Easter edition 2008.

Vol 4/008 MAY—AUG 2008 ISSUE.

The glorious awakening.

EPH 5:13 ff:
Easter edition 2008.

St Peter’s fellowship of men (FOM) chairman Mr. Tom Mchura centre, plants a tree to inaugurate the partnership between St. Peter’s Nyali and Emmanuel Kinango Parish during FOM’s outreach mission to Kinango recently. Looking on are Dr. Kiundu in robes, M. Mbugua in dark glasses and J. Mbugua holding a bottle of water. More stories on pg 14 & 18.

“ I sowed the seed, Apollo's watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. The one who sows and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because he makes the plant grow. There is no difference between the man who sows and the man who waters, God will reward each one according to what he has done. For we are partners working together for God, and you are God’s field” 1 Cor. 3:6ff.

By.

The Rev Kennedy O. Ofundi.

MOMBASA DIOCESE.

            The Glorious awakening is published every three months by the Vicars’ Desk P.o. Box 59, Kinango.

EDITOR’S NOTES

EASTER GREETINGS

I extend Easter greetings and the message of  Peace, Grace and God’s will to all our esteemed readers everywhere during this Easter season.May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Easter season, the queen of all the Christian festivals, is always a joyous moment which is to be observed as a time of holy rejoicing when Christians commemorate the victorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, bringing to all believers new hope in this world which is full of turmoil. Once again it is our responsibility here at the Glorious Awakening’s desk to earnestly  pray to all our brothers and sisters, who are nursing the wounds of hatred for one another, that this new life and hope will illuminate all the dark corners of every believing person, so as to bring glory and honor to the risen savior. As we all know, over  the past three months, relations between our  neighbors  deteriorated drastically to their lowest ebb. People lived in fear of their neighbours. Warfare, tribal hatred and social displacement of our families have added to the poverty, HIV/AIDS, calamities and other kinds of  suffering.  So I want to address peace!

 My Easter message is peace and reconciliation. Peace as you know is the most inclusive and embracing of all virtues. Peace is the normal and proper condition of neighbours in relation to one another.  Our human nature is  ideally peaceable and fulfils itself in peace.

(Please see separate story) and thereforesenseless fighting is a corruption of our true nature.Violence, unlike peace, treats people as less than human. Human beings become like wild animals which are hunted for pleasure. Violence begets more violence as it progressively demoralizes and dehumanizes the dignity of creation. Those who practice it become prisoners of this vice in a cocoon trap which brings them once again to square zero. The church must preach the message of peace and reconciliation more than ever before so that the chain of hatred may be broken and peace restored. Friends, as we celebrate the victorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, we need to remember Jesus as the Prince of Peace and  God  as the final author of peace. He is our peace. He has made us one and has broken down the wall of hatred (Eph. 2:14.) Peace is all we need! Peace be with you all.

The Rev. Kennedy Ofundi,

Easter 2008.

Editor.

Associate editor

Marlene Reid.

Youths in Kinango dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS.

Youths in ACK Kinango, operating under the umbrella of APHIA II Coast, led by Raphael Mbae, who takes a strategic position in the district of Kinango and speaks with  the great authority of a successful orator, about the HIV/AIDS pandemic. There is an interlude of silence, as all eyes are fixed on Raphael and other peer educators. The audience, comprising of, high school students, primary pupils, parents and other teenagers, are willing to listen and quick to respond. “Has anyone of you taken this month to speak to someone in the school about the pandemic, and counselled someone who in one way or the other may be affected or infected?” he asks.  Thus opening up the APHIA II Coast to a lively talk and challenging his peer educators to at least talk to a friend about HIV/AIDS every month. Striking a confident posture, Raphael speaks to his fellow peer educators loud and clear. They all have one factor in common .They are members of USAID, APHIA II Coast, whose patron is the ACK Kinango Parish Vicar. “We regularly meet in the week and organize plays, poems, skits and sing songs and hold discussions on the HIV Virus” he says.  “But most significantly, we’ve taken on the responsibility of advising fellow young people whose status is known, and who have been abandoned by their friends, and who do not have anyone to talk with about their problems.

With permission from the local DEO Kinango, The APHIA II Coast have so far visited 10 institutions in the district. Apart from HIV/AIDS they also talk and discuss other associated ailments such as malaria, TB, drug abuse, rape etc.

Raphael puts its clearly that by having principles and not giving in to peer pressure, many young  people in Kinango are joining the club because  they want to learn how to help other youth. Evelyn Kambua, a form four leaver, says:

“I want to make a difference and encourage young people to feel empowered, particularly those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS” Being a member of APHIA II Coast (AIDS population and health integrated assistance) has helped her learn how to live a positive life. “I make friends with those who are HIV-Positive and advise others about drug abuse” she adds, that it is not always easy.Kudos and God bless you APHIA II Coast

 Bible Study Time

More about Church Symbols From Vol ..3 Jan-March Issue.

