PCEA Church Construction - Dedication of Kianjau
Dear friends,
The dedication of Kianjau was very different in many ways.
The group that helped build this church was from TOLI (Touch of Love International) led by Executive Director Abigail McConnell, a former Outreach board member. We have been partnering with them for about six years. They do microloans and have been working in the Kiandutu slum next to the church. They have already given out over forty loans and by year’s end will have given out over one hundred. Many of their loans are going to single mothers with few skills and few opportunities. They not only provide loans but also provide training on how to run a business, open a bank account and choose a sustainable enterprise. I have been through the slum several times and met many of these women that have been helped. This program has lifted families out of poverty, empowered these women, and given them a chance to excel.
We had many people working on this church. There were a lot from the nearby slum, many of the people who have received loans, and of course church people. Due to time constraints, we only had one day to complete this large church…70 x 30 feet. To the minister's amazement, we did complete it in one day.
Because of COVID we had to have the dedication outside, we were not allowed to congregate more than 100 people, and we had to social distance. I think we broke all the rules with about 600 in attendance, Their new church will seat about 500 and they are already talking about a bigger church.
This church was a baby of the large Thika Town Church. This was built for the people of the Kiandutu slum. The Thika Town Church has shifted 50 young people from their church to the new church. These youth are going to evangelize the slum and minister to the youth. Many in the slum are on drugs and are hopeless. The new church will be a beacon of light and hope for these youth and many who are looking for Jesus. We also expect many of the slum loan participants will also find refuge in this church.
The dedication of the church went very well. The Secretary General, Rev. Dr. Robert Waihenya of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) moderated the ceremony. I found his sermon very appropriate….the texts were Titus 2 11-14 and Jude 3-7. This sermon was on GRACE…the power of GRACE in our lives.
After the four-hour service, we needed to get the group back to Nairobi for their evening flight. It was a great several days with TOLI and I feel we have left a lasting ministry of hope and transformation.
Blessings,
Stu Ross
East Africa Mission Consultant
Read more about PCEA Church Construction in Kenya HERE.
THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to help build PCEA churches ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 each. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.