in Acts 4:12.
The Bible is truly the word of God written by holy men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). Even so, just believing the Bible does not save us if we do not obey what it says. It says that we must believe on Jesus Christ and we shall be saved (Acts 16:31). The salvation comes from the person of Jesus Christ whom the Bible tells us about. We must believe on him, and what he taught. The Pharisees of Jesus’ time were proud of the law and of their knowledge of it, but still they refused to believe in Jesus and crucified him. So one can even know the Bible well, but if we do not accept Jesus and understand Jesus as the Saviour, we cannot be a true Christ follower.
Education is good in many ways, it opens the window of the mind but it cannot touch the heart. Many people still walk in darkness although educated, e.g. Nicodemus was an educated man. In John 3:3-10 we see that he was a teacher, indeed a member of the Sanhedrin, but Jesus emphasized this issue saying that unless one is born anew he cannot see the Kingdom of God. Paul who was also an educated man said (1 Cor. 2:14) that the natural man, that is one who has not been born again, cannot receive nor understand the things of the spirit, because they are foolishness to him.
Bro. George Ndlegu
Photo: Bro. George Ndlegu at his sugar farm
NAKURU
Heavenly greetings to all brethren and sisters, it is good to be reading of their spiritual fightings in order to be part of the promised Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ for which we are all waiting. I pray we will continue reading from our brethren and continue holding on to what we have received and pray for our Lord Jesus Christ to come back soon. The Tsunami disaster in Asia is a sign that his coming back is approaching, otherwise it is a lot of sadness to see the havoc done and ours is to pray for all those affected.
Bro. and Sister Thomas Yongo
NANGO
On rabbit keeping which you mentioned I am looking forward on ways and means of keeping them since they can offer delicious protein meals to my family. I have talked to a secondary school nearby which keeps them and they say they can sell some for me if I so wish for four dollars that is about 300 K.shillings at the current exchange rate. The housing unit, especially the wall around, I can make using local timber available but the roofing needs iron sheets and nails and some wire mesh to keep them from rain and from predators like dogs and cats and these are to be bought from hardware stores. This is a venture for the future which I hope to tackle.
I attended A.G.M. and Bible conference in Nairobi and was happy to meet many brothers and sisters from all over Kenya and U.K. as well. The U.K. team was led by Bro. Allan Sutton and we finished off by having the emblems. This was a true show of one fellowship and one body of Christ and of the Kingdom which Christ is the head. We must do this with understanding as the hour has come for us to wake up from our slumber because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over, the day is almost here, so let us behave decently as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy, rather clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of sinful nature (Romans 13:11-14).
Bro. Raphael Aimo
NYERI
Loving greetings to you all brethren through Jesus Christ. Thanks for Gospel News with love of Jesus from your dear brother Alex and family here in Nyeri. Sorry I have delayed to write to you. Now we are teaching some students so that next time they can be baptised. Also the number has added up to six students.
Bro. Alex K. Mwaniki
SARE
Thank you for the books you sent me, I got them well. I have distributed these to brethren and sisters. I also sent three to brethren and sisters at Kabubu, the remainder to Drumbo. Total ecclesias in South Nyanza are eight. Those people who did not know English are now using these Kiswahili books.
Bro. John Kine
SINDO
Since I started reading Gospel News in May/June 1999 I have admired and appreciated it. These efforts fulfil the scripture to go and preach the gospel message to all human beings in the world. Nothing will stop us doing the Lord’s business and to be living witnesses for the truth. We thank our God the Father for creating us. We thank our God the Father for sending us a Saviour, Jesus Christ. We thank our God for the hope of everlasting life, and for His mercy and lovingkindness. We thank Him for the life given to us as free with nothing to pay, it is a gift. Our God has given us salvation through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to whom all things point. We have enough evidence to believe by reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Heb. 1:1-3, God spoke through the prophets but in the last days through His Son, Jesus Christ, to whom He has given power to give us life after death. We must not be like the 10 lepers healed, only one thanking our Lord Jesus Christ, Luke 17:11-19. David had to give thanks to the God of Israel for delivering him from his enemies: Ps. 50:23; Ps. 105:1; Ps. 106:1; 1.Chron. 16:7-36. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians 5:20, we should give glory to God every day through Jesus Christ. We should as brothers and sisters in Christ give thanks to our Creator.