Lights or Candles.               

 The new believers class 2008 Continued, through discussion, and exposition of scripture, to discover more Biblical symbols during Bible study sessions. Candles symbolize Christ’s divine presence in the sanctuary and  signify the spiritual enlightenment which  the gospel brings. The two groups of candles on the altar signify Christ in his divine and human nature.

Q. When did this custom originate?

 A Lights were used by early Christians for the purpose of illumination. Because of persecution they had to gather for worship secretly, during the night or before day break. The candles became a  significant part of the worship as well as being beautiful, The candlelight makes our churches beautiful, driving  away darkness just as the Gospel drives away sin and sadness from our hearts.

Q. Do you have any authority from the Holy scripture for the symbolic use of lights in the house of God?

A. Enthusiastically yes. See II Chron: 13:11,

Lev: 24:2 and Ex 40:25, Ex 25:31.

Q. What therefore can we infer from the above texts?

A. We infer that what God commanded under the OT dispensation cannot be sinful under the NT.

The Pelican

Theologians believe that during  ancient times this bird, the pelican nourished her young with her own blood,  hence it was adopted as an emblem of our  Lord to symbolize the Love of Christ for  his church.( This is a symbol of a pelican but not a real one)

Q We always see flowers placed at the chancel of our churches. Why is it so?

The flowers bring natural beauty to the house of God just as he used them to make the world look beautiful. The natural beauty of flowers and their fragrance remind us of God’s goodness. The beauty and purity of flowers signify to us the grace and loveliness of the Christian character.  Perennial  blooming flowers remind us of the resurrection.

Q. What do the lettersH.I.S stand for?

A. These are the first letters of the Greek word Jesus. The H is the Greek E and S is often the Greek form C. These are explained as initial letters of three Latin acrimony's, Jesus Hominum Salvator, meaning Jesus the Savior of Men.

Q. What does the letter XP stand for?

A. These infer the first two Greek letters in the name Christ. These were common during the reign of Emperor Constantine on his banner hence the monogram, Labarum or standard of  Constantine.

Q. What does the “Crown” or Corona signify?

A. This is the emblem of victory over death and sin. The wreath of thorns symbolizes Christ’s humility and suffering.

Q. Is there any authority in the Holy Scripture to support and substantiate your claims?

A. Yes please see Rev.4:4 and Rev.19:12

Q. What do the signs A and Ω imply?

A. They are the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet and signify beginning and end. Christ Himself is the first and last, the beginning and end. CF Rev.22:13.

EASTER MESSAGE.

THE SEVEN WORDS FROM THE CROSS.

The Occasion is called Good Friday because of the great good which the Lord God almighty did when he gave His only begotten son to die on that day for our sins and because of our  Savior’s goodness in giving himself as a ransom for our souls.

This is because Jesus’ crucifixion occurred on  Friday, during the week of the Jewish Passover, an anniversary held at the paschal full moon which is still observed by  Jews today. Good Friday therefore is to observed as an occasion of fasting and abstinence separate from earthly occupations, to be spent in undisturbed devotion. On Friday, upon his crucifixion, Lord Jesus asked a question and made certain statements!

These statements and utterances are what is theologically called “Jesus Christ’s seven words on the cross”. Three are in John, three in Luke and the other in both Mathew & Mark.

1. “Father forgive them; they do not know what they are doing." Jesus speaking to his father. (Luke 23:34)

2. “I tell you the truth, you will be with me in paradise”. Addressed to the criminal who acknowledged Jesus’ innocence. (Luke 23:43)

3. “Dear woman, here is your son’ (directed to Mary-John 19:26) and here is your mother” spoken to the

beloved disciple- (John 19:27).  

 4. “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” dereliction cry addressed to his father in heaven. (Math 22:46 Mark 15:34)

Jesus was quoting Psalm 22:1 The Psalm expressed agony of the messiah’s death for the world sin.

5. “I’ m thirsty” It’s not known who Jesus was speaking to though soldiers responded- John 19:28.

6. “It is finished” Jesus’ cry for victory-a general proclamation to all. John: 19:28.

7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” - spoken to the father. (Luke-23:46)

The sixth word on the cross was spoken after our Lord Jesus had received wine vinegar to drink.

The utterance “it is finished” is more than a mere statement that he had completed drinking from the physical cup of suffering. The picture language used here highlights arrest, trial and the climax of crucifixion as a much greater spiritual cup which the father had given to Jesus, and which he had now finished drinking.

