Vol
10/010 JAN—MARCH 2011 ISSUE.
The Glorious Awakening.
EPH
5:13 ff:
Christmas
Edition 2010.
All out
war against jiggers!.
The Anglican
Church of Kenya Mombasa diocese through its development arm PCCS has stepped
out a campaign strategy against jiggers amongst its members. This was done
through feet washing exercise held recently. In Shimoni, several families and
school children benefited from the one day event.
By
The Rev
Kennedy O. Ofundi
MOMBASA DIOCESE
The Glorious awakening
is published by the Vicars’ Desk Every three months P.o. Box 5103 Diani Beach.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Thanks be to God, we are 4 years old
today.
It might interest you
all, our readers, to know that today marks the 10th edition of the ‘Glorious
Awakening Newsletter’! For the majority of us who believe in
anniversaries this would be the most appropriate time to look back, pause, and
toast and say “this far the Lord has
brought us”! Here are cheers to you all
wonderful and special people of God.
It has been very adventuroAus, an
eventful and at times acrimonious journey; swimming in the rough waves in the
high waters of life. When it all started we had very challenging moments; no
power in the house so no computers, printers or even phones. At one point I was so disgusted reaching the
point of putting the top back on my pen and calling it quits! Especially when
there was no food to eat, there were diseases and other ailments, and yet the
gospel has to be preached. Thanks be to
God many of you readers prayed for me and called with positive words of
encouragement. It is from you people that I renewed my strength to fight on!
“He gives strength to
the weary, and increases the power of the weak”.
“but those who hope in
the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on
wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be
faint”
(Isaiah 40: 29 & 31)
It wouldn’t be
right if I said that I have not enjoyed myself throughout my tenure as the
Kinango Vicar! I went to Kinango as an
ordained deacon, then became a priest, established the Glorious Awakening and
published the church symbols book! What a credible success! Glory to God who reigns together with the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!
Nothing gives me greater pleasure and
joy than the immeasurable knowledge that I am able to reach, inform, educate
and influence the many readers who read the Glorious Awakening and the church
symbols book.
Interestingly for me,
some of our readers are people of great social status and authority and have
been impressed by the work of God done by his servants here!
Aristotle, the Greek thinker, once
said that writers are the most unacknowledged group of people in the world.
When I read those words I did not understand what they meant. But then I was a
young man, still pursuing my pupilage in communication; as for now my
experiences as a writer have proven them correct.
There are moments as Gospel
writers when we need to influence the masses of society with the glad tidings
of the gospel of Christ. Only when they
read the Bible and know the truth of the Good News will they come to learn to
accept that truth and the light brought by the Gospel of Christ.
More often, we forget to thank you
people for your great support. Lest I be judged guilty of a similar vice here
is a polite note to you all: Thank you
all most sincerely. My greatest joy is
to keep this conversation going on and on, in season and out of season. My hope
for a brighter future is to expand our frontiers of civil liberties and
establish a great Christian empire that will not only be fun to live in but one
that can proudly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. Happy
reading!
Reverend Kennedy
Ofundi: Editor
Associate Editor: Marlene Reid
DIOCESE NEWS
ARCHBISHOP OF
YORK VISITS MOMBASA DIOCESE
The Archbishop of York,
the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr. John Mugabi Sentamu, at the
invitation of the Bishop of Mombasa, Rt. Reverend Julius Kalu, visited the
Anglican Diocese of Mombassa in the Province of Kenya, during the early weeks
of Pentecost 2010.
His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. John
Sentamu, as part of his pastoral tour to the Anglican Communion, spent a full
week in the Diocese of Mombasa. It was indeed a memorable occasion for all us,
the Mombasa Christians.
He visited church institutions
and social agencies in the diocese, met with Christians, clergy, religious
leaders and numerous laity. He had discussions with the two bishops of Mombasa,
Julius Kalu and Lawrence Dena and their wives.
On the last Sunday of his pastoral
visit, he celebrated and preached at a great Eucharistic service at the Mombasa
Memorial Cathedral. At the time of
communion, Archbishop Sentamu administered the host to all Christians present.
Throughout his visit, I heard many people speak of what that very personal
contact with the primate of York meant to the local Anglicans in Mombasa.
Everywhere he went his wit, his
humility, tenderness, graciousness and the wisdom of his words endeared him to
the laity and clergy alike. A visit from a leader of such a magnitude, from
York, is a very powerful symbol of what it means to be an Anglican, especially
to us here in Mombasa. His Grace was fully aware of that and we were indeed
humbled by his pastoral visit to this part of the Anglican community this year.
May God grant him wisdom, peace and joy as he serves the people of York to
greater heights of spiritual nourishment.
