LHM Kenya: People of Christ With The Message of Hope!

The Bible Course and one Pastor's calling

2012-01-05T19:58:00.000+03:00

When we shared Teresa's story in the past blog we also mentioned the story of Pastor Tom Otuke.

However as dramatic as her story was, we then found out that most people might have missed the Pastor's story which is worthy to be celebrated in its own right.

The Pastor 's story is also closely associated with a LHM Kenya program. Seen here holding our Bible Correspondence Courses which are very dear to him.

These courses which to date have touched the lives of over 40,000 people in Kenya and Tanzania are the link used by God's Holy Spirit in the calling of Pastor Otuke.

Tom Otuke first became our student through being subscribed into the course by a friend. The Friend had been reached during an outreach in their area. Tom was so impressed with the simple presentation of the Gods' truth that is in the course. 'I fell in love with God's word' He says.
"I then began to understand why we Lutherans emphasis certain things in our teachings. It helped me in my discussion with members of the SDA church who are so aggressive trying to fault us 'Sunday worshipers, or Sun worshipers as they call us' ''.
Tom was to grow to a level were he felt the obligation to share with others these truths and he started to distribute the courses to others. He had become what we call a 'Nuru Contact person".
That love affair with the Word of God, eventually saw him apply to be admitted into the seminary.
It was a joy during a visit to a congregation in October to find that in the same congregation that Teresa Mokua attends, the presiding Pastor of the service was none other than a fruit of LHM's work here. The Reverend Tom Otuke newly ordained into the ministry.

We give glory to God.

Teresa's Story: I practised witchcraft.

2011-10-27T12:59:00.000+03:00

This photo was taken in Kisii Kenya as police came to collect the body of a woman whom a mob had killed after being suspected of practicing witchcraft. Like the witch hunts of Europe during the dark ages, many innocent elderly men and women have been wrongly accused, then stoned and burnt to death. It is truly a horrific thing to observe.

However the story we share is of a woman who truly and openly practiced the dark arts, but is today alive because God through LHM Kenya reached and changed her life before this kind of grisly end caught up with her. For sure, His mercies are new every morning. Lam 3:23

Teresa Mokua loves her Lord and Savior and according to the elders in her congregation, Nyagesa Lutheran Church. Teresa is usually the first to arrive in Church on Sunday morning, despite having to walk for 5 Km and in spite of her advanced age.

John Maina with Mama Teresa and Samson Maoto who is now a
County Councillor, team leader of the local Nuru outreach team then.

A participant explains what he has understood as
Jared the Nuru Programs Manager and his Pastor listen.

Nuru Director with Nyagesa Parish leaders.

In a region which Geographers have stated has the highest incidence of lightning strikes in the world, God has struck in a different way. The Bantu-speaking Gusii people (also called Kisii) occupy what is probably Kenya's most fertile and abundantly-watered district, the Kisii Highlands, 50km east of Lake Victoria. Rising to around 2000 metres, the hills and steep ravines are also one of the most densely populated areas of Kenya, with an average of 500 people per square kilometer.


Evangelists for Bitare, Bosere and Itabago Lutheran Congregations. Spiritual leaders for congregations that were planted through LHM work in ELCK South West Diocese.

Today, more than 80 percent of the Kisii are Christians, with a few are still practicing their traditional religion. Gusii believed in a supreme god called Engoro, whom they believed created the universe and was the source of all life. Death was considered an "unnatural" event brought on by witchcraft. Therefore most deaths were blamed on someone. They believed in medicine men and the spirits of their ancestors. Today, witchcraft is still feared in the Kisii community as among other Africans. It was a challenge to get the courage to walk into Teresa's home. 'She was feared and hated, but I saw a child of God who was misled' said Maoto the team leader. Her house was scary. There were many paraphernalia. Pots,feathers and bones. She was surprised that we had entered her house and we were surprised that she allowed us to pray. However we were most simply scared when strange noises and vibrations started to be heard from the pots when we started to Pray. Some of the younger volunteers dashed out. One of the senior team members confessed later. 'I did not close my eyes, I put my hand over my face but I looked through my fingers, watch and pray! is what I told myself I was doing. those strange noises could have tested anybody's resolve." However when they finished prayer they found a more receptive Teresa, she had been touched by the fact that we did not condemn her and she wanted to understand what it was that we so urgently wanted to share with her. The rest is history.The Holy spirit had already touched her. Apparently she was tired and lonely. She was also scared of the powers that she served and she wanted to be set free. we give glory to God, for the Son of God came to seek and save that which was lost. He came to set the captives free.


