Vol
2/007 JULY—SEPT ISSUE.
The glorious awakening.
Eph. 5:13ff.
1ST SEPT
2007
‘I will
build my church, and the gates of hell
shall
not prevail…..”
By
The Rev Kennedy O. Ofundi
MOMBASA DIOCESE
The Glorious awakening
is published by the Vicars’ Desk P.o. Box 59 Kinango.
EDITOR’S NOTE
It gives me a great pleasure as I welcome you
to the 2nd edition of the glorious awakening Newsletter. Once again may I take
this glorious moment to extend my sincere and profound gratitude to the
almighty God as I use my pen for his glory. I believe my time here at the
glorious awakening’s desk in Kinango is well spent: Alleluia!
The 1st edition of the glorious awakening did
receive a good and positive commendation and reception as well from our readers
of all walks of life from all parts of the world. We will always try to improve
and write qualitative articles and stories with a strict sense of
professionalism, divine inspiration and balanced gospel writing. The glorious
awakening will help you understand the love of Christ for the Kinango people.
Our main mission is to prepare God’s people here in Kinango for Jesus’ second
coming.
The bible is the final
principle foundation of our faith which is God’s unchanging word absolutely
inspired by the Holy spirit. The Holy writes being the highest and final authority
in every human aspect of life created by God.
The lord almighty has called upon all nations
around the world to refrain from idol worship, sexual sins, witchcraft, greed
for money, heretic teachings and establishment of human empires in the church
in order to pave way for the 2nd coming of Jesus.
The glorious awakening aims at informing
educating and entertaining it’s readers with the latest news and comments on
what is happening around the parish of Kinango where Christians are living
under pressure of sin and perpetual poverty and superstition what we see
consistently is God’s people testifying to the reality of Jesus in their lives
even in the darkest of all situations. We here at the glorious awakening’s desk
would like to pass on the real picture commemorating and celebrating good news
as well as informing you of tough news too.
In future editions the glorious awakening will
focus on new resources initiatives and developments within our parish of
kinango . I wish you all
a happy reading of this edition of the glorious awakening. Your comments are
welcome on 0727-898119.
Rev. Kennedy Ofundi
Editor
PARISH NEWS.
Florence Okanga Sets the pace for Christ in kinango.
Florence Okanga Sets the pace for Christ in kinango.
Sister Florence
Okanga, the wife to Dr.JB Okanga, Set the fire of Christ glowing to the kinango
Christians during her flamboyant and successful pastoral visit to the parish of
kinango in the month of july 2007.
In a company of her husband Dr. JB Okanga and
with an entourage of cathedral youths and one elder, the Okangas donated four
brand new bibles and several hymn books to be used during worships and bible
Sundays by the kinango Christians.
The Okanga’s had a very
challenging pastoral Sunday when the y penetrated into the hinterland of the
kinango villages on foot, withstanding great heat of the hot afternoon sun
praying for the sick and the needy in this part of the world. The Okanga’s were
able to see and experience for themselves the staggering standard of poverty and malnutrition as
people lived in very dilapidated conditions. The Okanga’s also visited a home
of an octogenarian, Wanza who was abandoned by her own people due to her
advancing age. It surprises me that people in this part of the world have no
respect for the aged. During her sermon, to the Kinango Christians, sister
Florence spoke boldly on issues affecting the family. Quoting 1peter 3:1-7 she said both men and women should be
submissive to each other. She said that Christian wives should develop inner
beauty rather than being overly concerned about their out side appearance.
Their husbands will be won over by their love rather than their looks ‘live
your Christian faith quietly and consistently in your home and your family will
see the Christ in you’. Florence reassured Christian women who were married to
un believers that they do not need to preach to their husbands, but in stead,
their best approach is loving service. They should display to their husbands
the kind of self –giving that Christ loved the church. By being exemplary wives,
they would please their husbands. Eventually their husbands would join them and
become converted to Christianity too.
Appreciation
May God bless the
following people for supporting the ministry of God in Kinango. The family of
David Kamau of siku njema plaza Ukunda
for supporting the deacons stipend and donation of hymn books and prayer
bibles. Jane Semenye of St. Peters for the purchase of the carpet.
Dr. Okanga and Mrs.