Welcome to Mombasa!
The Bishop of Mombasa,
Julius Kalu, (right), in a group photo with the Archbishop of York, (left),
during the latter’s pastoral visit to Kwale last Pentecost
Alighting from a
car!
The Archbishop of York,
is seen alighting from a car at the start of his pastoral visit to the
archdeaconry of Kwale.
Introducing
the archdeacon!
The Bishop of Mombasa,
Julius Kalu introduces the Kwale archdeacon to the Dr. Sentamu.
Laying a foundation stone for the
church!
The Archbishop laid a foundation
stone for a church in Mwabungo as a mark of his episcopacy in this
province. Being a mason by profession,
the Archbishop is making a good job of it.
Looking on is the Bishop of Mombasa.
Unveiling the
Plaque!
Dr Sentamu unveils the
plaque of the foundation stone of the church, in Mwabungo which reads:
THIS
FOUNDATION STONE
WAS
LAID BY THE MOST REV &
RT.
HON. DR. JOHN M. SENTAMU
ARCHBISHOP
OF YORK ON
9TH
AUG. 2010
NOTE: The Most
Rev.Wabukala was supposed to have laid this foundation stone in May but could
not reach here due to time constraint.
Donates 5000 Shs to complete church
The Archbishop donated
5000 Ksh. to buy transparent iron sheets to complete the church roof in
Mwabungo. Seen receiving the 5000 Shs is
the Mwabungo Church treasurer.
Two Anglican
greats.
Bishop Julius Kalu of
Mombasa Diocese in the province of Kenya with Dr. John Sentamu, during the
latter’s pastoral visits to Mombasa diocese; his first visit to the Province of
Kenya as the primate of York.
WITH UKUNDA
CHRISTIANS
Archbishop Sentamu with
Ukunda Christians and the Bishop of Mombasa during his recent visit to the
province of Kenya. Archbishop Sentamu is
a caring sympathetic man of God, with an extensive knowledge and an incredible
memory for people of all walks of life and their circumstances. He made us feel
valued in his manner of affirmation of people.
There was nothing bogus or insincere in his attitude. Archbishop Sentamu
sincerely gave us his friendship; he was unstinting. He will go down in the annals of history as
one of great Archbishops of York to visit this diocese.
SMILING!
Smiling after
presenting a 5000 Shs donation to a church in Mwabungo during his pastoral
visit to Mombasa diocese together with Bishop Julius Kalu
ALL OUT WAR AGAINST
JIGGERS:
The Anglican Church in
Mombasa has intensified its campaign strategy on war against jiggers.
Jiggers are ecto
parasites which inhabit human beings as secondary hosts. They are to be found
in unhygienic, dusty and dirty conditions.
Jiggers are nuisance parasites which
cause acute irritation between the toes and fingers, on the heels, and other
parts of the human body. Once inside the body, the jigger forms a capsule and
hatches over 50 eggs which then infect other parts of either feet or hands.
FOOT WASHING WITH INSECTICIDES
PREVENTS JIGGER INFECTION!
Research studies show
that foot washing with antiseptics, warm water, then smeared with Vaseline
Petroleum Jelly destroys and prevents jigger infections on feet and fingers.
Jigger infection is responsible for
severe itching and foot deformation, effects which often lead to physical
lameness in both children and adults.
Persuading people to
practice hygienic habits and even observing general cleanliness is not an easy
assignment. As a matter of fact washing
of feet and jigger eradication in the culture of most of the societies living
under extreme poverty, is just done by a very small percentage; which means
that the large majority of children in jigger infested areas don’t wash their
feet even after walking or working in dusty and dirty places.
The Anglican Church of Kenya through
its development arm (PCCS) Pwani Christian Community Services, has shown the
way recently by supplying free drugs worth 50,000/= and washing feet of jigger
infected children and adults in Shimoni
in Kwale county.
During the process of community
mobilization on how to fight jiggers, Elizabeth Achieng, a district facilitator
for Kwale working with PCCS, took the opportunity to educate the local
residents on the dangers posed by jiggers to children of school age. She
illustrated clearly on how to care for children by telling parents to wash
their children often, trim their heads and cut the finger nails. At the same time she asked adults present to
know their HIV status by attending VCT which is also offered free of charge by
PCCS.
In Jovial
Mood!
Elizabeth Achieng, a district
facilitator for Kwale, in jovial mood, speaking to peer educators, parents,
children and reporters during a jigger campaign exercise in Shimoni. She asked
parents to practice hygiene by washing the feet of their children often. Other peer educators in the background look
on.
ACK PWANI CCS
DISCOVERS HERB TO ERADICATE AND CURE JIGGERS.
