SEVERAL ACTIVITIES (G) - 3 - BAPTISMS

“How do you start a fire with water?” - is one of the questions raised by ABLAZE. And the answer is: “It happens with every Baptism… it happened with yours! Our involvement in God’s mission begins when we are touched by the Holy Spirit through water and the Word in Baptism.”

JOSHWA, born on 2/May/2007, son of Emmanuel Nyamweya Mogeni and Gladys Kemunto Nyamweya, was baptized on 23rd December 2007.
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– REV. ISAIAH OBARE, GOOD-MOTHER LORNA MEEKER AND GRAND-MOTHER EUNICE OBARE
Rev. Isaiah Obare brought his 5-days-old son Walter Ralph Obare II to the Holy Baptism on Christmas Day. (Pastor Isaiah translated the Christmas Sermon to Swahili that day. He is doing his Master Degree in Theology at the Fort Wayne Seminary, USA).

Bishop Obare assisted the Baptism of his grand-son. Mother Carol was still at home, but sister Rehema was at the Baptism Service.

Young Yunuke M’Maltsi, born 25/May/2007, was baptized on Christmas Day too. Young is daughter of Wilfred Fan M’Maltsi and Lydiah Wanjiru.

SEVERAL ACTIVITIES (G) - 4 - CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION - KAWANGWARE

On 12/December/2007 a special Christmas Celebration took place at the Kawangware Lutheran Church. The local Pastor, Rev. Zedekiah, opened the Celebration with a message and prayers. The Norwegian Youths took part at the celebration and they brought gifts and food for the children and the families."Heart to Heart Orphan Children Center" sponsored the event with a special grant.

The 30 orphan participants of the Feeding Program were there with their mates from their school and several other children. They sang and told poems together.

The HIV/AIDS Mamas gave their testimony about their Christian Faith, and they sang.

The Street Boys came together to say how important the support was, that the Church had given them, and they sang very happly.

Several ladies from the congregation and the youths helped to prepare food for nearly 200 people gathered that day. We thank God for this opportunity to share the message of God’s love in Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem with all these people.

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CHRISTMAS EVE ABLAZE

The Uhuru Highway Lutheran Cathedral celebrated the Christmas Eve Service ABLAZE! “We are God’s Messengers” was the theme of that night. Five short messages highlighted how the angels, as God’s Messengers, proclaimed the Good News about Jesus’ Birth to Zachariah, to Mary, to Joseph, to the shepherds; now “We are God’s Messengers” to proclaim the Good News to all people around us. This is ABLAZE: To share the Good News about Jesus with our friends and relatives.

Bishop Obare addressed one of the messages and offered the prayers.

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CHRISTMAS DAY ABLAZE

On Christmas Day, 25th December 2007, the same theme directed the Christmas Service.
As God’s Messengers, we are ABLAZE with the “Good News of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord!” And we want to share them with all people

Bishop Obare was the Celebrant and he assisted us at the Baptism of his grand-son Walter Ralph Obare II on that Christmas Day (see this BLOG # 3).

SEVERAL ACTIVITIES (G) - 5 - OUTREACH

KUMPA/KAJIADO

Moses Aboka, the Youth Leader, wrote: “The Nairobi Lutheran Youths organized for a Youth Rally purposed to mobilize, motivate and prepare youths for evangelism. The event was organized in the remote area of Kumpa – Kajiado, a Massai area, (from 9th to 12th August 2007). Youths from different congregations and background came together and did almost everything in unity and love… We held Bible quiz on Friday… Youths participated and it was amazing to notice how this young people had invested their time in reading studying the word of God.”

The bonfire

It was an ABLAZE event, and at the first night the youths learnt about ABLAZE surrounding a bonfire: “Praying to the Lord of the Harvest Lutheran Church Missouri Synod – World Mission (LCMS-WM) in collaboration with its North American and worldwide partners, will share the Good News of Jesus with 100 million unreached and uncommitted people by the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.”

Emmanuel Mungami, from “Spring of Life” – Kibera, shared with the youths about ABLAZE. (Pastor Carlos was invited to be there, but he couldn’t.) Moses wrote: “During the Camp fire, before the blaze was lightened, Emmanuel spoke about Ablaze and explained to the eager crowd about reaching people through the word of God. He also reminded the crowd that the blaze should signify the fire that burns in our hearts after baptism. All youth leaders came together and lit the fire as sign of readiness to spread the Good News.. All along during the Camp Fire, the fire reminded me of Youth Ablaze... a strong blaze that no man can stop.”

Door to door

Moses wrote more: “We were able to share the gospel with approximately 321 people for all the three days. I have the names of the individuals, and we can also include them in the Ablaze contact /response form that we normally have.”

Smilling Stellah in front of her house

“We also distributed the Massai Good News during our door to door evangelism and the crusade and every other day that we had programs with the local people. Most people were overwhelmed by the gifts of the word and it was true that access to Christian literature was a challenge to them.” (Obs.: The Massai Good News were donated by Scripture Mission; thank you!”)

