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It was an auspicious occasion. No, it was neither the pomp of a long-awaited wedding day nor the fine spectacle of a silver church celebration. It was the ICOC Nairobi building inauguration, which marks a milestone in the congregation’s history. Since the church's founding in 1989, members had constantly prayed for ICOC Nairobi’s own church lot and building. Indeed it is just the beginning of greater things for the kingdom.The inauguration took place on Sunday, June 27, 2010, and to mark the occasion, a distinguished coterie of some great heroes of faith exposed fundamental Biblical truths to comport with the concept of building awesome personal relationships with God. Visiting disciples arrived from far-away places including Eldoret, Mombasa, and Embu, all in Kenya. Others included Acame in from Tanzania, Bujumbura in Burundi, and the Triangle church in North Carolina, USA.
The ceremony was interspersed with song, dance, poetry, restoration, baptisms, and ordination of three couples as deacons and deaconesses.
The first message to the congregation was delivered by Dr. John Oakes. In his communion message, he sought to draw parallels between Pharaoh and Satan, and between bondage in Egypt and bondage to sin, in order to illustrate the significance of the celebration of the Passover lamb. “A sheep representing the picture of innocence is Jesus Christ, our Passover lamb. We were enslaved in Egypt but the Passover lamb sets us free.” He helped the congregation to understand that the “essence of Passover is remembering where we came from…and never going back to bondage (sin).” Dr. Oakes who received his PhD in Chemistry and Physics in 1978 has authored Christian based books since 1984 and visited over 50 countries teaching the Word of God. He is a disciple based in San Diego, USA.
While performing the ordination ceremony, George Irungu, co-Lead Evangelist for the churches in Kenya, said in a statement, “From nine people in 1989, the church has grown by leaps and bounds.” This rapid growth has elicited various multiple needs for the church. He then read from the book of Acts, chapter 6, verse one through four.
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This passage recounts the story of how when disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds, hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples and said, “It wouldn’t be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we’ll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word.” (Translation from the Message Bible)
Like the first century congregation that agreed that the choosing of the seven was a great idea, the great assembly at the inauguration heartily applauded and welcomed the appointment of David and Leah Kamau, Francis and Margaret Thuo, and Tom and Jane Owili, a couple widely acknowledged as the “epitome of servant hood.” The first two couples have served in the benevolence committee and funds drive for church building project respectively.
Meanwhile, Ernest stirred the blood of the assembly with a rousing recital of Dr. Lockridge’s famous sermon, That’s my King. “He is the Lord of Lords... He’s the doorway of deliverance, the pathway of peace, the roadway of righteousness, the highway of holiness, and the gateway of glory... The invincible Lord.” He roared with changing countenance as he rode the brows and walked the vales of the odeic poem.
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And William Auki speaking on behalf of the Central Super Region of the Nairobi Church said, “We (the Church of Christ) will see this building producing much fruit as long as we ‘build on the foundation..., with Christ himself as the chief cornerstone.’” (Eph. 2: 19-22, NIV) On his part, Dr. Kevin Broyles cried out aloud in his speech, “You (Nairobi Church) inspire us so much! Please don’t forget us (Triangle Church) as well. There’s a great partnership and we feel united. This building is a symbol of our unity. It’s a tool to take Nairobi, Kenya, and East Africa for Christ. It’s a tool to take North Carolina for Christ!”
In his sermon, Elder Bailey said, “We’re no longer black, white, African, American, Luo, Kikuyu or Kamba, because in Christ Jesus we’re one.” He read from Ephesians 2:16-18 which clearly explains how Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. “The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility…Through him we both share the same spirit and have equal access to the Father.” He weighted the need for the disciples to build their faith with sound doctrine and with humility.
Referring to married couples, he emphasized that great marriages are built on mutual submission and mutual love for each other. Elucidating on the point of building with humility, Elder Bailey stressed that Christ was humble. “The clothes that God wants us to wear are those of humility. Reason is that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
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On his part, Elder Cox, a disciple for 32 years, told the congregation during his sermon to build with one another. He recognized the “symptoms” and “corrosive cynicism” of unresolved conflicts within the body of Christ indicating that, when we lodge feelings of anger, bitterness, and resentment, then there’s no room within our hearts to “reinforce our relationships and friendships with one another. Let’s continue to build on whole-heartedness and on one another.”