The ACK Mombasa Diocese,
development arm, Pwani Community Christian Services, has discovered a
traditional herb to cure jiggers. The plant locally called “Mutupa” (Glabra
spacies) grows naturally and is widely found along the coastal lowlands
of Kilifi, Malindi and Lamu. The leaves and bark are crushed into powder form
then mixed with palm oil or Kerosene and then applied by the patient to the
areas of the body infected by parasites. The drug is believed to cause
suffocation of the parasites inside the capsule in the host’s body.
Mutupa whose botanical name is still
a mystery by the time of going to press is also used by local fisherman to trap
fish.
Speaking to the press, during the
launch of the jigger campaign, the PCCS director, Mr. John Mangenge, asked
coastal dwellers to use the drug to combat jiggers in their homes. At the same time he cautioned them to
conserve the tree so that it can be used by future generations. He also reiterated that chemically
manufactured drugs to cure jiggers are quite expensive to buy and most families
in jigger infested areas are poor and cannot afford to purchase them.
HEALTH ISSUESPRESS
CONFERENCE ON MUTUPA
The Director of Pwani
Christian Community Services, Mr. John Mangenge, in a press conference in Shimoni,
responds to questions from members of the media about Mutupa the newly
discovered herb that is believed to cure jiggers.
Mr. Moses, the herbalist
who discovered the medicine to cure jiggers, displays the bark of the plant to
the members of the media in Shimoni
during a recent jigger campaign exercise, sponsored by the Anglican
Church in Mombasa recently. Looking on
is Rev. Tom Dawa of St Andrew’s ACK
Church, Maweni. Below: Moses is
displaying the leaves of Mutupa tree to members of the public in Lungalunga.
EFFECTS OF JIGGERS
ON SCHOOL CHILDREN
According to the head teacher of
Tsavaka primary, Mr., Mangale, his school has an enrolment of 770 pupils. Of
this about 100 – 120 have been infected by jiggers. Mr Mangale says that jiggers have a profound
effect on the life of a pupil at school.
Poor Concentration.
There is always poor concentration of
pupils in the class lessons as they cannot pay attention because of the
continuous scratching of the feet due to the itching effects caused by the parasites. Jiggers cause body deformation especially of
the feet, making movement difficult, and as most pupils are day scholars they
often have to walk long distances.
Because of this, enrolment at school drops! There is also stigma amongst pupils as those
affected are segregated and laughed at by others.
Deformed Feet with
Jigger Capsules:
This is terrible and very
ugly!
These are the feet of a
pupil in a primary school after treatment. Note the black spots in between the
toes which are where the jigger capsules were pulled out, leaving behind a
crater and a wound. This makes movement
of a pupil to and from school difficult.
If not treated early other protozoan parasites inhabit the capsule again
and can cause lameness.
Completely Deformed!
The feet of a school girl
completely deformed by jiggers are paraded for the washing exercise. Notice the
way the fingers have been affected. General hygiene is a necessary prerequisite
for everybody to practice. The church has a role to play! Kudos ACK Mombasa for
a job well done
Parading the Affected Ones!
The picture shows young
boys and one adult seated ready for feet washing to eradicate the jiggers. Look
how miserable and horrible they are! The basins of water contain the chemical
for washing
Adults Infected Too!
The condition in which we found the
feet of a 70 year old man, infected with jiggers was extremely disgusting! The
toes are extensively damaged and deformed. All the toes are swollen and had
turned dark, ugly and there were protruding jigger capsules in the finger
nails. What else do we have to say? Just pray and act!
CHILDREN DISPLAY
JIGGER INFECTED FEET
Children from a primary
school in Shimoni display feet infected by the jigger parasites during a jigger
eradication campaign organized by the Anglican Church recently. Over 100 pupils
were treated. Present during the occasion was Tom Dawa, J Mangenge and
Elizabeth Achieng all PCCS staff.
This is how it is
done!
Mr. Patrick, an official
with the ministry of health in Shimoni, is seen giving instructions on how to
administer the chemicals to jigger infected patients. He is talking to a group
of traditional doctors during the jigger campaign exercise. Looking on are peer
educators of Lungalunga.
TRANSITION
A grandmother’s voice
falls silent!
The editor’s grandmother,
Rosebella A.Kiring has passed on, thus bringing the curtain down on a life well
spent. A life spanning 110 years.
Rosebella was born in
1900 in Teso western Kenya before moving to the diocese of Sebei, north eastern
Uganda.
Rosebella was a baptized
and confirmed Anglican and a staunch member of the Mothers’ Union Church of
Uganda. She will be best remembered as a
Bible story teller, teacher and singer.
