Mutually Encouraged: A Report from the 2023 Kenya Mission Conference

 

March 21, 2023

Mutually Encouraged: 2023 Kenya Mission Conference, Nairobi (February 1 – 4)
by Rev. Dr. Johnson K. Kinyua

Recently, I had the privilege to join a few others at the PCEA Milele Nairobi to reflect and share on mission partnership in Kenya.

The theme of the conference came from Romans 1:8–13. The passage describes Paul’s desire to visit Rome and his longing to give the local Christians a spiritual gift while being mutually inspired by their faith. Notwithstanding the difficulties he encountered on the way to Rome, Paul recognized his humanity and the value of his connections with other believers. He understood that sharing of the faith might be beneficial in both directions. A key component of partnership and mission work is the notion of reciprocal support and encouragement.

Many churches, groups, and individuals continue partnering with the locals in Kenya for various mission activities. These alliances seek to strengthen vulnerable communities while fostering cooperation and respect among partners. One such group that works with the underprivileged is Kasisi Global Institute of Leadership and Mission. We continue working with Milele college, Pamoja Mission Africa, Naivasha prison, P.C.E.A Marsabit, and L.I.S.H. vocational training to support local communities and promote education among the youth. We are working towards sustainability and enduring structures to ensure a long-lasting impact.

In the conference, we were reminded that there are some ideals that must be kept in order to work with vulnerable communities in a way that is empowering and that acknowledges the gifts that various communities bring to the table. Such ideals are respect for people, listening, understanding them and their context, affirming them as equal and engaging from a point of equality, using education as an empowerment, close monitoring and evaluation of projects.

It is essential to be God’s witnesses through mutuality and respect. We learned from various partners how they have succeeded by being intentional in listening, understanding culture, understanding needs, appreciating context, witnessing progress, and avoiding situations where people misunderstand other peoples’ cultures. We heard how others have allowed the Word of God to lead them instead of mere impositions. In practicing mutual respect and trust, mutually sharing and journeying together, they have found opportunities to be a blessing to each other.

Towards the end of the conference, I sat down for an interview with one of the mission partners, Sharon Secor. I invite you to take time to watch the full interview after reading this reflection. Secor shared insights in mission partnerships as a fulfillment to the Great Commission and a commitment to koinonia in fellowship. Through her story, we are immersed into the many Pentecost moments of learning, of trust, of the outsider’s perspective, of commitment to love, while avoiding toxic charity.

Secor’s 25 years of mission experience and partnerships, offer insight into some of the important aspects of partnership. They include developing a comprehensive memorandum of understanding, establishing a clear entry and exit route, continued evaluation, submission of progress reports, developing well-established structures of governance, auditing of resources, making efforts to visit sites, synergy in collaboration, updates on progress and challenges during the process, and inclusivity.

In conclusion, mission work in Kenya has come a long way. Many have embraced partnership as a vital tool in fulfilling the Great Commission and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Such partnership must uphold respect, equality, dignity of the human person, solidarity, and mutual support while working towards empowering vulnerable communities and recognizing their gifts. With a commitment to love and a dedication to excellence, mission work and partnerships continue to make significant impact in the lives of people in Kenya and around the world.

Johnson Kinyua is the pastor of Church of Amazing Grace International, Fullerton. He is also the founder & CEO of Kasisi Global Institute and the online Kiriaku Waves Radio (KWR).

The Bible, my book it remains!

The Bible, my book it remains!

Whether it is written by the hand of God or the hands of men;

Whether it’s stories are historical or theological;

Whether the characters there in are real or fictional;

Whether it’s language is literal or metaphorical!

The Bible, my book it remains!

Though it’s many translations confound;

Though it’s linkages with colonial history dismay;

The Bible, my book it remains!

It has molded me!

It has spoken to the deep within me!

It has hedged me!

Its Wisdom challenges every bit of my intellect!

It’s Truth has smothered my pride!

Its Stories continue to surprise!

The Bible, my book it remains!

A good companion it remains!

Kasisi Kĩriakũ wa Kĩnyua - a student of the Bible and all other Sacred Texts of the World!