Elder Cox further highlighted the need to have spiritual men and women to run to; those that can help us find strength in God. He acknowledged that disciples’ can sometimes take for granted God’s blessings warning if there’s no gratitude these blessings could be taken away. He also exhorted the church to build personal relationships with God by “loving the Lord with all the heart, all the soul, and all the mind.” (Matt.22:37)
The 2 ½ year project was funded by local church members as well as through the magnanimous assistance of the Triangle churches. The Triangle Church composed of a trio of churches, namely Durham, East Triangle, and Raleigh has been a solid partner in the faith with the Nairobi Church. And both churches have continued “to help each other find strength in God.” (1 Sam.23:15-16)
“It took significant amount of sacrifice – a good too many disciples selling household items, etc; in order to contribute to the building – months of chain prayers and fasting, and extreme dedication to see the vision become a reality. It’s a building for us and our children’s children,” said Francis Thuo, chairman of local fundraising committee.
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The building initially meant to be only a tent is 80% complete “but God has done more than we could imagine,” said Jarrett Odwalo, lead consultant for building design. The vast East Super Region – one of two regions in Nairobi – will hold its regular services at the new building once its construction is completed.
The ceremony was concluded by the cutting of grand cake by the leaders of the Nairobi church and guests from Triangle. Many of the visitors had enthusiastic responses to the building inauguration as well as to the Nairobi Church.
Noelle Broyles enthused, “Nairobi is a city on a hill for so many people throughout the world. The common spirit to love God, love people, and serve the poor makes them special; no wonder my friends like the Nairobi Church.” She continued, “This building will grow and become a dwelling for people to come together as one in Christ.”
Dale, a brother from Triangle, said his first visit to Kenya was a dream comes true. “Giving special contributions to Kenya is great but to be able to actually put a face to the disciples here and connect at heart level is truly wonderful. Their genuine love for each other and for their communities even with so little is a powerful lesson I’m taking back to North Carolina. I’ll return (home) soon.”
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Rob Patterson, a 19 year old campus student was amazed at how “folks are tighter (closer) here than at home.” He was glad that “we share the common bond in Jesus.” A sister from Arusha, Tanzania, recognized the disciples as one family under Christ and saw the building as manifestation of a vision for what God can do in the lives of disciples.
“The sisters here are such an example of Jesus. Their humility is incredible,” commented Wanda Wilson. And David Richard felt welcomed and at home saying, “Now that I’ve been here I’m called higher in my trust in God.”
A thank you banner signed by local disciples was also presented to East Triangle church. Over 2000 people attended the inauguration ceremony.
For more news from the East Africa congregations, click here: www.icocea.org
The ceremony was interspersed with song, dance, poetry, restoration, baptisms, and ordination of three couples as deacons and deaconesses.
The first message to the congregation was delivered by Dr. John Oakes. In his communion message, he sought to draw parallels between Pharaoh and Satan, and between bondage in Egypt and bondage to sin, in order to illustrate the significance of the celebration of the Passover lamb. “A sheep representing the picture of innocence is Jesus Christ, our Passover lamb. We were enslaved in Egypt but the Passover lamb sets us free.” He helped the congregation to understand that the “essence of Passover is remembering where we came from…and never going back to bondage (sin).” Dr. Oakes who received his PhD in Chemistry and Physics in 1978 has authored Christian based books since 1984 and visited over 50 countries teaching the Word of God. He is a disciple based in San Diego, USA.
While performing the ordination ceremony, George Irungu, co-Lead Evangelist for the churches in Kenya, said in a statement, “From nine people in 1989, the church has grown by leaps and bounds.” This rapid growth has elicited various multiple needs for the church. He then read from the book of Acts, chapter 6, verse one through four.
This passage recounts the story of how when disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds, hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples and said, “It wouldn’t be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we’ll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word.” (Translation from the Message Bible)Like the first century congregation that agreed that the choosing of the seven was a great idea, the great assembly at the inauguration heartily applauded and welcomed the appointment of David and Leah Kamau, Francis and Margaret Thuo, and Tom and Jane Owili, a couple widely acknowledged as the “epitome of servant hood.” The first two couples have served in the benevolence committee and funds drive for church building project respectively.
Meanwhile, Ernest stirred the blood of the assembly with a rousing recital of Dr. Lockridge’s famous sermon, That’s my King. “He is the Lord of Lords... He’s the doorway of deliverance, the pathway of peace, the roadway of righteousness, the highway of holiness, and the gateway of glory... The invincible Lord.” He roared with changing countenance as he rode the brows and walked the vales of the odeic poem.