She leaves behind 40 grandchildren and 110 grandchildren. May she rest in peace?
Mother’s Union
Church of Uganda Leads a Procession to the Grave to Accord Rosebella is given a
heroine’s send off.
On the next picture are
members of clergy from the Church of Uganda who officiated at her burial. They
are from L to R Reverends Ndara and Meela, with Ven.Tolbert among others.
Thanks brethren for burying ‘Ghogho’
The Most Rev. Hon. Dr. John Sentamu A
profile:
Most Rev. and Right
Honourable Dr. John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu is the 97th Archbishop of
York. He was born in the republic of
Uganda in 1949. He was educated at Makerere University, Kampala, where he
graduated with a Bachelor of Law and was then appointed an advocate in the high
court of Uganda.
In 1974, John Mugabi
Sentamu went to UK where he enrolled in Selwyn College, Cambridge, from where
he studied theology, graduating with a Masters and a Doctorate a few years
later.
Dr. Sentamu trained for ordination
at Rickey Hall, then part of Cambridge Federation of Theological Colleges. Sources say, following his ordination in
1979, both deacon and priest, he served as an assistant chaplain at Selwyn
College, Cambridge.
Between 1979 – 1982 Dr. Sentamu was
chaplain at HM Remand Centre, Lechmere House and curate of St. Andrews, Ham, in
the Diocese of Southwork.
From 1982 – 1983 he was
curate of St. Paul’s, Horne Hill, and in 1983 became the vicar at Holy Trinity
Parish. He, at the same time, became the
vicar in charge of the joint benefice of Holy Trinity and St. Matthias from
1984 – 1986. Between 1987 – 1989 Dr Sentamu was the priest in charge of St.
Savior, Brixton Hill.
He was appointed Bishop
of Stepney in 1996 and later Bishop of Birmingham in 2008.
Other Episcopal
assignments held by Dr Sentamu between 1997 – 1999 are adviser to the Stephen
Laurence judicial inquiry and he was also the chairman of the Damilolar Taylor
review, chairman of the National Haemoglobin screening programme and president
of youth for Christ in 2004.
In 30th
November 2005 he was installed and consecrated as the 97th
archbishop of York.
Dr. Sentamu is a member
of the Royal Society of Arts, loves music, sport (athletics and soccer) and
reading.
Family Man!
Dr. Sentamu is married to
Margaret and is blessed with two grown up children Geoffrey and Grace.
Friends of Kinango,
Wind up their Performance!
As it is written, “How,
then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they
believe in the one of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can
they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet
of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14-15)
Addressing Kinango Congregants:
The Friends of Kinango Chairman,
Joseph Mukholi, formerly SPYN president, in jovial mood, is seen addressing
Kinango congregation in a Sunday service organized by Friends of Kinango, in
their honour. In his usual dramatic
address Joseph encouraged the Kinango Christians to believe and trust in God;
God will fulfill the desires of their hearts.
To name but a few of the things God
has done for the Kinango people: through FOK:
Power installation to the church, purchase of hymn and prayer books, two
brand new bicycles, supply of hybrid maize seeds for Christians to address food
security, altar table, prayer desks, altar guild linen’s, piped water, pews,
food stuffs and clothes worth many thousands of shillings and all to the glory
of God.
Family Man Now!
When Joseph visited Kinango for the
first time in 2007 Feb, he was just a young man! Today God has blessed him with
a wife Virginia and a baby girl.
Distributing Food Stuffs and Clothes
Friends of Kinango,
during early Pentecost, distribute clothes and other humanitarian items to
Kinango Christians. More than 100 families were reached. Lady in red (back to
the camera) is Irene.
Agape Meal
Friends of Kinango enjoy
an agape meal served in their honor by Kinango Christians.
The Preacher.
Penuel Nyambane was the
guest speaker during the friends of Kinango visit. It was also a farewell
occasion for the outgoing Kinango Vicar and editor of the G. Awakening. Key notes from his address were: This far the
Lord has helped us! During difficult times we stood by your side and prayed
with you! Your concerns are our concerns! It is a good thing to serve the Lord,
even amidst difficult conditions such as these prevailing here in Kinango.
“And we know that in all things God
works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to
his purpose” (Romans 8:28)
“I consider that our present
sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory which will be revealed in
us.” (Romans 8:18)
“Those who sow in tears will reap
with songs of joy. He who goes out
weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy carrying sheaves
with him”. (Psalm 126: 5-6)
Student News.
May the best students
excel!
The best of luck to you
all: KCSE, KCPE candidates.
As the third academic
term and examination season draws near, it is once again our responsibility
here at the Glorious Awakening examination desk to wish 2010 KCPE and KCSE
candidates the best of luck in the forthcoming examination which commences in
late October and early November respectively.