The mission which started when Jesus left heaven for earth was being accomplished during his suffering on the cross.

 GOSPEL TO THE DEAF AND DUMB THROUGH SIGN LANGUAGE.

Sign language for the deaf and dumb in Kinango. How to reach people with special needs with the gospel. When you hear of people with special needs what picture comes to your mind? There are nearly always some people with special needs in the midst of our society. They usually look for help from us. When we talk of the blind, the dumb, the physically handicapped and the deaf  of whom do we speak? The people who do not hear are the deaf, the dumb are those who cannot speak but they can  usually see and hear very well.  The blind are those who cannot see. The physically handicapped are usually impaired in their limbs or bodies and have difficulty moving around or doing things. The deaf and the dumb can be reached through sign language. Here are few tips about sign language for these groups of people with special needs here in Kinango. We love them and pray for them.

STORIES TO REMEMBER

REBECA: A HOUSE DIVIDED THE SECRET IS DISCOVERED, THE DECEIVER FLEES FOR REFUGE,AS ESAU VOWS TO HIT BACK HARD. Gen. (27-29)

lying never pay

The food Esau carefully prepared with all his love was unwanted. The blessing he had been promised earlier, somebody else has taken. This was too much. The man broke into tears 28 v 38. Esau said in his heart and probably told his friends. V41 “The days of mourning my father are near then I will kill my brother Jacob. Esau was very furious, while Jacob was scared like a rabbit. Then quickly with the help of Rebecca,  Jacob was to flee from the wrath of Esau . V43.

Jacob obeyed his parents and was done (A sad, sad moment!  Separation from his Mother’s  love, the worry of his father and his brothers vengeance!

What a great divide! What a prize to pay for evil doing!

Heart broken and miserable beyond compare, Jacob the great liar, trekked under the cloudless  night sky with only the stars to guide him to Haran. Jacob was in great disgrace  but there was nothing he could do. Never before had he felt so weary, low, and wretched and far from God as at that particular moment, never was God so near. The Hymn composed by Mrs. S.F. Adams “Nearer My God to Thee” Golden bells (365 & Ancient & Modern 352) sums up everything about Jacob and is based on the story of Jacob’s dream in Gen.28:11-19

1. Nearer, my God, to thee,

    Nearer to thee!

    E’en though it be a cross

    That raiseth me,

    Still all my song shall be,

    Nearer, my God, to thee,

    Nearer to thee.

2. Though, like wanderer,

    The sun gone down,

    Darkness comes over me,

    My rest a stone,

   Yet in my dreams I’d be

   Nearer, my God, to thee,

   Nearer to thee.

4. Or if joyful wing,

    Cleaving the sky,

    Sun, moon, and stars forgot

    Upward fly,

    Still all my God to thee,

    Nearer to thee.

A big lesson.

After a long, dangerous and treacherous journey through the wildness, the “supplanter”  at long last arrived in his motherland. After staying for a month, (29:14, and 15) Laban asked him what wages he expected. “Rachel “ said Jacob (V18) “I will work for you for seven years in return for Rachel” (V18) The seven years seemed only a few days for him because of his love for her. Everything seemed to be moving in the right direction. (V12) “Give me my wife, I want to lie with her” Jacob said to Laban. The date for the wedding was fixed and Laban arranged the feast (V22) The supplanter suffers the greatest disappointment any man could bear.

Craftiness characterized by treachery matched Jacob’s deception of his old father Isaac, Laban married him to Leah instead of Rachael! You can figure out how furious Jacob was after discovering he had been tricked.

“What is this you’ve done to me?” (V.25) Jacob broke into tears. Why have you deceived me?

(V26) Laban replied, “It’s not our custom to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one”.  Laban was a hard bargainer! Jacob learnt something he ought to know!

How  it feels to be cheated.  This experience of this hard lesson proved to him that it never benefits a person to cheat and deceive. Jacob served another seven years in total 14,  just for being a deceiver. Worse still, his own children conspired and deceived him by selling his favourite son Joseph to slave traders,  telling a hoax story of animals - yet the animals were innocent.

Moral meaning of the story.

Jacob was very upset when he realized that Laban had tricked him. The deceiver of Esau was also deceived in his turn. How natural it is for many of us to become enraged at an injustice done to us while closing our own eyes to the injustice we do to others. Behold! Sin has the tendency of bouncing back to haunt us!

THE KINANGO CHRSITIANS PRAY FOR PEACE.