Florence for donation of the brand new bibles. May the good God keep you all
well for your love for the Kinango people.
GUESS WHO?
Servants of God & humanity.
Love
from Taiwan.
The socialist Island
of Taiwan sent some relief food inform of white rice to the Kinango
Christians. This was
a good gesture and an emblem of love and kindness to humanity . Our lord Jesus
Christ said ‘love the lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and
with all your mind :-love your neighbours as yourself. Our responsibility to
others is to love, respect, help those in need and obey those in authority and
fulfill our duties as Christians. The Kinango Christians received their share
of the Taiwan rice with a lot of thanks giving in their hearts. The glorious
awakening extends its profound gratitude to the people of Taiwan through the
Diocesan Bishop of Mombasa Julius Kalu.
The love of Christ on
the skin of every human person
Marauding
Elephants cause panic to Christians in vigurungani.
A herd of hungry
elephants terrorized villagers and caused panic to Christians in vigurungani in
Kinango District in early July 2007.Christians
bolted doors and prayed to God for divine intervention as a symbol of
faith during disaster. Learning was also interrupted for a few days in schools but thanks for
the quick effort of the local administration which acted urgently and drove
away the Jumbos peacefully. To God be the glory for answering a our prayers
because there were no casualties or injuries reported.
Psalm 121
The psalmist says in
verse 7, ‘the lord will keep you from all harm, He will watch over your life, the
Lord will watch your coming and going now and forever more. God is always in
control even in the most darkest moments such as this. Alleluia!
Earth
quakes felt at Mombasa.
What are
they?
Earth tremors
measuring 4.5and 5.1 on the Richter scale were experienced in Nairobi and
Mombasa cities for several days in July 2007.An earth quake is the shaking of the earth crust due
to the snapping of rocks below the surface. Scientists say the epicenter of the
recent tremor was at the seabed of lake Natron. East Africa is not in the
earthquake zones so the ones we experience here are called earth tremors. A
tremor means the earth shook a little. The earthquakes waves were felt in
Mombasa Island where skyscrapers like TSS, Canon Towers buildings swayed and
caused panic to people as some ran for their lives. The tremor barley lasted
for ten seconds at 4pm East African time.
How to behave during an earth quake.
-While outside don’t
stand under a tree, it may collapse and fall on you.
-While in the house, put
off all the fires and power as this may explode.
Stand at the corners of
the house as these are the strongly built pillars.
Don’t run out or panic be
still for the bible says be still as I am the Lord. Geographers say earthquakes
are caused by the internal land forming processes within the earth surface.
But the bible which is
our final scriptural authority gives us full and conclusive answers.
Mtt.24:6
You will hear of wars and
rumors of war, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen,
but the end is still to come. There will be famines and earthquakes in various
places. All these are beginning of birth pains. In times of persecution
even strong believers will find it
difficult to be loyal. To keep from being cheated by false imposters, we must
understand Jesus 2nd coming will be unmistakable. No person will doubt that it
is he. If you are told that Jesus has come, then he has not appeared. Jesus 2nd
coming will be evident to us all who believe.
Mark13:26
Matt24:27
Anglican pastor’s wives converge in Kinango
Consequently God has
called these women as pastor’s wives and through them the society will be
changed and come to confess Christ. We can not really understand how both
can be true at the same time and yet
they are absolutely correct. God chooses to work with those ready to act for
him. God was in control yet Mordecai and Esther had to act. .
Those who attended the
conference were Mrs. Rose Kalu, Mrs. Ng’ang’a, Mrs. Mwambire, Mrs. Grace Kiseu,
Mrs. Nzaka, Mrs. Orido, Mrs. Mwesi, Mrs. Gunga, Mrs. Guyo, and Mrs. Annie
Omusugu Ofundi the host. The next conference will be in Kwale parish on
sept.8th 2007. Grace and Peace be with you ladies.
The Holy spirit is
working in the church in Kinango.