Now that all the candidates
are properly prepared for this final evaluation, we have no doubt in our minds
that KCPE and KSCE candidates are fully prepared to write their examination
papers with composure and confidence.
We here at the Glorious Awakening
examination desk would like most sincerely to urge our own candidates at Bishop
Kalu Primary, Kinango Secondary, Lulu High and all candidates everywhere to
shun examination irregularities and maintain high standards of discipline
during the time examinations will be going on.
Teachers and parents as well are
asked to ensure that none of their pupils is exposed to examination
irregularities; cheating or canvassing or any kind of exam leakage.
All candidates are therefore asked to
read the instructions carefully before tackling any given question. Furthermore
candidates are forewarned that any form of irregularity leads to severe
discipline and punishment. This is very disastrous! What is required of the
candidates therefore is honesty of the highest order and writing the examination
with confidence.
It is paramount to
state categorically, that all candidates are required to revise precisely and comprehensively what
they have been taught for the past eight or four years ago respectively.
Remember Kenya National Examination Council, the national examination governing
body, is going to be free and fair to all KCSE and KCPE candidates and will
grade according to their individual effort and academic abilities. Candidates
are yet again reminded to work hard because their academic future depends on
how they perform.
“No good tree bears bad fruit nor does a bad tree bear
good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick
figs from thorn-bushes or grapes from briers” (Luke 6:43A)
“The rod of correction
imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgrace his mother” (Proverbs
29:15)
Dear candidates we
here are wishing you the best in exams.
Come out with100% distinction in all subjects taken. Thanks.
KCPE candidates in ACK, Zea Endebess,
with their teachers, ready for exams. Candidates are forewarned not to take
part in any form of exam irregularities.
Headteacher Violet with her KCPE
Candidates before the exams in Zea Endebess
Awarding of
Certificates
The Kinango Vicar, Rev
Kennedy, awards
certificates to peer educators
in Kinango parish recently. The vicar who is also the chairman of the education
affairs in his parish was the presiding minister during the event. 21 peer
educators from all over the parish, graduated after five days training,
organized and facilitated by Pwani Christian Community Services of the Anglican
Church, Mombasa Diocese, in conjunction with APHIA I1 coast and the ministry of
medical services.
The five day training on
peer education covered the following areas of specialization:
MCH/reproductive Health,
malaria, TB.
Paternal, Maternal
transmission, VCT/ART
Community mobilization
Communication/leadership
skills.
Prevention and
Transmissions of this/AIDS.
Basic knowledge of
HIV/AIDS/STIS
Sensitizing the Community on War
Against Jiggers!
The district facilitator for Kwale,
Elizabeth Achieng, (not in the picture) was at the forefront during the last
quarter of 2010, to sensitize the community in Shimoni on the war against
jiggers and HIV/AIDS stigma reduction. The event organized by PCCS took place
in South Coast recently many people were washed.
DIOCESE NEWS
Minister
Officially Inaugurates Resource Centre
The Kinango youth
resource centre, the only such public institution in the district of Kinango,
was officially inaugurated and dedicated to the public by the Minister for
Lands, Hon Samuel Gonzi Rai, in May this year. The modern infrastructural
institution, built using CDF money, harbours the youth district resource hall,
and cyber networking centre. Many young men and women will benefit from the
facility as it will offer employment to many school and college leavers.
Present during the inauguration ceremony was the D.C for Kinango, Okello.
Youths Entertain Guests
Youths from Zinduko group, display
their artistic skills during the inaugural opening of Kinango youth centre
recently. Over 200 youths from Kinango parish took part.
Mount Kenya Bishop Worships in
Jadini.
The Bishop of Mount Kenya
South, the Rt. Rev. Timothy Ranji, on his way to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro,
worshipped with the Jadini Christians during mid Pentecost. Bishop Ranji who was in the company of his
wife and his archdeacon, was going to be the first bishop to climb Mt
Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the male child.
He said that time and again boys have been segregated and left behind;
most of the attention being geared towards female children. It is high time we should rise above that and
show care and concern to all children equally, without discrimination.
In the above picture Bishop Ranji is
pictured with the Jadini vicar, his archdeacon and other Christians. He also
bought the church symbols book direct from the author.
Round and about in
Jadini:
Bishop Timothy Ranji of
Mt. Kenya South Diocese is being taken around Jadini Beach Hotel which used to
be one of most prestigious hotels at the coast. The bishop wondered with
amazement at the rapid collapse of the Alliance Hotels and prayed for
refurbishment of Jadini.
Talking to Jadini
Christians.
