Vol
9/010 JULY—SEPT. 2010 ISSUE.
The Glorious Awakening.
Pentecost
Edition 2010.
His
Grace Lord Wabukala’s Visit to Mombasa Diocese
His Grace the
Most Rev. Dr. Eliud Wabukala, the Primate of the Anglican Church of Kenya
responds to questions from the media who had come to challenge him in an
impromptu press conference, moments before the Sunday Service began. Lord Wabukala was on his first historic
pastoral visit to Mombasa Diocese exactly 11 months after his enthronement as
the 5th Archbishop of Kenya.
With him is the Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu not in the picture. His Grace Dr. Wabukala was very articulate
and emphatic while dealing with journalists especially on matters pertaining to
the constitution review process. He was
always available for consultation. If he
did not have an immediate answer for the question given, he would research the
information available and give a comprehensive answer later. His Grace was a conservative stabilizing
voice ensuring he answered rightly to what was asked.
By:
The Rev
Kennedy O. Ofundi
A.C.K. MOMBASA DIOCESE
The Glorious awakening
is published by the Vicars’ Desk every three months P.O. Box 59 Kinango.
EDITOR’S NOTE.
It is Pentecost yet
again, and the God almighty has been kind and gracious to us, our families and
our beloved ones. We here at the
Glorious Awakening’s desk are fine as ever through his grace and are happy
to glorify the Lord and boldly proclaim his message ‘The Good News of our
salvation’ through the power of the pen.
Alleluia! As we embark on yet
another busy writing season I would like to extend my
gratitude and appreciation to the GA staff for good job well done,
particularly Marlene Reid for her excellent endeavor and tireless input
to ensure the News reaches our esteemed readers on time.
As most of you are aware the
Glorious awakening which started two years ago as the Kinango Newsletter is now
covering features and stories of the entire Anglican Diocese of
Mombasa. This indeed is a remarkable and commendable initiative for which we
thank God with glad hearts for how far he has taken us.
We are glad that the
Glorious Awakening with its staff of two have been able to Publish a liturgical
book – “CHURCH SYMBOLS, COLORS, SEASONS and DOCTRINAL INSTRUCTIONS”.
The book was
launched recently during the 56th session of the full Synod by the
Bishop of Mombasa and is good for all faith practitioners and general readers
alike. This is something to thank God
for and the success is to be celebrated and shared by us all. The publisher is Uzima
publishing House in Nairobi and the cover price is 500/= only. Part of the money raised through the book
will go to help widows, weaker parishes and destitute children.
Elsewhere, as the storm
of constitutional reform is hovering all over the landscape, it is a moment, as
believers in the scripture and the holy writs, and as a Church, to stand up for
Jesus. As we read in Acts 6:8-12, 15;
7:54-60, we come in the knowledge of St. Stephen and the Jews who stoned him to
death. The Jews were furious people
because Stephen had spoken boldly about Jesus in the synagogue. The Holy Spirit
had inspired Stephen to proclaim about Jesus with great wisdom. This wisdom was so great that the Jews and
the teachers of the law found it difficult to argue against what Stephen had
proclaimed. The Jews, instead of
admitting that they were in the wrong, saw fit to get rid of Stephen.
The Jews and the
teachers of the law decided to use falsehood and personal vendetta against
Stephen. The high priests accused Stephen of speaking badly against Moses and
above all against God! Exactly the
contrary to what Stephen was doing.
Stephen was in fact speaking up for God and was very respectful of
Moses. The Jewish leaders heard and
believed what the others were saying about Stephen. They went ahead and grabbed
him and hauled him into a gathering of the Jewish leaders, called the
Sanhedrin; this was equivalent to a courtroom.
Stephen was subjected to questioning and the men testified falsehood
against him.
The crowd was very
curious to see how Stephen was going to react in this situation. “Are these things that they
say about you true or not true”? Asked the High Priest. Stephen did not fear to speak and proclaim
for his master Jesus yet again! He told
the Jews boldly that this was not the first time they are getting rid of
someone who spoke for God! The Jews were
very furious when they heard what Stephen had spoken. They beat him up
mercilessly with a magnitude of cruelty never seen before. As Stephen was being
beaten he looked up and saw His Lord the one about whom he was speaking. He said, “I see heaven open and I
see the Son of man standing at God’s right hand”. Seeing Jesus made Stephen more courageous
than ever before and the high priests dragged him out of the City where they
killed him. As Stephen was on the verge
of death he continued to speak for Jesus in a manner that glorified him. “Lord Jesus receive my spirit. Lord, do not hold against them this sin
“He fell on his knees praying and then breathed his last”. At this time when our country is undergoing
constitutional change, the Church must stand up for Jesus.
The Reverend
Kennedy Ofundi.
Editor,
Associate Editor,
Marlene Reid
ARCBISHOP ELIUD WABUKALA’S VISIT TO
MOMBASA DIOCESE
Welcome to the
ACK Mombasa Diocese Your Grace...
Christians from the ACK
Mombasa Diocese send words and messages of congratulations and goodwill upon
hearing the good news of a surprise visit of such a rare visitor, the 5th
Archbishop of Kenya, Lord Wabukala -formerly of Bungoma Diocese. The plane touched the ground in Malindi
airport on May 5th 2010, exactly 11 months after his enthronement as
the 5th primate of the Province of Kenya succeeding the Most Rev.
Benjamin Nzimbi; it was Wabukala’s first pastoral visit to Mombasa as: Primate of Kenya.
His Grace, the Most Rev.
Dr. Eliud Wabukala - Primate of Kenya, at the invitation of the Bishop of
Mombasa, the Rt. Rev. Julius Kalu, made a flamboyant pastoral visit to the ACK
Mombasa diocese in the month of May 2010.
The Archbishop also came to see how the interaction of the Anglican
Church in Mombasa and the coastal dwellers at large is helping in the
regeneration of the Christian gospel in the area.
The diocese of Mombasa
dates back to the year 1898 following the subdivision of the diocese of Eastern
Equatorial Africa and is very much learning to cope with new millennium
challenges of the dynamic 21st century which include HIV/AIDS,
poverty, low community esteem, unemployment and the New Constitution Review,
process among many others.