Q. What is the first collect during morning worship after the collect for the day in the Anglican Church?

 A. The prayer for peace.

Q. Explain why the collect is first-placed among other collects in the morning worship?

A. Simply because peace is the greatest of  all the earthly blessings that human beings can possess, and without peace all the others would be as good as nothing. Let it be addressed here clearly, so that you all know, that peace is the most inclusive and embracing of all human virtues. All normal human beings desire peace. Peace is the normal and proper order, which all Kenyans need today in relation to one another. This is to say that our human nature is absolutely a peaceable one and fulfils itself in peace.  Therefore, political violence is a form of corruption of our true nature. Peace is also related to justice. The great prophets of yore, Amos, Micah, Isaiah and Jeremiah, were great combatants for social evil and condemned as false any form of peace or security that relied on oppression as merely superficial and false. True peace must be grounded in justice. Therefore it is the responsibility of the church to pray for peace and Christian unity. We need to pray for all those who are nursing wounds of hatred.

The Glorious Awakening would like to take this early opportunity to extend the arm of “Pole” to all our brothers and sisters everywhere who are nursing painful wounds and some who have lost their dear ones through the recent senseless killings that almost consumed our motherland.

Prayers have more power than all military hardware put together. Our call and appeal this Easter season is for Peace, Perestroika, economic reform and national reconciliation. Peace addresses itself in the distribution of Power!  When a few people monopolize power,  it keeps others powerless which leads to a power struggle. This struggle can be resolved through dialogue, the way we have seen in the Kofi Annan peace deal. Isaiah 9:6….. “Wonderful counsellor, mighty God, everlasting father, prince of peace”.

Violence and senseless killings, unlike peace, treats people as less than human beings, people are regarded as wild creatures which are hunted for pleasure (see editor’s note). Violence begets more violence as it actually dehumanizes.

Violence leads to vengeance and Revenge, a cycle which never ends. The vice of violence imprisons the perpetrators in a cocoon from which they can not escape and which  keeps bringing them back to square one. The church, on the other hand, must preach for peace more than ever before! The message of togetherness and reconciliation must be foremost so that the devil of violence may be crushed and peace and dignity restored.

The church must renounce all forms of tribal violence in order to break the circle of greed, fear and hate. The dividing walls of hostility must be replaced with the spirit of love, interdependence and kindness.

As all Kenyan Christians surge forward in pursuit for peace, we should forgive one another; remember God is the final author for peace. (Eph 2:14.)  “the final author for peace has united us and has broken the dividing wall of hostility”, peace is all we need.

During the Lenten season 2008,  Kinango Christians fasted and prayed for their brothers and sisters who were affected during the recent post election violence.

KENYA FOR PEACE:

The epicentre of political violence as shown in the map on the map.

 In geographical terms the epicenter is a place where an earthquake is felt most strongly. In this context, we can say the epicenter of ethnical violence are regions of Kenya which experienced heavy tribal fighting and other related atrocities.

The intensity and magnitude of the post election violence, which turned tribal, was truly horrible and catastrophic. Eldoret, Naivasha, Molo and Kisumu experienced the highest intensity of these senseless atrocities. Other areas affected were Nairobi, Mombasa, Mount Elgon, Nakuru and some other parts of rift Valley like Buret. “Everlasting Father you are the healer who was wounded, we beseech you, by your  wounds, heal all Kenyans, who were hurt and  injured over the recent violence.

1Peter 2:24 “ he himself bore our sins in his body on the tree that we might die to sin and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed”.

Isaiah 53:3-5 “he was despised by men……. & with familiar suffering was pierced for our transgression, crushed for our iniquities”. “Punishment that brought peace was before him and by his wounds we are healed” Heavenly father, ruler of all the universe, forgive the sins of all the perpetrators of violence in Kenya and the sins of commission and omission; bring peace to all who are nursing the wounds of hatred.  May your kingdom come and your will be done. Through Jesus’ blood, fill us all with the Holy Spirit, by your  power and resurrection Amen.

 Praying for peace in Kinango.

 Kinango Christians in deep meditation for divine intervention during the recent post election violence that almost consumed our motherland.

“Peace is the most embracing of all human virtues let us pray for peace”.

The District Commissioner, Kinango district, Mr. Tom Machenere was also present during the National Peace Prayer Day organized in Kinango District.

Bishop Mourns Daughter in- law.

 Bishop Kalu of Mombasa diocese lost his daughter-in-law through death in February 2008. The burial was at Kakuyuni in Malindi!  The Glorious Awakening joins the Bishop and his family during this trying moment. May God strengthen and give you peace.

 G.F.S MOVEMENT ACTIVE IN KINANGO.

G.F.S  stands for Girls Friendly Society.