Bishop Ranji who was in
civilian gear, with a godfather, shares a light moment with Christians in
Jadini parish after the service during his impromptu visit while on his way to
Mount Kilimanjaro. What a rare visit it
was!
Foreign Student on
Attachment.
Chris, a seminary student from the
Diocese of Nottingham UK., was on practicing pastoral attachment in Mombasa
Diocese. Chris, who is studying for
ordination, was in Kenya for two weeks and visited the parishes of Kwale,
Malindi and Mombasa cathedral among others. Chris, a soft spoken gentleman,
enjoyed his stay in Mombasa and was at ease with the diverse Kenyan
culture. Chris is pictured with Dr.
Samboja, the global Teams Director for Africa.
Farewell Vicar
The Kinango Youth, upon
hearing of the transfer of their vicar, came to see him off. In the picture
they are seen blessing him with a small gift. Well done vicar! God be with your
Reverend!
Rev Ofundi was
moved in the middle of the year in an Episcopal reshuffle to Jadini in a
similar capacity. The Reverend had served Kinango for four years. He was always at ease with his flock
especially the youths.
The youths in the picture belong not
only to ACK Kinango. Some are Muslims
and some belong to other religious bodies in Kinango. Reverend Ofundi was also the patron and
Vice-chancellor of all the university and college students in Kinango parish.
During a thanks giving
service organized in his honor, in a statement read on behalf of all the
university students, they described the Rev as a loving, caring father, a
celebrated thinker and a dynamic pastor.
“Well done Rev”! (Final comment by M. Reid)
Ordination News
Clergy and the laity
together during an ordination service at Mombasa Memorial Cathedral early this
year. Several ordinands were admitted into the Holy Orders of Deaconate &
Priest.
The Bishop of Mombasa
Julius Kalu presided over the service. The guest speaker was the Rt. Rev Peter
Simiyu of the armed forces of Kenya. Bishop Simiyu also took them through a one
week retreat.
Clergy in full Liturgical Regalia.
It is like the heavens have come
down! Clergy from all corners of the
Diocese, in full liturgical regalia, in a procession to an ordination service.
The occasion was just wonderful!
Bishop Kalu Confers Blessings on an
Ordinand
The Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu,
confers blessings on Ordinand Mwanyala during a past ordination service.
Ordination is the ministry, through prayer and the laying of the hands. Jesus
Christ, the son of Abraham, gives grace of the Holy Ghost to perform what can
not be done without an ordination especially to those being admitted to the Holy
Orders of a deacon, priest or bishop.
Officiating at an
Educational Functions.
The Kinango vicar
officiates at his last educational function in Kinango. This was during the
passing out of 21 peer educators and HIV/AIDS counselors at Kinango. The
Kinango youths in universities and colleges described him as a celebrated
pastor and a dynamic intellectual.
From Dry Land to the Sea
In volume 5 of the
Glorious Awakening we reported to you that Kinango’s geographical features run
roughly north and south parallel to the coastal strip standing at altitude of
600 m.a.s.l at the Nyika plateau plane.
Jadini is a great contrast to this,
lying at 0 metres above sea level.
Kenya’s warm sea waters are ideal for
water sports, swimming and all water based recreational activities. The deep sea, outside the coral reef offers
spectacular day long maritime cruises.
Big Catch!
The economic activities
for most shoreline dwellers are fishing and tourism. Deep sea fishing is a very
popular sport. While in Kinango, I was a
very successful farmer, now in Jadini I’m learning about fishing. Recently I went fishing with a friend and was
privileged to pull this giant fish out of the sea. Note its enormous size.
These children are admiring it. In the next photo you will see a young
fisherman with his fish. At the tender
age of 3 1/2 years he has already mastered the art!
Coastal Geomorphology
The study of the coast is
called Coastal Geomorphology. The water bubbling and coming to the surface
consists of rough waves. The waves hitting
the shores are called the swash while the water going back is called the back
wash. The swash has greater intensity than the backwash.
Kinango Ecumenical Women Visit
Jadini.
Women of faith from other religious
organisations in Kinango paid pastoral homage to the former Kinango vicar
during the last weeks of Pentecost. The women, full of love and life, shared
good testimonies on how God was good to them.
In Jadini Ruth Lazarus preached from Hebrews 11:17 while Estha Ngala
from the daughter church of Annabel, preached from Deut 1:1-6. Jadini Parish
has only two daughter congregations, St.Stephen and Annabel chapel. In the photo above Kinango women of faith
pose for a group photo. Nice to have you
with us ladies!
Case Study on
Jiggers
My Name is Nyamuvua, I’m
in standard two at Kidimu primary school in Shimoni. In the last two years I have had hard and
very difficult times with jiggers. They have affected my hands and feet. My
brothers and sisters are affected too!