The primate with his
host, Rt. Rev. Julius Kalu, covered a total of 879km from Lamu to Lungalunga on
the Kenya/Tanzania boarder, crossing a total of 12 administrative units in the
area. The Archbishop made stopovers on the way, greeting people and Christians
from all walks of life who lined the way to receive him and his entourage which
included the Director of Social Services.
LORD
WABUKALA’S PASTORAL VISIT TO MOMBASA DIOCESE
Mr.Eliud Njeru, his
Chaplain Rev Kibaba and his driver, Mungai.
It was the new Archbishop of Kenya’s first such pastoral visit to the
Anglican Diocese of Mombasa. The doors opened and amid the scents of the tropical
afternoon we moved majestically to surround the Air 540 plane. The Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu, the
Archdeacon for Lamu, Ven. Mwambawa and I
had to wait for a couple of minutes at the airport to receive the Primate.
There was a moment of silence then a huge roar as the 540 aircraft touched the
ground. I stared nervously at the
aircraft to see a tall slim exuberant gentleman in a purple shirt, flourishing
a shepherd’s crook, his cross around his neck, charging across the runway of
Malindi airport. It was a joyful thing
for all the Christians in the Mombasa diocese including the Mothers Union and
it was felt to be the perfect aperitif for His Grace, the Most Rev. Eliud Wabukala, who will visit all the
Dioceses within the Province of Kenya, that Mombasa Diocese had been made the
diocese he chose to visit first.
The Archbishop’s opening
address was to the Lamu Christians in the Church of the Good Shepherd where he
conducted holy baptism of the Lamu Parish Vicar’s daughter, Ruth. It was crystal clear that his message, not
only to the Lamu people, but to the rest of the Christians in Mombasa diocese
was being focused on Christ Jesus. This was perhaps the most authoritative
piece of teaching he gave to all the Christians in the Diocese of Mombasa
during his five day pastoral tour. In his address, Wabukala pondered the nature
and the goal of Christians’ walk with their faith as it is described in Paul’s
letter to the Philippians in Chapter 3:1-14.
The Church, he
said, is the model on which the whole human family will form its hope, healing
and reconciliation especially for a state that is recovering from political
turmoil. Dr Wabukala stressed the need
for being loyal not to our own or the constitutional agenda but to God’s agenda
revealed in the Holy Scripture. Elsewhere
the Primate drew his teaching from the letter of Hebrews 12:1 from where yet
again he reiterated the principle of being focused on what lies ahead. “Let us
throw everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us
run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” He encouraged Christians to be prayerful and
compassionate to one another. He went on
to state that Christians need to be mature spiritually in order to lead an
exemplary spiritual Christian life. He
never hesitated to remark that the Church should be a caring institution in the
land, hence those professing the Christian faith need to care for one
other. At the same time he challenged
that the Church is also a sacred institution that proclaims the Gospel boldly
without fear or favor. On matters
pertaining to the proposed constitution he remarked:
”Although as Kenyans we
are yearning for a new constitution, let us bear in mind that we are not
engaged in this process for the sake of getting a new constitution or to merely
replace the old with a new one. Rather we have been on this long journey to
create a constitution that can unite us as Kenyans; promoting peaceful
co-existence among all tribes, races and faiths; a constitution that
facilitates social and economic prosperity, and above all a constitution that
promotes equity and justice for all Kenyans”
The Primate went on to
state categorically that this document is for all people and hence should
capture, safeguard and reflect the aspirations of all Kenyans for generations and generations to come whether a minority or
a majority since today’s majority could as well be the future’s minority.
The Church’s Prophetic
Role in the Constitution Review Process:
The Anglican Primate in
the Province of Kenya emphatically put it right by saying that Christians form
the biggest part of the population of this Country. He said that there are some religious values
that are so paramount to believers that it seems very difficult to get rid of
them from people’s daily lives. Lord Wabukala put it boldly, that it is quite
disheartening to see the constitutional review organs of this Country snub the
cries and pleas of the Church leaders on contentious issues that are of utmost
faith and that are, above all, fundamental to the Christians of this country.
He went on to say that these matters are of significant value to the Church of
Christ just as they are to every other Kenyan, because they are absolutely
matters of equity and justice for all Citizens of this Country.
Equity and justice for the born and the
unborn: And above all equity and justice
to all the Communities and the faith they profess.
In a nut shell, Lord
Wabukala was referring to the clause on abortion and the Kadhis’ courts in the
draft constitution. Archbishop Wabukala
reiterated that Church leaders are servants of the people they serve through
God’s anointing but not masters. “We are
serving as God’s servants with a prophetic mandate on the nation of its people.
We can not purport to know everything but what the Lord leads us to point out
to you, which we will do without fear or favor.
Like Biblical prophets we will not engage in persuading you to heed; the
decision is yours. You should also pray
in your fellowships and homes to seek God’s face on these issues as you seek
further interpretation of various clauses from experts among you”. By Biblical prophets he was referring to
Ezek: 3:16. “I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the
word I speak and give them a warning from me”
The Prelate went on
to encourage the Christians and the entire province of Kenya at large that
there is no cause for alarm, as the almighty God is in control over
everything. He at one point, during his
address at the Mombasa Memorial Cathedral appealed to all Kenyans to enjoy our
peace and diversity and embrace each other in the spirit of love and kindness
as the consequences of the knowledge of the truth. Furthermore the forthcoming
referendum should leave us all united as Kenyans and we should forge ahead to
care for each other at Church and at our homes and in the neighborhoods. We should remain more united as a nation than
ever. Dr Wabukala said we as Christians
should respect each other’s opinion during the referendum period. At the same time he asked Parliament to reconvene
and adjust the remaining part of the process in order to accommodate the
aspirations of Churches and many other Kenyans in order to reduce the chances
of the draft being rejected. However in
his final remarks at the Mombasa Memorial Cathedral the Anglican head
encouraged all the Anglican faithful, the Clergy and other Church leaders to
remain steadfast and above all focused, proclaiming Christ and defending the
Gospel even during hard moments such as the constitution debate, tending the
flock in prayer and giving pastoral oversight.
Lord Wabukala
addresses Christians in Kaloleni.
His Grace the Most Rev.