G.F.S like the Mother’s Union is an organization within the Anglican Church.

G.F.S.  Addresses the moral and spiritual up bringing of the female child. The founder of  the G.F.S movement, in 1875, is an Australian lady,  Miss Come.

The GSF Motto is based on Galatians 6:2. “Carry each others burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ.” No Christian should claim that he/she is absolutely independent and does not need assistance from others;  no one should feel exempt from the task of helping others. The church, as the Body of Christ, operates only when members work together for the common good.

In Kinango the GFS movement was pioneered by the Kinango Parish Vicar’s wife Anna, in January 2008.

A lot of great changes have taken shape ever since Anna took the initiative of introducing the GFS movement in Kinango. Over 60 young girls ages 6-22, have enrolled as GFS members from all corners of the parish. The girls help juniors by helping them to grow morally and spiritually so that they may be useful, responsible and acceptable individuals in the Body of Christ. Most of these girls will be received by the Bishop as full members of the organization in the course of the year. We are grateful to Mrs. Mary Mbugua of St. Peter’s Nyali and Wambui Warui who donated sanitary towels and clothes for these young Kinango girls.

The GFS trainer, Anna Ofundi, is a strict disciplinarian who always takes these girls through a vigorous training! Kudos mama Anna and your girls.

GFS girls in Kinango

GFS girls in Kinango admire and pose with their gifts donated by St. Peter’s Women’s Fellowship.

Anne, the Vicars’ wife Kinango parish, photograph below Left, is the GFS trainer in Kinango.

Over 60 girls have so far enrolled as members of the new movement in the Anglican Church Diocese of Mombasa Kinango Parish.

 Mama Anna GFS trainer in Kinango parish is a lady with a difference. So far she has enrolled over 60 young girls of 13 –22 years of age to the glory of Christ to join the GFS movement here in Kinango

ORDINATION NEWS.

ORDINATION.

It is quite evident to all men reading Holy Scriptures and  ancient writers that from the apostles’ days there have been three orders of ministers in Christ’s church: Bishops, Priests and Deacons.

When we talk of ancient authors or Writers, we usually refer to the early church Fathers who lived after the apostles and any other Ecclesiastical authors who followed them during the New Testament times.

Q. Why are ancient church Fathers and authors referred to?  Elaborate as to why we study the holy writers to ascertain ordinances and customs observed by the apostles?

This is because many things referred to by  New Testament authors are explicitly made clear in the recordings and writings of the early church Fathers, who lived after the apostles, but who were conversant with customs existing at that time. The three classes of ministries in the New Testament are, Bishop, Priest and Deacon, sometimes referred to as Apostles, Presbyters or Elders, Bishops and Deacons. Elders or Presbyters have an executive head, the Bishop. Right from the onset of things the term Bishop began to be restricted to this executive ‘President’ and therefore all the ministerial obligations became confined to this office, leaving the Presbyters to exercise part of these ministerial functions.

In New Testament times the Apostles ordained Elders and exercised authority over the churches, When the Apostles died, their functions evolved upon  the Bishops, making a distinct difference between Presbyters and Bishops. Hence the Presbyters became a separate order, with Bishops assuming the role of the Apostles. Therefore the term ‘Apostles’ was left to distinguish the 12, and the ‘Presbyter’ the 2nd order

 Q. You’ve mentioned the word ordination what do mean by the term ordination and where did this practice originate from?

Ordination means the conferring of authority to perform what could not be properly done without being ordained. Authority is conferred by those who have been ordained by those who preceded them in the office.

In other words it is also the ministry through prayer, with the laying of hands. Our Lord Jesus confers by grace of the Holy Spirit, and authority, to those being ordained as bishops, priests or deacons. It follows therefore that there can be no other ordination to the bishopric office, priest or deacon, except through the unbroken succession from the Apostles.

Q. What great event took place in Anglican church Mombasa diocese 15th March 08?

A. Ordination service at Mombasa memorial Cathedral.

Q. What is the right theological term for such a service?

A. The making of the deacons and ordering of the priests.

Q. How many were they?

A. Six ordinands were made deacons while the other six were ordered priests, in total 12.

Q. Who presided over the ordination service?

A. The Bishop of Mombasa diocese, The Rt. Rev. Julius Kalu. .

Q. What are the names of the ordinands?

Kioko, Muli, Mbuthia, Woja, Mtinda, Mwanjala, Herya, Lucy, Lenox, Amukowa, Baya, and Kennedy.

 Q. What is the essential part in ordination?

The laying of hands by the Bishop with prayer. (Acts 6:6:13:3)

Q. Why does Bishop Julius Kalu use the words “in the name of the father, and of the son and of the Holy Spirit” when laying hands on the heads of the ordinands?