After classes, I can’t play well with other children. They laugh at me
and mock me because of the way I walk as my feet are deformed by jiggers.
Since Pwani CCS has come to our
rescue I hope my life and that of many children will be changed. Now I am healed and will go to practice what
the health official has taught us today.
The attitude from the other children towards me will change. I can now go to school, study well and play
with others without much stress and difficulty.
I have a role to play to ensure we live and sleep in an environment free
from jiggers. It is also my sincere hope
that parents will have a big role to ensure we live and sleep in an environment
free from jiggers. Jiggers are nasty parasites.
They make us feel uncomfortable and uneasy all the time.
Visitation to the Sick
Vicars’ warden taken
ill:
The Jadini vicar’s warden Mr. James
Njau was taken ill in June 2010 and was bedridden for several weeks. Medical doctors who attended to him said he
was suffering from high sugar content in the blood. He was told to eat sugarless foods, brown
porridge and brown rice. The Jadini
vicar visited him in his Msambweni hospital bed last Pentecost. He was healed and he is now back to business. Glory to God!
This is a solemn application to the sick by the Church of the healing
power of God. (James 5:13-16)
Viewing the Body.
Grandmother was 110 years
old when she passed on! She has left
behind three orphans, 40 grandchildren, 110 great grandchildren and 1 great
great grandchild. Family members and members
of the congregation of the Church of Uganda, Sebei Diocese, pay their last
respects to her during the 19th week after Pentecost.
Grandmother’s House
This is the house in
which all of us were brought up in reverence and fear of God. Every evening she
made us sit around the fireplace before supper and made us recite the Lord’s
Prayer, the 10 commandments and the Apostle’s Creed. It was also a story telling moment where she
entertained us with Bible stories, riddles, proverbs, metaphors and the sayings
of the wise.
The story of the cunning
hare and the elephant were her favorite tales.
Each folk tale ended with a moral derived from the Bible. Grandmother Akring was one of the most
brilliant Bible storytellers of her time. To know her was to love her. She
always had time for her grandchildren with a twinkle in her eye and a kind word
to say. We will miss her!
Goats Milk: a Delicacy
During grandmother’s
burial our tea was prepared from goats’ milk.
A granddaughter-in-law in Sebei Diocese, is seen milking the goat to prepare
tea for her guests. It is sweeter than cow’s milk. This is north eastern Uganda.
Beautiful
Scenery
Beautiful scenarios of
Mount Elgon as seen from Uganda! Mt
Elgon extends from Kenya across to Uganda. Grandmother lived there for years,
preaching and teaching the word of God before her recent passing on.
Confirmation Service
During a confirmation
service in May at St Stephen’s chapel, Jadini, the Assistant Bishop of Mombasa,
Lawrence Dena, commissioned two lay readers to help the vicar during divine
services. The two, dressed in white
robes, were Anthony Mungai and Mungindo of Annabel chapel.
Bishop Dena speaking
during the commissioner service
Jane Dena Speaks on Education
Mrs. Jane Dena, wife of
the Assistant Bishop of Mombasa Lawrence Dena, challenged Christian parents to
lead an example by guiding children in the right direction. Madame Dena said the standards of education
are very low in the coast hence we need to be serious about this.
2010 HIGHLIGHTS
There was a two week participatory learning
action in Mount Kenya East region organized by all the CCS, Christian Community
Services in the Province of Kenya. The two week community mobilization seminar
was aimed at bringing transformation to the rural communities with very minimal
resources for development.
Lunch Time.
Mr. John Mangenge, Director of Pwani
Christian Community Services, who was also the delegation leader of the Coast
team to Mount Kenya East, with other participants from all other regions of
Kenya, enjoying lunch prepared in their honor, by the CCS Mount Kenya East
region in early 2010.
Making a Point!
Elizabeth Righa makes a point during
the workshop, after guiding participants on how the seasonal calendar is very
important to determine the best time to enter into the community.
Grafted Mangoes.
The grafted mangoes you are seeing are
products of Mount Kenya East Diocese CCS.
There was just a lot to learn in the field of agriculture: zero grazing,
horticulture and citrus fruit farming especially for us from the Coast in the area
of food security. If we can put into
practice what we saw in the Mount Kenya region, then the issue of being
dependant on government agencies for food will be a thing of the past.
Rice Fields in Mwea, Mount Kenya East.
The staple food of the Mount Kenya
people is rice. This rice is grown under irrigation along the River Tana whose
source is in Mount Kenya. Mwea Tabere irrigation scheme produces a quarter of
the rice used for consumption by the local population. The fields you are seeing here are rice
fields in Mwea. It is very definite that
the Mount Kenya people are hard working and there is a lot to learn from them.