Dr. Wabukala the Primate of Kenya addresses Christians in St. Lukes Hospital in
Kaloleni during his 5 day pastoral visit in Mombasa Diocese. He called on a
constitution that caters for all Kenyans without discrimination.
Humbled by the Mombasa
Pastoral Visit.
His Grace The Most
Rev. Dr. Eliud Wabukala was glad to confess that he had been humbled and
changed by his pastoral visit to the Diocese of Mombasa. From Nairobi the Archbishop flew to Lamu
Island in a chartered plane 540 to begin his 5 day pastoral assignment to the
Diocese of Mombasa.
From the airport the Primate was to travel by a police speed boat to the Island
and then back again to the mainland after being received by the District
Commissioner Lamu, where he signed the visitor’s book in the D.C.’s office
before conducting holy baptism at the Church of the Good Shepherd and where he
donated 5000/= towards the flooring of the Church. On the mainland at Mpeketoni he addressed a
group of Christians at Mpeketoni Church and a group of the ecumenical pastors
who paid him a courtesy call in his Mpeketoni hotel at night. The Church leaders wanted Episcopal oversight
on matters pertaining to the draft Constitution and the stand and the role of
the Church. The following Day the
Archbishop and his entourage travelled by road to Garsen, then on to
Malindi. In Malindi he toured Gongoni,
St.Clement Academy, St.Andrew’s Malindi, St. Mary’s Maweni, and St. Andrew’s
Barani. The next day, the 6th
of May, the Archbishop’s itinerary took him to St. Thomas Kilifi, St.Mathew’s
Kanamai, the PC’s office, Emmanuel Kisauni and St.Luke’s Makupa.While in
Kilifi the Archbishop of Kenya, the Most
Rev.Dr.Wabukala, planted a tree in honor of his visit, inspected a computer lab
and the Church’s Kindergarten before addressing the Christians who had gathered
at St.Thomas Church to receive him. In
Kanamai and Emmanuel Kisauni, he was well received by the clergy, led by the Archdeacon,
Ven. Josphat Murutu.
Later in the Day
the Archbishop held closed door discussions with the Coast Provincial
Commissioner, Mr. Ernest Munyi in his office. The final leg of the Archbishop’s
itinerary on the 8th of May took him to Bishop Hannington Institute,
St.Paul’s Rabai, and St.Lukes’Mission Hospital in Kaloleni.
At Bishop
Hanningtone Bible College, Archbishop Wabukala was greeted with exquisite
courtesy on this historic visit to the seminary on Mombasa Island. As the Archbishop entered the College he
was received by the student body led by the College Principal Patrick Mukholi
in a very spectacular style. The Principal on behalf of the College council
requested the Primate to be the guest speaker during the graduation, in the
month of October, this year. The Archbishop repaid the compliment by
emphasizing the need for the students to work hard in their studies in order to
bring to the ministry an all round and skilled manpower. He encouraged them to
study, meditate and discuss and arrive at definite conclusions in order to
serve as the basis of their theological opinions.
He also said there
is a greater need to establish an Anglican Christian University in this
country. He asked all the KAMA members to contribute each at least 100/= per annum
and this dream will be realized.
Archbishop Wabukala’s 5 day visit to the Mombasa Diocese was really
enjoyable. There was plenty of life and
humor in the gentle man of God. The Archbishop was greatly amused by the
portrait of Dr Ludwig Kraft he encountered on what was a memorable visit to the
Museum in Rabai. Joy there certainly
was, but no other Kenyan Primate has ever been so articulate in his primarary
pastoral visit to this Diocese.
Lord Wabukala gave
a total of thirty five addresses covering over 1000 people during his pastoral
tour to the Mombasa diocese. It is very significant to note with great concern
and in summation of his pastoral visit to the historic Diocese of Mombasa, that
the duties of His Grace Dr.Eliud Wabukala, as the Archbishop of Kenya, demand
sound health, intelligence and integrity of the highest standards, and above
all great stamina to withstand all the pressures, given the wide range of
responsibilities that the Primate is expected to shoulder.
His Grace the
Most Rev. Wabukala Meets The Provincial Commissioner.
His Grace The Most Rev.
Eliud Wabukala, the Archbishop and primate of Kenya, paid an impromptu pastoral
homage visit to the Coast Provincial Commissioner, Mr. Ernest Munyi in his
office during his visit to Mombasa Diocese before Pentecost. The two leaders
held closed door discussions for almost thirty minutes in the office of the
local administrator. The Archbishop in his conversation with the administrator
wanted to know some of the most common challenges affecting the local community
in the area. In response Mr. Munyi hi-lighted some of the problems affecting
the coastal dwellers especially the youth like unemployment, drugs, HIV/AIDS,
school dropouts, early childhood pregnancies among others. The PC at the same time
never hesitated to state the good relationship between the Church and the state
particularly the Anglican Church in Mombasa under the wise leadership of Bishop
Kalu.
PC Ernest Munyi
centre with his guest His Grace the Archbishop of Kenya and the Bishop of
Mombasa in the office of the PC in May
The PC also briefed the
Primate of Kenya that the coast province covers a total area of 80,000 km with
21 administrative units, 21 constituencies and with a population of over 3
million people according to the 1999 census.
Mr.Munyi said that the area has great potential, especially the
conserved forests and the port of Mombasa which is the Gateway to East and
Central Africa.
He further told his guest
about the booming hotel industry in the region which is doing well. On the
pastoral communities along the Tana Delta, he said the conflicts which exist
between the Orma and the Pokomo over grazing grounds have been curtailed by the
Government. The Primate on his part
prayed for peace and harmony for the local administration.
Elsewhere the Primate
also enjoyed the warm reception from the entire provincial administration right
from Lamu, Tana Delta, Malindi, and Kisauni among many other places that he
toured. See our Pictorial news elsewhere.
The Archbishop’s Green
Project for the Diocese of Mombasa.
As stated elsewhere, the
responsibilities of the Primate of Kenya are not only great and heavy but also
need a very committed involvement. He
needs sound health, stamina and above all wisdom! Among the things he did
wherever he went was the planting of trees. A total of eight trees were planted
and five foundation stones were laid; one for a Church in Garsen, one for a
vicarage in Gongoni, one at Kanamai and
one at the hostel for St.Lukes Hospital, Kaloleni. The Green trees remind us of the
resurrection, the color of spring, it is emblematic of hope; “I sowed the seed,
Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it 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).