A. To show that as the consecrator he is acting by the authority of the blessed trinity.

Q. What is the difference between a deacon in the Anglican Church and those in other denominations?

A. The deacons belong to the consecrated ministry in Episcopal Church, Roman and Greek, while in other religious bodies, they are merely laymen. We know that deacons belong to the ordained ministry when we read Acts 8:5, 13, 38, 40 because they preached and baptized.

Q. What is the next grade in the ordained ministry?

A. That of priesthood; also called Presbyter or simply Elder.

Q. What other name is sometimes  given apart from that of the priest?

A. Pastor, Rector or Minister.

Q. What do such titles mean to us?

A. This does not mean ministerial hierarchy but just an office. Rector is derived from Latin word Rego, meaning to rule; it therefore means the ruler of the Parish. Pastor means a shepherd, he who cares for and feeds the flock. Minister means servant, one who serves or ministers. He may be a deacon, Bishop or Priest

 ST PETER’S MEN TAKE KINANGO BY STORM.

St. Peter’s fellowship of men popularly known as FOM guided by the Holy Spirit and the love of God, made a flamboyant outreach pastoral visit to the little Parish of Kinango during the lent season 2008. The fellowship of men in an entourage of II choir members, three lay ministers and several congregants of St Peters church, led by the FOM chairman Mr. Tom Muchura and the St Peter’s Vicar,  The Rev. Dr. Kiundu donated a brand new motorcycle for the Parish Vicar, foodstuffs, clothes and hymn books were among many other worship items for the Kinango Christians. Their message through the outreach was loud and clear. “We the fellowship of men from St. Peter’s Church, Nyali, visited the Parish of Kinango to preach the good news of our salvation guided by the Holy Spirit through the inspiration of the Holy Scripture. We came for all the Kinango Christians”

The members of the Fellowship of Men planted trees to mark the partnership between the two parishes and also visited the little village church of Vigurungani which is located in northern pastoral areas. Please check our pastoral map.Eyes are for seeing what is correct, true and right? Our dear visitors who came with beautiful feet covered with the gospel of Jesus Christ were able to see and experience for themselves the vastness and greatness of  the biggest parish of all in Sub-Saharan Africa. Covering 1829 square km, characterized rough terrain, poor infrastructural facilities, ignorance, poverty, jiggers, superstition you name them. But the Lord God is good all the time for those who trust and wait upon him. (Isa. 40.27ff.)

 VILLAGE CHURCH FOR KINANGO PARISH OPENED

Another daughter church for Emmanuel Kinango has been inaugurated. This brings the total to seven  village churches which make up what is called Kinango Parish. The village church which was officially opened during Epiphany by the Kinango Parish Vicar, Christians and elders was long overdue. Bishop James Hannington Miatsani is the name of this new village church which boasts of over thirty congregants. Bishop James Hannington was the first Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa, consecrated Bishop in 1874 in Lambeth England. Hannington was killed by Kabaka Mwanga in 1875 in Buganda. James Hannington was a man of great faith and courage and strong in character. Other institutions named after him are Bishop Hannington Bible College in Mombasa and now Bishop Hannington Miatsani; Other village churches in Kinango Parish are: St. Paul's Vigurungani, St Peter’s Chonyi, St. Luke's Mabamani, Emmanuel Kinango and St. Marks Chirima Chauha.

AMAZING FACTS ABOUT ELEPHANTS.

The language of elephants.

Kinango is an Elephant infested territory.

That is to say we have what experts call human and wildlife conflict here because Kinango Parish Borders Shimba Hills National Reserve.

An interview with a local Duruma man from Vigurungani revealed the following interesting features about Elephants.

That African Elephants– Loxodonta Africana live in families, grandmothers, mothers, daughters and grandchildren. The families are led by the oldest female called the matriarch. In times of danger or indecision family members turn to her for leadership and protection.

Elephants communicate using sight, sound and scent. Since they have very poor eye sight “their’ sense of hearing and smell are exceptionally good and can detect familiar voices and scent.

Elephants speak using trumpets, snarls, screams, bellows, cries, roars and rumbles.

Experts say learning the Elephant language is interesting and takes time, but people do learn and become able to interpret their messages. For instance there is a pulsated roar which means ‘I want to dance’, another one means ‘I’m feeling silly’, another expresses surprise at an alien object!

