News Letters
ALL NATIONS CHRISTIAN CHURCH INTERNATIONAL
Beloved Brothers and Sisters
GATHERING OF NATIONS, NAIROBI, KENYA
AUGUST 1-5, 2012
........ Grace and peace from God the Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I am ever grateful to God for your dedication in ministry and patient endurance which is ours in Christ Jesus.
I am once again writing to you about the forth coming Gathering of Nations, which will be the mountain top experience for this year. The gathering is for all affiliates of ANCCI. This event occurs every other year. This time we will be in Nairobi, Kenya, a city which is famous for its relaxed, easy-going nature of Kenyans who always have time for you and who like helping strangers. The most valuable thing is the gathering of Saints from forty countries which are ANCCI areas of operation. The event will start with the College of Bishops who will be sharing the great things that the Lord is doing in the dioceses and ministries. This will be followed by the conference, which will include uplifting presentations and reports from the ministries. More importantly, it will be a time for fellowship, mutual encouragement and edification.
“How much money do I need?” This is a normal question for those venturing to the overseas mission. The answer is: “As much money as you can bring.” After the purchase of your ticket, you need $100 for registration (The check or money order is payable to ANNCI and mailed to the above address.)You then need $500 or more for ground travel, room and board, and incidentals. Entry visa will be obtained at Jomo Kenyatta airport, Nairobi for $50. If you plan to join the pastoral team which will go to Rift Valley, Burundi, and Congo, you will need to consult Archbishop Metropolitan Doyle Volentine via email > doylevolentine@bellsouth.net>If you are unable to attend, we ask for your financial support. Some of those on our pastoral team don’t yet have sufficient funds. We also need money for conference expenses. Of course, your prayer support is needed.
Yours in Christ's Service
Patriarch John
CONSECRATION OF BISHOP TOM & BISHOP STEVE
Surprised by the Holy Spirit! This expresses what transpired at the consecration of Tom and Steve. The event was like a delightful carnival. Being a rite of passage, the occasion was preceded by challenges for Tom and Steve as well as for Mary and me. What we were facing made us ask: “How long, oh Lord?” which is a recurring question for members of the faithful church on earth. There were also experiences which showed God’s mercy. On March 5, we experienced untold traveling grace. As we were proceeding to the baggage claim at El Paso airport, a lady gave us a ride on an electric cart the entire way to the baggage claim where we found Tom, Sonia, Steve and Mikah waiting for us. While we were being jubilant, Doyle and Bill arrived. Tom took us to the Marriot Hotel where we were to stay for three days. Besides being in a wonderful facility we were given a fruit basket which expressed love from the Word of Life Church
On the 6th we had a productive and beneficial retreat. We were surprised to note that besides having the same Spirit, the same faith, the same hope, and the same baptism; we had several connecting threads which made it possible for us to fly high like eagles. Steve and I, although we come from different continents, had many things in common. We both invested in real estate and have the same number of properties; we both were students of London Bible College; Steve came from Aberdare in Wales, I came from Aberdare in Kenya. We both have written songs and published books. Tom has authored several books, as well. Tom and I grew up with little means and few choices which made us adventurous once we were adults. This is why although Tom was reared in the Church of God, he willings accepted God's call to be consecrated in the Anglican tradition. Both Mary and Mikah experienced the challenge of having absentee fathers. Mary’s father, a wealthy business man, was exiled and tortured during the Mau Emergency. He lost all his properties and never recovered. When he came back from the exile, he was depressed and died poor. This gave Mary empathetic understanding for the poor and the terminally ill. She has spent many years reaching out to refugees and giving care to the sick and the dying through Hospice care. She does this without any salary. Mikah received God's call by seeing footprints which resembled those of her father. She responded to God’s call by reaching out to male prostitutes at her own expense for four years. She won a good number of them to the Kingdom and a few of them became preachers. Like Doyle and Bill who grew up during the Great Depression, Mary and I grew up in a time of scarcity. In this era, discipline and hard work was the only way out of poverty. In addition, four of us have ministered in the Cursillo and Kairos prison ministry (this is where we met Doyle). Drawing from these experiences, I am awed by the way God has given us the desire and will for working long hours. We praise him for answering our prayer which is, “God, give me work; till my life shall end; and life, till my work is done.” We praise God for using the experiences from our families of origin to prepare us for fulfilling the Great Commission and the Great Promise: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
Consecration, using Modern Services, commenced on 3/07 at 7:00 with Joyous and uplifting music. There was a heavy anointing of the Holy Spirit, as we followed the liturgy. We really felt the love of God which the Holy Spirit has placed in our hearts. After the consecration the congregation applauded, showing a great appreciation for the Bishop Elects being entered into the College of Bishops. After a warm welcome, the newest bishops celebrated the Holy Eucharist. We were amazed to note that Tom has been using Anglican way in the same way we do at St. Cyprian's International Church. He used a single cup with the individual Christian dipping the bread in the cup.
