NEWS FROM KENYA
BULIMBO
Bro. Jouma Sadique
BUNGOMA
We are grateful for the Bibles you have sent to us and are very happy to have received them. I also received the DVD about preaching the gospel but we do not have a laptop so that we can use it, so will have to find someone to play it for us.
We read in Luke 10:25-35 of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Who is the good Samaritan? We will see at the end of the lesson that it was Jesus. The man, a Jew, that was coming from Jerusalem to Jericho, encountered robbers who: left him with no clothes left him there to die left him bleeding.
The first person to come across this injured man was a priest who did not help him, the next person, a Levite also passed by on the other side. The third person who came along was "a certain Samaritan", who was moved with compassion and bound up his wounds, set him on his own beast, took him to an inn and paid for him to be looked after.
Remember that first person was a priest from the house of Levi and the second person was a Levite, but not a priest. They were representatives of the Law of Moses and they passed by and did nothing. They were poor leaders and carers of the sheep. The third person was from Samaria and the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans, treated them as enemies and would not even fetch them water from a spring.
The man that fell among thieves is a picture of sinners, he "went down" to Jericho (place of a curse). The Redeemer - a certain Samaritan despised, was his neighbour and represents Christ, whose blood was shed on the cross for our sins, (he paid the inn keeper) and if we accept and obey him, his remedy for us oil and wine: wine to cleanse conviction: oil to cure conversion. We are to follow that good shepherd of the sheep because he gives life (eternal life) to us through baptism, John 10:11- 15, and faithfully obeying his commands.
Bro. Boniface Juma
Bro. Boniface Juma
I have received a book "Wrested Scriptures" and have begun reading it. It is very interesting and I am getting more inspired by the works you always send to me.
I am 23 years old and I know I am at a stage when most youths go astray, especially in my country. We know very well that the Bible is very important in human life it speaks to people physically, mentally, morally and spiritually. The Bible speaks to the heart. It deals with the experiences of humanity like birth, marriage, love, parenthood and even death.
The Bible heals the deepest wound in human nature, it offers forgiveness of sin through our Lord Jesus Christ, promised in the Bible. The Bible is universal, it does not discriminate, whether we are sick or lonely, it speaks to us and all who are aged, orphans, widows, rich, poor, humble or even great, all of them. The Bible has a lesson to offer to them. Let us all believe in the Bible. (John 20:31).
The Bible strengthens us in weakness, cheers us in despondence, comforts us in sorrow, guides us in uncertainty and soothes us when weary. It shows us how to live courageously and to die without fear because our Lord Jesus Christ will come back and there will be the resurrection that will make those who lived according to His will to continue living in His Kingdom. (Psalm 90:17).
--Bro. Nasongo Haron
CHWELE
We wish to write to thank you profoundly for the good work you are doing to spread the Word of God. The Gospel News magazine has undergone several transformations as time has gone on and we pray that God will always uplift our brothers and sisters all over the world to work hard for the magazine to continue. The CD is really interesting, as we have watched it on a friend's machine. Many were puzzled at the teachings of "The Real Devil" CD so we had to explain it to them clearly. May the Lord who watches from above bless you as we wait for Our Master's return.
--Bro. David and Sis. Jacklyn Wanjala.
ELDORET
Kindly accept my good wishes to your family and ecclesia plus the entire brotherhood in Christ. Our country is at a cross-road. Kindly remember us in your prayers. May our good God, full of mercy, remember the work of the Truth, helping others to come to the Kingdom.
Our gospel magazine has reached its expectation it is vivid indeed. We assure you that we will continue giving any necessary support for the Gospel News. Bible Basics is a book worthy of its salt in terms of the gospel of the day. Please send me some of them in the English version. As you always express our real life in this part of the country, remain being so kind to us as you have been doing.
Peter stressed that, regardless of their circumstances, believers have been given a hope that cannot be taken away and they have the resources to continue living holy lives. "WHAT IMPACT CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS?"
Peter wrote to Christians about their need for hope and holiness. Christians are pilgrims of faith on the earth as it is now but their hope is to be in the Kingdom on this earth in the future. Peter's readers were being persecuted but they needed to have hope and assurance of their inheritance. Peter urges them to rejoice even in times of trouble. Note that Peter was a mere fisherman's son and that was where Jesus first found him.
--Bro. Jacob Okoth
KITALE
I thank you for the books, pamphlets and all materials from CAT. Keep on doing the sterling work and in the will of God you will be rewarded soon in Christ's presence. It is a sacrifice for you and others and without you we should not have reached where we are now. You supply us with material and ours is to proclaim the Truth in "Christendom Astray".