A rumble is the commonest sound made by an Elephant. Poachers refer to this kind of a rumble as a stomach upset caused by indigestion.  Rumbles are produced in the larynx. Indigenous people, who are experts in elephant Language, have so far identified over 15 different rumbles. “let’s move”, “where are you?”,  “we are over here” etc. Most rumbles are so low in pitch

that human beings are unable to hear up to 30% of what jumbos speak. When related herds meet one another, they rumble and trumpet and greet each other with their trunks so as to smell one another in style. Through sniffing the ground, elephants follow the paths of other elephants who have passed before.  With trunks high in the air, they can smell the enemy several Km away and can smell rain when it is still far off. Isn’t that interesting?

SHARING GOD’S WORD IN KINANGO.

Through The Glorious Awakening;Eph: 5:13How shall they go? Romans. 10:15 We here at The Glorious Awakening’s desk, believe that we are called to serve the church of Christ here in Kinango by equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and raising future church leaders for the fast growing church. The unreached communities, here in Kinango, live in dire poverty. Illiteracy is High.  Superstition and witchcraft are rampant. The few churches operating in the area lack the necessary resources and trained leadership required for ministry. Recent research shows that the church outreach teams concentrate on the towns as opposed to the rural villages like Kinango where most people dwell. A fact finding mission organized recently by The Glorious Awakening, helped expose the church leadership to what God is doing to the un reached communities here in Kinango.

 Car Breakdown!

 St. Peters fellowship of men chairman (FOM) Mr. Tom Muchura with hands akimbo, watches  studiously as mechanics work hard to change a wheel  after a mechanical breakdown, during a recent pastoral outreach to Vigurungani in Kinango parish. Mr. Tom don't be scared, our roads are the way you see. Please come again.

APRECIATION.

Tribute to all our partners in ministry here in Kinango.

The Glorious Awakening would like to most sincerely extend its profound gratitude and Indebtedness to all our dear friends who have preached the gospel of Christ through social ministry here in Kinango, in season and out of season. Romans 10:15 “ how beautiful are the feet of those who bring in the good news.”

The Glorious Awakening would like to thank the following personalities for being faithful partners in ministry with the Kinango people.

1. St Peters church Nyali fellowship of men, FOM led by the parish vicar the Rev. Dr.

Dorcus Kiundu.

2. The fellowship of men St Peters Nyali secretariat led by Mr. Tom Mchura, who purchased a brand new motor bike for the vicar, to ease his transport problems.

3. Others who came to Kinango with FOM on 24th Feb were Clement Agina, Eng. Karis & Mrs. Kirubi, Dr. Elon, Mr. & Mrs. John Mbugua, Lydia Kituri, J. Obara, Antoinette Cecilia, J. Emuria, Youth and St Peters choir. Mr. David Kamau of Ukunda , our long term partner for years, deserves special mention too. Last but not least we would also like to acknowledge the MD of Darajani Hotel Mr. Laurence Karume for the donation of a  shs 3,000 cheque for  needy Christians in our parish. Mr. Karume we thank God for you. We also thank God for providing us with friends who are faithful and honest to their promises. We are proud to be associated with you. Editor.

Ash Wednesday.

 Ash Wednesday got its name from the early church which involved the sprinkling of the ashes on the head of the penitents, as a token of humiliation and sorrow for sin. The Kinango Christians follow the same custom even today as seen in the picture opposite. Note carefully ashes on the foreheads of these penitents. CF Mathew 11:21

Church leaders workshop held in Ukunda.

The church leaders workshop was held in the parish of Ukunda in the month of February during the Lent season 2008.The Rev. Alfonse Baya of Ukunda parish facilitated the leaders workshop.

 Over 15 participants took part.

 Receive the keys of the motor bike to preach the gospel all over Kinango.

The fellowship of men chairman Mr. Tom Muchura hands over the keys of the brand new motor bike to the Kinango Vicar for outreach missions in all  difficult and unreachable areas of Kinango  parish. Kinango parish covers 1829 square Km.

 Vigurungani , here we come!

The Rev. Dr. Dorcus and David Chiti above march majestically to the village of Vigurungani during FOM’s outreach. Below Vincent tightens up his belt as the journey to Vigurungani toughened up. St. Peter’s strong ladies of faith all in hats, fit as fiddles, stride forward withstanding the hot afternoon sun to preach the good news  of salvation to the Kinango Christians.  They are Cecilia Mwaluda, Mary Mbuguwa and Lydia Kituri respectively. God bless you ladies and come again to Vigurungani.

 Praise and worship time.

Our father who art  in Heaven hear our  humble prayer.

St. Peter’s Ministry Team Cecilia and Dr. Dorcus took Kinango’s pulpit by storm. They are seen leading a praise and worship moment during lent when FOM visited Kinango parish.

 Glorious moment.

