Vol
14 LENT 2013. MARCH - JUNE 2013 ISSUE.
The Glorious Awakening.
The Changamwe Edition
The Making of Canons.
The five canons were
drawn from the house of clergy and the house of laity: Mr. Herbert Mwachala and
Mr. James Mlewa from St. Lukes Makupa and Emmanuel Jilore. The very Rev. Festus Kiseu of MMC. and Ven.
Habil Chambia, Kisauni and Harrison Mwesi Changamwe.
Canon Mwesi of Changamwe
was doubly blessed as he was venerated as Archdeacon of the newly created
Changamwe Archdeaconry as well as being collated a canon.
The word ‘canon’ is
borrowed from Latin and Greek languages, ‘caonicus’ and ‘Kanoniko’ respectively
relating to ‘rule’ or ‘govern’. This
order belongs to priests who are members of the Christian clergy who are subjected
to ecclesiastical rule.
Right from the days of
the primitive church, a canon was a cleric, staying with others in a church
house, or within the precincts of a church house or a cathedral thus ordering
his life according to the orders or standards of the church.
The title ‘canon’ in many
episcopal dioceses is accorded to outstanding parish priests, largely as an
honorary title. It is awarded in
recognition of and to honour long distinguished and outstanding service to the
diocese. However honorary canons are members of the chapter in name only and
are not entitled to any emoluments. They
are entitled to call themselves canons and thus have a significant role in the
administration of the Cathedral.
Throughout church history and the Anglican Communion, they often wear a violet
cassock trimmed with 39 buttons symbolizing the 39 articles of religion.
Canons in the Anglican
Communion are members of the cathedral chapter and have episcopal duties in the
administration of the cathedral.
A.C.K
Holds Liturgical Conference 2012 Review
ACK (Anglican Church of
Kenya) held a 5 day historic liturgical conference week preceding Ascension Day
in May. His Grace the Most Rev. Dr.
Eliud Wabukala graced the occasion. More
than 40 liturgical delegates from all over the Province of Kenya were in
attendance, among them, bishops and clergy. The conference was held at George’s
High School, Nairobi.
The diocese of Mombasa
was represented by the DYO. Ven. Charles Muinde. One of the issues that came out of the
liturgical conference was a youth liturgy that addresses and answers problems
affecting youth.
Venerable Charles Muinde
and His grace during the conference in May.
His grace the Most Rev.
Dr. Wabukala in a historic photo with delegates from all over the province of
Kenya during the liturgical conference at St. George’s High School in May. On his right, is Bishop Charles Muturi of Mt.
Kenya South, while Ven. Charles Muinde of Mombasa is in the far right.
Director of
Education and Training
The ACK Director of
education and training, Mr. Wilberforce Wangalwa addresses delegates to the
historic liturgical conference when the curtains of the conference came down.
The recommendation was that youths need their own liturgy.
Laying of Hands
Bishop Julius Kalu of
Mombasa presides over an ordination service at the Mombasa Memorial Cathedral
early 2012.
Note numerous clergy led
by Bishop lay hands on an ordinand who is being admitted into the holy orders
of a deacon. Can you identify your own clergy?
The 2012 ordination
service which involved the making of deacons, ordering of priests and
commissioning of the evangelist witnessed the highest number of ordinands in
our ordination history – 18 in all.
Ordination is a solemn
religious rite through which the ordinands undergo, through prayer, meditation
and lying prostrate, and the laying of hands by the Bishop; the Holy Spirit is
received to complete what he or she had
started at baptism and to empower the candidate for Christian service.
2012
Review Ordination.
Ordinands lie
Prostrate
Those that were being
admitted into the Holy Orders of deacons’ lie prostrate at the altar area
during the 2012 ordination ceremony at the Mombasa Memorial Cathedral. This is a tradition of the early church; such
kinds of ordination are rare in human history.
Deacons and Priests who undergo such religious rites perform the
episcopal assignments with a distinctive difference.
Other places where such
ordinations are done include Zanzibar, Namirembe, Mombasa, Holy Cross – Lusaka,
Long Island and North India.
Clergy Chapter
The chairman of the
clergy chapter, the Venerable Canon Habil Chambia, addresses members of the
clergy during a clergy chapter meeting at the Mombasa Memorial Cathedral early
in the year. He asked the members of the
clergy to pray for peace and security in the region.
Ordination Photograph.
Bishops, priests, deacons
and evangelists in an ordinal photograph during 2012 ordination service at
Bishop Hannington Memorial Cathedral.
Bishop Jackson Ole Sapit from Kericho diocese is standing next to Bishop
Kalu of Mombasa. On the far right is Bishop Lawrence Dena.
Before the Bishop
At the beginning of this
office the rubric directs that persons presented to the diocesan Bishop for
admission into Holy orders shall be decently habited. A question is often asked why the clergy of
our diocese wear distinctive regalia of robes when performing divine services?
To show that a person
wearing them is not acting personally, but as an officer and for the glory and
beauty “make sacred garments for your brother Aaron, to give him dignity and
honor” (Ex.28:2).
Madam D.C. Addresses
Women’s International Day.
In March 2012, D.C.
Msambweni district, Madam Latif addressed women of her district in Mwangulu,
Msambweni.
Women
International Day
“On behalf of my
district’s women and children, on my own behalf, I hereby wish to salute the
women of Msambweni during this auspicious occasion on marking the International
Day of Women.
I’m very delighted to
join you here in Mwangulu during this grand occasion to commemorate centenary
celebrations of the International Day for Women.
I’m indeed humbled by the
fact that we women of Msambweni district together with other development
partners are joining the rest of the globe to commemorate and celebrate this
day that continues to present opportunities to advocate for the rights of women
in social-economic and political developments”.
Madam Latif reiterated
the theme of the occasion: ‘equal access to education, training and technology’. Decent working environment for woman has come
at the right moment when education for the girl child is top in the world
agenda.
She said that the Kenya
government recognizes that education is the chief pillar for human holistic
development; to be embraced in the national education system, early childhood
to the university level, with provision of literacy skills and vocational
training.
“As a District Commissioner in charge of a
marginalized district, I am very glad to be associated with this great
awakening and the tremendous achievements associated with women despite
numerous challenges. Remember - early childhood pregnancy and forced marriages
are unacceptable in today’s world. Thank you”.
Madam Latif has since
been transferred to the head office of the Provincial Administration. We wish her all the best!
Aldina Parish Holds a
Medical Camp.
Alidina Parish in
Mombasa.
The Vicar and the
congregation of St. Joseph of Nazareth Alidina Parish had a one day medical
camp during which the congregation and the
surrounding community carried out a thorough awareness campaign on five
major diseases that are associated with women.
These being: Breast and Cervical Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension, Family
Planning and Diet. Cancer for example affects both men and women of middle age.
The causes are unknown. If not treated
at an early stage, it can be fatal and can lead to death. Cancers takes various forms, breast and
cervix cancer being the most common in women.
In men there is prostrate cancer.
Alidina Christians and
Their Vicar.
St. Joseph of Nazareth’
Christians together with their vicar, Rev. Douglas Ojuang in a historic
photograph, during a thanksgiving service held in November. The Rev. Ojuang was ordained deacon in 2012
and was posted to Alidina in the capacity as vicar.
