news from kenya
BONDO
In Kenya last year many people were blessed by the rains, giving us a good harvest which we hope will last until this year’s harvest, should the Lord remain away. The rains of last year make me recall the book of Proverbs which says that the Lord brings rain as a blessing, but sometimes as a punishment. Recently we have seen war happenings in the Middle East between Israel and the surrounding countries of Lebanon and Palestine, and this causes me to think of the prophecies from Ezekiel chapters 36-38 and other chapters from the Scriptures. These are clear signs to us to watch, for our redemption draws nearer than when we were first baptised.
Bro. Raphael Joni Aimo
By the medium of this corres-pondence, I wish to express my sincere thanks to all brethren and sisters in our Master, Jesus Christ, whom we expect soon. I appreciate the Gospel News which is assisting so many, helping us to recognise the closeness and feeling of fellowship which we have. We had our area Bible School, it was really great, giving us many impressions which we can’t express in words – our hearts are full of happiness. The whole Bible School was amazing.
Bro. Vincent Odhiambo
BULIMBO
I salute you in the Name of our Lord Jesus, hoping that you are strong in our striving for salvation. Here in Kenya we are fine and fighting the good fight for our Saviour Jesus Christ in proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom. The last Gospel News helped to strengthen my faith.
Bro. Emmanuel Joumer
BUNGOMA
We believe that with us you are striving to be counted among those saints who will be found worthy to reign with Christ when he comes to establish his kingdom on this earth. Bible Basics has shown people a right way to live and has turned many from their wrong ways to follow Christ. In Daniel 12:3 we see that the wise who lead others to righteousness will shine as the heavenly stars. By the work of preaching people have come to know the true living, Father and the Son Jesus, whom they should worship and praise during their lives. May this work continue, to bring many to salvation as we read in Rev. 22:12-14. Jesus is coming soon to reward each according to their works. May our Lord grant mercy upon you and all our brothers and sisters who help us by sending books and magazines.
Bro Boniface and Irene Juma
The picture shows: from right Bro. Boniface Juma, followed by his son Hamphrey Nyongesa, Mercylyne Juma and on left Mrs. Irene Juma.
I wish to thank you for your support in helping people to change their lives. Here in Kenya, especially in my division, many people have found the Truth because of the books you have been sending.
Bro. Anadetus Konje Khaemba
Loving greetings to all in the bonds of our One Hope in Christ Jesus. Many thanks for your letter, Gospel News and the two booklets that you sent me, which really encouraged me. I would like the Bible Reading Calendar for 2007 and the book of Revision Studies for the Baptism course. I possess a Bible which is not complete, so I would also appreciate your help with a Bible.
Another year has passed and has brought us one step closer to the appointed day when God will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained, who when he comes will not be alone. There will be a multitude who have become heirs of salvation, having walked in Jesus’ ways and been given the honour that pertains to the saints of assisting with the judgements prophesied. As present days become more evil, those who love the Truth yearn more earnestly for Christ’s return. The danger of these troubled times is of becoming weary and losing that ardent fervour – to count continued absence of the Lord as delay. It is not delay, for that day is appointed. A set time is decreed. We must bear patiently the remaining days, redeeming them in the pursuit of working out our salvation and not be caught unawares, for ‘he that shall come, most assuredly will come’. God has ‘fixed a day in which He will judge the whole world with justice by means of that man He has chosen, and He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead (Acts 17:30-31) The apostle Peter helps us, ‘What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming’ (2Peter 3:11,12).
George Maina Wabwile
Above is the photograph of the Brethren at a meeting. Standing from left, Bro. Eric Wamalwa, Martin Sikuku, Solomon Simiyu,; Benson Wekesa, Gilbert Wanjala, Juliors Sangura, David Wekesa, Martin Barasa, Joch Barosa, Alex Wanjalor, George Mourio,. Sitting line from right: Wycliffe Wekesa, Aggrey Kasili, and two friends.