Sport and Youth walk together. “Nairobi Combined” was a good team!
God bless these youth as they are sharing their faith in Jesus”

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MOLO

At the end of November 2007, Emmanuel Mugami led some youth, members and the choir from “Spring of Life”- Kibera, to Molo (Nakuru area), for a seminar with the local people. Molo is a new emerging congregation, that began with some contacts with Kibera’s member’s relatives, and now the Pastor of Nakuru is in charge of that new congregation. – Several children were baptized that day.

The service was held outside, at a very simple place. But many people came together to hear the Word of God.

Several adults were instructed in the Christian Lutheran Faith and confessed their faith publicly that day.

A lady was baptized that day…

and some youth were baptized too...

... and other youth confirmed.

The Holy Supper was offered to the new members for the fist time and to the Lutheran visitors from Kibera.

Emmanuel Mungami wrote a report about MOLO:
“The Ministry in Molo started in April 2007. There wasChristians in Springs of Life Lutheran Church inKibera who when they visited Molo as their rural homehad to worship in other churches and those living inthe rural home worshipped in other Pentecostal churchthere. This inspired the youth outreach ministry inSprings of Life Kibera to visit the area and preachnot only to the few Lutherans but also to reach out tothe unreached. Open air preaching were done in the monthof April 2007 and home visitations to the inhabitants.The results were good as many reached with the wordinspired the team when they started fellowshipping inone of the Christians home and doing bible study. Thisgrew up to a congregation of 15 adults Members andmore than 30 children. A Christian offered his schoolhall premises for the people to worship every Sundayand the Parish leader in Nakuru Parish assigned a layevangelist to be visiting and lead Lutheran worshipservice every Sunday and teach Lutheran Catechism.The Bishop visited in May of 2007 with 20 visitorsfrom TOMBALL CHURCH, USA and were able to see this newABLAZE MISSION work by ELCK.Parish pastor in Nakuru would occasionally visit andlead and teach the worshippers too. In July of 2007the congregation increased over 30 Adults wouldcongregate for Sunday worship and more than 45children. This growth was an inspiration and the teamleader Emmanuel organized with Nuru Media Ministry andvisited together with Conquerors Singing group andthe youth in Kibera for follow up evangelization andfor 4 days the team was in Molo in August. More peoplewere reaching by the word of God through Nuru filmMinistry and home visitations.In July of 2007 Pastor Carlos Winterle of theNairobi Uhuru Cathedral, team leader Emmanuel and 4youths from Springs of Life Lutheran Church visited forSunday worship service in which the pastoradministered Holy Communion with the Nakuru Parishleader. At that time 38 Adults were alreadycongregating every Sunday and more than 45 children.
In November 2007 the Parish of Nakuru held its Synodin Molo and 3 other Lutheran congregations that formpart of the Parish were in attendance. Springs of Lifechoir attended as Guest Choir Emmanuel and DavidMaseno attended in Official capacity as Elders inSprings of Life Kibera for 3 days in which Lutheranteachings were taught and in the worship service inthat synod 12 youths above the age of twelve years werebaptized, 22 Infants were baptized too, 11 Adults werebaptized, 5 were received back to the fellowship of theLutheran Community since they had joined otherchurches and 1 person received confirmation. Thefollowing joined the Lutheran church and to continuewith Catechism teachings 1 from Free Pentecostal, 2 fromP.C.E.A Church, 2 from Good News Church,1 from P.A.GChurch,1from A.G.C. Church, and 1 from full GospelChurch. WE THANK THE LORD OF THE HARVEST JESUS CHRISTAND FOR USING HIS SERVANTS IN THE FIELD OF GOD'SVINEYARD.Emmanuel Mungami and David Maseno handed over thecongregation to the leadership of Nakuru Parish underPastor Samuel Langat. The Bishop was to consecratepastor Chepkwony to be in charge of that New borncongregation Springs of Life Lutheran Church – KOINGE.Unfortunately the place was adversely affected by thepost election violence; this will be done once theplace is calm and people resettled.”
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KIAMBU

On December 11th, Bishop Obare visited Kiambu with Pastor Omodhi, Pastor Carlos and Ev. Sylvester to discuss about the construction of a new chapel. The present building is falling down. A Construction Team from Springfield, MO, USA, “Builders for Christ”, is planning to come and to help local people to build a new chapel. The new building is necessary to do a better outreach program in Kiambu.

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THE CONQUERORS

On March 7th 2008, THE CONQUERORS visited St. Deborah Girls Secondary School in Kawangware. They are working under the ABLAZE umbrella and invited Pastor Carlos to go with them in that visit. Since last year they have visited several schools to share the Gospel. They are planning to visit two or three schools every month.

They sang and prayed and preached about RECONCILIATION, creating a very good link between RECONCILIATION in the country after the post-election violence and RECONCILIATION with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Students from Uganda, Tanzania, the Sudan and, of course, Kenya, heard about Jesus and the reconciliation He brings to us through the Gospel.

SEVERAL ACTIVITIES (G) - 6 - DO YOU KNOW THESE PEOPLE?

We are trying to introduce our members and visitors through the BLOG. Please, if you haven’t been introduced till now, ask Lídia after the Service to take a picture of you (or of your family) and give your name(s) written on a piece of paper to her. So, you will be introduced through the BLOG too.