Alidina parish was carved
out from Miritini parish and is expanding fast.
Under the wise leadership of their vicar, they have built a modern
vicarage which is due for completion and plans are under way to put up an ultra
modern church with a seating capacity of 5000 people, complete with balcony,
car park and conference facilities.
Alidina
Medical Camp
Alidina Choral Girl.
Alidina choral girl,
giving her best oratorical performance in God’s service during a parish
thanksgiving in November! Surely Alidina
St. Joseph of Nazareth is on the rise!
Alidina Vicar with
Medical Camp Team
The Alidina parish vicar,
Rev. Douglas Ojuang, with Christians from his parish, organized a very
successful medical camp in mid 2012. The
one day event covered breast and cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment,
hypertension, family planning, nutrition and diabetes. One of the most common ailments which was
given more coverage was hypertension (HPT). HPT is categorized into mild,
moderate and severe. It is recognised
that the causes of HPT are not clearly known but its associated factors are
anxiety, stress, hereditary high rate of salt consumption, pregnancy and
obesity.
Some of the clinical
symptoms of HPT are: dizziness, nose bleeding, severe headaches, stomach
convulsions and paralysis. Others are
congestive heart disease leading to death.
HPT can be controlled by
reduction of alcohol intake, regular monitoring of blood pressure, stopping
smoking and low salt intake.
Checking BP of a
Participant
A nurse working with
Mombasa Hospital checks the blood pressure of a participant to ascertain HPT
during a free medical camp held recently at Alidina parish. Several Christians, of all ages and different
sexes, turned up for the occasion. What
a successful event it was!
The vicar Douglas Ojuang,
together with his wife follows the medical camp proceedings during the
occasion.
Changamwe Turns 50
Emmanuel, Changamwe
Parish celebrated its 50th anniversary in July 2012. The Bishop of
Mombasa, Julius Kalu, presided over the occasion. It was a special and
memorable occasion for the Changamwe Christians
who witnessed the creation of the Changamwe Archdeaconry as well as the
collation of four faithfuls who were made canons. The four canons were drawn from the house of
clergy and the house of laity: Mr. Herbert Mwachala and Mr. James Mlewa from
St. Lukes Makupa and Emmanuel Jilore.
The very Rev. Festus Kiseu of MMC. and Ven. Habil Chambia, Kisauni and
Harrison Mwesi Changamwe.
Canon Mwesi of
Changamwe was doubly blessed as he was venerated as Archdeacon of the newly
created Changamwe Archdeaconry as well as being collated a canon.
The word ‘canon’ is
borrowed from Latin and Greek languages, ‘caonicus’ and ‘Kanoniko’ respectively
relating to ‘rule’ or ‘govern’. This
order belongs to priests who are members of the Christian clergy who are
subjected to ecclesiastical rule.
Right from the days of
the primitive church, a canon was a cleric, staying with others in a church
house, or within the precincts of a church house or a cathedral thus ordering
his life according to the orders or standards of the church.
The title ‘canon’ in many
episcopal dioceses is accorded to outstanding parish priests, largely as an
honorary title. It is awarded in
recognition of and to honour long distinguished and outstanding service to the
diocese. However honorary canons are members of the chapter in name only and
are not entitled to any emoluments.
They are entitled to call
themselves canons and thus have a significant role in the administration of the
Cathedral. Throughout church history and
the Anglican Communion, they often wear a violet cassock trimmed with 39
buttons symbolizing the 39 articles of religion.
Canons in the Anglican
Communion are members of the cathedral chapter and have episcopal duties in the
administration of the cathedral.
Consequently, canons that
belong to the holy orders, especially in the Anglican Communion, are also lay
canons. The rank ‘lay canon’ is conferred upon senior legal officers of the
diocese who have displayed outstanding performance in episcopal duties assigned
to them.
One of the crucial roles
of the cathedral chapter is to elect the so called ‘capitulars’ i.e. a vicar or
a diocesan administrator needed to fill the vacuum during a sale vacant period
of the diocese. In 1983 following the
revision of the code of the canon law, this particular role was reserved for
the college consultants, until such a time that the Bishops national conference
passes a resolution that canon law ascribes the college consultants to the
cathedral chapter.
Congratulations to Canons
Kiseu, Mwesi, Chambia, Mwachala and Mulewa for distinguished and exemplary
career in church service.
In a group photo:
The Bishop of Mombasa
Julius Kalu, holding a bishopric miter, assistant Bishop Dena (far left)
together with lay and clerical canons in a group photo in July 2012, moments
after the collation service in Changamwe. On the far right is lay canon Herbert
Mwachala of Idime enterprises, next to him is Canon Harrison Mwesi of Emmanuel
Changamwe. On the right of Bishop Kalu
is Canon Festus Kiseu, Provost M.M.C, and Canon Habil Chambia, Archdeacon
Kisauni. Between Bishop Dena and Canon
Chambia is the lay canon James Mulewa of K.P.A.
The occasion also was to
commemorate the 50 years since the Gospel reached Changamwe.
Singing Hymns
Bishop Lawrence Dena,
(left) together with Canons Mwesi and Chambia
singing hymns to the most high during a collation service in Changamwe
in July 2012.
Emmanuel Changamwe
Turns 50
ACK Emmanuel Changamwe
celebrated its 50th anniversary since the inception of the
parish. The occasion which was presided
over by Julius Kalu, Bishop of Mombasa, also witnessed the creation of Changamwe
Archdeaconry, and the veneration and collation of Harrison Mwesi, Vicar of
Changamwe.
The man in the lime
light: Venerable Canon Harrison Mwesi,
Vicar of Emmanuel, Changamwe, Archdeacon of Changamwe archdeaconry and
celebrant of 50 Golden Jubilee years of the gospel in his parish, now
archdeaconry. What a blessing it is, so
many titles in one day!
Pictorial
The Venerable Canon
Harison Mwesi, holding a mike. with crossed hands; Canon Herbert Mwachala on
the extreme right,
posing for a group photograph
with Bishops Kalu, Dena and other clergy during the collation service in
Changamwe. Others are Rev. Douglas
Ojuang of Alidina in deacon’s liturgical gear; Rev. Joel Nyatta of St. Faith
Migadini Parish. On the extreme right is Rev. Mary Micere of Jomvu and a member
of the clergy from Soweto.
Bishop Kalu Joins
Singers
The Bishop of Mombasa,
Julius Kalu, joins Emmanuel Changamwe Archdeaconry mass choir in singing
praises to the Most High during the 50th anniversary celebration of
Changamwe Parish. The occasion also witnessed the veneration of Harrison Mwesi
and the creation of Changamwe Archdeaconry.
Changamwe Hosts Kama
Festival
Weeks after the inauguration of
Changamwe archdeaconry, the newly created archdeacon, hosted a diocesan KAMA festival
in Pentecost last year. KAMA (Kenya Anglican Mens’ Association) members from
all the corners of Mombasa Diocese were in attendance.
Changamwe
Hosts Kama Festival:
The Bishop of
Mombasa Julius Kalu graced the occasion. A variety of acts including magic
show, poems, songs and dance routines were performed by the men of our diocese
to the glory of God.