CHWELE
Thank you very much for sending us Gospel News and some pamphlets, they are really encouraging us. We learn about the Word of God and what is happening around the world. We wish also to let you know that we are very happy at the way you are doing this work.
Bro. Patrick and Join Sawa
GISAMBAI
I request you to kindly send me ten Kiswahili Bible Basics. As you know some Brothers and Sisters in our Ecclesia do not understand English, this is why I am making this request.
Bro. Solomon Abukira
We have received copies of Bible Basics and other literature. I and my Ecclesia are very thankful for your services. A book called “Where There Is No Doctor” would be of great use to us here, and we hope you will be able to send it. Please continue to send us any other useful literature for our Scriptural upbuilding.
Bro. Ernest Lavuna.
ISHIARA
I am fine here together with the rest of the family, hoping and looking above for we are aware that our Saviour Jesus Christ is near. He suffered on the cross for our sins, fulfilling Gen.3:15. to redeem the sinful flesh of man to everlasting life. This is why we are all standing in one hope (hope of Israel), waiting for Jesus to ‘establish His Kingdom with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.’ So we are praying our Lord God to remember all of us, that we may meet in that Kingdom. Finally, I am thankful to have received reading glasses which have helped me greatly, and the King James Bible which also helped us, for we had a problem. May you continue to remember us in prayers.
Sis. Caroline K. Aphaxard
KAKAMEGA
I wish to request further material refuting the ‘Da Vinci Code’. I also need ‘Where Women Have no Doctor.’ I am dealing with a group of women from a rural part and I can assure you the book will be put to good use.
Bro. Gibson A. Azere
KAPTAMA
We have been continuing to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God here at Kaptama Mt. Elgon since the year 1997 until now and baptised many. But what I’m requesting is that you to assist us spiritually because we lack Christadelphian literature and also Gospel News for encouragement and guidance. We have many places to go to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, but here in Kenya we must sacrifice ourselves even if we stay in a poor life. God’s reward is great for His faithful, as Jesus told his disciples, ‘he who endures to the end shall be saved’ (Matt.24:13). I appeal to the brothers, sisters and youths everywhere to arise and preach the gospel and live a spiritual life, as the return of our Lord is at hand.
Bro. Moses Borter
KITALI
We’re happy to receive Gospel News. Could you please send the book entitled Mwalimu Wa Kristadelphian, which will help our friends who are ready for baptism – ten in number. Also we kindly ask for 20 copies of the Bible Companion and the address of CIL. This we hope will help us to request Sunday School material.
Bro. Martin Chemiati
KITWE
Thank you for the literature which I enjoyed reading. I would be glad if you could please send me ‘The Death of the Cross’ ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses, their Doctrines Briefly Tested by Scripture’ ‘How to grow a Balanced Diet’and ‘Do You Believe in a Devil?’ booklets. Furthermore, I thank you very much for sending me Middle East Crisis leaflets, as they have given me a clear picture of the situation in which our brethren and sisters stand. We pray our Heavenly Father to soon send His beloved Son to deal with the problems the world is facing.
I am desperately in need of exhortation papers and would like to start Bible Basics lessons with others. My wife is very eager to learn, but in our local language (Bemba). I pray that in the near future there will be lessons in our own local language. We join our hands with my family to pass our heartfelt love to you all. Come Lord Jesus, come quickly.
Bro. Willies Simbowe
KWALE
I’m happy to send you this letter to inform you that I am grateful for your assistance to my life. You have helped me with some books like Gospel News, which make me stronger in my belief in our Lord Jesus Christ. I’m a Sister baptised in June 2005. I beg you to kindly assist me with Bible Basics so that I can understand more of the word of God. Your books are very good guidance in Bible study. Sis. Lydia Maingi
LOITOKTOK
I write you this letter full of joy in whatever circumstance I find myself, since the book of James tells me to count it joy whenever I face trials, knowing that it is for a short time, and the times we are in are the last days just before the return of Christ, when he will restore order in this troubled world.