The pioneers opinion stated that in the last days of human affairs (just before the coming of Christ), America would co-operate with Britain in her efforts against the world in arms. The friendly feeling that now prevails between the two countries and the rumours of political alliance between them, certainly looks as if this prognostication will to be fulfilled. Such an alliance would secure Britain's food supply in the direst emergency. It is wonderful how many of Bro. Thomas's political anticipations, based upon the indications of prophecy, have been realised. America would certainly, as you observe, make a fine strong lion, to roar in support of the young lions who will presently raise a chorus of growls against the northern bear when she comes down to assail the old mother. God bless all the overseers and the watchmen on this matter.
--Bro. Martin W.Barasa
Bro. Martin Barasa (left) with a friend on the right, Isaya Wanjala, after Bible Study in his home with others
MAKHONGE
Warmest greetings of love and peace we share together in Christ. Thanks for the noble work CAT are doing in God's vineyard. It is clear that it's endeavour is seen worldwide and we prayerfully ask God to give you good health, long life and pour out abundant blessings for this important work of salvation to continue while Jesus remains away. We are so thrilled for the parcel we have just received and we find your letter very informative.
Our sons Jim and Oscar are both in class 6 and one would like to become an engineer and the other a doctor. Millicent is in class 3 and would like to become a preacher when she grows up. Jim is 13, Oscar is 11 and Millicent is 8 years. We are just peasant farmers but hope that God will bless us with abundant resources to educate them so that these dreams may come true.
The NEV Bible has been given to one of our contacts and he is very interested in knowing things
concerning God's Kingdom and His Son, Jesus Christ. We pray for him to remain steadfast in the last days. We have so many bad things taking place everywhere. Please keep on sending more spiritual literature.
--Bro. Manasseh and Sis. Doricus Wamamili
Thanks very much for your endeavour in supplying the spiritual literature to God's people worldwide. We are now members in Christadelphian fellowship and we are happy and wish to join together in faith and studying God's Word, especially in these hectic periods. A few days ago we came across your good NEV Bible version sent to Bro. Manasseh and Sis. Doricus. It is a great help in our daily studies of God's Word and has also proved to be a good version for students who have joined the secondary school this year. We use it at home and at the same time our sons like it in studying Christian religious education in school.
--Bro. Jacob and Sis. Phoebe Buyela
NAKURU
Kindly send my name and address to the publishers of Gospel Publicity League of Australia. I have been writing to them but still do not receive the pamphlets. My new box number is P.O.Box 14879 though the other one still operates.
I have enclosed the translation of the book "What's the Gospel?" in Luo language. The Luos are the second largest tribe in Kenya after the Kikuyus. Many would like to know the Truth but are not good at understanding and reading English or Swahili and as labourers in the Lord's vineyard it is our responsibility to accomplish the missionary obligations etc.
Laptops have been promised for all pupils of std.1, those beginning primary education. I was impressed that our ecclesias, especially in Africa, are baptising members every now and then; in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Nigeria, just to mention a few.
Bro. Joshua Kisuya of Kenya is doing all he can to have brethren and sisters in Ethiopia as we are living in the last days. I am also glad that Bro. Agyeman of Ghana is still in the Truth waiting for the Lord Jesus. Bro.
Innocent Baruom of Kiberia Ecclesia, Nairobi, who is originally from D.R.Congo, is also tirelessly labouring in the vineyard, visiting and baptising people, especially in refugee camps, which is a commendable work.
Kenya is fine despite the Al Shabab threats and attacks. Please help us to pray. When will you visit Kenya? I always wish that one day we meet if Christ is still away, but we know that he is about to come as the events taking place now on earth show clearly that it is near. Do you have Bible Basics in Kiswahili, Luo, Luhyia or Kikuyu as some contacts would like these, or Bibles in those languages. The purpose of the gospel was to unite man again with God. The gospel is glad tidings, which means good news, but what is the good news?
--Bro. Samuel Wanga
Bro. Samuel Wanga teaching the young Yvonne the Word of God,
Bro. Samuel Wanga stressing a point from the Bible for some youths and Sunday School children.
COMMENT: Sorry the languages you mention are now out of stock and it does not alas look as if we will have the resources to reprint them soon.
NDHIWA
"Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come devote yourself to public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Don't neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you." 1 Timothy 4:11-14
"To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed. Be shepherds of God's flock.
That is, under your care serving as overseers, not because you must, but because you are willing as God wants you to be. Not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being an example to the flock. And when Christ, the chief shepherd appears you will receive the crown of glory that ill never fade away."
1 Peter 5:1-4 --Sis Dorine Mboya, Ndhiwa
NDHIWA
Thank you very much for the Bibles and Gospel News. Here we are fine in the Lord. God has kept us going well despite the hardship of life. My two children in secondary school are actually my concern as it is hard to raise their school fees. It is our prayer for some well- wishers and good Samaritans to come out to support them.