Humble men of God
everywhere:
Men from all parts of the diocese are
humbled by their call, and the message of the occasion delivered by the Bishop
of Mombasa, Julius Kalu , who is also the KAMA Provincial Chairman, follow the
proceedings during the one day event in Changamwe. All the 6 archdeaconries, Rabai, Kwale,
Kilifi, Mombasa, Kisauni and Sungwaya were represented. The number was over
200.
St. Stephens Bamburi
The humble KAMA men of God, from St. Stephens, Bamburi
parish, in a photo, moments after
the curtains came down. Also in the picture, on the left, is lay
reader Rosemary Kiara of Utange, Bamburi.
Chairman leads by
example:
The Diocesan KAMA, chairman , Edward
Oluoch of St. Marks Miritini left, leads other men of the Diocese in singing
hymns during the one day KAMA festival in Changamwe July 2012
Emmanuel Church
Kisauni
Choir master Moses Ombiri of Emmanuel
Church, Kisauni, and his team of KAMA
men were not left behind when it came to
KAMA’s hour in singing praises to the Most High God in the course of the year.
St. Paul’s Kiembeni
Men of God from St. Paul’s Kiembeni
Parish display their singing prowess in
hymn number 495 (Nyimbo Standard) “O Jesus I have promised to serve
thee to the end”. Habil Mwachia is
on the right while on the extreme left is Ndunda.
ACK Mjanahari
Rev. Shadrack Mweni of
Mjanahari Parish, (in blue shirt) with KAMA men from his parish! They sang hymn
46 from Nyimbo Standard: “What will it be when the King comes?”
Purple Alidina
St. Joseph of Nazareth, Alidina, in
their purple attire, entertain guests during the occasion of 50th anniversary
celebrations in Emmanuel Changamwe Parish.
Changamwe’s Choral
Girl
ACK Changamwe’s choral girl at her
oratorical best entertains guests during the occasion of the inauguration of
Changamwe Archdeaconry in July 2012. Canon Harrison Mwesi of Changamwe was
venerated as the area archdeacon.
Far beyond the sky!
There is a beautiful
city, a heavenly home far above and beyond the sky line, where all the faithful
saints dwell in heavenly light. This is the place which all of us are seeking
and heading to find our final resting place.
Venerable Edward Mgaza Archdeacon
Sungwaya passed on quickly after a battle with cancer just a few months after
his veneration in November 2012. Rev.
Timothy Kioko’s wife Esther, hours later, passed on while giving birth, while
her baby also went to be with the Lord moments later.
While that was still
fresh in our memories, the wife of Rev. James Okinyi of Taru Parish wrestled
with anaemia and passed on almost at the same time as Rev. Kioko’s wife
died. What a very sad time for us left
on earth!
The Rev. Mutinda went to be with the
Lord in June 2013 and was buried in his Mariakani home. Rev. Geoffrey Mutinda was preceded by the
death of his wife Rhoda Mutinda who succumbed to cancer in 2009.
Venerable Edward Mgaza
was buried in his Rabai home in November, while Rev. Timothy Kioko’s wife
Esther was laid to rest in their Sultan Hamud home a day later leaving behind a
widower and three children. Rev.
Okinyi’s wife was buried in South Nyanza, leaving behind a widower and two
children.
In his message of condolence to the
family members of the deceased, the Bishop of Mombasa, during the standing
committee of the synod remarked:
“On my own behalf, the standing committee of
the synod and the ACK Mombasa Diocese, I hereby wish to convey my heartfelt
message of condolence to all the families who have lost their beloved ones at
this particular time.
Deaths/Obituaries!
May the almighty
God give the widow and the widowers
peace of heart during this difficult time of mourning?”
All these workers in the Christ’s
vineyard here in Mombasa diocese were full of life and love and hope for the
future; the young and the middle aged.
All were energetic, hardworking men and women with a focus. So you can
imagine how inglorious the month of November was for us here in Mombasa, as a
diocese. It is not death that most of us
are timid of, but rather being dead itself and what lies ‘beyond’ the death
skyline. The security is in knowing Jesus Christ, the first born from dead, as
Lord and Saviour of our lives. We can
be certain and sure about our advocate seated at the right hand of the Father
pleading mercy and justice for the human race.
Singing perhaps is the only divine
activity we have been promised once we enter our heavenly home! While we live here on earth we are only
rehearsing! Real worship is yet to
be! We will jump, leap and dance singing
hosannas! Christ himself, King of Kings,
will be there with us as we adore and praise him for his majesty and love for
us all. We are pretty sure we shall join
with all our beloved ones and with angels and archangels together with all the
company of heaven and earth filled with glory; hosanna in the highest.
Elsewhere: Dr. Bryson Samboja, Global Teams Pwani
Director lost his father and brother between May and October 2012. May they all
rest in peace and resurrect in glory.
Transition – Dad’s
Voice Falls Silent
The Rev. Kennedy Ofundi’s
Father Jospa Ofundi passed on to glory in May 2012, thus bringing the curtain
down on a life well spent. A life
spanning 81 years! Jospa Ofundi was born
in 1924 in Bungoma and leaves behind 12 children, a widow, Mama Mary and 30
grand children.
Jospa Ofundi was a very
successful dairy farmer having studied dairy farm management from colonial
white settlers; Sir Patrick GB Long and Michael Wilson Heasy. He loved animals, especially dairy animals,
and was very popular with his clients.
He loved education and
was a strict disciplinarian and spoke the Queen’s English. He managed educate his children to university
level.
Mr. Jospa Ofundi during
an international trade fair in Dares salaam. He is number 9 holding an Ayrshire
cow.
Memories are treasures no
one can steal. Separation is a wound no
one can heal, except for those in Christ Jesus.
Dad, rest in peace! We miss you.
Consultation
The Bishop of Mombasa,
Julius Kalu holding a microphone consults Rev. Charlotte Mangi of Mariakani
Parish during the funeral service of the late Geofrey Mutinda in July 2012.
Also in the picture is Bishop Lawrence Dena left, lay readers and numerous
laity.
Burying their own
The Rev. Charlotte Mangi with a spade
of soil throws dust back to dust during the burial of the late Geofrey
Mutinda. Looking on are the two Bishops
of Mombasa.
Procession.
The Vicar general Mombasa diocese,
Canon Habil Chambia, leads the procession of Clergy towards the graveyard
during the funeral and the burial of the late Geoffrey Mutinda. The Rev. Mutinda was, until his passing on,
Ganze Secondary School Chaplain in Kaloleni.
Rev.Lucy Lugo of Somali Parish, Charlotte of Mariakani and the
Ven.Muinde. The DYO, among others was in
attendance.
Casket
The casket containing
Mutinda’s body being lifted by members of the clergy to its final resting place
Members of family of the
late Jospa Ofundi view his body at a Kitale nursing home, during his passing on
mid last year. Isaac and Elias are in the foreground while others are in the
background.
Singing Hymns
Mama Mary in mourning regalia sings
hymns during the passing on of Jospa Ofundi.
With her is Mama Mary Soita, my godparent (Editor).
Following Proceedings.
The Rev. Sam Mwai of Namanjalala
parish together with lay readers James Baraza and Norah Kosgey follow the
funeral proceedings of Jospa Ofundi.
Those who lost their
beloved ones.