The local Evangelist with James Makori the Nuru office caretaker		who was in his rural congregation.

Nuru staff and other Christians after the
Worship service.

Pastor Tom Otuke is Teresa's Pastor.
His story is also closely associated with LHM Kenya. Seen here holding our Bible Correspondence Course
which first interested him in studying God's word.
He became our Bible Course local contact person in the region.
A journey that saw him join the seminary and become a Pastor.

Equipping the Saints Sessions:These are the sessions where volunteers are recruited and trained. Such a team visited and boldly preached the Gospel message to Teresa. As the church leader Bishop Obare openly testifies; 'LHM Kenya is the Church's evangelistic arm.' These teams have become invaluable to the outreach ministry of the Lutheran Church in Kenya.

Excitement for finally understanding how to witness his faith.

A hard ground: Outreach to the Duruma people

2011-10-20T17:20:00.001+03:00

The Lutheran Sanctuary at Mwenza mwenye.

In the East African Coast there lives a people, who despite interacting with foreigners from different religions and cultures for centuries, they have refused to depart from the traditions of their forefathers. Famous for their wood carving which are in great demand by tourists visiting the nearby game reserves, inhabiting a semi- arid region of south eastern Kenya, the Duruma are a poor but very proud people.

John Maina with a little boy who came begging for a sip of water and also collecting the empty water bottles which are worth a lot here. Its an image that emphasis the importance of a borehole project being discussed with partners; a water well for the community situated at the Church will be a great boost to the Congregation's evangelism ministry.

It is one of the 12 regions and people groups that Nuru chose to focus on in its Ministry strategy in partnership with he Lutheran Church in Kenya. We have been training and working there for several years now. The LCMS has now also joined the partnership.

The reason for this choice is simple. In an area dominated by Islam due to the interaction of Arabs with the Africans since the 13th century; the Duruma have resisted and are less than 10% Muslims. A Gerentocracy they are largely traditionalists, their faith made up mostly of spirit and ancestor Worship.

Above.An audience during a Nuru function there. Elias, A Nuru ETS Commissioned and local coordinator of the Congregational Mission Team, CMT. Prepares for outreach at another outpost carryuing the portable Film equipment that the Ministry provides for the teams.

Isaac Ngala introduces a Film outreach event.

Mwenza-mwenye is a Duruma phrase that means 'Love it yourself'. The term is ironic as it points to the perenial problem of lack of water in the area. However it is a beautiful area and the Duruma people are a wonderful hospitable Community from the larger Miji Kenda people of Kenya's coastal region. Mwenza Mwenye was the venue recently of an event which has the potential of becoming a game changer. The Local school hosted the Lutheran ArchBishop during the ordination of the first Lutheran Pastor from and to the Duruma Community.

The candidate for ordination with John Maina and Isaac Ngala from Nuru.

Having worked with Pastor Nguta for a long time, the Nuru family was there in full force using the event to conduct outreach and lay training.

Jared Osoro was also amongst other Nuru people.

Pastor Nguta , the first man from the Duruma tribe to be ordained, a Lutheran Pastor. Archbishop Obare and Pastor Bakari amongst other pastors celebrate in the function as the Lord sends one more worker to the harvest.

A Centre of Hope among the poor! '....tell him.....that the poor are receiving the Gospel.'

2011-09-08T19:22:00.000+03:00

When we read these words sent by Jesus to John the Baptist, one wonders why Jesus picked out the poor as the recipients of his message despite the fact that he preached to all. However when you visit the poor of KPA in their one roomed eight by eight feet shacks situated at an unplanned settlement, surrounded by factories, often threatened by demolitions, then you begin to understand.