Tree Planting Exercise
by His Grace.
His Grace The Most Rev.Wabukala waters a tree seedling
he planted in Gongoni Parish while on a historic pastoral visit to Mombasa
Diocese in the weeks preceding Pentecost this year. The Vicar Rev Edward Mugaza
hands him a cup of water while Ven Chambia (extreme right) looks on.
A tree tall like him.
His Grace the Most Rev.
Wabukala planted yet another tree in St. Clement’s Malindi, as tall as
himself. The Rev. Tom Dawa of Barani
Parish (in the foreground) is recording every detail on a digital camera. This
tree is famous for its good shade botanically called Tectona Sp
St. Thomas Kilifi
The Primate of Kenya The
Most Rev Wabukala is being assisted to plant a tree in an exercise called
Regreening Mombasa in his honor by the Kilfi Archdeacon John Ruwa. Looking on are the two Bishops of Mombasa
Kalu and Dena respectively.
The Church of the
Freed Slaves.
During his pastoral visit
to Mombasa Diocese His Grace the Most Rev Wabukala also paid homage on his
pastoral visit, to the Church of the freed slaves where he planted yet another
tree. He also blessed the bishopric chair before addressing the Christians who
had gathered at the Church to receive him and his entourage. The DC Kisauni
also graced the occasion.
Welcome to Emmanuel
Kengeleni Your Grace
The Venerable Murutu of
Emmanuel Kengeleni Church together with the members of the Mothers Union,
welcome His Grace Lord Wabukala with pomp and dancing to Kengeleni , Church of
the freed slaves, during his recent pastoral visit to Mombasa Diocese.
The next photo shows His
Grace blessing the bishopric chair inside Emmanuel Church. Elsewhere Ven.
Murutu is seen taking the Primate round the Church to inspect the Church’s
development projects. Notice the Church
of the freed slaves in the foreground with its historic outlook, built by the
slaves in 1889.
Nicomedia Tree
Planting Exercise.
These are trees planted
at night. The day was far gone, yet still there were more rivers to be
crossed! Not even the total eclipse of
the day and the onset of darkness could stop the two Bishops from finishing the
day’s assignments. His Grace Lord Wabukala plants a tree at St. Luke’s Church,
Makupa. He later addressed the Makupa
Christians before retiring to bed at the ACK guest house. Good night Bishop!
Welcome to BHI,
Your Grace.
His Grace Lord Wabukala
is being welcomed to Bishop Hannington Seminary by the Principal Rev. Patrick
Mukholi during his impromptu visit to the College in May 2010. While at BHI, His Grace planted another tree
before addressing the ordinands who had gathered to receive him. In the next picture he is seen speaking to
students and members of the college staff.
He asked them to be fAocused in their calling and work hard in their
studies. The College Principal asked him
to be the guest speaker during the graduation ceremony in November this year.
He promised to come.
Rabai
The Rt. Rev Laurence Dena
(partially hidden), with a smile, and Mrs. Jane Dena together with His Grace
the Archbishop share a glorious moment shortly after arriving at St.
Paul’s Church, Rabai. Looking on is Evelyn Manjewa the Mother’s
Union Coordinator for Kwale and Rabai,
(with spectacles), also smiling, and Rev.Winni Gitonga.
Traditional Dance for
His Grace.
The Bishops of Mombasa
Julius Kalu and Laurence Dena together with His Grace, The Most Rev.Wabukala,
watch with amazement as the Rabai boys and girls , who came to entertain him,
perform in a manner like never before.
The occasion was during His Grace’s Visit to Rabai on his way to Kaloleni. Rabai is the cradle of the Gospel in the
whole of Eastern Africa. The Primate also visited the famous Rabai Museum
before addressing Christians there.
Educational Matters
His Grace the most Rev.
Wabukala opened a school St. Clement
Malindi during his visit
to Mombasa Diocese. In the picture outside the staffroom and administrative
block he poses in a group photograph with the Bishop of Mombasa Julius Kalu
with a black cincture, Bishop Dena with a dark suit on the left while Vicar
general Abel Chambia is on the right. The man holding an umbrella is the
Archbishop’s Chaplain Rev. Reuben Kibaba. Else where the Archbishop called for
the establishment of an Anglican University.
Laying Foundation
Stones for God’s House.
His Grace the Most Rev.
Dr. AWabukala, at one point, laid several foundation stones, apart from the
tree planting exercise, during his visit
to the Diocese; a church in Garsen,
vicarages in Kanamai and Gongoni and a youth centre in Kaloleni Hospital.
His Grace, Lord Wabukala
is being assisted by the Kaloleni MP, Kazungu Kambi to lay a foundation stone
for a youth centre in Kaloleni.
This unveiled plaque
speaks out about everything! Addressing Christians during a luncheon organized
in his honor, the Archbishop was very emphatic in his theoretical address. He said that the Church also addresses human
physical needs as well as spiritual needs.
He emphasised that St Luke, the apostle, was a medical doctor, who
treated people as well as writing the Gospel.
Speaking on the same occasion, Bishop Julius Kalu took the opportunity
to extend his sincere appreciation to the people of Jersey, U.K. for their
generous grant towards the medical project at Kaloleni.
AROUND AND ABOUT
KINANGO
Laying
Foundation Stone for the Church in Garsen.
‘The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of foundation stone. The first foundation stone was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald’….. (Rev.21:19)
Foundation Stone in Kanamai
“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put shame. Now to you who believe, this stone is precious but to those who do not believe the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”(I Peter2:6-7)
The Bouquet Girls for
the Primate of Kenya.
Throughout his pastoral
visit to the Mombasa Diocese, His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Wabukala was well
received, in a way befitting the standard he deserved as the Primate. Among the
little girls who presented him with a bouquet of flowers were, Christine Dawa of
Maweni parish, and girls from Kanamai and Kisauni parishes,
Flight 540, 5Y-Buz
KQ Lands in Manda Airport, in style, at
14:30 hours.
