Much of Jesus’ recorded ministry took place around lakes. And recently the Kenya churches had the distinction of launching a congregation in the city of Kisumu on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest fresh water lake. Kisumu, home to a population of over 500,000 people, is the third largest city in Kenya and the principal city of western Kenya. Lake Victoria is the source of the River Nile.
Joseph and Deborah Ouko (below) were members of the church in Nairobi and relocated to Kisumu five years ago after Joseph, prompted to move there and give his life to saving souls in Kisumu, successfully applied for a job there. As their faith spawned new disciples, a congregation took root that now numbers 62, with a Sunday attendance of 90, and is the hub for several congregations in the Kenya’s Lake Region.
Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. Mark 2:13
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Pomp and color marked the church launch, with sweet melodious tunes renting the air. This was spiced up by the presence of contingents of disciples from various congregations. There was great fellowship and bonding after the service as disciples and visitors mingled freely and ate together. God glorified his name with an attendance of more than 300. It was moving to see friends and relatives celebrating with the church. We can’t wait to see what God will do in their lives as they get to study the Scriptures.The key speaker, Evangelist John Kilaha, presented an inspiring sermon, “The Victory is the Lord’s”. He applauded the efforts of The Kisumu church and encouraged the congregation, as they marked this memorable milestone, to always depend on God, take up their positions and have faith in the Lord.
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The leaders of the Kisumu church, Paul and Betty Nthei (right), say, “Kisumu is very receptive to the word of God. The challenge is for the disciples to grow strong spiritually and move forward to fill the leadership vacuum.”Joseph recalls the mustard seed beginnings of the Kisumu church. “I prayed to God to allow me to work in Kisumu. When an advertisement came for a job in Kisumu, I prayed with my wife and shared with my discipler. I came second on the interview, only to be offered the job.”
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Deborah recalls, “It was challenging when we first moved to Kisumu because I was still used to Nairobi. I was encouraged by my discipler to trust in God to guide me. With much prayer and fasting I realized that this is where God wants us to be and serve.” It is great to see what God can do to those who abide and heed to His will.”Lake Victoria may be named after a famous British Queen, but in the Kisumu church, it is the King whose name is changing lives. Just as Matthew 14: 25 tells us that “shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake,” let us pray that this is the dawn, as Jesus continues to go out to our brothers and sisters by the lake, of more great miracles as the disciples walk with him.
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