The bishop of Mombasa Rt. Rev. Julius Kalu
visited the parish of kinango in the 8th week in Pentecost for confirmation and
pastoral service. Confirmation is the
ministry by which through prayer and laying of hands by the bishop, the Holy
Spirit is received to finish what he started in baptism to give strength for
the Christian service and witness. The two parties engaged in confirmation are God and the
person confirmed. The person confirmed ratifies his baptismal promises when
he/she answers the Bishop's first question. The purpose of the Bishop’s second
question on the conformant is to remind the person confirmed that his relation
to our God is individual and personal as well as corporate and official. This
rite is performed by nobody other than the bishop because it is a function
belonging to the apostolic office alone. [Acts 8: 12-18]
In the parish of Kinango,
during the bishop’s visit in Pentecost a total number of 46 people ratified
their baptismal vows at a confirmation service and joined the church. Pentecost
happened 50 days after Jesus came back a live. Before Jesus went back to
heaven, he gave special instructions to his disciples. They were to tell Jesus’
good news as they went everywhere in the
world. But they were not to begin until
Jesus gave them power of the holy spirit. The church in Kinango during the
Bishop’s visit was vibrant as the Holy Spirit descended on those confirmed. The
church in Kinango is growing up steadily. The wedding was conducted too,
singing as well all this is the work of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we think the
church as buildings and blocks. The church is made up of people. Christians are
the real church. People who love God and worship him make up the true church.
Our church in Kinango is part of the family of God. Let us celebrate the church
today as we worship God here in Kinango. Please check else where for Pictorial
news on the work of the Holy Spirit in Kinango during the Bishop’s visit in
Pentecost.
Those who acompanied the
Bishop on his pastoral visit to kinango were; Mrs.Rose Kalu, Mr.Edward Kahindhi
(the diocesan administrative secretary), Mr. Rophous Karuke (the education
secretary and the Kwale Arch Deacon Ven. James Mramba.
Baptism By Rain.
It was
baptismal Sunday in Kinango parish in the village of Vigurungani almost 40-50km
from Kinango. The area had been hit by scarcity of water for several
months. The rivers and streams had all dried up. It was dry, dry everywhere.
There was no water not even spell of it. The rite of baptism can not be carried
out without water . The baptismal candidates had already come and ready to
under go this Holy ritual but to the surprise there was no water. We sent our
emissaries to the rural villages to look for
water but all was in vain. It was getting late almost past midday and everyone was getting perplexed . It was
time to pray for Abba, Father in heaven for a miracle in heaven to happen.
After saying a brief prayer, Father in your heavenly throne have mercy on us
your humble servants come and help us now, for we are stranded, for this we
pray in Jesus name Amen
Immediately the
clouds gathered in the sky and there was a heavy torrential down pour which
lasted for about ten minutes. We were
able to collect one full basin of rain water and the rite of baptism
went on smoothly. What a mighty God, we serve, heaven and earth adore him the
Lord of the universe and the earth. People were baptized by water straight from
heaven. Thank God for answering our prayer.
These candidates were
:-Prisca Jenjewa, Rofess Bakari, Elizabeth Mwatela, Everlyn Guni, Racheal
Chuphi, Emmanuel Nguta, Emmanuel Rumba, Ptricia Nguta, Solomon Jenjewa, Rebecca
Mwayaya Kanga, John Nyamawi, Paul Kutsele, Sila Guni, Margret Nguya, Harisson
Nzaphila.
Through baptism people
and children are made members of the
church of Christ and in heritors of the King Dom of Heaven.
The Love
of Christ on the skin of every parson
 |
| Front view |
The condition in which
the Glorious awakening got a hundred year old Wanza was simply terrible. No
food, no water, no nothing just abandoned alone. The house is in a horrible and
dilapidated condition. Where is the love of Christ? I took Holy communion to
her and prayed with her and she believed and healed from arthritis. Lets help
our aged people in our society for the Bible commands blessings from such
people. A lonely Wanza seen out side the door of her house in Amkeni area. Note
the size of enlarged limbs a condition of arthritis she too needs a wheel chair to enable her to be
mobile.
The love of Christ
has to be seen on the skin of every human person. It is the responsibility of
the church to help Christians who are living under the pressure of sin and
poverty in such conditions as these.