Towards an authentic African Theology:

As a biblical scholar and a theologian, I take the term “theology” to simply mean, “Faith Seeking Understanding”. In this regard, I hold the opinion that any theological thought must engage Scripture, History, Human Experience, Reason (and to some extent, Tradition). In the coming days, I will make several proposals towards an authentic African Theology. Kĩriakũ

Spiritual Leadership

The Church universal is gifted with many talented leaders who have not only impacted our church and our neighborhood but also the world. We are an army of experts that God can use mightily to move many towards the agenda of God. God has promised us, as a community of faith, his presence and his equipping if we submit ourselves to God-self. When we yield our will to God, God can shape our lives according to his purposes. As we journey together as Christ's beloved, I am challenged to ask: How can we move the church on to God’s Agenda?

God intends us to be people of great humility, integrity, and faith. Most important is the call to go back to the basics of life: a heart that is pure, love that endures, faith that is fervent and hope eternal. To be successful in our vision and mission, we need women and men who have the clarity of mind, deep sense of commitment, and individuals that are open to learning. We need women and men who fully understand that the overall mission of the Christian Church is to enable every individual believer to achieve fully and more readily their ultimate happiness.

The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:8 that Christian leadership develops through the active work of the Holy Spirit. Every task that we perform, whether leading teenagers, erecting buildings, administration, or fundraising, requires the Spirit’s presence. Like Zerubbabel of old, we are reminded that true spiritual leadership is not by strength or by might, but by God’s Spirit (Zechariah 4:6.) True leadership does not seek or pursue narrow individual or group interests. God is raising a new army of believers who are ready and willing to move God’s people on to the Agenda of God. This I believe!
- Kĩriakũ.
 

LOVE DARe: Day 40

Love is covenant.

I am elated as I enter my fortieth day of the Love Dare. It marks my commitment to myself and my wife. But even as I come to the end of the dare, I am nakedly aware that this is only part of a journey.

The experience and challenge of loving my wife is something that never comes to an end.

"Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God" (Ruth 1:16).

I am rededicating myself to my wife.

The rededication has no expiration date - "till death do us part".

I am taking up my role as a covenant keeper.

No matter what may arise hereafter to challenge my faithfulness to this covenant, I give myself to my wife and commit to this marriage for life.

This covenant cuts off all avenues of retreat or withdrawal.

I fasten my love afresh on the one the Lord has given me to cherish, prize, and honor.

I dare to take hold of it and never let go!  

LOVE DARe: Day 39

Love endures.

"Love never fails" (1 Cor. 13:8).

Though threatened, love keeps pursuing. Though mistreated and rejected, love refuses to give up.

If love can be told to quit loving, then it's not really love. Love that is from God is unending, unstoppable.

Love is based on the will of God, the calling of God, the Word of God. When all else fails, the truth of God will still be standing.

Therefore, my love should bear the same unchanging characteristics. 

Loves never fails.

Never!

LOVE DARe: Day 38

Love fulfills dreams.

"Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4).

Dreams and desires come in all shapes and sizes. But love takes careful notice of each one.

Many are the moments when I have found myself asking what is it that my wife would really, really love.

Unfortunately, I have let "no" become too quick a response to such moments.

Yet in today's dare I am reminded that love sometimes needs to be extravagant.

I am also reminded of the many times God's love has met needs in my heart that once seemed out of the question. Yes, there have been many occasions in my life when I have thought life was over as certain setback took all the wind out of my sails. In such moments I break down and cry out to God. Though it has not always been easy getting back up and trod on, I have somehow found myself surviving the storms. God has in many of such moments met me with His promised peace "which surpasses all comprehension" (Philippians 4:7) and kept me on my feet.

I am thus reminded that God is the One my love is designed to imitate! I dare to be extravagant in loving my wife.

I dare bring forth to mind the things that are unique to our relationship, the pleasures and enjoyments that bring a smile to our faces.

I dare to daydream about the many opportunities to pour out my love so regularly that my wife's desires become mine as well.

I dare to overwhelm her with love!