The Reverend Timothy Kioko of
Vikwatani Kiembeni at the funeral of his wife Esther. Esther was promoted to Glory while giving
birth in a local hospital. The baby too passed on after the birth. You can
imagine how challenging this moment was for the Kioko family.
The widow of the late
venerable Edward Mgaza is overcome by grief during the burial of her husband
last advent. Venerable Mgaza who until
his death was the Archdeacon of Sungwaya as well as vicar of Mpeketoni Parish, Lamu.
He was buried in his Rabai home. He leaves behind a widow and several
children.
The Rev. Okinyi
Reverend Okinyi during the time of
admission into the Holy orders of a deacon recently. He too like others lost his wife through
death; she was buried in South Nyanza.
Venerable Dr.Bryson
Samboja.
The venerable Dr. Bryson
Samboja the Kwale Archdeacon as well as the Director of Global Teams, suffered
double tragedy when he lost his father and brother within one season.
Death.
Death the bible says is a dreamless
sleep awaiting resurrection. In death man remains unconscious. “The dead do not
know anything neither do they know God.
In fact, in death there is no re-emergence of thee. As in Adam all die, in Christ all will be
made alive…all that are in graves shall come forth. The lord shall descend from
heaven and the dead in Christ shall rise first”.
Archdeaconry Leaders
Philemon (right) is the chairperson
from St. Philip’s Likoni, Cleopatra from Ukunda is the secretary and Mwakio
from St. Mathias Shimba hills.
Cathedral
News
Canon Kiseu and
Cathedral
Canon Festus Kiseu, 48,
was installed as the provost of the Mombasa Memorial Cathedral in May 20th
2007, taking over the mantle from the sub-dean, Ven. Rev. Josphat Murutu.
Prior to that Canon F.
Kiseu served for several years as a deacon then a priest and as Administrative
Secretary in Taita Taveta Diocese.
Initially Canon Kiseu’s
interests were in education. He attended Shigharo Primary and Timbila High School for his O levels before enrolling
for his A-levels at New Era High school between 19 76 and 1982.
However after his baptism
on 10th August 1981, in Taita, he attended St. Paul’s United
Theological College, Limuru, in 1989, graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of
Divinity (BD) degree. Festus Kiseu was ordained a deacon in 1994 and became a
priest the following year 1995.
Festus Kiseu has an
extensive parish experience having first served in St. Paul’s Kiembeni while on
practical assignments then as area Dean at Mudongonyi, Iyale, Christ Church.
He also served at St.John’s Pro- Cathedral Voi for a period of two
years. He has since graduated with a
Doctorate in May 2012. During his
tenure as the Provost of Mombasa Memorial Cathedral, he has helped complete the
extension and the construction of the multipurpose hall project which is due to
be opened soon. Canon Kiseu was instrumental in the establishment of the
central payment for all the clergy in the entire ACK Mombasa diocese. He is a
pragmatic soft spoken and hardworking person, and defender of the gospel,
Church doctrine and is a strict disciplinarian, who has united the cathedral
and tirelessly advocated for clergy welfare.
Canon Kiseu married Grace
Kiseu on August 10th 1991.
They have three children Jacob 20, Hilda in form 1 and Joy in standard
3.
Due to his distinguished
and exemplary church service, he was collated as a Canon in July 2012.
Canon Kiseu in
Meditative Mood.
The Very Rev. Canon Festus Kiseu, the
Provost Mombasa memorial cathedral in a prayerful and meditative mood during a
collation service held recently at Changamwe.
Canon Kiseu was among the six candidates who were honored for
distinguished and exemplary church service by the Bishop of Mombasa, Julius
Kalu. The Glorious Awakening and its entire team is proud to be associated with
you. Once again thank you for raising
our profile.
Cathedral Staff Photo
The Very Rev. Festus Kiseu (centre),
Provost MMC in a group photograph with the members of staff of the Cathedral
moments after an interview with the Glorious Awakening in his office. Valarie and Terry (far left), are cathedral
secretaries; Peter in the background is the Cathedral verger, while John (next
to the provost) is the driver. Japheth
is on the right.
It is good to mention
here that the title ‘Very Rev’. is not an office but rather a courtesy title
used episcopally for a senior member of the clergy such as an Anglican
dean. Alternatively used as a title to
honor other ecclesiastical officials; cannons or deans. A senior priest of the cathedral is also
styled as the Very Rev. In the Episcopal
church of the United States and Canada (ECUSA), seminary deans are also styled
in this form.
Cathedral Secretaries
in Action
No one in this world ever
works alone! Team work and team spirit
is a necessary prerequisite for the success of any given organization.
The Rev. Festus Kiseu is
a good manager and organizer as well as a team player. Paul in Eph. 4 says “some to be evangelists,
some teachers and some prophets for the edification of the body of Christ”.
Valarie Mwangombe Provost’s secretary is seen preparing Sunday
and midweek programmes for the cathedral; Terry is seen typing minutes for the
previous meeting.
The Rev. Remison Konde is
the youth pastor, dynamic, pragmatic and with a focus, very much popular among
the cathedral youth. Crispas Ngowa is
the cathedral vicar and assistant provost who works hand in hand with Festus
Kiseu, the provost, to ensure that the people of God in the cathedral are well
ministered to.
Mombasa Diocese
Delegation to the
National Prayer
Conference
A delegation of four from
the ACK Mombasa diocese was invited to Nairobi during the National Prayer
Conference held at All Saints Cathedral during late Pentecost 2012. The
National Prayer Conference was organized by the All Saints Diocese, attended by
his Grace the Archbishop of Kenya. Lord
Wabukala sought to bring together the whole Province of Kenya into prayer
during the electioneering period. The
Mombasa diocese’ delegates to the National Prayer Conference were headed by The
Very Rev. Canon Festus Kiseu. In the
delegation list were Ven. Canon Habil Chambia, Archdeacon Kisauni the Vicar
General, Mr. Edward Kaihindi, administrative secretary and Rev. K. Ofundi the
communication officer of the Mombasa Diocese.
The theme of the 4 day
Anglican National Prayer Conference was derived from 2 chronicles 7:14.
“If my people, who are
called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn
away from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will
heal their land”.
The impact from the
national prayer conference will create a lasting solution to Kenyan election
problems.
Heads together:
Mombasa Diocese delegates
to the National Prayer Conference, held recently in All Saints Cathedral,
Nairobi, put their heads together about the theme of the conference and how the
state of prayer lessons affect us all as a church and a nation. The delegation
leader, Ven. Canon Habil Chambia, also
the vicar general so popularly know as ‘V.G’, makes a point on the mechanisms to
establish (Ombi) prayer groups in Mombasa.
Looking on is Edward Kaindhi, diocesan administrative secretary, while
Canon Festus Kiseu (left) listens.
During the conference,
the delegates took time to ponder and reflect on the scriptures recorded in the
book – marathon series OMBI: - What is prayer? Why pray? The victory of
prayer! The many other requests needed
for prayer.
National Prayer Conference. Men break into prayer. Prayer for the Nation of Kenya: 2Chr. 7:14
“If my people,
who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face
and turn away from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will
heal their land”.
Apart from being the provost of the
Cathedral Very Rev. Canon Kiseu also represents the diocese on numerous
Episcopal assignments outside the diocese.