I say thank you for the book ‘Legalism v/s Faith’ as this has assisted me so much in my everyday work, since I can just start from chapter one and have something to tell those who buy my drawings. I had never ever thought or considered the fact that many of Jesus’ healings were done on a Sabbath day, but through this book, together with my Bible, it helps me make sense and accuracy in whatever I say and preach.
I have been ill due to Malaria for the last month, but now I am recovered and have regained my health. I have been well informed with Gospel News and very soon I am to go to Tanzania in the hope that I will locate my brothers at Arusha Ecclesia.
Looking at Bible Basics, on page 169 there is a photograph of the snake and the brain of a human being: does it have another meaning apart from what happened in Genesis chapter 3:15? If so, I would be glad to know, i.e. the enmity of the seed of the woman and that of the serpent. Thank you once again for the Thank you once again for the literature I have been receiving, and I would be glad to have any other which you feel would help me, e.g. the Statement of Faith. Greet all those who write to you with the hope that one day we shall meet, either in this present troubled world, or in the Kingdom for which we wait.
Bro. Peter Thuo
MAKHONGE
Thank you very much for the wonderful work we have seen you doing in the Lord’s Vineyard here in our ecclesia; we enjoy reading the Gospel News magazine and other books you have sent to many of us. Manasseh is my son. About myself, I am a member of Makhonge ecclesia. I am 66 years old and I was haptised in 1981 after I had been a Bible student for some time. Initially, I was a member of an Evangelical group, but the Christadelphian doctrines shed more light to me when I accepted the faith. I am a farmer by occupation. I grow such crops as maize, beans, sunflowers and others in my small garden and farm.
Bro. William Wamamili Buyela
We really appreciate your efforts and generosity in supplying varied literature to enable us to grow spiritually and morally. We are also grateful for the English programme that you have just introduced to our ecclesia. Bro. David lent us a copy and it is so good. Actually, you have killed two birds with one stone: we are able to read and speak English and read the whole of Mark’s Gospel too. For those of us who did not get the opportunity to join Colleges and University because of lack of money for school fees, we now have a golden opportunity to learn and advance in English. We would request that, if possible, the programme should be on a continuous basis in our ecclesia. We want the Sisters to learn English grammar and participate fully in the Gospel News, just as the brothers are doing.
Bro. Manasseh and Sis Doricus Wamamili.
Bethren and Sisters after the Memorial Service at Makhonge
MIWANI
We are happy to inform all our brothers and sisters worldwide of the baptisms of Bro Marcelus Otieno and Sis Darnela Adiyo. Praise the Almighty God.
Thank you very much for the assistance CAT gave us to buy Casava hybrid plants – there will be more reports of this later. Thank you also for the books we received. Could you please send me the name and address of our Linkman?
Bro. Peter and Sis. Jane Omuny
Photo shows Brothers and Sisters of the Miwani Ecclesia, our Sunday School children and friends, after the Memorial Service
NALONDO
The youth today must show forth a greater maturity than any previous generation, for they are called upon to pass through the gravest crisis in the history of the world and they must meet their destiny with faith, steadfastness, assurance and reality!
They can have a hope and promise that brings them to the full measure of their destiny on earth. Learn to live according to spiritual discipline and achieve a new balance in life, a balance that is conducive to heroic deeds and to a state of complete devotion, and strive for true spiritual excellence. Our expectant eyes are fixed on them. Remember that youth can move the world! If each of them arises and fully plays his or her part, the key words are discipline, and deepening devotion. LET THEM NOT LET CHRIST DOWN.
God will test them because the rewards are great, so the tests must also be great. And He will prove their sincerity and they should expect that there will be more difficulties. They are the bearers of the word of God in this day, they have been chosen by Him. Let their life be a sacrifice for Him and so eagerly wait for the second coming of His Son to raise the saints to shine as stars in the firmament. If they are willing and if they are ready, let them just arise and say, ‘Here we are. Oh Lord, send us out!’ Can they hear? Are they responsible? Do they hear this voice of Jesus? If they do, let them act.
