Mission Spotlight: Kenya

Not giving anyone cause to look down on them because they are young, the campus ministry in the Nairobi church’s Central Sector is setting the pace within the congregation and has had an encouraging year so far in 2008 that has brought much joy to many. Some highlights have been:

• Men's forum: 44 men from different colleges and campuses attended, 3 of whom got baptized later.
• So far this year: 1 restoration and 23 baptisms.
• Vibrant dancing group that provides recreation, fun and exercise but also a forum for discipling and evangelism.

The following is an account of our recent campus retreat.

Camp 2008 was simply excellent, in the words of campus ministry leaders, Edwine Omaya and Nelly Macharia (pictured above), who themselves were baptized on campus years ago, “The retreat was designed to be a moment when new relationships were to be created”, and little did we know that this is exactly what it would turn out to be. Yes indeed it was a moment when disciples in campus were able to rekindle their relationships with God. It was a moment to get real with God, a moment to be open in confessing sin and a moment to sincerely pray. The classes taught in the camp were practical and very moving, the bonding times were excellent, the meals left every disciple licking their lips for more, and the fellowships was uplifting. At the end of it all, there was pain in every disciple that this short stint with God had come to an end, however there was much happiness in the pain because the students made a vow to repent and shine like stars. Participants had this to say:

Mary, a visitor, enthused," The camp has been convicting and inspiring. I have learnt that out of ignorance we live in darkness. I have therefore made a decision to begin meditating on the word of God and to seek the truth though bible studies.”

Christine, a bible talk leader in campus, said, “The camp was God-sent, a turning point. My decision is to get into the scriptures and glorify God. I want to deal with the issues that have been hindering me from living a full life for God”

Rhodes, a two-week old disciple, shared, “The world, through the media, tries to normalize immorality, but as a Christian I have to make a decision to shine in purity. My decision is to shun evil and please God.”

Those who taught did not attempt to portray a picture of personal perfection. They shared with us the struggles they have had and how they have been able to emerge victorious. One thing I (Garrett) learnt is that for me to excel and soar like an eagle I have to make the decision to live above the level of mediocrity. As Isaac D’Israeli once said, “It is a wretched taste to be gratified with mediocrity when the excellent lies before us”.

Edwine Omaya, says, “What I love most about the campus in terms of growth is that we are so close and united. Brothers and sisters are growing and taking up leadership positions as of course others get to move on to the professional (singles) ministries of the church. It is just awesome to see the campus brothers and sisters maturing, and I am loving it.”

Clearly, the campus disciples are loving it too as they all aim to please God, win fellow students to Christ, and continue to shine like stars on their campuses and in the church.