As a theologian, I was delighted by the way the consecration of Tom engaged me in a theological discourse. One critic who claimed to be an Anglican ecclesiastical authority called me with a question: “Why consecrate someone who is not an Anglican?” Before I could answer the question, the caller concluded: “You are not an Anglican Bishop. Were you consecrated by your brother?” In a nut shell, the caller felt he was protecting Anglicanism from Tom and John. Is this possible? The study of the rise and fall of great empires reveals that each empire objectivated and left behind some heritage for the global village. From Sumerians and ancient Egypt we acquired the art of writing, from Greek Empires we inherited democracy and Greek language which was used for writing the New Testament and is still used as a technical term in many fields. Religiously, we squired Eastern Orthodox Church. From the Roman Empire, we inherited the art of government administration, road systems (which were useful in spreading the Gospel) and Catholicism. From the British Empire we inherited the English language and Anglicanism. Once these heritages were objectivated they became available to all the people of God. Thus neither these empires nor any individual has the capability of protecting their heritages. To try to protect Anglicanism from Tom and John is very much like trying to protect English language from these individuals who already have English names and have written books in the English language. Besides, I have a blessing of being born by Anglican parents, educated in Anglican schools, was a student in Anglican theological institutions for seven years, and was an Anglican representative in an Ecumenical theological college for five years and was ordain deacon and priest by an Anglican Bishop and was consecrated bishop by an Anglican Archbishop.It has to be argued, however, that All Nations Christian Church International draws from three main streams of Christendom: Catholicism; Orthodox; and Anglicanism. Our vestments draw from Roman Catholicism, the titles Patriarch and Archbishop Metropolitan comes from Orthodox heritage and the Book of Common Prayer from the Anglican tradition. We focus on the Holy Spirit. Our vision statement is: Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we preach the Gospel to all nations. By being in Christ we bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit which “… is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23) We bear the fruit of the Spirit by abiding in Christ who said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) We are justified in Christ. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
In Christ,
Patriarch John
ALL NATIONS CHRISTIAN CHURCH INTERNATIONAL
NEWS LETTER
LENT 2012
We are writing this message in the season of Lent in which we remember Jesus’ forty days in wilderness where he fasted in preparation for his ministry. During Lent we also prepare for the celebration of His passion and resurrection and our own ministry. As the Book of Common Prayer expresses, we observe Holy Lent “…by self-examination, repentance, by prayer, fasting and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy word.” I invite you therefore to refrain from anything which is harmful to the body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit and anything which hinders spiritual growth. Form a discipline of meditating on the daily office which is found in the Book of Common Prayer or other books such as Day By Day, published by Forward Movement or simply Google the words “Daily Office”. Fight the spirit of materialism by buying only that which is absolutely necessary. Replace doubt with faith and negativity with positive attitude. More importantly, abide in the vine. In the words of our Master, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. Thus, in Lent strive to bear the fruit of the Spirit which is “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”. Galatians 5:22.FEEDING PROGRAMS continue- Bishop Stephen and his family are feeding the hungry at the Dumpsite in Illigan City, Philippines while Kennedy and Mary Otien are doing the same in Nakuru, Kenya. We ask for your continued prayers and financial support for this vital ministry. If you invest in this ministry, when the Son of Man comes in his glory, you will be delighted to hear: “Come you blessed of the Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave me food.”
