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Posts Tagged ‘Onesimus Kibera’

Passage to Manhood

03 Oct 2012

Dear Praying Friends,

Many are aware of increased terrorist attacks and rising tensions in East Africa due to Islamic extremism. But, the Lord has mercifully kept our people safe, and our ministries are moving forward. Pastor Stephen Ngunjiri, one of our faithful Kenyan Pastors, recently commented that the Sunday after 16 worshipers were killed in a church bombing in another town, his church was packed to over-flowing!

Also the annual Sports Evangelism tournament in his region has seen 51 souls come to Christ so far! Next Saturday, October 6th, is the championship game, and Pastor Onesimus Kibera will bring the Bible message to the crowd (which was over 1,000 last year!). Please pray that many souls will be reached for Christ on Saturday, and that God will protect this high-profile event. Activities like this are valuable in building inter-tribal, cultural and religious tolerance, as kids play together and develop good sportsmanship and character through Church sponsored leagues like this.

Another program which is changing culture is the annual “Passage to Manhood” camp which Pastor Stephen and his team of youth workers of Timau Bible Baptist Church conduct every year. Last year they had a total of 142 boys go through the 6 week camp, with 117 accepting Christ! Even though the church members sacrificed greatly to fund this program, they still had to turn many boys away due to lack of bedding and other supplies. They are praying for provision of bedding and food to be able to accommodate at least 200 boys this year.

The extra cost of one boy is about $48, and this includes bedding which can be used in future years. We have recently received some special undesignated offerings which will be applied to this worthy program. Another $2,000 would put us over the top in helping this great local church impact their entire region. Literally hundreds of families are being touched in multiple ways through this great program. Most of the boys themselves find Christ as Saviour during the camp, and whole families and networks of friends and neighbors are touched in a positive way with the Biblical principles which serve as an alternative to the unscriptural traditional rites of passage which various tribes practice.

2 Thes. 3:1-3 is in my mind a lot these days. We humbly and gratefully ask you to join us in this prayer.

Thanks and God bless,

 
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Posted in African Diary

 

Baptism @ Milimani Baptist Church

28 Feb 2000

Countless times over these 26 years in East Africa, I have gone out into the bush to preach and baptize at a Mission Station, Preaching Point, or to encourage an immature congregation. These trips are usually rigorous and uncomfortable, but it’s always been thrilling to see the spiritual fruit which comes out of such excursions.

However, it might even be more satisfying to see one of the young men whom we have raised up in the faith stepping into my shoes and going out on a similar mission. I was away on safari when Onesimus Kibera, Pastor of Mt. Kenya Baptist Church in Nanyuki, wrote me this letter with such spontaneous enthusiasm that I thought it might be an encouragement to you also. Here are some excerpts which I have translated from Swahili:

“This past Sunday was a day of great joy at Milimani Baptist Church where we baptized 40 people! Also, seven people were saved in the service!

“Even though I and my wife were very tired after walking for five hours (round trip) to visit this remote church, it was a great blessing to see these seven young adults receive Jesus Christ into their lives! One of the great needs of the Milimani church has been more young men to get saved, be faithful, and surrender for leadership in the church so that they can join our Bible Institute.

“I think that due to baptizing that many on Sunday my left arm and the left side of my back is really painful, and I am moving somewhat like a robot today!!! Number 40 was a huge lady who almost baptized me into the river! She was so afraid after I put her under, and she took me off my balance. I was struggling to gain mine and hers in the water while those watching laughed and laughed. It was quite a day!!!”

This was Pastor Kibera’s first time to baptize in a river. It can be very tricky! Anyway, I hope this testimony will be a blessing to all of you who have faithfully supported our ministry over the years. Your investments make fruit like this possible! Thanks! May God bless you all!

 
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Posted in African Diary

 
 
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