The chartered light plane
540 carrying His Grace the Most Rev Dr. Wabukala and his entourage landed in
Manda airport at 14:30 hours East African time. Do you see which person, between the two
gentlemen in the foreground, is the Primate?
The Diocesan Press was not allowed to go near. Can you guess why?
Preparing to Receive
the Primate
The Bishop of Mombasa,
Julius Kalu and the Shungwaya archdeacon, the Venerable Mwambawa prepare to
cross to the other side of the shore to the mainland to receive the Primate of
Kenya, His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Wabukala on his first historic visit to
Mombasa Diocese. The Primate of Kenya arrived on board a 540 chartered plane at
14:30 to begin his 5 day pastoral visit to the Coast province.
Looking like men in
the Apollo spaceship to the moon!
The Bishop of Mombasa
Julius Kalu and His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Wabukala on board a police motor
boat wearing life jackets, looked like men on board Apollo 11 on the journey to
the moon. At one point the boat stalled
in the middle of the sea causing undisclosed hysteria and anxiety for the
Primate, wondering whether the boat was capsizing? Bishop Kalu, however, remained quite calm
and undisturbed. As Christians we need
to focus our eyes on Jesus, in our walk with faith. Of the three men in the picture, can you
identify who is His Grace and who is the Bishop of Mombasa?
I presume My Lord
Bishop.
“I presume, my Lord
Bishop”, Rev. Timothy of Garsen seems to
say on meeting with the Archbishop of Kenya when the latter visited Garsen
Parish on his pastoral tour of the Mombasa Diocese. Looking on is Bishop Dena and some clergy of
Shungwaya archdeaconry. Bishop Kalu is
slightly hidden. The Primate had just
completed his tour to Lamu Island and Mpeketoni, “Au revoir”.
NEWS ROUND UP:
Farewell, Lord
Wabukala, Safe journey.
Clergy from Malindi
archdeaconry, in a group photograph bid farewell to His Grace Lord Wabukala and
wish him and his entourage a safe journey after the group had toured their
archdeaconry and was now proceeding to Kisauni.
Also in the picture is Bishop Kalu, Vicar General Chambia, and the
Archbishop’s Chaplain, Reuben, on the extreme left. The Primate addressed
Christians who came to meet him at St.Thomas Kilifi.
Following the Church
Proceedings.
His Grace The Most Rev.
Wabukala and Bishop Julius Kalu follow the Church proceedings at St.Mary’s
Church Maweni in Malindi. The Primate
was very much impressed with the standard of the church and the work of the
vicar and the Christians there.
Addressing the Maweni
Christians.
The Primate also
addressed the Maweni Christians as in this photograph. He made a total of 35 public addresses in all,
during his pastoral visit to Mombasa Diocese from Lamu to Mwabungo, though he
unfortunately did not reach Ukunda Parish as was planned, due to time
constraints.
The Glorious Awakening
takes this Opportunity on behalf of Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu, to
apologize to all the Ukunda Christians that His Grace could not make it there
due to a very tight schedule. We are so sorry for the inconvenience this might
have caused to you.
Tight Security Beefed
Up.
His Grace enjoyed enough
security during his visit to Mombasa Diocese recently. Officers from the regular and administrative
police force follow keenly the proceedings, from a distance, as His Grace lays
a foundation stone for a Church in Garsen.
Bishops’ Spouses
Receive the Primate.
Mrs. Jane Dena, and Mrs.
Rose Kalu, receive and welcome the Primate of Kenya when he arrived at Kanamai
in May during his visit to Mombasa Diocese.
Sharing a Light
Moment.
Mrs. Grace Kiseu, (left),
the wife of the Provost of Mombasa Memorial Cathedral, Mrs.Jane Dena (in a
hat), wife of Bishop Dena and Mama Rose Kalu , wife of Bishop Kalu, share a
light moment together during His Grace’s visit to the Cathedral.
Clergy Spouses
Clergy spouses follow the
proceedings as His Grace, Lord Wabukala makes a very scriptural address to the
Christians at Kanamai. They are Evelyn
Manjewa, Jane Dena, Rose Kalu and Elizabeth Oyaro.
Look! The Press is here again!
Everywhere he went, the
members of the media were always on his toes with questions to answer. Here an Citizen Cameraman confronts His Grace
to question him, moments before the service.
“What’s up men”? Bishop Kalu asked; just a question for His Grace they
said.
His Grace was a
conservative, stabilizing voice making sure he answered correctly to questions
asked.
Local Journalists Lay
a Trap to Catch His Grace.
“Where is he”? Asked one with hands akimbo. “He is over there” answered the grey-haired
one. “For how long are we going to wait
for him”? The one with a blue shirt
asked. “Just for a moment”, replied the
one with hands akimbo. Then suddenly His Grace in the company of the Bishop of
Mombasa appeared down the stairs. “Look there he is stepping out in style” said
the grey haired one.
Across the Bridge
By the time His Grace
visited Kanamai during his five day pastoral visit to Mombasa Diocese, it was
raining cats and dogs. Water, water
everywhere! No place to step a
foot. Bishop Laurence Dena is seen
leading the way to the church, crossing the bridge made of coral bricks. His
Grace and Bishop Kalu are behind him.
Such an adventurous assignment!
A group Photograph
with His Grace.
The Gongoni Christians
photographed with His Grace the Primate of Kenya, The Most Rev. Dr. Wabukala
and the Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu in Gongoni Parish. Also in the Picture is the Gongoni DO
standing next to the Primate. The Vicar General, Habil Chambia, is in the
background.
The Role of the
Provincial Administration.
The District Officer,
Lamu District, Mr. Hiri Bay, entertains and gives some fundamental facts to His
Grace, the Primate of Kenya, Lord Wabukala, about historic Lamu Island. His Grace had just landed from a 540 flight
to start his pastoral visit to Mombasa Diocese.
Mr. Hiri Bay told His Grace that Lamu has a population of about 600,000
people according to the 1999 national census and that fishing is the economic
activity of the Lamu islanders.
Welcome to Tana Delta
Lord Bishop Wabukala!
The District Commissioner
Tana Delta, Mr. Elias Githaura, receives and welcomes His Grace the Primate of
Kenya to Garsen, Tana Delta District.