Kinango-
supports Rev. Mary to Limuru
The little
parish of Kinango with love of God, supported the Rev. Mary Micere the Waa boys
and girls secondary school’s chaplain to St Paul’s Limuru for further studies. The
Kinango Christians gave their contribution of Ksh 1,000/= through their deacon
towards Rev. Mary’s tuition. A total amount of Kshs 391,113 was raised in early
August 2007 by friends and well-wishers at the Mombasa memorial cathedral.
Mary, an ordained deaconess and a priest is an alumni of Bishop Hanningston
seminary, has been admitted to STPUTC –Limuru for BD –degree programme from
September 2007.
Mary the fiery, vibrant
and charismatic preacher shed tears of joy for what the lord did for her. God
bless you Mary in your studies at St. Paul's.
Philippians 1: 3 “I thank
my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always
pray with you because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day till
now, being confident of this, who he began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. Amen.
Elopementment amongst the
Duruma people.
This is an ancient and
a traditional way of obtaining a wife amongst the Duruma people.
There are several factors for elopement. One
is the couples unwillingness to wait till marriage negotiations are finalized,
the man’s in ability to pay the required bride price.
An interview with a local
Duruma elder from a place called Chonyi. the following information was
obtained.
That in case of elopement it’s the girls
parents who are at a great lose. Once their girl has escaped away, she is
spoiled. Even if they persuade her to come back home she is a reject and who
will be willing to pay a high bride price for a second hand thing?. Parents too
may oppose to their child’s choice of marriage partner because of several
reasons.
They may claim that the suitor or the bride to
be come from a family that practices witchcraft, or they are lazy and of bad
repute. The suitor may be too poor, the girls parents want their girl to marry
a rich man.
The
Impostors.
Now days elopement has
become a very common phenomenon because of urbanization, it has become away
that attracts imitators and pretenders too. The young boy who manages to escape
with the girl is admired for his brevity, boldness and toughness. If she is pretty and well
disciplined, his friends, relatives and even parents congratulate him for a
successful job well done-The coup has succeeded.!
The act, for which there
may be good reasons, gets abused by the kind of Duruma young men who may be
employed far from home in the factories or work in beaches– take advantage over
other youngsters who loiter in the
villages without proper employment. These guys earn regular pay as they can
offer social security and a more sophisticated personality too.
During their services
living in Mombasa and other coastal towns, they save money and acquire
property, radios and bicycles. They also build stone houses that are admired by
villagers who sleep on reed mats and goat skins, in grass thatched huts and own
scarcely anything of value.
While back on rural
villages, these young boys swagger around like rich men. Their extravagant
spending attracts the village girls. They blow
their own trumpets that to them money is no problem. During festive seasons
such as Christmas they buy drinks for everyone, and these young ladies think
they are great. A cook in a beach hotel claims to
be a manager the simple
watchman claims to be a police constable. The desperate village girls giggle in
admiration and flock to them like bees to nectar. The imposters poach beautiful
young ladies and overlook ugly ones behind. I personally have an experience of
a young man who claimed to be a company manager-who eloped a well schooled girl
who took her to be a progressive wife. He turned out to be an office messenger.
The girl was frustrated and heartbroken. What a big hoax. Her virginity lost it
was a great disappointment to her parents too.
What
about married women?
In olden days here in
Duruma land, the majority of ladies who elope with a man eventually marry him. This was a great assignment to the
run away girl. She has to prove during testing period before marriage that she
will make a good wife. The parent of his lover will monitor her with scrutiny,
her mannerisms and her skills as well. Incase she fails the trials her future
is bleak. She becomes a left over. She will be despised by people. Men will
exploit her, help themselves to her.
In Kinango there are
reports of married women too to elope. Though it’s a rare thing. It takes great
courage to run off with someone else’s wife. He will have to shield himself
away against the wrath of the husband. He must escape into hiding as his life
is in danger.
Not only the
injured husband is after his blood, but every other husband feels he has been
insulted in his own marital status.
The injured husband on
the other hand becomes a laughing stalk of the village as other men despise
him. He is branded as a man whose knife is blunt like the gum of a baby,
therefore his wife had to look for Sharp implements. Other women admire the man
who eloped with her. He is regarded as a hero who saved a fellow woman from a
bogus and impotent guy.
Biblical
solutions to elopement
Eloping is associated
with fornication, promiscuity, and adultery.
Fornication is asexual
relationship between two unmarried persons.