Everyone loves a new born, However only God can bring it to pass. In his Grace He allows us to participate. When the Holy Spirit was planning this birth in Nairobi, Kenya He brought together a number of participants. The Lutheran Congregation at Uhuru Highway in down town Nairobi as a Mother Church , Zealous Lay Lutherans leaving in one of Nairobi's slums with a hunger for God's word and sacraments. then finally Nuru LHM with their Equipping the Saints and open air Outreach programs.
The result has been a very exciting birth of a new Lutheran congregation in the most unlikely place of all. We all marvel at what God has done.

However it took a series of activities. We started with an ETS training combined with an open air preaching meeting and Jesus Film. Later we combined with the cathedral choir and presented the Gospel with Music and other forms of evangelism like one to one witnessing. This has been maintained and today we can all rejoice in this child.

After the Service at the new Lutheran Church within a poor community at Kenya's Inland container Depot in Nairobi, run by the Kenya Ports Authority. Thus the name KPA Lutheran Church.This congregation was launched after an ETS and outreach activities between Nuru and the Uhuru Highway Lutheran Church.

An afternoon and evening of Ministry until 9PM. Music from Angaza Choir, preaching and Film
Ministry from the Nuru team in the open air and BCC recruitment was different means used to share the word. The Holy Spirit drew many to Christ as God’s word was presented.

Elder Tom Mokua, a former Nuru Board member accompanied the visiting team.

The sanctuary made of corrugated iron sheet is always lovingly decorated by the Church ladies fellowship that you cannot know where you are until you leave the Church.

A Dental clinic, organized through our partnership with LCMS benefitted hundred of people and the inhabitants whether Lutheran or not, now view the new congregation as a centre of hope. It is now a fully recognized Lutheran congregation with a rapidly growing membership of regular members receiving word and sacraments.

The Angaza Choir, a past winner in the Nuru Choir Festival evangelizes with dramatized Music.

...AND THEIR EYES WERE OPENED AND THEY RECOGNISED HIM! Partnership with Medical Clinics reach thousands.

2011-07-21T01:07:00.044+03:00

'Now I can read my Bible because of these eye glasses and I can understand it because of the Bible course'. This is a statement that summarizes the impact of the joint LHM/LCMS program in June in Nairobi Kenya.
A seemingly ordinary meeting between LHM Kenya staff with Rev Shauen and Ms. Catherine Wangari, from the LCMS East Africa contact office, at our offices, has resulted in hundreds of lives, amongst whom were many Muslims, being touched and reached by the Gospel.
The numbers were very encouraging for only two weeks of outreach. This happened during an eye clinic and later a dental clinic in two locations in Nairobi.

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The LHM booth where one was introduced to a Savior that opens the eyes of the spiritually blind, before their physical eyes were checked by the doctors.

The total number reached- 9,500
Muslims - 1,450
Total number who responded to a witnessing and gave us a cell number -3,340
Number so far refferred to the Pastor -120
Bible Correspondence Course Confirmed Students-684
Number who are so far now fully connected to the congregations -20
For sure we have reason to thank God for the amazing work of the Holy Spirit amongst us.

The NURU team assisted in all aspects of the camp.This gave them more opportunities to share the Gospel.

This Muslim gentleman was engaged for hours later with Pastor Bakari and the Nuru team. The pastor who is himself a former Muslim engaged him on the question of the hope that is in Christ Jesus. He registered for our Bible Course.

Pastor Bakari with one of the doctors share as the group of people in the tent wait to be assisted. 7000 people were seen in this week alone. twice during the process they came into contact with the gospel from the Nuru team and the Pastor.

John, the Nuru Director and his wife Connie, share with a zealous man from an African Sect that believes that Jesus Christ already came back and lived amongst them. He is dressed in the manner of the ancient Jews. There are many such sects in Africa, steeped in sincretism, that have mixed the truth of the Gospel with African traditional beliefs.

The numbers were so big that a measure of security was needed.

About 250 Children from a neighboring school also came and were treated.

The program which included one to one witnessing, print material disbursement and open air film at night created awareness of the program, while also presenting the gospel. It was greatly successful. An elaborate follow up mechanism that also included SMS messaging and the BCC is ongoing.

This year we expect to get engaged in six similar programs organised by various Lutheran congregations through LCMS-WM as we undertake the role of evangelism coordination and follow up.

The Challenge of Ministry among the Samburu!