The Rev. Dr. Dorcus shares a glorious moment with Kinango Christians when she visited the parish with FOM members in lent 2008. She announced the partnership between St. Peter’s Nyali and Emmanuel Parish Kinango. To God be the Glory.

 St. Peter’s Choir sing praises to God in Kinango.

The St. Peter’s choir accompanying FOM outreach was a blessing in disguise to the Kinango Christians. God bless you dear friends for singing praises to the Most High. The St. Peter’s choir donated ten copies of Kitabu cha Sala kwa watu wote. Thank you dear friends.

 St. Peter’s Congregation worships God in Kinango.

The St. Peter’s congregation, accompanying the fellowship of men (FOM), worshipped with the Kinango Christians in a joint service led by the Kinango Parish Vicar Kennedy. Here they are following church proceedings keenly, during their flamboyant outreach visit.

 FOM chairman greets the Kinango congregation.

The St. Peter’s fellowship of men chairman Mr. Tom Muchura is seen addressing the Kinango Christians during FOM’s visit to Kinango in Lent.

On behalf of FOM he donated a brand new motor bike for the Kinango Vicar.

Powerful machine for Kinango Christians.

St. Peter’s fellowship of men (FOM) purchased this vehicle for the Kinango Reverend for use in missionary and other outreach purposes in the parish. Other things donated were foodstuffs , clothing and beddings.

There you go! Vroom! Vroom!

From Vigurungani with the Gospel on a motorbike.

The Kinango parish Vicar is a very committed man with the Gospel. He is seen arriving on his brand new motorbike from a pastoral Sunday visit to Vigurungani almost 50 Km from Kinango town.

St. Peter’s fellowship of men FOM plant trees in Kinango.

Mr. Tom Muchura  (with a spade left) flanked by Mr. and Mrs. John Mbugua, and Rev. Dorcus plant trees to mark the St. Peter’s and Emmanuel Kinango parish bonding.  Five seedlings called pentagon were planted. Scientifically called (Croton mecalocopus Sp). “I sowed the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. The one who sows and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because he makes the plant grow. There is no difference between the man who sows and the man who waters God will reward each one according to what he has done. For we are partners working together for God, and you are God’s field” (1st Cor.3:6ff.

Kinango Christians pray for peace.

The Kinango Christian pastors led by the chairman of Kinango Pastors Christian fellowship prayed for peace to prevail in Kenya during the recent post election violence. Pastor Harrison Ruwa of E.A.P.C called for Christian unity amongst all Kenyans, particularly Kinango Christians.

 Love thy neighbor.

Bakari the Methodist lay minister visited the Kinango parish during Epiphany and preached for all Kenyans to embrace each other in the spirit of love and kindness and to forget their differences and live in peace to the glory of God.

 Brave Women

Kinango Brave Women, Mama Flora, Mama Grace, Mama Christine and Mama Nelly led by the vicar’s wife, second right, prepare to go out for the outreach to visit elderly women with the gospel. These ladies spend many hours reading scripture and traveling great distances to reach others in the remote parts of Kinango Parish.

Bishop Calls For Christian Unity.

Bishop Thomas Kogo, of Eldoret Diocese, was the guest preacher during a recent ordination ceremony at the Mombasa Memorial Cathedral. He emphasized that Kenyans should embrace each other as brothers and sisters in order to co-exist in peace and unity.

 Ordination News.

Ordination is the conferring of authority to perform what could not be properly done without it. 15th March 2008, twelve ordinands were made deacons and priests. The pictures above show deacons who were ordained as priests. The occasion was presided over by the Rt. Rev Julius Kalu, Bishop of Mombasa. Note the  ordinands in their ordinal regalia.

 APHIA 2 News

Members of APHIA 2 coast prepare to go for their HIV/AIDS awareness all over Kinango district.

A church that survived the test of time

 Emmanuel Church Kinango

Following the death of the Apostle John, the last survivor of Jesus’ apostles, it became evident that the church must act to ensure orderliness and discipline in order to be in agreement on the fundamental principles of faith. Jesus had called the church “My Church” and promised, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. To the present day that promise remains. The church of Jesus will not be separated from God’s love.

© The Rev. Kennedy Ofundi.

Easter 2008.

All rights are reserved.

The next issue of the Glorious Awakening will be out during the 19th week in

pentecost.

Tel: 0727-898119

APHIA 2 Coast, Aids Population and Health Integrated Assistance, is a programme funded by USAID in conjunction with (PCCS) Pwani Christian Community Services an NGO within the ACK and SDA together with Family Health International (FHI). Pwani PCCS Executive Director Mr. John Magenge, Eliza Achieng and Rev. Tom Dawa are district facilitators .