1 Cor.5:1, 6:8,9, 2
Cor:12:21, Gal.5:19, 1 Thes. 4:3 : Eph
5:3 and Col 3:5,6 & 7.
Those who run with other
peoples wives commit a sin called adultery. This a sexual relation between
people who are already married but not to each other.Exodus 20:14, Matt
:15:19.Mark 7:21)Eloping is also a kind theft.
The bible in exodus 20:15
says thou shall not steal.
Proverbs 6:27-29,32-35
What about impostors
who lie and cheat innocent girls?
Lying lips are an
abomination to the lord.
Proverb: 12:22
SPIRITUAL AFFAIRS
Know
your fasting calendar as observed by the early church.
Moveable and immoveable feasts with days of fasting
and abstinence as observed by the early church and the church of England as
well.
Easter day the mother of
all Christian festivals, on which all other feasts depend, usually falls on the
first Sunday after the full moon occurs upon, or next after the full moon the
21stday of the month of March. However if the full moon falls upon a Sunday,
the Easter Day always comes the Sunday after Advent Sunday always come
in between the feast of St. Andrews, whether or before after. Other immovable
feasts you are supposed to know and observe as a Christian are;
1.Septuagesima Sunday always come
nine weeks before Easter.
2.Sexagesima Sunday is eight weeks
before Easter.
3.Quinquagesima Sunday is seven weeks
before Easter.
4.Quidnguagesima Sunday is six weeks
before Easter.
5.Rogation Sunday comes five weeks
before Easter.
6.Ascension Sunday forty days before
Easter.
7.Whit-Sunday is seven days after
Easter.
8.Trinity Sunday falls eight weeks after
Easter.
Joel 2:12, Mathew 6:16.Mathew 4:1 we in
Kinango follow the ancient fasting and abstinent calendar as observed by the
early church.
STUDENTS NEWS
The
best of luck to you all in your exams -our Kinango students.
Second term is over,
and I’m beginning to miss it as I remember my pupilage years and third term is
here with us, as the 2007 academic season is almost coming to an end. In deed
God has blessed us the Kinango Christians with bright children in primary and
high schools, middle class colleges and even
universi ties.
Third term is a term of
evaluation and vigorous testing before
being promoted into the next grade. Two major national exams are taken, KCPE
for the 8th graders and KCSE for those sitting for ’O’ levels
standard of exams.
At primary level we’ve
our pupils in St. Joseph’s primary, Kinango, ACK Bishop Kalu primary and St.
Lukes. In secondary we’ve Kinango
secondary, Franc Joseph’s, Ndavaya, Waa and Matuga. In universities we have
students in Moi in Eldoret and Kenyatta. The third term especially from October
is the time many students around the world begin their university studies. It
is a moment of glorious excitement for this category of budding genius genii.
The main purpose of starting university education is not studies alone, it’s
the first complete legitimate claim of breaking away from parental influence
and being recognized as young adults. In other words to university entrants
Sept/ October is the birth of person hood! Who can forget that confusing and
exhilarating time when one finally sets himself free of nagging parents, school
teachers and matrons. Nothing ever quite the same again. This is also a period
of introductions and introductory courses, definitions, explanation of basic
concepts and quietly dozing pupils.
Whichever way; to all our esteemed candidates at primary level, secondary,
colleges and universities, the Glorious awakening wishes you all the best of luck in your exams and come
out with 100% distinction in all taken subjects
with God's blessings. The more hard work you do the more you realize
your dreams and achieve your goals and have a brighter future. Remember “the
rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his
mother” (Proverbs 29: 15) “Whoever loves discipline, loves knowledge but whoever
hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12: 1).
8th
graders candidates.
Emmanuel Nyamawi, Eunice
Jenjewa, Evalyn Guni, Catherine Kadzungu, Agness Lugo, Nelson Mwalewa, Agness
Mwalewa, Samson Mumbo, Samson Ngome, Eunice Jeffa, Sofia Nyale Grace Mwikali.
12th
graders candidates.
Thomas Mwalewa, Amos
Ngome, Faith Munga, Eliza Mwalewa, Simon Mwachiti, John Munga, Paul Jeffa, Tom
Kombo, Judith Mwasingo.