2011-05-06T11:08:00.028+03:00

IF there is a mission that has excited, motivated and challenged us this past quarter, then it must be the Outreach and Evangelism training among the dignified people of the Samburu tribe late last month.
Yet this Mission has been in the planning books for far too long. We have engaged with Pastor Lemosi for several years planning but always something would crop up and cause us to postpone. Sometimes it was either Insecurity, famine or the sheer prohibitive costs of taking a mission and training team across impassable terrain lacking in basic infrastructure. However the Lord's time is best.

This time too, it nearly did not happen as the young pastor's wife was expectant, and it was proving to come with complications. in these areas were the nearest equipped maternity center is 300 KM away, that can prove to be a very stressful time for a husband. However Mrs Lemosi, a nurse, encouraged us and spoke of the young church as another baby that we should not neglect. We agreed that we could pick her up from the hospital in Isiolo town, on our way there and still accomplish the mission.

John, Jared, Isaac and Geoffrey formed the LHM Team.
The dignified ladies and Gentlemen who are leaders of the Samburu Lutheran congregations from Wamba, Nchok, Giserian challenged us with their love for God and commitment despite the hardships and lack of a committed Mission partner. This is because of the departure of WMPL Missionaries from the US who founded the work.We had Elders, Women leaders and youth leaders assembled.

The beauty of the singing traditional Samburu men and women is an image that will remain with us for a long time. The gospel messages presented in the traditional Samburu tunes were a great inspiration to us.

The plan was to conduct an evangelism training for the layleaders of the area and also help develop a 'Mission plan' which could be used with any other partner who has a burden to reach the Samburu. We were also to conduct Evangelism to help set up a church at Wamba. The new Administrative centre where the government has allocated land to the Church on condition that they also set up a community project. We can say without a doubt the Lord moved amongst us and accomplished his purpose.

The new Africa Great North road under construction to Kenya's arid north, Ethiopia and Egypt made the trip easier for us.

LHM meets the Meru People

2011-04-15T15:37:00.004+03:00

The Ameru people of Eastern Kenya are people who have a deep respect for elders. The Njeru Ncheke a council of elders decides any major matter that affects the tribe even today.
It was with that in mind that we decided that for a lasting impact with this Church region it was important to meet with the seniors first for an ETS and also to develop a Mission plan that we could both be committed to. The elders and women leaders that we met impressed us with their love for the Church despite the challenges they were facing.This is a relatively new area in mission for the Lutheran Church.
The story of Rev. Mugambi who left a senior position with the Anglican Church after hearing the Lutheran message was inspiring. We visited the large Anglican center that he presided over from concept to implementation and contrasted it with the ramshackle wooden structure that Lutherans use as a sanctuary. This is were we held the training. " I know I made the right choice' He said after the local Anglican Canon assured us that they would love to have him back any time.
This event that took place in late April was inspiring because of the seriousness of the participants who came for the training.They said that the Nuru visit and team has been to them very timely and they likened LHM to 'Barnabas' A ministry of encouragement. Acts 4:36
The outreach event that followed was also very successful with open open air meetings. We give glory to God, for making us vessels of encouragement even when we ourselves are weak.

Reaching out to Kenya's largest tribe.Kirinyaga Mission.

2011-04-13T15:46:00.032+03:00

In recent times this area has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. A sect that seeks to return its adherents to the worship of Ngai, the mountain God of Mt Kenya, had been terrorizing people by forceful recruitment and the forced circumcision of women. A practice that has even been outlawed in the Country.
This is a region where we have twice been forced to cancel outreach events due to insecurity. A serious problem of Alcoholism among the youth there has also been in the news.
It is to this area, Kenya's Central province, and home to Kenya's largest people group, the Kikuyu that LHM visited with Outreach and Evangelism Training.

An elder learns the basics of 'Witnessing about this hope that is in you'
1 Pet 3:5.

Jared leads a devotion with the Church leaders.

The ladies were very excited with the concepts of Engaging.

The young ones were also taught on the role of youth in a mission Church.

Peter Scotch and the BCC registration documents.

The team led by Geoffrey Sets up the equipment for showing the Jesus Film.

A bed is not always guaranteed in this outreach villages as Geoffrey has come to learn.

Encouraging the Discouraged. Kitui Mission.