Here he is pictured with delegates to the National Prayer Conference in
Nairobi. The Vicar General is on the left while the administrative secretary
popularly known as ‘A.S’ Mr. Edward
Kaindhi is in the centre.
Delegates From Other
Dioceses
NCCK Secretary General, Canon Peter
Karanja and Rev. Meta of Kitale were also not left behind. Canon Peter Karanja is busy taking notes from
conference speakers while Rev. Meta, with crossed hands, is following the
proceedings.
Group Photo
His Grace the Most Rev.
Eliud Wabukala, Primate of Kenya, in a group photograph after attending the
colorful and the most
explosive-ever prayer conference in
Nairobi. On his left is the director of
education and training Mr. Wilberforce Wangalwa among other dignitaries. There
were over 40 delegates from all over the province of Kenya.
Venerable Muramba
The Venerable James Muramba is
Archdeacon of Mombasa Archdeaconry as well as being the vicar at St. Lukes
Makupa in Mombasa Diocese.
Episcopally speaking an
archdeacon or sometimes a venerable is a senior member of the house of clergy;
venerated above others but below a bishop.
An archdeaconry is a territorial or geographical division within a diocese.
The Diocese of Mombasa for example now has 12 archdeaconries to its
credit. The newly created ones being,
Shanzu, Lamu and Mariakani! This is the
reason for several new clergy being venerated.
Archdeacons serve within the
territorial jurisdiction within a diocese that has been assigned to them by the
diocesan bishop. Their sole
responsibility being taking care of church buildings and other assets; looking
after the welfare of the junior clergy and their families put under their care
well as the implementation of diocesan policy for the sake of the gospel within
the archdeaconry.
The Venerable James
Muramba is one of the most senior clergy in Mombasa ACK Diocese with a wealth
of experience in pastoral work both in urban and rural settings.
Humble and soft spoken
Muramba was born in Wareta in what today is Malindi district in 1956. His
parents were Mr. Simeon Muramba now, deceased, and Mary Kadzo.
He was educated at Mapimo
primary between 1966 and 1972 and Ribe High School between 1973 -1976. After his high school he joined St. Paul’s
United Theological College, Limuru, now St .Paul’s University, between 1978 –
1980 for Diploma in Theology. Between
1982 - 1985 he went back to Limuru for Bachelor of Divinity and Master’s degree
in the same field.
He received Christ as his
personal savior way back in 1974 and has been strong in faith ever since.
Venerable Muramba was
ordained deacon and priest in 1980 and 1981 respectively, by Bishop Dolton
Nzano.
He married Madeline
Muramba on the 13th December 1986 at Mombasa Memorial Cathedral and is blessed
with two children Shifra born in 1988 and Simeon in 1991.
At one time venerable
Muramba served as the provost of Mombasa Memorial Cathedral, then as Archdeacon
Malindi and Kwale.
In office
The Venerable James Muramba in Jovial
mood in his office at St. Luke’s Makupa during an impromptu interview with us.
Confirmation
Family Man
The Venerable James
Muramba and Mrs. Madeline Muramba with their only daughter Shifra in a family
photograph during our visit to Makupa mid- 2012. Simeon was not at home when this photograph
was taken! Episcopally speaking an archdeacon is a senior member in the house
of the clergy venerated above others but below a bishop.
Msambweni Confirmees
Excel Before the Bishop.
The Rt. Rev. Lawrence
Dena, Assistant Bishop of Mombasa, visited the parish of St. Luke’s Community
Church, Msambweni, at the invitation of the parish vicar for a confirmation
service.
The two confirmation
candidates, dressed in their confirmation regalia, looked just excellent. Alice Muringe Githiomi aged 23 and fresh from
the University of Nairobi with a degree in Geology, (on the right) and Mercy
Mueni Nzioka 27; both standing before the Msambweni congregation, facing the
bishop, respond to the interviewing questions.
The six month
confirmation curriculum included: articles of faith, Lord’s Prayer, 10
Commandments, 39 articles of religion amongst other subjects. What a wonderful
confirmation class it was! The best
Msambweni parish has ever had in its confirmation history!
Grilling of the
Confirmees.
The Kwale Archdeacon, Venerable Dr.
Bryson Samboja (in dark coat), takes the Msambweni confirmation candidates of
2012, through a grilling session to ascertain if it is true that the parish
vicar has prepared them for this holy rite, moments before the bishop’s
arrival. On the extreme right is the
Rev. Cpt. Mwanjala of St. Michael All Angels, Kwale. Slightly hidden is Rev. Mwambawa of Shimba
Hills. Alice Muringe with a white veil
on the head and her compatriot Mercy Mueni were too smart for Dr. Bryson. It’s
definite the Holy Ghost had done good work.
Bravo!
Laying of Hands
Bishop Lawrence Dena, during a
confirmation service in St. Luke’s Msambweni, lays hands on Alice Muringe in
August 2012. Liturgically speaking
confirmation is the ministry through prayer, with the laying of hands by the
episcopate. The Holy Ghost descends upon
the confirmees to finish what he began in baptism to strengthen the Christian
service and witness.
Blessing of Church
Items.
While in Msambweni, the Assistant
Bishop of Mombasa, Lawrence Dena had a busy day. It was not confirmation
only! There was the administration of
the Holy Sacraments, preaching and of course items being dedicated for church use;
Holy Communion items, altar guild linens for various seasons of the church
year, candles etc. In the picture Dr.
Samboja is on the left slightly hidden, while Rev Mwambawa and Capt Mwanjala
are on the far right. To God is the glory.
Bishop with Msambweni
Christians.
The Assistant Bishop of Mombasa,
Lawrence Dena together with his wife Jane Dena on his right, at the invitation
of the Msambweni Vicar for a confirmation and pastoral service with Christians,
after a colorful confirmation service.
The Bishop’s wife, Jane, challenged the congregants to arise and shine
for Christ, for the light has come. Madam Jane Dena was quoting Isaiah 60:1
Episcopal Shake-up
The Rev. Tom Komola Dawa,
formally of St. Mary’s Maweni, is the new vicar of St. Paul’s, Kiembeni. He takes over from Rev. Joel Atong who has
been transferred to St. Mary’s, Maweni.
The youthful and focused
Dawa is at ease in his new Parish and very popular with his Christians with a
very good public relation system.
Rev. Tom is Married to
Grace and they are blessed with two children.
Blessing God’s people
in Kiembeni.
During an impromptu
pastoral visit, to St. Paul’s Kiembeni Parish at the invitation of the parish
vicar, Rev. Tom Dawa, the kind Kiembeni Christian Mrs. Oyondi was deeply
overwhelmed with kindness and offered to bless the G.A editor with a
chicken. The soft spoken Oyondi,
behaving in a rare philanthropic manner like Currie Ten Boom of Asia, remarked:
“How beautiful are the
feet of those who bring in the good news. Kindly accept this little compliment
from me as a gesture of the glad tidings you have brought to us’’
News Round up;
St. Paul’s
Kiembeni Ministry Team
We were also privileged to meet with
the Kiembeni ministry team. St. Paul’s
is blessed with anointed and excellent speakers! Kiembeni has at least 5 lay ministers to help
the vicar. From L to R Mama Nduta,
Wasiwasi, Eva Wanjiru, Duogo, Mrs. Chola and Mwandoe (the longest serving lay
reader in Kiembeni having served for over a decade).