The Archbishop had just arrived from Lamu through Mpeketoni and was on
his way to Malindi. Bishop Kalu looks
on.
The Blessing of the
Children
Kneeling is the most
solemn and reverent way of receiving blessings. This custom is very ancient dating
back to before the time of Jesus Christ. These Cathedral children are kneeling
before His Grace to receive special blessings. The Primate also commissioned
the Cathedral P.C.C 2010.
Procession
His Grace, The Most Rev.
Dr. Eliud Wabukala and the Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu in full liturgical
regalia in a procession to start a mass.
It was the Archbishop’s final address to the Mombasa Christians on his
historic visit to Mombasa Diocese as the Primate. The Primate covered a total
of 849 km by road, withstanding heavy rains and rough terrain from Lamu to
Lungalunga. His Grace made a total of 37
addresses altogether. His final sermon was derived from Paul’s letter to
Hebrews- Fixing our eyes to Christ Jesus.
Getting Ready for the
Journey.
The Bishop of Mombasa,
Julius Kalu, and His Grace the Most Rev. Dr.Wabukala prepare themselves to
board a car for the third leg of Lord Wabukala’s visit to Mombasa Diocese. The
third leg took him to Kanamai, Kengeleni and Makupa. The fourth and the final leg took him to BHI,
Rabai, Kaloleni and Ukunda although he did not make it there due to time. This was on the 8th May. The first
leg of the Archbishop’s itinerary on the 5th and 6th May took him to
Lamu Island, Mpeketoni and Tana Delta.
Signing Visitors’
Book.
Another assignment the
Primate of Kenya performed was the signing of the visitor’s book wherever he
went. In total he signed 11 visitors’
books as a symbol of his episcopacy as the primate. This picture captures him
signing a visitor’s book at Bishop Hannington Institute of Theology during his
fourth and final leg at the Coast before finalizing the tour in Kaloleni.
Around and About the
Cathedral.
Engineer Muraya explains
a point to His Grace, the Archbishop of Kenya, Lord Wabukala, as he takes him
around and about the architectural aspects of Mombasa Memorial Cathedral
Multipurpose Complex when His Grace was on a pastoral visit to Mombasa ACK
Diocese. The Project is approximated to
cost 100 million Kenyan shillings when completed. Also in the picture is Provost Kiseu, with an
umbrella. Rev Ngowa is on the extreme
left. Bishops Kalu and Dena are in the
background.
GFS Lady elected
Africa’s president!
A GFS lady from ACK
Mombasa Diocese has been elected to the prestigious and most influential position
as Africa’s GFS president. During World GFS conference held in Kumasi,Ghana last year, Veronica Mutua from
Kenya beat other contestants from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Ghana to
clinch the top post. Sister Veronica
hails from Changamwe, Mombasa. She is
the GFS chairlady in the Diocese of Mombasa.
Veronica is well known all over the Diocese of Mombasa for advocating
for the welfare of female Children. The Bishop of the Diocese of Kumasi Ghana
gave her a candle as a symbol of illuminating the whole African continent with
the Gospel of Christ. We as the
Christians in this Diocese and Kenyans at large are indeed privileged to be
associated with such success!
A candle to Light up
Africa.
Mrs. Veronica Mutua,
(with a hat and white blouse) receives a lit candle to light up Africa, from
the Bishop of Kumasi After she beat other contestants to become the GFS African
President. Other delegates from other countries look on. They are from Ghana,
Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, Zambia and Uganda. Congratulations for making
us proud and raising our profile.
The Vicar
repeats his performance.
What a busy season so to
speak! From the pulpit to the press,
from the press to book launching, from book launching to serious farming
business, from farming to the bubbling parochial council, then back to the
pulpit again, and the cycle continues.
These little boys are learning farming skills at a tender age. They are helping the vicar to plant corn at
the onset of the monsoon rains, the beginning of the planting season. They are doing it so articulately with their
little fingers and hands. They are
Kiprop, Kibet and others. The Kinango
vicar is yet again expecting a bumper harvest by the end of this season.
Books and Literature.
Title: CHURCH
SYMBOLS, COLORS, SEASONS and DOCTRINAL INSTRUCTIONS.
Publisher: Uzima
Publishing House Nairobi.
Year of Publication: AD
2010.
Author: The Rev. Kennedy
Omusugu Ofundi.
Cover price:
500/-
A new liturgical
book is now in circulation on the market!
“Church Symbols and Doctrinal Instructions” is the title. The book is
published by Uzima Publishing House in the year 2010 in Nairobi and discusses
basic Church doctrines practiced in the Anglican Church in an easy to read
catechismal manner. Four distinct
offices have been diametrically dealt with in a coherent systemic catechismal
manner viz: The office of the morning
and evening prayer, the office of the Holy Communion and the vestments of the
Church.
The importance of knowing
the meaning behind these symbols does not only enrich worship but it also
brings us closer to the knowledge of God.
This is a book for all God’s people everywhere and should be read now!
NB: Part of the money
raised through this book will go to help destitute children and the widows as
our contribution to the work of God for God’s people everywhere. The book was
launched by the Bishop of Mombasa Julius Kalu during the 56th
session of the full synod in May 2010 to the glory of God.
Bishop’s Drivers.
These two dedicated gentlemen Mungai
and Solomon have one factor in common, they are all drivers for the
bishops..Mr.Mungai drives the arch bishop while Solo is the driver for the
bishop of Mombasa .The two drivers
navigated us well covering a total area of 879km without any adventures .Bravo
and God reward you men!.
Relaxing after long
Journey
The archbishop's Chaplain
Rev.Reuben Kibaba,and the driver Mungai relax outside ACK guest house moments
after the long Journey from Malindi before attending a Sunday service at the
Mombasa Memorial Cathedral. The were among the archbishop's entourage to the
Coast Diocese weeks before Pentecost.
ROUND AND ABOUT
MOMBASA DIOCESE
Dedication and book
launching.
The Bishop of Mombasa
Julius Kalu dedicates “Church Symbols . . . .” to God’s glory during its
launching during the 56th session of the full synod at the Mombasa
Memorial Cathedral in May this year. Looking on is the assistant Bishop of
Mombasa Laurence Dena. For more
information about the book call 0727898119.