2011-03-18T15:15:00.001+03:00

Kenya's Kamba people are said to be among Africa's toughest survivors. Inhabiting Kenya's semi arid Savannah were the search for water can take a woman away from her family for three days . It is a generally accepted fact that if the Kamba refuse to live in an area then that area can be certified as totally uninhabitable.
This people famous as wood carvers and traders are however also challenged by a great belief in witchcraft and this has been the most challenging blockage to the penetration of the Gospel. It is to these people that Nuru went to Visit in March to encourage the Church and the Pastor who were facing very difficult challenges.

Isaac Ngala from LHM shares an encouraging word with a pupil in a school.

The young ones were expectant to watch the Jesus Film.

The Lutheran Church sanctuary. The new converts having been building the church themselves.

Pastor Tengecha was very encouraged by the visit. The support he used to receive from a partner had just come to an end. He also runs a program on the local FM radio station in which we partner in follow up.

Rev Bakari from Nairobi was also in the team.

Reaching the Youth in Kenya's Northern Rift Valley Province.

2011-02-15T15:52:00.032+03:00

In season and out of season is what the Bible advises. Dramatizing the Gospel message. Discussion groups, one on one, open air Cinema and direct preaching are some of the means that were used by the Nuru and Conquarers team. This was during an outreach to the youth in more than ten schools at the Northern Rift valley province, West Pokot County. The northern Rift had seen the worst of the violence that rocked this country in 2008 and quite a number of young people who played a major role in the burning and pillaging are still traumatised and confused about it. It was to this area that Nuru and the Conquarers team , (a group formed by former Nuru volunteers who use music and drama as they reach out to the youth,) were sent and we saw the Lord accomplishing his purpose.

Dramatising the message for impact.

The excitement to hear from this team from the city could be felt in this boys boarding school.

Discussion groups. Can a young man really keep the faith?

Time to sing and praise the Lord.

Lets speak to our Father.

Nuru Youth Coordinator, Geoffrey Gunyali speaks to the youth in one School.

..For I was in Prison and you came to see me..

2011-02-11T16:42:00.013+03:00

Short-term male inmates in Nairobi West Prison receive Certificates, Supplies and the Word, on Wednesday 9th Feb 2011.
The team comprising of John Maina the Nuru Director, Isaac Ngala Audience relations Manager, Jared Osoro, Programs Manager, Peter Scotch BCC Clerk, Christian Watanabe Projects, and Pastor Cosmas Salamba a partner in our Prison work, was received by Rev Mwangi Protestant Chaplain and Nuru Contact person Dan Ogolla, who is a warder.

Prison BCC students were graduated, the word was preached and gifts from supporters of our prison work were distributed.
Among many memorable moments from the event as was when one prisoner promised that "I will come to see you when they release me' and we mused how that could have been seen as a threat before the Holy Spirit touched our friend. Today we look forward to the visit.
The word was preached by Isaac Ngala and the message " If the Lord heard Manasseh..." and it was used by the Holy Spirit to touch three in the audience and the Chaplain led in prayers for them as we celebrated their coming to faith.

January at Nuru

2011-02-10T18:32:00.009+03:00

January saw the Lord bring us a new volunteer to help distribute braille material.
Benson Cheserem was not born blind but he started losing his sight after high school due to an allergy. It was a very traumatizing experience for him to find himself gradually becoming unable to do anything for himself. Luckily for him he had his faith in Christ Jesus and had a dream to study theology and serve God; and as the darkness deepened he held on more strongly to that light of faith. Nevertheless he had many questions for this God who had allowed this to happen to him.
Unlike people born blind, he had to join the Machakos school for the blind as an adult and learn braille. He met many people like him who were just coming to terms with their blindness. Unlike him, many did not know the Lord Jesus and there were cases of total hopelessness and some were even suicidal.
It was there that he first came across our materials from Lutheran braille workers and they helped to answer many questions for him. He started a Bible study group to reach out to others using our materials.
Joseph resolved to one day visit the Nuru office, about 60 KM away. He wanted us to know that the material was helpful.
He is our newest volunteer and with his help we are revitalizing this program. Glory be to the Lord who calls people like Joseph from the pits of hopelessness and makes them vessels of speading hope.