Bro. Moses Wanami
The Creator of heaven of earth, the God of Abraham and Isaac, the Giver of life, is a wonderful Deity who controls the whole universe, (Gen 1 and 2). Initially God loved the earth and the first couple, Adam and Eve. It was not His will that mankind should perish but sin intervened which led to death as a penalty (Gen 3). But God is a loving Father. Mankind has an alternative to death by hearing the gospel, and repentance and confession. That is why God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
Bro Samuel Wanga
Thank you for your recent letter with a book about Jesus, which is very interesting. This actually shows how seriously you are working for the Lord to make sure that both judgement and salvation reaches all responsive creatures on earth. How sorry one will be if he/she has given only ten per cent of their life to God’s service, contrary to what was promised at the time of baptism. We should remember that it wasn’t an agreement made between us and whoever interviewed us, but it was with God.
We have tried to sacrifice ourselves for God’s work by sharing spiritual meals with brethren from within our ecclesia and from distant places. For instance, Bro. Moses Borter from Kaptama Ecclesia Bro Andrew Wangila from Nyasi Farm Ecclesia. Bro. Laban and I, both from Nalondo Ecclesia., paid a visit to Sis Wereah Murunga at Kilingani where we enjoyed a Bible discussion with her family, starting from the moment we arrived at 4.00 p.m. to midnight. We rested until morning. After breakfast, they accompanied us to Lurambi where the Bible study was held. We shared scripture with brothers and sisters both from within our ecclesia and those far away. Actually, the day was successful. We parted at around 3.00 p.m. in peace We were very grateful to learn that you have extended your Gospel work to those places which are very far from where we stay. Many of them witnessed how you have enriched them with Bible literature.
We thank God for a Bible study held at Nalondo Ecclesia where two from Nalondo were baptised - Carolyne Nafula and Claire Nanjala are now Sisters with us in Christ. We also thank God for a recent invitation to give sound doctrine to a Pentecostal church at Bukembe. where Bro Laban and I went with two friends, who we are hoping to baptise soon. Bro. Laban spoke about worldliness and I spoke about the Kingdom of God which is to be on earth for fulfilment of scripture prophecy. Indeed, the message was challenging and amazing for them as it was totally different from what they believed. Some asked if we had any relationship with Jehovah’s Witnesses. We denied that we had any relationship with them, or that we knew their teachings. We are now waiting for their reaction.
How we pray that God will continue caring for us so that we may take the Gospel to all places where He sends us.
Bro. Nimrod and Sis. Caren Masika
NYERI
Christ will be revealed to the nations on the Mount of Olives (Zech. ch.14). “Behold the day of the Lord cometh and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle and the city shall be taken, the houses rifled and the women ravished. Half of the city shall go forth into captivity and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the Lord go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives which is before Jerusalem on the East, and the Mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north and half toward the south… The Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with him. But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, and there will be no day nor night. And it shall be in that day that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem, half of them towards the former sea and half of them towards the hinder sea; in summer and in winter shall it be”.
Rev. 21:3 says, “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying , Behold the tabernacle of God is with men. And He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people; and God himself shall be with them and be their God, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes”. When Jesus taught about the last days he said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away. Take heed, watch and pray, for ye know not when the time is” (Mark 13:20-37). No-one knows the day or hour when Jesus will come back to the earth, but we are told to watch. Brethren and sisters, we should watch while reading the Bible daily. Thank you all for your work in printing and sending the Gospel News, the Bible Missionary and Glad Tidings magazines. With the love of God and Christ, you will be helped in this work. Also we pray that this work may continue with our Father’s blessing, so that when the word reaches us it will build us up spiritually and we may have understanding. We in Nyeri are glad when we see pictures of different places and we feel happy when reading and seeing brethren and sisters in different countries. God will help each of us to understand His Word. We are still striving to meet Jesus Christ on his return, for the time is at hand.
Sis. Helen Njeri
Since February last year, our post office box was closed, for it was not paid. But after struggling with hard problems God helped Sister Helen with money so she paid the rent of the box last month. Now we have received Gospel News and also some letters from abroad, and the Bible Missionary magazines. Thank you all.
