PCEA Church Construction in Kenya - October 2021 Update
Dear friends,
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many churches could not be dedicated after they were completed. So, we recently dedicated four churches and have about ten more to be dedicated soon. The four churches are located in Kieni West Presbytery, a very poor, dry area that has not received much attention. The Very Rev. Jesse Kamau, a past Moderator and good friend of The Outreach Foundation, dedicated the churches. The Rev. Kamau is known as the father of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA).
PCEA Imani Church
Mugunda Parish in Kieni West Presbytery
Dedicated October 7, 2021
Imani Church started in 1984 in the Rutunguru Primary School. Soon after its inception, a church member donated the land and a wooden structure was constructed around 1990. The wooden structure served the congregation for many years but was leaning due to termite infestation. Over the years the church grew and was vibrant in the community. But they needed a larger church that would survive termites. The new church will allow the congregation to grow and thrive.
PCEA Gathima Church
Kariminu Parish in Kieni West Presbytery
Dedicated October 7, 2021
In early 2002, a church member donated ½ an acre of land to the church. They began worshiping under a tree and on April 4, 2002, Holy Communion was served and a baby was baptized. A small mabati (steel) structure was erected in 2003 funded by donations from church members but was later destroyed by wind. Another mabati church was built with the help of members and well-wishers in the parish. Many were baptized and married in this church. Many new members came to the church and it grew. Eventually, the church was too small for the number of members. The new church came at the right time. Now all the members may be seated and the church can continue to grow. They are planning to build classrooms for Sunday School and a nursery school.
PCEA Gituamba Church
Gatarakwa Parish in Kieni West Presbytery
Dedicated October 8, 2021
The church was established in 1985. The wooden church building was built soon after. In 2019 the church split and another church was founded several miles away. The Gituamba congregation continued worshipping in the old wooden building. The building was completely infested with termites and quite dark. It also had a mud floor. So, you can imagine how happy and excited they were with their new modern church. Their church is very active with a women’s group, men's group, youth group, and Sunday School.
PCEA Kiambogo Church
Gataragwa Parish in Kieni West Presbytery
Dedicated October 8, 2021
The church was formed from PCEA Bellevue church in 2005. A church member, the late Ibrahim Gikonyo Githaiga, donated a ¼ acre plot and church members added another ¼ acre. They built a wooden structure with an earth floor. On August 5, 2021, their new church was completed. “By God’s grace and mercy we are celebrating in our new modern church. Thanks be to God,” said several members.
These churches provide members with the capacity to do God’s work. The new structures uplift the congregations so that they can do outreach, which is very hard to do when you are operating from a church that is about to topple. The new churches also attract many new members. Thanks be to God for your partnership in the important ministry!
Blessings to all,
Stu Ross, East Africa Mission Consultant
Read more about PCEA Church Construction in Kenya HERE.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of PCEA Church Construction in Kenya. All gifts of any size are welcomed. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.