Coast Mission; Reaching the unreached people groups of Kenya's Coast region.

2011-01-19T12:20:00.024+03:00

AFTER DRIVING FOR TWO HOURS FROM MALINDI TOWN WE WERE FINALLY IN KAKONENI AND ISAAC AND GEOFFREY STARTED SETTING UP.

EVEN PASTOR KOMORA WAS CARRIED AWAY WHEN JESUS SPOKE IN HIS MOTHER TOUNGUE. THE YOUNG WAITED EAGERLY MOST HAD NEVER SEEN THE JESUS FILM.

NO ONE LEFT THE VENUE UNTIL IT WAS OVER.

EVERYBODY WAS BROUGHT EVEN THE BABIES.

THE CROWD WAS VERY EXPECTANT. WILL JESUS REALLY SPEAK IN KIGIRIAMA AS THE PASTOR HAD SAID. ABOUT 400 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE OUTREACH AT KAKONENI IN MALINDI DISTRICT. PASTOR KOMORA WHO HEADS TWO MISSION DISTRICTS CLOSED THE OUTREACH WITH A PRAYER. MANY JOINED THE BIBLE COURSE. HE IS VERY EXCITED WITH THE LHM PARTNERSHIP. WE ARE ORGANISING AT ETS IN EARLY FEB AND SETTING UP FOUR CONGREGATIONAL MISSION TEAMS, CMTs, FOR HIM.
THE AUDIENCE BOWS THEIR HEADS AFTER THE FILM. MANY HAD QUESTIONS AND MANY JOINED THE BCC. THE HOLY SPIRIT HAD TOUCHED MANY.
IT WAS A TEAM EFFORT . HERE O. MAKORI THE OFFICE CARETAKER, J MAINA THE OFFICE DIRECTOR AND MR OLE ESHO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AS TEAM MEMBERS.

TOUCH A LIFE

2009-01-29T12:02:00.022+03:00

Touch a life; Support a Convict's Child

In NURU LUTHERAN MEDIA MINISTRY we have a program that enables you to 'Touch a Life' This is program that connects you with the people we reach out to. whether in Prison, kids Ministry or others, you get an opportunity not only to give but to get into a more personal communication with the subject and to witness the impact that your support is having in a life.

The mammas who have their children with them in prison

When you come to know that most of these are young mothers, whose fall into crime was mostly a direct result of the poverty trap that exists in slums. When you realise that prison without the hope is only making them harder. When you realise that most of them went wrong because nobody ever shared the truth with them. Then you will realise the unique opportunity presented and the value of what you are doing. Then you will realise that God is giving you an opportunity to TOUCH A LIFE.

Many slum dwellers live below the poverty line hence life in other areas is not possible. The children of the slum have a higher chance that they will also end up in the slums since they have many obstacles to improving their lives due to luck of parental care therefore they must lead all their lives in this cruel environment.

PRISON GRADUATION AT NAIVASHA MAXIMUM PRISON

2009-01-16T10:38:00.028+03:00

Naivasha maximum prison the second biggest prison which more than 5000 prisoners we Nuru Lutheran Hour Ministry had an apatite to hold a big graduation for Bible Corresponds Course

Nuru Lutheran Hour Ministry Issuing certificates to Bible Correspondence Course students during a graduation held at the Naivasha maximum prison where more than 500 students graduated. In the centre officiating the event is the Director John Maina assisted by Evangelist Eli Mfinanga, and Senior chaplain Iposh of Naivasha prisons.

Evangelist Eli Mfinanga delivered a touching sermon on the satisfying peace that is in those who trust in God whatsoever the circumstance that one is in.

We found peace and satisfaction that we cannot equate with anything else in the world it's good to be here", many of the graduands confirmed and testified that the lessons done had given them hope which they could not found if it were outside the prisons. though they were prisoners they were free indeed since they were reprimanded for their former wrong doing.

We are singing as group at Naivasha maximum prison we just embrace our self nobody Can listen to us but God is the one who listen to our cry. Those were words of one of the prisoner

The babies of the prison

2008-02-27T14:49:00.017+03:00

Nuru Lutheran Hour Ministry have been reaching 35 prisons within Kenya with the message of peace, justice, hope and reconciliation. The aim of the prison ministry is to empower both the prisoners and the wardens with the word of God and refer the respondents to churches once they are released.

