Unbelievable Day with the Churches and Women Who Serve in Them

The day was a day filled with emotion as we visited 4 churches within the Keini West zone: Shalom, Ruiria, Kiwaria and Labura.  We had asked to meet with them in order to better understand the challenges they face each day as they live out who they are in Jesus Christ. We have been asked by leaders in the area to help them continue to grow as women of God and in order to do this in an appropriate way we felt we needed to know the women better.

In all four churches we heard how the women have worked together to provide land, the chairs, podiums and all the possessions such as utensils and plates that are used.  As we heard their stories and realized that they carry the work of the churches our hearts were moved.  The pastors and the few male members are very supportive of the women’s desire to learn more about the God they serve, how they can grow into more spiritually mature believers and establish stronger fellowships. 

In each church we listened to their praises, challenges and had a time of prayer with them.  We are open to partner with them in the days ahead as the Lord guides and directs us to do.

The first stop of the day was at Shalom Baptist Church.  It is a young church in the number of years it has been established but most of its members are long time children of God.  It is located in one of the four villages set up by the government to aid refugees from the Eldoret area after the horrible violence following the 2007 presidential election.  Twenty-five ladies joined us at the tin roofed, black plastic walled church building.  The pastor introduced us to a lady who appeared to be quite old and explained how she was responsible for getting the church established.  She had gone throughout the camp looking for believers for Christian fellowship and as they were discovered she gathered them to worship.  Over time they formed a group that has become Shalom Baptist church.  The stories of sacrifice in order for this church to be established and the strength of this group is amazing. The structure has become too small for the numbers who now attend. Others from the area who are not refugees have begun attending. They have purchased a plot of land and are working towards building a new building.  We were invited to a home for tea after the meeting.  There our new friends shared personal accounts of fleeing the violence with only the clothes they were wearing. Many saw friends and family slaughtered and others burned to death.  Yet all were praising God for saving them, His faithfulness to them and what He has provided!

The second church was entirely different.  It is a new church.  Most of the members are new converts. Once again we heard how women make up the majority and have provided all the material possessions of the church.  Their major praise was for the unity that has been established among them by their faith in Jesus.  They see their major challenges to be the size of their group and the ability to establish children’s work within their fellowship.

The third church was different from the other two.  It is located in a village that serves as a hub for the area.   This is the home church of the leader of the pastor’s wives group.  The church was the smallest of the four churches in members and size.   This church also meets in a rented space.  The women  have a strong commitment to reaching and helping the women of this area.

Hospital in Shalom Community next to church

Second Church Ruirua

The fourth church is an all women church except for the pastor and a young man that he is mentoring (the young man is attending the Bible School at Bellevue Church.)   All of the women shared a concern for their husbands’ relationship with Jesus Christ.   They have sacrificed to purchase and build a church building.   They shared that they were still short about $450 of paying the previous owner what was owed.   He had come to them and told them if they did not pay by Monday (the day of our visit) - he was adding 25% interest on the cost of the property.    “Wherever you think is best/needed most funds” from Teleios Ministry partners were given through LEFTI (sister organization in Kenya of Teleios Ministry) to meet this immediate need.  The excited praise and thanksgiving to God that the women and pastors expressed in celebration was so meaningful.   

We were overwhelmed by the stories of sacrifice, God’s provision, their joy and praise in response to many challenges.    If only there was a way to share the movement of God’s Spirit during our visits.    A very blessed and humbling day.    Praise be to God through Jesus Christ. 

Inside Third Church, Kiwaria

Third Church Group

Fourth Church Group