District Leaders’
Security Meeting
Religious leaders, bringing together
Christians and Muslims, in Msambweni district, was held in March 2012. The peace meeting chaired by Msambweni DO1,
Mr. Jude Wesonga, brought together Imams, Sheikhs, Pastors, Bishops and
Overseers from different parts of Msambweni. The one-day peace meeting focused
on the 4th March, general election. Present during the occasion were
also officers from the police and administration police unit in the area. Both Muslims and Christians vowed to work
together towards the promotion of peace in the area and embrace each other as
Kenyans.
Addressing Religious
Leaders Peace Meeting
DO1 Msambweni, Jude Wesonga,
addresses religious leaders meeting in March 2012. On his left is Mr. Kipkemboi, the Deputy
OCPD, Kwale. Muslims and Christians vowed to work together to preach peace in
the area especially as the country neared the general election. Mr.Jude has since been transferred to Mombasa
as the District Commissioner.
Glorious Awakening
Printing Press.
Julius Mulinge, Glorious Awakening
graphic designer, prepares the mid year edition of the GA in June 2012 at our
printing press in Msambweni. The
Glorious Awakening is the Christian magazine for current times. Below, Annie
Omusugu, is seen receiving calls from our esteemed readers, with copies of the
GA ready for market.
Who Am I In
Traditional Masai Regalia?
My name is Ofoedu Olepertet Sepashina
Oloitiptip. I am a Masai Moran from Ol
Kejuado County from the Purko clan. I
am born again and l love the Lord as my personal saviour. I am very humbled and happy to be in this
years’ KAMA conference here at Masai Technical College in the diocese of
Kajiado. When I go back home, I will no
longer be a Masai Moran, but a Moran for Jesus Subha Sidai Oleperet. For many years and throughout the Masai
history our lives revolved around cattle theft by raiding our kinsmen. This
conference will have a profound effect on me and my community as a whole!
Graduation
In the week ending
November 23rd there was a 19th graduation ceremony at ACK
Bishop James Hannington Institute when 23 graduands were awarded diplomas and
certificates in various disciplines. The
occasion was attended by many among them was former BHI Principal Rev. RoyTaylor
and his wife Jenny.
Rev. Roy Taylor and his
wife Jenny Taylor during BHI 19th graduation ceremony last October.
Group Photo
Marlene Reid, Roy Taylor, Professor
Warren Smith, Jenny Taylor and Rev. Benjamin of Mission to Seamen, during the
graduation. Marlene Reid is our
Christian at St.Peter’s, Nyali as well as being the sub-editor of the Glorious
Awakening popularly known as the GA.
Martin Olando and
Principal Patrick
BHI’s academic dean, Martin Olando,
and Principal Patrick Mukholi in conversation during the graduation day in
November. The college registered the highest mark of the decade with one
student obtaining first class honors upper division thus making BHI one of the
most respected constituent colleges of St. Paul’s University Limuru.
MTC
Msambweni Student.
Fredrick Muguna is the
student leader of medical training centre in Tumbe, Msambweni. He is also the English Service member at St. Luke’s
community church, Msambweni.Fredrick Muguna was born in Meru, Eastern Province
on 23rd December 1986. He is
the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Mwithmba.
He was educated at Muthnankarc Primary and Ndagane High School between
2003 and 2007.
He later joined Kenya
medical training centre KMTC Msambweni after a brief stint as an untrained
teacher. He is currently pursuing a course leading to a diploma in Kenya
Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN).
Asked whether he landed
into the nursing profession by accident: Muguna – whose name in Meru language
means ‘lion’s share’ remarked. “This is a profession of choice; what I really
wanted to do in life”.
How many groups of nurses
are there? For us a nurse is a nurse!
“Certificate holders in
the field of nursing are called enrolled community nurses. Their training ranges from 2 to 2 and half
years. They mainly deal with patients
during illness, administering drugs to patients prescribed by the doctor. Those who specialize in helping women to give
birth are called midwifes and they are trained in a course called ‘midwifery’.
Clinical officers on the
other hand specialize in the diagnosis of illness i.e. they learn to tell what kind of a disease a
person is suffering from through symptoms.
General nursing covers the general care of all the patients in
hospitals. When it comes to midwifery
that involves the caring of pregnant women from conception to delivery, and
sometimes extends to the time after delivery; a condition medically called
puerperal. Both male and female midwives
are involved!
Community health nurses
deal with diseases affecting the community at large. This mainly involves managing and monitoring
outbreaks of disease, identifying the causative agents, some diseases may be
communicable and some non-communicable.
Concerning his personal
relationship with Christ; Muguna received Christ in his life way back in 2004
while in high school. Ever since his
life has never been the same! Isaiah
3:10 is his favorite text. Fredrick is
expected to graduate with a diploma in KCRHN as a nursing officer 1 in 2014.
The best of luck to him!
AGNES BIBI-Msambweni
Nurse
Agnes Bibi is a nurse at
Msambweni District Hospital. She is a
Christian and worships at St. Luke’s ACK Community Church, Msambweni.
Agnes is the generation
of nurses who still wear an epaulet to distinguish them from unqualified
nurses. The first nurse to put on
epaulets was Florence Nightingale popularly called ‘the lady with the lamp’.
Agnes is a single mother
with two sons! She has the love of
Christ on her face and is a great supporter of the work of Christ in Msambweni. She is a born again Christian and very much
active in women’s ministry. During
2011, she worked so hard in leading the other women to purchase altar guild
linens for the church in Msambweni.
She was born in 1958 in
Mambrui, in present day Malinda district. Her father Mbita Kitavi was a
carpenter while her mother Dhahabu Mumbe was a peasant farmer.
Agnes was educated at
Mambourini Primary School between 1967 and 1971 before proceeding to Ribe Mixed
School between 1974 -1977.
She thereafter enrolled at
Medical Training Centre Mombasa where she trained as a nurse between 1979 and
1982. Upon completion of her nursing
course, she was posted to Msambweni District Hospital where she is still
serving today. She is perhaps the
longest serving nurse in Msambweni.
Agnes loves her job which
she does with all her heart and says she finds satisfaction in serving the
patients.
Speaking about her religious
background, Agnes affirms that her parents were not believers in the Gospel at
all. She herself was influenced to
follow Jesus by her peers way back during school days. It was not until 2001 that she was baptized
by Rev. Tsofwa and confirmed the following year by Bishop Julius Kalu of
Mombasa.
She is blessed with three sons, one
is in Cape Town, South Africa, Patrick is married and has brought her a
grandchild while Charles is in Mt. Kenya University studying computer science.
Agnes, a soft spoken
humble lady, speaks with nostalgia how she reads the bible often and is
inspired by the story of Ruth and Naomi.
Peace be with you Agnes!
Parish
Event
The Msambweni community
marathon on ‘war against drugs and substance abuse’ was held in May 2012. Again Rev. Ofundi was in limelight. The 15 km event stretched from Kinondo to
Msambweni to the glory of God.