Bro. Alex K. Mwaniki
SINDO
I was filled with great joy to receive your parcel of books. I paid only seventy shillings Kenyan money, but what I gained is more valuable, as it is information about life in our Saviour Jesus Christ and how we can protect and maintain our health, and earn our living, preparing ourselves to welcome King Jesus to take over the kingdoms of this earth. Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one thanked him for the miracle. The books I received with God’s love, and I thank you.
Bro. John Owalo Onani
SONGHOR
Thank you very much for the good work done since you started it years back and supplying Gospel New. I have enclosed a photo of the Songhor Ecclesia at their Memorial Service held one fine Sunday morning.
Bro. Alex Abuya
Charity is dying and the world is cold. The only heat that may really warm it before it destroys itself is the word of God and the faith that Christ is soon coming.
Charity is dying and the world is cold: cold with the hatred that brother kills brother. In many parts of the world, men kill men like themselves, the earth cries out in fear and trembling and abhorrence at having to absorb once more the blood shed by the likes of Cain. Charity is dying and the
world is cold. Cold with a lot of suspicion and doubt. Men walk in dark fogs that seem to rise from nowhere but in reality are everywhere. Fogs distort reality and make the real seem unreal. They bring the suspicion and doubt because they bring fear. Fear that blocks out intellect and imagination and makes people neurotic. All this is happening because charity is dying. But why is charity dying? What is charity? CHARITY IS LOVE. And God is love. Charity is dying in the heart of men because they refuse the love of God. In fact they refuse God Himself. They reject Him. Some say they have no need of Him and can live without Him. Some say that God does not exist and has never existed. Charity can be resurrected in the hearts of men if only they will stop and think about love and God. The incredible and true fact is that God loved them first and all they have to do to banish strife, wars, atomic bombs, is to begin to love Him back. Then the light and fire of charity will be so immense that no one will hate his brother.
Bro George Ndiege
SUNA – MIGORI
Thank you for your letter. My only problem is my hearing. We arranged with a Brother when we were at the Nairobi Conference for him to send me money to buy a hearing aid after receiving a letter from the doctor. But after I had sent the letter he refered me to another Brother, but nothing materialised. So I have problems when we gather to hear the Word. Also, my difficulty did not come as a result of meningitis, as stated, but when I was injected with quinine, this affected my hearing. That is why doctors referred me to get that type of hearing aid to help me.
Bro. Samwel Masara
Comment: Whilst not all hearing aids can be used by others, we would like to hav
any that are surplus, as it may be they may help others with hearing problems. It’s worth trying. MH
Me, my family and ecclesial members are all fine and greet everyone wherever you are toiling in the Master’s vineyard. I am very grateful to CAT. for the various publications and ask you to continue with the good work. All these are a sign of the work of the all powerful God who has made us one big family. Disease, ignorance and poverty continue to plague developing nations in the world. Thanks to God who has enabled medical research, which takes many years to develop remedies for some of our common ailments. In medical sociology disease is a deviation from the norm. Definitely this deviation started at the Garden of Eden, where our first parents rebelled (Gen 3:1-11). It was accelerated at the Tower of Babel where languages were confounded (Gen. 11:1).
The Scriptures hold answers to the prevailing ailing situation in the world, beyond any reasonable doubt. Such disasters as the pictures in our papers of earthquakes and volcanoes are clear indications of what is written in 2 Tim3:1-5. ‘But mark this, there will be terrible times in the last days, the days preceding the coming of Jesus Christ. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous; without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
Bro. Joseph Onyango
WEBUYE
We fervently continue sowing the seed of the Kingdom in a more organised way since 2005. Our present service area is Mt. Elgon and its environs. One brother and two Sisters were baptised in May this year. One of the sisters, Sis Florence Wasike, is aged 63 years, but can read and understand our Christadelphian literature. We are out of stock of books and booklets on the Truth and would appreciate any assistance.
Bro. Shawn Tyler