A group photo before visiting the Langatta Women Prison. Also in the picture are: Rev. Enos Omodhi from our partner congregation Uhuru Highway Lutheran Cathedral; Area Counselor Dr. Menkir Esayas; Board member Esther Pele; Nuru Director Mr. John Maina; Nuru staff and volunteers.
Part of the prisoners listening keenly to the gospel during our visitation.
(A student receiving the bible correspondence course certificate from the ELCK Presiding Bishop. Dr. Walter Obare)

More than 7,986 students are currently taking our free bible correspondence course. They have basically been using the course during their group discussions.
(Picture deliberately darkened)
One of the prisoners whose life was transformed as an impact of the Nuru programs. She used to spy and identify those who should be killed with the illegal sect known as 'MUNGIKI'.
Apart from the normal visitations, we have been been using the film and drama ministry as our other tools of propagating the gospel to the prisoners.
(A group of the women prisoners with their babies after receiving donations of wool caps and diapers)

Langatta Women Prison located within Nairobi is one of the prisoners that Nuru have been serving. It had more than 386 students taking the bible correspondence course. Besides, the prison has around 45 children who are borne within the compound.
The children mostly suffer from cold and malnutrition since the prison department doesn't have special care for them.
(Ulrika Esayas holding the one week old baby, the director Mr. John Maina looking by)

We have been collaborating with willing donors and friends to clothe the children and hence offer hope to both their parents and them. If the children are left unattended to, then it's much easier that most of them could end up dying since their parent are within the bars and aren't capable to cater for their basic needs.
It is always our joy to share the message of hope with the little babies of the prisoners while deriving our motivation from Hebrews 13:3 "Remember those in prison as if you are one their fellow prisoner"

Caring Heart

2008-02-18T19:19:00.001+03:00

Almost two months after Kenya held the general election on 27th December 2007, most people are still amazed and traumatised by the sad events that have taken place to the country which was once considered as the haven of peace in Africa.

It all started after the general election results were announced amid, protest and unrest from the opposition claiming irregularities in the tallying process. Since then more than 1,000 people have lost their lives while another 250,000 have been internally displaced.

(Above one of the women who had been camping at the Nairobi Show ground)
Immedietly after the announcement of the presidential polls, the oppostion party rejected the outcome and called for country wide mass action and unrest with the aim of pressurizing the incumbent president to step down. What followed thereafter was: endless riots; looting of properties; destruction of properties; ethnic solidarity; ethic clashes; inlfation of food prices; and numerous displacement.

(The Spring of Life Lutheran Church Kiber going up in flames)
As a result, several churches were burnt down, this included 5 Lutheran churches, Springs of Life Kibera being one of them. Before burning the Springs of Life Lutheran Church KIbera, the arsonist looted almost everthing: then set ablazed the pastors house; the nursery school and the clinic which was offering free drugs to the community.

Above: Raphael Karemi with his sister. Both are congregants of the Kibera Lutheran Church and were victims of the post election violence. Their house was razed down by arsonist in Kibera slums, this made them to flee to the Kibera Lutheran Church for safety, sad enough for them the church was also targeted and burnt down, this prompted them to seek refuge at the nearby Show Ground. "It's so hard to forgive this people, but I have forgiven them for burning down our properties, because that's what we have been taught to do in Sunday School" said Raphel. "I'm also happy for Nuru for this visitation, because it makes us to feel loved, though we are suffering". He added.

(Nuru staff carrying giving the little child a shoulder to lean on)

Though the LHM-Kenya staffs were affected in different ways, they decided to offer their service to the nation, through volunteering in the displaced centres. They also collected and distributed clothes and food to the displaced individuals. Beside, they offered counselling to the same people and shared the word and love of God with them.

During their visit to the camp, they played with the kids whom were mostly traumatised by the post election violence.

Nuru volunteers assisting in washing of plates in the camp.

(One of the Nuru staff assisting the little boy to take porridge).

They were unable to locate the parent of the child above, and no records could trace how the kid ended up in the camp. Let's hope that nothing bad happened to his parents.

