Over 90 single disciples from around East Africa and as far a field as the UK and USA descended on Fish Eagles Inn in Naivasha, Kenya with gusto for their three-day retreat last December. The participants were taken through inspiring and challenging classes on love, relationships and communication.HOPE Worldwide Kenya (HWWK) generously sponsored and facilitated the event.
Nairobi co-lead evangelist, Steve Mukenya, set the ball rolling on the theme “Love: The Most Excellent Way” – (1 Corinthians 12:31b) by saying that love has the power to transform us but only if we start by healing ourselves and opening wide our hearts.
Steve added that disciples should have effective prayers and learn to forgive for it is God who guides disciples to be able to love in the most excellent way. He challenged the singles—referred in the East Africa churches as Professionals—to build relationships that will work to build God’s love in the most excellent way.
Julius Nguku, Technical Advisor for HWWK, facilitated two classes on Healthy Relationships and Communication Skills before the brothers and sisters had an opportunity to have separate
spiritual nourishment classes courtesy of William and Victoria Auki.
George Irungu, co-lead evangelist for Nairobi church, delivered the Sunday sermon, “Enjoy the Moment.” He urged the disciples to enjoy life to the full as God has provided us with the potential to be everything for life and godliness. He said that a relationship that has not been tested cannot be trusted and cautioned the professionals that the biggest mistake they could make is to leave God and get married in the world. Marriage is not a guarantee for life enjoyment if it is not conducted according to God’s will.
As single professionals we should not look at the Professionals Ministry simply as a transition to marriage, as it is widely perceived, but we need to embrace it as a whole because it is life in itself.
The disciples electrified the Fish Eagles Inn main hall as they showcased an array of talents and abilities through skits, songs, catwalk and popular local classic tunes. The harmonious presentations and accompaniments reflected the cultural diversity of the whole East African region. The standard of the performances was so high and exhilarating that many were left not only spiritually inspired by Christ’s love but also in stitches.
It was also fun to see disciples playing games, doing aerobics, swimming, boat riding, bike-riding and participating in team building activities. The combination of Scripture, skits and sports inspired the professionals to re-commit to live by faith and hope and to love in the most excellent way as they continue with the great journey.
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But that’s not all—there was more love and excellence besides. Serge Gahungu from the church in Burundi went steady with Winnie Kisua from Nairobi, Kenya. Beatrice Damba from the Nairobi church celebrated her 50th birthday. And Davies Mwashighadi got baptized!
The single professionals retreat has lit a great spiritual fire, and the plan now is to make it an annual event. The exuberant faces of the disciples made it clear that a journey of a thousand miles had just begun.
Arthur Nantamu from the Kampala church in Uganda said the retreat gave him an opportunity to meet disciples who were fun-loving within the parametres of God’s standards. “I will let God take charge by helping me to build relationships for the good of all of us making it to heaven and not my selfish desires,” he said.
Maria Wandera from the UK said, “It is unbelievable how we are similar in our like-mindedness regardless of where we are from. I am inspired by the new scenery and this unique opportunity to meet people with similar spiritual convictions.”
Rose Wangu Gathitu from the Eldoret church in Kenya added: “I now have every reason to love God and the awesome brothers and sisters in the kingdom because love is the fruit of the Spirit.”
God allowed the retreat to be a success and his name to be glorified.
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