The Msambweni marathon
got support from local banks: Equity, Ukunda branch donated a gift of 5000/=;
National Bank of Kenya donated glucose, water and printed T-shirts for the
event. The Kenya Women Finance Trust
also made a donation.
Rev. Kennedy Ofundi
receives a cheque of 5000/= from Equity Bank, Ukunda branch towards the support
of the Msambweni community marathon on ‘war against drugs and substance abuse’.
The theme was ‘Time to Act’.
Officials from the
National Bank of Kenya, Equity Bank and Msambweni community members pose in a
group photo moments after the event ended.
Water, glucose and other
items donated by our sponsors during the event! The next event is expected to
take place in 2013 Feb but this depends
of the changes that might be made in the seasonal calendar. Whatever the case, we wish Msambweni the best of the luck in all their
undertakings.
Those who took
part:
The weather was very unfriendly, but the event
took place as planned!
Rev. Ofundi on the finish
line.
Mercy Williams a medical
college student took part.
Charles Tausa from Diani
Athletic Club was not left behind.
The DO1, Msambweni, Jude Wesonga,
congratulated the ACK Msambweni and its vicar for coming up with such an
excellent event to educate the community. Surely the light has come to
Msambweni. Arise and shine!
Triumphal entry
The Anglican Church in Msambweni for
the first time since its inception celebrated the triumphal entry weeks before
the Holy week. They are all taking part in a history of our faith. This is what
we all love to do!
“Many people spread their cloaks on the road,
while others spread branches, they cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed
shouted, “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; blessed is the coming kingdom of our father
David! Hosanna in the highest” (Mark 11:9, 10).
Triumphal
entry
Doing what
scriptures says
Florence Mwakamsha does
exactly what the scripture says in Mark 11:8; “many people spread their cloaks
on the road, while others spread branches they cut in the fields”.
Delegates to KAMA
conference
ACK Mombasa diocese delegates to the
2012 conference held in Kajiado Diocese in November. The Venerable Canon Habil Chambia, Vicar General,
Mombasa Diocese and Vicar Kisauni Parish together with the administrative
secretary, Mr. Edward Kaindhi. Both
keenly follow the events as the conference was going. Speaking during this moment was Dr. Murugu of
Murugu Nutritional Clinic on issues affecting men in the prime of their
reproductive age e.g. diabetes,
hypertension and erectile disfunction were some of the subjects that emerged
during his address.
ACK Mikindani
During the 2011 Kakamega KAMA
conference, ACK St. Mark’s, Mikindani Parish lifted our profile. This time around during the 2012 edition of
the KAMA conference in Kajiado Diocese they were at it again. This time it was with greater distinction
than ever. In this picture, they are
neatly dressed in red in readiness for the stage performance at the Masai
Technical Institute.
This year the number of
those who turned up for the conference numbered 400 plus. The men of the Anglican Church took time to
pray for their wives back at home, .
the needs of the families and the
challenges of infidelity amongst couples and the poor economy which is
threatening to tear families apart
The men also took time to
pray for stubborn women who beat up and batter their husbands and the irresponsible
men who neglect their responsibilities as men and resort to Mpango wa
Kando. The conference was packed to
bursting as is seen below.
His Grace Opens the
KAMA Conference
His Grace, the Primate of
Kenya, Most Rev. Eliud Wabukala opened the 2012 Kajiado KAMA conference held in
October. During his key address to the
delegates, his request was to pray for our nation of Kenya especially during
this electioneering period. He
challenged every KAMA man to preach peace and reconciliation to one another.
Present during the
occasion were; Bishop Kalu, the KAMA provincial chairman, Bishop Lenini of
Kajiado, and Joel Waweru of Nairobi.
The Provincial KAMA Patron Julius
Kalu was a bit disappointed for the low number of the Bishops who turned up for
the conference. During the closing
ceremony he paid tribute to all the men who despite being busy, decided to put
all their business and families aside and come to seek the face of the Lord. The bishop also congratulated the men who
received Jesus Christ as their savior during the conference.
Bishop Kalu, the KAMA provincial
chairman, presents a Bible to Simeon Akuom of St. Stephen, Bamburi who came to
Jesus during the conference. The word of God was manifested in a special way to
the people of God using special and gifted speakers.
Blessing Gods’ People
Bishop Lawrence Dena, and Mama Jane
Dena receive a gift from a Msambweni church elder during the Bishopric visit to
the parish of Msambweni last Pentecost.
Surely as the scriptures put it, “how beautiful are the feet of those
who bring in the glad tidings”. It’s
imperative that the Msambweni Christians are generous communities who have the
passion of the Gospel at heart.
Signing Visitor’s Book
The Venerable Dr. Bryson Samboja,
Archdeacon Kwale and the Global Teams director for Africa, signs the visitors’
book upon his visit to the parish of Msambweni last Pentecost. The Venerable was in company of the Bishop
when he paid a pastoral visit to Msambweni.
Msambweni Youths Have
a Day Out!
Weeks preceding advent 2012, youths
from St. Luke’s Community Church, Msambweni had a one day retreat to seek the
face of God and rediscover themselves and what God wants from them in Shimoni.
The one day seminar was organized by
a group of youths in collaboration with their pastor. The speaker was Pastor
Moses Onyango from St. Peter’s Nyali.
The youths also visited the historical sites, where slaves were housed
before being ferried across the ocean to Zanzibar.
The caves were once cell
holes, dungeons used to harbor thousands of Africans during the 18th
century destined for servitude as they awaited for the monsoon winds to shuttle
their dhow across the Indian Ocean to Arabia.
Slaves could be celled up
in this dungeon for several months, waiting for the winds to change.
Echoes in the Darkness
This is an underground
cell, or dungeon, or a slave warehouse in Shimoni, Msambweni district. A barrier was constructed right at the
entrance of the cave with a tunnel leading to the sea, keeping the inside dry.
Slave Chains That Have
Withstood History:
During the 18th century at
the height of the slavery and slave trade, slaves were chained against rocks in
the underground dungeon i.e. cave waiting to be ferried across the ocean. The
majority of them were shipped to Zanzibar and the Arab world!
Curious Onlookers
Eli, a medical college student,
stares with curiosity at the site in which slaves were locked. Notice how dark and horrible it is! Like hell on earth!
Emerging from the
Underground
Now with the horror of slavery in
books of history, the Shimoni caves have so far become a source of hope
providing income and livelihood by being a tourist attraction. Shimoni dwellers are making a livelihood from
tourists who visit the caves. Tourists both local and international flock to
Shimoni for holidays.
News
Round up.
A Cave of Bats
On this scene you are
seeing lots of images which look like tiny insects. They are not insects! They are different species of bats found in
the underground caves in Shimoni. They
number several thousands. Our camera man was privileged to capture a section of
them.
Shimoni Factfile.
These slave caves are
indeed very fascinating historical sites. “Shimoni” is a word from Swahili
which means ‘a place of the cave’. Geographically
speaking, it is believed that these caves were formed millions of years ago,
from a combination of fossilized dead sea animals called polyps. In the traditional setting these caves
functioned as shrines or traditional areas of worship. They were also used as
enclosures and places to hide from hostile tribes from the hinterland.
During the 17th,
18th and 19th centuries during the infamous slave trade,
the Arab slave traders transformed these caves into a slave warehouse to hold
slaves that were captured in the interior.