Due to the current crisis in the country: Nuru is planning to initiate programs that will enable child parenting inorder to reduce the different trauma that kids faced during the riots; enable the church to create open forums where by peace and reconciliation will be achieved; they are also planning to enable the church intergrate with the local community through creating a common connection between them.

Youth Rally at Kumpa Kajiado

2007-09-12T14:06:00.000+03:00

Nuru Lutheran Hour MInistry together with ELCK Nairobi Arch Parish Youths organised a Youth Rally purposed to mobilise, motivate and prepare youths for evangelism. Approximately 120 youths from different congregations such as Uhuru Highway Cathedral, Kawangware, springs of Life, Kumpa and Jerusalem attended the event that took place at Kumpa - Kajiado from 9th-12th August 2007 (The Youths during door to door)

At Kumpa, the youths trekked up and down the hills so as to share the good news during the door-to-door visitations. They also held an outreach crusade that was well attended by over 200 people. In addition they used to held morning and afternoon devotions together with the local people.(The camp fire )

Before the campfire was lightened, the youths were informed that the blaze should remind them of the Holy Spirit fire that burns into peoples hearts after baptism.

All youth leaders thereafter lead their groups in lighting the fire as a sign of readiness of being ready to spread the gospel. Once the blaze was lightened youths danced and sang around the blaze and affirmed that they will continue lighting other people hearts with the Good News.

(Nairobi Combined Team - It included members within Nairobi Lutheran Congregations that were present).

In the spirit of evangelism through sports. The youths formed joint teams and competed in football, volleybal and athletics. "I'm just impressed by how we have united and formed one team. This proves that youths are identifying more with one another through sports". Commented Hillary Youth Chairperson of Uhuru Highway Lutheran Cathedral. (Youths during general discussion)

During the Rally, youths discussed topics of major concern which were: Youth & Evangelism; Youth, Sex & HIV/AIDS and Youth & Development. They discussed interesting ways of evangelising to the youths and also came to a consensus that all youths should abstain till marriage to live a God fearing life while loving and caring for those affected and infected.

In relation to development, various income-generating projects were proposed for supporting the youth programs, and respective leaders were allocated the responsibility to draft a business plan for the proposals.

Kibera Basketbal Pitch Project

2007-09-08T18:38:00.000+03:00

(The Jennings High School Team: standing from left; Billy, Trenton, Akil, Candice, Samantha, Abennie, DeAndre, Ebonnie, Tiannay n Penny squatting)

A team of ten students and graduates from Jennings High School - St. Louis, Missouri USA- partnered with Nuru Lutheran Hour Ministry to construct a basketball pitch at Springs of Life Lutheran Church Kibera. They were accompanied with their principle Mr. Sam Gilkey and other two teachers Mrs. Penny Parker and Grace Lee.

(The basketball Clinic which was well attended)

The basketball pitch was an initiative of Nuru Lutheran Hour Ministry of attracting and engaging the Youths in the church through sports. During their visit in Kenya the team held a Basket ball Clinic that was well attended by over 120 youths within Nairobi. The Clinic was a way of equipping and sharing ideas concerning basketball.

They also interacted freely with a group of 60 kids from Kibera and held an educative program together with Sunday School teachers from Nairobi for the kids for the kids. During the activitity, they shared Gods love with the kids through, picture colouring, acrobats, different songs and skits.

(Picture coloring during the kids program)

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(The group with kids during a visitation to Kibera Slums).

Kibera is the one of the largest slum in Kenya nad the second largest in Africa after Soweto in South Africa. Basic human needs such as sanitation, water supply, and recreation are non-existence in the slums areas. This experience in the slum area made them to appreciate what they had back at their homes. It further created awareness of the need to unite and make a difference in the lives of people further inspiring some students to plan on coming back to Kenya to do community work.

They were also involed in the pitch construction where by they used hoe, shovels and wheelbarrows, something that most of them were not used to.

"The sacrifice and motivation that they (Jennings High School students) have, has really inspired me to realise that i can also make a change into someones life, it only takes time and dedication." Commented Suweh - Youth Chairperson of Springs of Life Lutheran Church"We are also so thankfull for Nuru Lutheran Media Ministry for the pitch as young people of Kibera have now found a conducive and God fearing environment to spend their free time". He added