Bro. John Owalo Onani
TONGAREN
In the middle of October Bro. David Green is coming to Kenya for the Bible School, so when I meet him I will give him the copy of the remaining disc of the Bukusu translation of Bible Basics, for easier printing. I also accept that, due to other complications computer typing in Kenya is very expensive and has made us lose too much. For this moment I have accepted all the first prints be done in U.K. then be sent for corrections and returned for second prints. On the Bible Basics disc which I have, I did the corrections first before doing its recordings.
Tongaren ecclesia is expecting to be bought a plot for Sunday worship. This was accepted at the last AGM conference. For this we thank God for His blessings. I also praise God for the project of translating our Christadelphian books into Bukusu language. People have marvelled at the translation and some have pressed me not to give up. Some people like the language but have rejected our doctrines. They have complained very much about our Bible truths, which we are translating into our local language, this is because they do not read the Bible themselves, they are being read to by their pastors. The Catholic follower, after reading our doctrine in Bukusu language, came out and condemned me that I have started destroying people from their truths. I was told not to produce such books for it will destroy people from their beliefs
Bro. Isaac Kapa
Nowadays Vatican is known as the holy City, but through Bible investigation we have seen that Jerusalem was prophecied about four thousand years ago. At first it was mentioned in the time of Abraham when Melchizedek was the King of Salem. Jerusalem then appeared on the pages of history in relation to God with Abraham as his servant. From Abraham developed a nation called Israel, with Jerusalem its capital city. We are told in the Bible that Jerusalem will be the centre of all nations of the world (Ezek 5:5). Jerusalem will be the great city of the coming Kingdom and the throne of the coming King will be established in Jerusalem (Matt. 5:34-5). The Lord shall be King over all the earth (Zech. 14:9,16). Vatican, the holy city of Catholics, has deceived many by saying that they ascend into heaven and stay with God. This is a big confusion. The Vatican can offer no blessings and it will vanish from the face of the earth (Rev. 18:21). The basic doctrines of the Catholics have no relation to the expositions of Biblical promises and prophecies. The time of Christ’s return is drawing very near so those who are not baptised into Christ must choose between the two cities – which one will you follow? Now is the time to learn the truth concerning the gospel of the Kingdom and be baptised into the name of Jesus Christ; but remember the gospel was central to the Kingdom of God which will be established on earth, not in heaven.
Bro. Isaac Kapa Sikolia
Photo: Sister Getquin Sikolia who was recently baptised
WEBUYE
Nice to hear from you this morning. It’s again a good time for me here in Kenya to communicate with you again this day for I am happy with your encouragement and testimony to me because you have done wonders in my eyes for the material you have been sending since I was baptised in 1994. Therefore continue to service me until our Lord comes back to establish God’s Kingdom. At this moment would you please try to help me with the following if available – three Swahili Bible Basics, Introducing Bible Basics and any other literature for which I will be very thankful.
Bro. Jospeph M. Wanjala
It is some time since we communicated but this does not signify that we here are inactive in the Lord’s service. With the help of your two course books Introducing Bible Basics and Bible Basics Study Manual, we have witnessed five baptisms in our ecclesial meeting alone, two others under our instruction have been baptised in other ecclesial meetings and three are still under instruction class (about to finalize their studies). This gives us strength and joy as we experience the truth bearing fruit. Our ecclesial members, who are now scattered throughout Kenya due to job placements, are constantly phoning us about new interested friends who would like to study the truth. We have run short of the study materials and would request your assistance in that regard. We have tried to direct a few to you and hope they have written.
Bro. Shawn Tyler