Large shipping dhows docked here from as far away as Arabia to ferry
them to Zanzibar where the main slave market was. One of the most notorious slave trader of the
19th century was an Arab called Tip Tippu. His true name was Ahmed bin Muhammad bin Juma
bin Raj ad Elmurjebi.
St. Paul’s Kitale
In the course of the year
we were privileged to meet the Venerable Sarah Khista of St. Paul’s
Kitale. The Venerable Sarah was
venerated in February by the Bishop of Kitale in a colorful induction
service. Venerable Sarah hails from
Kwanza and is the first lady Archdeacon in Kitale diocese and also forms the
first generation of lady priests in the region.
She brings a lot of
expertise to St. Paul’s after serving as an A.S. for close to a decade.
Venerable Sarah Khista
(centre) with lay ministers after a service during Pentecost 2012. In the picture: Haggae Were, Peter Mulati and
Nathaniel Apudo. Nice meeting you men
and women of God!
Radio and T.V.
Presenters
Radio and T.V. presenters
and news anchors from Mombasa Aviation, and Aviation Television in an exclusive
televised presentation in ATV studio last year.
They are from (L to R) seated: Stephen Mashedi, Aladin Samir or
Susumila, Dorcas Mbula, Kennedy Ofundi and Elizabeth Kakekye.
Back row (R to L), thumbs
up, Maureen Akinyi, Douglas of Pwani FM, Mariam Mohamed and Steve .The Anglican
Church is expected to have it’s frequency by 2016.
Certification
The Venerable Dr. Bryson Samboja
(leftt) issues a certificate of completion to Rev. Peter Maina Mwangi for
completing a course in Islam at BHI, during a clergy chapter at St. Luke’s
Makupa recently. The Rev. Peter Maina
Mwangi is now the new Vicar Msambweni Parish.
He takes over from Rev. Kennedy Ofundi who has been appointed the
Bishop’s Chaplain and the Communication Oifficer of Mombasa Diocese. We wish all you guys the best of the luck in
your new appointments.
Couples
Seminar for Msambweni!
Couples Seminar for
Msambweni
There was a couple’s
seminar for Msambweni Christians during the first week of advent 2012. The
theme was ‘Happy Parenting and Christian Living’. Our speakers came from Nyali Baptist
Church Mombasa and Grace Kirimi from
Kenya Women Finance Trust, Ukunda.
Ellen Macharia spoke
elaborately on issues affecting couples in family life and how to deal with
them in a cohaerent Christian manner.
Grace Kirimi spoke about financial empowerment and management among
women during the 21st century.
In attendance were
Christians from all religious bodies in Msambweni. Rev. Kaole of Redeemed Gospel Church,
Msambweni also graced the occasion.
Ellen Macharia (right), from Nyali
Baptist, Grace Kirimi (left) and her friend Naomi from KWFT were the guest
speakers. Ellen took the opportunity to
convey greetings from her pastor, Stephen Anyenda to the ACK congregation in
Msambweni. Nice to meet you ladies! Come
again!
Pictorial
Couples who turned up for the
couple’s seminar in a group photograph moments after the one day seminar ended.
The husbands promised to love their wives and be responsible fathers of their
children. The women on the other hand vowed to renew their marriage vows and be
faithful to their husbands. The issue of
infidelity in marriage, HIV and AIDS emerged as the most burning issues. Ellen Macharia, the speaker of the day, is at
the centre. On her right is Mr. and Mrs.
Gibson Ndambo; on her left is Mr. and Mrs. Noah Shoka.
Rowan’s Visit to
Kenya.
The Right Honorable Rowan
Williams plants a tree to commemorate his episcopacy on one of his rare visits
to Africa as the Archbishop of Canterbury and as the head of the 70 million
Anglicans from all over the world.
EDITORS’S NOTE!
ADIEU, ROWAN
WILLIAMS!
After one full decade, at
the helm of the Anglican Communion and the archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace
the Rt. Honorable Rowan Williams, finally handed power to his successor the
Right Reverend Justin Welby at the end of December 2012.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Luce,
Gevo was tasked to head the CNC (Crown Nominations Commission), which will be
solely responsible for the selection of the next Archbishop of Canterbury to
succeed the Most Rev. and Rt. Honorable Dr Rowan Williams.
Archbishop Williams was
appointed in May 2012 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to the position of master
of Magdalene College, Cambridge beginning from January 2013. The most
prestigious and influential position which Rowan has fully accepted! Therefore
he will be stepping down from office as the 104th Archbishop of
Canterbury, the head of the 70 million Anglican Communion at the end of
December 2012.
These intentions have
been enthusiastically received by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of England, who
is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England and who episcopaly appoints
the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Rt. Honorable Rowan
Williams was appointed into office as the 104 Archbishop of Canterbury,
replacing George Carey in 2002. He will
therefore continue to execute and perform the episcopal assignments entrusted
to him as the Archbishop of Canterbury, for the Church of England and the
Anglican Communion up to December 31st 2012.
Williams has had a very
turbulent season in office both as the Archbishop of Canterbury and as the
Primate of the Anglican Communion; and will be remembered as the Archbishop
during whose era the communion almost disintegrated following the apostasy on
the some part of the Anglican Church, most remarkably in U.S.A and Canada, in
the light of Gene Robinson’s, consecration as the gay bishop.
The Archbishop of
Canterbury selected commission, patron Archbishop Eames, issued the Windsor
report which tried to answer the big question?
“How can the Anglican
communion hold itself together in the light of Gene Robinson’s consecration as
a gay bishop and the provincial synod of the Anglican Church of Canada’s motion
affirming the sanctity of same sex unions”?
The Windsor report was
weak because it did not address the canonical theological issue at the
epicenter of the current crisis facing the Anglican Communion. Nowhere did the Windsor report condemn the
western church for unsound biblical theology in the area of human sexuality. The primate of Nigeria, Peter Akinola,
described the Windsor report as patronizing and disappointing, indeed while the
fuller response from African Bishops in the CAPA (Council of Anglican Province
of Africa), Lagos, Nigeria, expressed concern at the upbeat moral
equivalence drawn between morality and episcopal oversight.
Even when Williams goes,
and even if he is being blamed for the problems that afflict the Anglican
Communion, especially in the area of human sexuality, he had good intentions
and he has helped spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through GAFCON (Global Anglican
Future Conference), around the world.
Rowan Williams is a great man!
Even the greatest of men are mortal and have their own failings! All too often mankind remembers those
failures and forgets the achievements. The best of Luck to you Rowan Williams
in your new appointment.
Reverend Kennedy
Ofundi
Editor
Marlene Reid
Sub Editor.
The Glorious Awakening
Magazine is specifically published for the enlightenment of the Christian
family and for the glory of the Church of Christ. The Glorious Awakening reports news, informs,
educates, it tells about people in many places and above all examines
Christianity in relation to other social sciences. It probes beneath the surface and reveals the
meaning of life and does not exalt one race against the other. Most important of all, the GA builds in the
reader’s mind God’s promise of peaceful coexistence as we wait Jesus’ Second
coming.
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Email:
kennedyofundi@yahoo.com
Tel:
0727 898 119
@ glorious awakening
Lent 2013