These are Prof. Godwin Kowero and Mrs. Isilda Nhantumbo, their niece Laura Takia, their daughter Victoria (Vicky). Isilda is from Mozambique and is the only one with whom Lídia and I can speak Portuguese!
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Stephan Padre, Sarah and Alexandria Leah (Lexi – 8 and half months old)). They are from the USA; Stephen is our organist; Sarah is working for the LWF.

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Jane T.Ndwigia and her sister Susan Nkemanze. Susan lives in the USA and her sister helps her here with “GRACEWORKS KENYA” – an entity that works with HIV/AIDS orphans.

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Irene Kanini and her daughter Purity. They were visited by the Pastoral Staff on December 11th. Irene lost her husband in a Road Accident in November and he was buried in Tanzania.
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Emmanuel Nyamweya Mogeni, Gladys Kemunto Nyamweya and their children: Mitchel Nyamduko and Joshwa Gitenyi. Joshwa was baptized on December 23rd.
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Dr. Dmitri Zaroslovd and Milllen Noni.

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Justus Nyang’au , the General Manager of Scripture Mission.
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Sabina Bosibori Oseko and her daughters: Janet Viviane Monyenye and Janice Valerie Moraa.

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VISITORS:

Evelyn Boren visited us on January 6th, just on her birthday!. She is from Arizona, USA and comes several times to Kenya. Her friends: Gustin, Veronica and Mary.

Eight ladies from the Lutheran Women Missionary League –LWML – LCMS, are visiting the ELCK this and the next week( from March 30th to April 12th) . They are: Sandy Herron (Florida), Becky Mustard (Nebraska), Wendy Denman (Nebraska), Marilyn Treanor (Florida), Alison Dumas (California), Lynn Haven (California), Carol Albright (Ohio), Carol Martin (Ohio); and they came to see and to help the work among the children, among the HIV/AIDS women and the mission that is being done in Kenya. Catherine (right on the picture) and Rhoda, from the LCMS-WM office, are in charge of their schedule. WELCOME AND GOD’S BLESSINGS!

BLESSED EASTER - 2008

We are at the beginning of the Holy Week. Many memorable events happened in Jesus’ life during this week:
His triumphal entry to Jerusalem, the institution of the Holy Supper, His suffering in Gethsemane and the betrayal, His judgment before the Sanhedrin and Pilate and Herod, His crucifixion, His death and burial – and finally, on Easter Sunday: His glorious resurrection! But we can summarize all His work in a very short sentence: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins”. All these events happened with the sole purpose of giving us forgiveness of sins, and through forgiveness, life and salvation!

Receive this BLOG with my wishes of a BLESSED EASTER IN THE RESURRECTED LORD JESUS CHRIST!
Carlos Walter and Lídia Winterle
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What is the Sacrament of the Altar?
It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by
Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink.

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Where is this written?
The holy Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and St. Paul write: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the
night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave
it to the disciples and said: "Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in
remembrance of Me." In the same way also he took the cup after supper, and when He had
given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."
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What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?
These words, "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins," shows us that in the
Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where
there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.

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How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?
Certainly not just eating and drinking do these things, but the words written here: "Given and
shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." These words, along with the bodily eating and
drinking, are the main thing in the Sacrament. Whoever believes these words has exactly what
they say: "forgiveness of sins."
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Who receives this sacrament worthily?
Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words "for you" require all hearts to believe.

(Martin Luther's Small Cathechism"
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1. Christ has arisen. Alleluia!/ Rejoice and praise Him. Alleluia!
For our Redeemer burst from the tomb,/ Even from death, dispelling its gloom.
Let us sing praise to Him with endless joy.
Death`s fearful sting he has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving. Alleluia!/ Jesus is living. Alleluia!

2. For three long days the grave did its worst/ Until its strength by God was dispersed./ He who gives life did death undergo/ And in its conquest His might did show. :
Let us sing praise to Him with endless joy.
Death`s fearful sting he has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving. Alleluia!/ Jesus is living. Alleluia!

3. The angel said to them “Do not fear./ You look for Jesus who is not here./ See for yourselves the tomb is all bare./ Only the grave cloths are lying there.”
Let us sing praise to Him with endless joy.
Death`s fearful sting he has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving. Alleluia!/ Jesus is living. Alleluia!

4. “Go spread the new he`s not in the grave./ He has arisen this world to save./ Jesus` redeeming labours are done./ Even the battle with sin is won.”
Let us sing praise to Him with endless joy.
Death`s fearful sting he has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving. Alleluia!/ Jesus is living. Alleluia!

5. Christ has arisen to set us free./ Alleluia! To Him praises be./ Jesus is living! Let us all sing./ He reigns triumphant, heavenly King!
Let us sing praise to Him with endless joy.
Death`s fearful sting he has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving. Alleluia!/ Jesus is living. Alleluia!


(Text: Bernard Kyamanywa, b.1938; tr. Howard S.Olson, b.1922
Music: Mfurahinim Haleluya, Tanzanian trdicional)