Vicar’s Wife Helps
Raise 600,000 for Kinango Women.
The Kinango vicar’s wife,
Anna, through community mobilization and sensitization, helped raise 600,000
shs, close to a million Kenyan shillings, in the middle of Pentecost 2010. The Chief Guest was the Hon.Kazungu Kambi, MP
for Kaloleni and the assistant Minister for Medical Services aided by the local
MP.Hon. Samuel Gonzi Rai. Hon. Kazungu
gave his donation of 100,000 while Hon Gonzi Rai gave 70,000.The money raised
was shared among the different women’s groups to help them start micro financed
businesses.
Receiving the Guest
The Kinango vicar’s wife,
together with a bouquet girl Sasha, receives the chief guest, the Assistant
Minister for Medical Services, Hon Kazungu Kambi.
Traditional
Dancers Marigedi Entertain Visitors.
The famous Kinango traditional
dancers, popularly called Marigedi, take to the stage to entertain the
visitors, including the assistant minister for medical services who was the
chief guest at Baraza Park in mid Pentecost 2010.
Student Association
Formed.
Former students of Bishop
Hannington Institute have formed an alumni association. The association which was founded in October
this year is acronymed BHAA (BISHOP HANNINGTON ALUMINI ASSOCIATION).
All former students of BHI qualify to
be members of the organization. The registrations fee is Shs 200 while the
subscription fee is 1500 per annum. The association’s chairman is Major
Mwanyanya of the Kenya Navy. The
association has formulated a constitution and a set of rules and regulations to
guide and govern its members. The purpose of the Association is to bring into
fellowship all the former students and see how they can be involved in the
development of the institute. The first such meeting was convened by the
college Principal, Rev.Patrick Mukholi in the 23rd week after
Pentecost in 2010. Over 20 former
students turned up for the occasion. It was good to note that some had
graduated as far back as 1994. BHI has
contributed a lot to the nation by producing great men who serve in various
capacities in the government, the armed forces and as school chaplains.
PM In Kinango
The Prime Minister of the Republic of
Kenya, the Right Honorable Raila Odinga, visited the Parish of Kinango in the
early weeks of Pentecost 2010. The PM who was in the company of other cabinet
ministers made a rare appearance! He
addressed the Kinango parishioners in
Moyeni Secondary
School. The PM, who alighted from a
military chopper, signed the visitors’ book in the school, planted a tree and
addressed students in the school laboratory.
PM Plants a Tree
The Prime minister of the Republic of
Kenya, the Right Hon. Raila Odinga, plants a tree in Moyeni Secondary School as
a mark of his premiership when he visited Kinango parish in the middle of the
year.
PM Listens to Student’s Laboratory
Instructions.
The Right Honorable Raila Odinga
listens to Moyeni Secondary School laboratory instructions on how to make
hydrogen. He wished them the best of
luck in their studies.
The PM’s Military Chopper Lands in
the School Compound.
The PM’s chopper is seen landing in the school compound
causing near hysteria to the village dwellers who had not seen such an aircraft
before and a leader of such magnitude.
St. Peter’s Celebrates 50th
Anniversary
St Peter’s Church, Nyali
celebrated it’s 50th anniversary over the week-end of Nov. 12-14th. This in fact marked the age of the present
church building as the church was first established in 1952 by a group of
people living in the exclusive Nyali Estate so they could have their own
church. The original building was only
temporary, erected from used materials from an old military leave camp. Bishop Beecher consecrated the building. In the late 1950s it was evident that the
building would not last much longer as it was being eaten by termites and so a
fund raising was launched to build the present church. The foundation stone was laid in Sept. 1960
by Mr Greenwood the chairman of the Nyali Estates. Although St Peter’s started out as an
exclusively European church it has now metamorphosed into the St Peter’s of
today where anyone is welcome. The
history of St Peter’s over the years is diverse and interesting, almost a rags
to riches story.
Maybe we will bring some of it to you
in our next edition together with some pictures of the celebrations. In the meantime from the G.A. editorial desk
we wish St Peter’s “Happy Anniversary”.
“Here’s looking to the next 50 years”
Note:
Rev Ofundi
(Ed. GA) has a strong connection with St Peter’s, serving there as a student
and becoming one of Nyali’s dear brothers in Christ. The people of St Peter’s have been very happy
to be able to be supportive of Kinango Parish where Rev Kennedy has done so
much and all at St Peter’s wish Rev. Kennedy every success in his new Parish of
Jadini (Marlene Reid for St Peter’s, Nyali)
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