Celebrating the
triumphal entry.
The ACK Kinango youths
waving palm leaves lead the procession to the Church in Kinango to celebrate
Palm Sunday in style. The Christians during Palm Sunday commemorate Christ’s
triumphal entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey with people singing Hosannas.
(Matt.21:5-9)
Canon Mwangi Helps
Kinango realize 96,000/=
The venerable Canon
Johnson Mwangi of Kitengela Parish, Kajiado Diocese, assisted Kinango parish
raise close to 100,000/- toward Kinango Diocesan quota for the year 2010. The Canon gave his own contribution of 24,000
to the glory of God. In the picture
Canon Mwangi is seen receiving the Harambee from the Kinango Christians.
In the hands of potter
The man holding the pot is a clinical
officer Kinango District. Mr. Caleb .Mr. Caleb is also a pot repairer. He is
seen repairing the Vicar’s pot in Kinango recently. In what ways are we likened
to the pot and the potter? There are several imageries in Bible which liken the
Christian life with that of a potter. Can you guess one?.
Harvest Sunday in Kinango Parish last
harvest season
The Kinango Parish Christians
experienced bumper harvest last harvesting season. They are here seen
presenting their gifts to their Vicar for blessings. We received farm produce
as well as animals such as goat and chicken to the Glory of God.
Women’s Day in Kinango Parish
International women day was held in
Kinango Parish during the last weeks of Lenten season in 2010. The Kinango
Parish Vicar Rev. Kennedy was the Guest speaker. His spoke on a wide range of
issues affecting women in third world countries, remote Districts in particular
like Kinango such as HIV/AIDS, forced marriages, low community esteem among
others. He asked them to stand up for their rights.
The Bishop of Mombasa and His Guest.
The Bishop of Mombasa
Julius Kalu left in a black suit, receives his guest Lord Wabukala right to
Kaloleni during the latter's five day tour to the Coast Diocese of Mombasa. The
Primate addressed Christians, Doctors, nurses and other health workers who had
come to receive him. The Kaloleni MP Kazungu Kambi waived the bills of all the
patients at a cost of 70,000/=. He also
promised to re-carpet the Kaloleni - Mazeras road which is in a dilapidated
state. Below is Kazungu Kambi addressing the congregants.
A view of Lamu Island.
Lamu island is on the
Northern part of Mombasa Diocese. The economic activity of the Lamu residents
is fishing. Traditionally the Lamu people are great sea men and do a lot of
fishing. The Lamu population is estimated to be at 60000 people. There aren't
many churches here yet.
Gongoni Malindi
The assistant Bishop of Mombasa
Laurence Dena, back to the camera introduces His Grace Lord Wabukala to the
Gondoni Christians. Also in the picture is the Gongoni Vicar Mugaza and other
Christians look on.
Acknowledging cheers from Christians
Bishop Laurence Dena of Mombasa
Diocese acknowledges cheers from Christians in St. Mary’s Maweni during the
visit of the Primate of Kenya. Bishop Dena was the man behind the Archbishop’s
itinerary programme. He made sure that every detail was executed with grace.
Thank you Bishop!
Lover of Children.
Having been a teacher, Lord Wabukala
still has the love and passion for the children. He is seen embracing a little
Kindergarten girl in St. Thomas Kilifi. Thank you Bishop for this gesture.
Kinango Pictorial Round up
Wema Centre Trust
starts it’s activities in Kinango.
The Wema Centre Trust no its
humanitarian activities for the unprivileged in the society as started its
activities in Kinango. Bishop Kalu
Primary Children were the first beneficiaries of this project after undergoing
a one week seminar in Mombasa. They were taught life skills, drug abuse,
HIV/AIDS etc.
Food Security Most Important Aspect.
Food is a fundamental human necessity
and right too. If people do not have enough quality food they become ill and
eventually succumb to minor deficiencies. In this regard the number of people around the Kinango who are undernourished a continues to grow.
According to a recent survey carried out here in Kinango by a well recognized
NGO reveled that 850million people in
the world today are affected by food insecurity of whom 820 million live in
developing countries south of the Sahara like Kinango. Throughout My stay here
in Kinango we have demonstrated with great seriousness the issue of food security to the Christians. The need to
work hard and build a stable economy and combat poverty and the need to take
the children to School and the importance of education to the development of a
stable economy in relation to farming. This I did up to my last moments with
the Christians. Yet some of them will take several years of hard labour to
grasp the concept that I have taught them. Some will even not appreciate or
wake up. The following pictures illustrate
how the Kinango vicar has tried to teach the Kinango Christians on how
to address food security in the parish.
Workers in the Vicar’s
Garden.
As seen from the picture below
workers in the Vicar’s garden in Kinango Parish work hard to harvest the corn
crop after it was ready. It is an excellent thing to do to glorify the body of
Christ. Christ does not entertain lazy people.
Maize Porters on the Vicar’s Farm
These three young men Emmanuel
Munyoki, Emmanuel Mwasare and Isaac Mlei are carrying harvested maize cobs from
the Vicar’s maize garden in Kinango after its harvesting. They did it so well
to illustrate team work in the body of Christ. The Vicar harvested several bags of high quality corn in his
maize garden.
Bumper harvest for the Vicar
Look what a bumper harvest it is!
Several grains germinated from every magic seeds planted. The Vicar has enough
to eat, give to God, needy Christians and many other people alike. Come and
experience God’s blessings.
AROUND THE DIOCESE.
Sports News in
Kinango.
The 2010 Primary and
Secondary Schools ball games held in Kinango Parish confirmed the existence of
a teeming wealth of sports talent amongst our
upcoming sports men and women in Kinango Parish and District as a whole.
Schools like Kinango Secondary and Mazeras High have competent players who are now looking beyond the rarely heeded
inter houses and inter schools ball game Championships to flaunt their sporting
prowess and hopeful sign up for bigger
clubs in the region in their quest for even greater achievements in soccer.
Confirmation in Kwale.
Dressed in white like
angles .Let us rejoice and give him glory for the wedding of the lamb has come
and his bride has made herself ready .Fine linen bright and clean was given to
her to wear. White linen represents the righteous acts of the Saints.