Universities
and colleges
Nzembi Linda Kumbu at Moi
University Chepkoilel campus faculty of information science.
PICTORIAL NEWS
Baby
for Christ.
The preaching deacon of
Kinango Parish The Rev. Kennedy making church notices during the Bishopric
visit to the parish of Kinango in Pentecost. The Ven. Mramba is in the back
ground following the proceedings.In service of God in Kinango.
I
pledge my loyalty to God in Kinango!
The Bishop of Mombasa
diocese of Anglican church of Kenya, The Rt. Rev. Julius R. Kalu and the Kwale
archdeacon, Ven. J. Muramba had a busy pastoral Saturday in witnessing the
swearing in of the lay readers in parish of Kinango during Pentecost 2007. The role of the lay readers is to
help the minister in charge in Ecclesiastical and other duties.The blessing of the Holy matrimony.
During his visit to
the parish of Kinango in Pentecost, the Bishop of Mombasa Julius Kalu blessed
the marriage of Mr. James Mbiti Mnyalo and Naomi Mbiti. The Bishop in his
sermon based on Genesis 2 spoke boldly and elaborately on issues pertaining the
family. He emphasized on family staying together in harmony and in the love of
Christ.
Waiting
to be commissioned!
Philippians 3:12-14
Certification
Each of the six commissioned evangelists/ lay readers was issued with a certificate license with an ecclesiastical seal of Bishop of Mombasa to serve the people of God in Kinango. God bless you all newly appointed lay readers in your new calling.
Following the proceedings
Confirmation
Confirmation is the
ministry by which through prayer and laying of hands by the Bishop, the Holy
Spirit is received to finish what he had started in baptism to give strength
for the Christian service and witness. The two parties engaged in confirmation
are God and the person confirmed. Bishop Julius Kalu of Mombasa is seen
performing a similar rite during Pentecost when he visited the parish of
Kinango in late July 2007. Forty seven
conformant joined the church during last Bishopric visit in Pentecost. Glory be
to God Alleluia!
Baptism
Eucharistic Service.
Bishop Julius Kalu of the Anglican church of Kenya Mombasa diocese is seen leading a Eucharistic service in the parish of Kinango last Pentecost. Forty seven people were admitted to partake the Holy Sacraments.
Vibrant
Church!
Admission into the mother’s union
Monica Murisa 60, is
being made a full member of the mother’s union by the Rt. Rev. Julius Kalu
Bishop of Mombasa last Pentecost in the parish of Kinango. Widows such as this
are always made full members because they are a past marriage age.
A
church that survived the test of time
EMMANUEL CHURCH
KINANGO
A
PARISH WITH A DIFFERENCE!
COME AND WORSHIP WITH US.
SUNDAY
SERVICES
SUNDAY SCHOOL 8.00AM - 9.00AM
KISWAHILI SERVICE 10.00AM - 12NOON
ENGLISH SERVICE COMING SOON
WEEK
DAY SERVICES
Pastoral instruction to
lay ministers is on every Wednesday at 4.00pm
Litany service every
Friday at 4.00pm
Vicar’s hour with the
youth Saturday at 2.00pm
Bible study 4.00pm
Vicar
on leave
The Kinango parish Vicar,
the Rev. Ken. Ofundi will be on leave from late August to late September 2007.
He is intending to visit Trans Nzoia where he will be the Chief missioner at
St. Paul's Kitale and St. James Matisi. Pray for him and his family while he is
a way. Mean while the church will be under the newly commissioned lay ministers
Grace and peace be with you all.
Want to support the
ministry of Christ in Kinango?
Or help the church of
Christ to grow?
Kindly deposit your
cash or cheque on account number:
0121245596201
Stanbic bank –Nkruma Road
Prayer line call:0727898119
Prayer items
1. Pray for church pews that God will provide
2. Power, we need only 30,000 for this for power to
be installed.
3. Computer and a printer
Please donate to us
the following,
Digital camera
Video camera
So as to make the
gospel of Christ to reach all Nations. Mathew 28:19ff. Go ye therefore and make
disciples to all Nations.
annieomusugu@yahoo.com
Rev.
Kennedy Ofundi
Editor.
All
rights reserved ©Kennedy
Ofundi
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