And William Auki speaking on behalf of the Central Super Region of the Nairobi Church said, “We (the Church of Christ) will see this building producing much fruit as long as we ‘build on the foundation..., with Christ himself as the chief cornerstone.’” (Eph. 2: 19-22, NIV) On his part, Dr. Kevin Broyles cried out aloud in his speech, “You (Nairobi Church) inspire us so much! Please don’t forget us (Triangle Church) as well. There’s a great partnership and we feel united. This building is a symbol of our unity. It’s a tool to take Nairobi, Kenya, and East Africa for Christ. It’s a tool to take North Carolina for Christ!”In his sermon, Elder Bailey said, “We’re no longer black, white, African, American, Luo, Kikuyu or Kamba, because in Christ Jesus we’re one.” He read from Ephesians 2:16-18 which clearly explains how Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. “The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility…Through him we both share the same spirit and have equal access to the Father.” He weighted the need for the disciples to build their faith with sound doctrine and with humility.
Referring to married couples, he emphasized that great marriages are built on mutual submission and mutual love for each other. Elucidating on the point of building with humility, Elder Bailey stressed that Christ was humble. “The clothes that God wants us to wear are those of humility. Reason is that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
On his part, Elder Cox, a disciple for 32 years, told the congregation during his sermon to build with one another. He recognized the “symptoms” and “corrosive cynicism” of unresolved conflicts within the body of Christ indicating that, when we lodge feelings of anger, bitterness, and resentment, then there’s no room within our hearts to “reinforce our relationships and friendships with one another. Let’s continue to build on whole-heartedness and on one another.” Elder Cox further highlighted the need to have spiritual men and women to run to; those that can help us find strength in God. He acknowledged that disciples’ can sometimes take for granted God’s blessings warning if there’s no gratitude these blessings could be taken away. He also exhorted the church to build personal relationships with God by “loving the Lord with all the heart, all the soul, and all the mind.” (Matt.22:37)
The 2 ½ year project was funded by local church members as well as through the magnanimous assistance of the Triangle churches. The Triangle Church composed of a trio of churches, namely Durham, East Triangle, and Raleigh has been a solid partner in the faith with the Nairobi Church. And both churches have continued “to help each other find strength in God.” (1 Sam.23:15-16)
“It took significant amount of sacrifice – a good too many disciples selling household items, etc; in order to contribute to the building – months of chain prayers and fasting, and extreme dedication to see the vision become a reality. It’s a building for us and our children’s children,” said Francis Thuo, chairman of local fundraising committee.
The building initially meant to be only a tent is 80% complete “but God has done more than we could imagine,” said Jarrett Odwalo, lead consultant for building design. The vast East Super Region – one of two regions in Nairobi – will hold its regular services at the new building once its construction is completed. The ceremony was concluded by the cutting of grand cake by the leaders of the Nairobi church and guests from Triangle. Many of the visitors had enthusiastic responses to the building inauguration as well as to the Nairobi Church.
Noelle Broyles enthused, “Nairobi is a city on a hill for so many people throughout the world. The common spirit to love God, love people, and serve the poor makes them special; no wonder my friends like the Nairobi Church.” She continued, “This building will grow and become a dwelling for people to come together as one in Christ.”
Dale, a brother from Triangle, said his first visit to Kenya was a dream comes true. “Giving special contributions to Kenya is great but to be able to actually put a face to the disciples here and connect at heart level is truly wonderful. Their genuine love for each other and for their communities even with so little is a powerful lesson I’m taking back to North Carolina. I’ll return (home) soon.”
Rob Patterson, a 19 year old campus student was amazed at how “folks are tighter (closer) here than at home.” He was glad that “we share the common bond in Jesus.” A sister from Arusha, Tanzania, recognized the disciples as one family under Christ and saw the building as manifestation of a vision for what God can do in the lives of disciples. “The sisters here are such an example of Jesus. Their humility is incredible,” commented Wanda Wilson. And David Richard felt welcomed and at home saying, “Now that I’ve been here I’m called higher in my trust in God.”
A thank you banner signed by local disciples was also presented to East Triangle church. Over 2000 people attended the inauguration ceremony.
For more news from the East Africa congregations, click here: www.icocea.org