I am thankful that the book of James is clear when describing true religion or true faith, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (ch.1:27). That is refreshing. True religion genuine faith- is an expression of how we relate to God. One evidence of our new identity in Christ is the way we care for one another reaching to the most frail and vulnerable among us, to those in most need of help.
True religion is not a garment to be taken on and off. It is a lofty challenge about how we live before a holy God and others, it is to know the love that Christ imparts and to show his love to burdened hearts.
You don't advertise your religion or true faith by wearing a label you do it by living a Christian life.
--Bro. Jacktone Ukiru
Bro. Jacktone doing his personal Bible study in his garden.
SINDO
I was pleased to receive the Gospel News for your Bible study disc. The purpose of the Gospel News is to fully preach the true gospel and to encourage brethren and sisters to grow spiritually and maintain a high standard of doctrine and practice to the end that they may attain the Kingdom.
I started reading the magazine in 1999, 14 years ago and am one of the brethren who has benefitted from the service of this magazine. I was baptised on 21 August 1976 by Bro. David Rowley from England, so have been in the Truth for 37 years. We are warned by Paul to preach the true gospel of Christ, Gal. 1:6-10. Also Jesus gave the great commission to preach the gospel to the whole creation. We have three steps to salvation, belief, baptism and obedience.
Jesus of Nazareth was King of the Jews. Matt.27:37, Mark 15:26, Luke 23:38, John 19:19. Today the world we live in needs Jesus to take over as a world President because unfaithful corrupt leader, instead of peace and love, turn the world into a place of torment and suffering with no peace of heart. Only the coming of Christ will bring peace on earth.
Many people forget that the kingdom of Israel, was the Kingdom of God on earth. It was destroyed and Jesus of Nazareth is coming to be the King, not only of the Jews but of the whole earth for 1000 years and then hand the power to the Heavenly Father, 1 Cor. 16:24, Rev. 20:4, Rev. 5:10.
After the resurrection Jesus was asked in Acts 1:6, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" The reply, v.7 "It is not for you to know the times and the seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority."
Finally, my dear brothers and sisters, the God of Israel wants us to repent, seek him daily, glorify Him and listen to his voice and obey the true gospel because He has fixed a day that he will send His Son, Jesus of Nazareth to reign on earth. Acts 17:31, "He hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."
I have tried to make use of the opportunity to follow the Bible Companion and accept that I have weakness/strength. I was able through contact with you from 1999 to 2013, about 14 years, improved my spiritual growth in the Truth. You have made me go an extra mile in the Truth through the Gospel News by accepting my articles in the magazine. I do accept that I am weak/strong in the Truth so plese give me the best you can.
--Bro. John Owalo Onani.
SUNA MIGORI
Here in Kenya we are praising God's grace for keeping us in peace. In 2007 we had an election.
Many people demised and some were injured due to post-election violence. This year we held our election on 4th March. It is written in the book of Timothy that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." We must be thankful for God's peace in Kenya. Even now there are difficulties in finding food and we are suffering a lot. I don't lose hope because Jesus will come back soon to take control.
--Bro. Kim Rolif Ochuodho
I received the parcel you sent me with a Bible and a very interesting book called "Women in the Church", thank you very much. The book is a very inspiring debate and I have learned a lot from it. Also the European Bible is very educational and the notes underneath or below are very useful to me. In fact, the notes assist me in preaching when I am doing mission work. I have also received 2 DVDs, "The Real Devil" and one for basic studies. I have watched the one for Bible studies which I have found very helpful in my life as the lessons are deep and detailed and have reinforced my Biblical knowledge. I am planning to watch the DVD "The Real Devil" on Sunday at my friend's house as he will be at home at the weekend and he has a DVD player. I plan to buy my own machine soon, if the Lord wills.
I would like to inform you that I have written to "Agape in Action" in Canada for University sponsorship for my son Raymond Kyato Munygo who did form 4 last year. He has been called to Mount Kenya University. Since I am a low paid worker I hope I will get a positive response from them.
Who is Jesus? Jesus is the one who will save us from our sins.
Christ: The anointed. There were three official roles for which people were anointed by God:-
That of a King That of a prophet That of a priest.
Jesus Christ filled all these roles. We have to believe in Jesus the King, the Prophet and the Priest who taught us about redemption and salvation, thus we come to call him the Lord Jesus Christ. He also taught us that we are washed from our sins through his shed blood and our baptism into him. He did all these works for us sinners. If we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ our destiny is eternal life.
--Bro. Benjamin Mwatu
Bro. Benjamin Munyao Mwatu and others at Bible Fraternal meeting at Kababu Ecclesia. We were queuing up for breakfast in the morning. N.B. Children were made to sit on grass to be served tea.