Rev.19:7/8.Confirmation candidates from ACK Kwale kneel before the Bishop for
blessings.
Confirmation is the
ministry by which through the laying of hands by the Bishop, the Holy Spirit is
received to complete what he began in Baptism and to give strength for the
Christian service and witness. Bishop Laurence Dena lays hands on the heads of
the confirm ants in Vyongwani during the
early weeks of Pentecost. Several of them were admitted into Holy Communion.
From Flight 540 to a
motor boat.
The Bishop of Mombasa
Julius Kalu,left,and His Grace Lord Wabukala wearing live jackets on board a
police motor boat enjoy a sea ride across the ocean from the mainland to the
Island of Lamu.Lord Wabukala had just alighted from flight 540 to begin his
five day pastoral tour to the Coastal Diocese.
Ecumenical meeting.
One other thing the Primate of Kenya
did when visited the Coast Diocese during his Visit is to unite all the Church
leaders so as to speak with one voice. while addressing them in his Hotel in
Mpeketoni he appealed to them to read the draft constitution and understand
before making interpretations of contentious clauses the Christians. He was
responding to their questions regarding the position of the Church on the draft
constitution.
His Grace Motor Cade.
The Primate of Kenya Lord Wabukala
arrived in style in Gongoni on board his Prado to a spectacular reception of
the Gongoni Christians The Primate arrived on chattered plane while his
entourage travelled on road from Nairobi to Lamu.
THE BATON PASSES ON
Tide and time wait for no man, and it is time to move to a new
position
and season in life!
After slightly 4 years of hard work which involved preaching, and
teaching here in Kinango, it is finally time for me to say adieu to pass on the baton to some new blood and bow
out as the Kinango vicar.
Following my ordination in 2006 and 2007 respectively, served the people
of Kinango Parish in the Archdeaconry
Kwale where I performed such duties as
required of a pastor, priest and a teacher! By the time of going to press, the
Kinango Parish vicar cum editorial staff of the Famous Glorious Awakening has
been moved to be the new Vicar of
St.Stephen;’s Jadini Diani Parish in a new Episcopal reshuffle. The Rev.
Ofundi replaces Dr. Bryson Samboja who moves on to Global missions as full time
missionary among the Digo people. The Rev. Ofundi is expected to perform same duties where he seeks to continue giving
spiritual guidance ,pastoral Care and Counselling, Preaching, Liturgical
renewal leadership, Christian education, Church Missions among others.
It has been a ground breakng, exhilarating, highly rewarding, and
occasionally challenging 4 years, working in a strange environment with an
amazing team of faithful friends with the blessings of the Holy Ghost to put
together what seemed to be impossible possible to all who believe, thus
EPISCOPAL
APPOINTMENTS
Reflecting
the lives and the aspirations to all
the believers across the Globe.Im blessed man and indeed privileged to
share my world with you through the
maiden pages of The Glorious Awakening and if
at all we inspired ,entertained
informed or provoked you anyway to live your best life in Christ now
while reaching for your dreams, actually, we could not have asked for more. God
bless you all Guys and have wonderful reading of future editions of your lovely
Christian Magazine. As for now au-revour.
CHANGE OF GUARD
A friend replaces a friend!
Dr. Bryson Samboja second right former Vicar Jadini Parish now becomes a
full time missionary with the Global teams among the Digo people. Rev. Kennedy
Ofundi extreme left now becomes the new Vicar Jadini Parish. Rev. Ofundi and
Dr. Bryson are long term friends and partners in Ministry. Rev. Ofundi is the
Secretary for the Global teams Pwani while Dr. Bryson is the Director of Global
teams Africa. A friend replaces another what a good thing!
Dr. Bryson in a hat visits Kinango.
Dr. Bryson Samboja far right in group Photograph taken in Kinango weeks
preceding Easter visited his friend in Kinango Parish in company of several
clergy, Rev. Jonson Mwadzera of Msambweni speaking on a phone, and Capt. Safari
of Kwale in a home of a Kinango Christian Flora Kesi who treated them to a
luncheon. It was a great moment for Dr. Bryson a humble man of God to be with
us. We love uncle Bryson.
Briefing the Media
One of the most infuriating moments
during the visit of His Grace to the Diocese of Mombasa recently, was the
pressure from the stubborn press.
Each time we bumped into each other,
we had to disagree on certain facts and whether or not allow them to interfere
with our schedule and itinerary. But His
Grace was articulate and emphatic when dealing with the journalists, especially
on constitutional review matters. He was
always available for consultation. I personally consulted him on a regular
basis on certain subjects which needed clarification. If he did not have an immediate answer for a
given question, he would research the information available and then provide a
satisfying answer later. His Grace was conservative and stabilizing voice
throughout his visit, making sure he gave the correct answer to the given
question. In the picture above an NTV News man confronts His Grace to answer
some press questions.
Stepping out in style
Archbishop’s Chaplain
with a Bishopric metre stands at hold, looking studiously at an in clined angle
at the two Bishops behind him. Bishop Kalu holding a black Bible, guides His
Grace Lord Wabukala down stairs as they step out in style to start the mass
during the Sunday of Pentecost. Lord Wabukala had just completed his tour to
the Coast Diocese of Mombasa.
Shungwaya Archdeacon
Receives Primate
The Shungwaya Archdeacon
Ven. Morris Mwambawa receives his Grace Lord Wabukala the Primate of Kenya to
his archdeaconry moments he alighted from chattered plane 540 at 1500hrs from
Nairobi. On the right is the Bishop of Mombasa Julius Robert Kalu.
Infant Baptism in Lamu
Island
The Primate of Kenya Lord
Eliud Wabukala conducts infant baptism moments he alighted from an air craft from Nairobi. The baby girl
was named Ruth and is the daughter of the Lamu Parish Vicar Charles Herya of
the Church of the good shepherd. The Lord Wabukala donated 5000/= for the
completion of the Church of the good shepherd floor. Addressing Christians he
asked them to be focused in Christ Jesus.
The
Church Symbols Book Published in Nairobi by Uzima Publishing House in 2010 was
launched by the Bishop of Mombasa during the 56th session of the full synod in
May 2010. the book goes at only 500/= get yourself a copy.
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