MISSIONS: Patriarch John ++and Doyle continue receiving calls from many countries asking that we go to equip their pastors and hold marriage enrichment seminars, which is our passion. Your generous donations will enable them to fulfill this ministry. Below is the list of upcoming events:
GATHERING OF NATIONS (August 1-5) in Nairobi, Kenya) which brings delegates from all the ministries affiliated with ANCCI from over forty countries. It comprises archbishops, bishops, pastors and the leading laity. The program includes the meeting of the College of Bishops, a conference for all delegates with great speakers and facilitators. The event also includes fund raising for the University. Prepare for this by fundraising and saving money for the event which will include fundraising for ANCCI UNIVERSITY. “For more information contact ++Doyle. At 318.728.7171.THE REV. DR. ELIZABETH LARSAN was ordained a priest at St. Cyprian’s International Church, Amarillo, on February 26. Liz ministers as a Chaplain for those in prison. A big thank you to Mary Githiga and Susan Sanborn for their hospitality and Glen for his role as Chancellor and to Aggry Nyanje for operating the power point presentation.
TITHE AND OFFERING In the previous newsletter, we wrote about giving. We are most grateful to those who responded and those who are making a contribution. Below is an article written by Father Martin, Rector of our churches which give 15% of their offering to ANCCI. We ask you to read this message prayerfully.
CHRISTIAN GIVING: A Grateful Response to a Loving God
“God is love,” writes John, the beloved disciple (1John 4:8, 16). According to John, the very nature and being of God is love. Love is not merely an attribute of God, that is, a quality or characteristic that can be attributed or ascribed to God, such as omnipotence or omniscience; rather love is who God is. If we were to choose only one word to describe God, we could choose no better word than “love.”The New Testament teaches us that God expresses his overflowing love for the world in the act of giving. In the familiar, much-loved words of the Apostle John, “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son . . .” (John 3:16, emphasis added). When we had fallen into sin, God demonstrated his overflowing love for us by giving us his beloved Son to save us from our sins and reconcile the world to himself (Rom 5:8; 2Cor 5:19).
As beings created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:26), we are to mirror the self-giving love of God. Jesus teaches us that the world will know that we are his disciples if we have love for one another (John 13:35). Perhaps the easiest way to show our love for one another is through the simple act of giving. It is the nature of love to give itself away. Love cannot be contained. It reaches out to others, expressing itself in holy movement from giver to receiver. When we give to another, we show the nature of the love that “has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Rom 5:5).
In All Nations Christian Church International, giving is an important part of our identity as a global community of Christians devoted to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19, 20). Our denominational emphasis on missions is a vital bond that unites us as a unique, worldwide community of believers from a variety of church backgrounds and ecclesial traditions. The church which I pastor was founded by a group of believers who wished to faithfully participate in the Great commission of Jesus Christ. Though we are small in number, we give faithfully to the missionary outreach of All Nations Christian Church International. Not only have we been blessed and privileged to minister directly to our brothers and sisters in Africa and the Philippines, we regularly send 15% of our monthly offerings to our denominational headquarters in Amarillo, Texas (USA), to be used where needed throughout our worldwide denomination.
The majority of the churches in our denomination, however, are in the Global South. Often, the members of these churches lack a sufficient supply of the material resources needed to sustain an adequate quality of life. Yet these precious sheep, especially dear to the heart of the Good Shepherd, are summoned to share a portion of even what little they have for the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for even the poorest among us play a vital role in fulfilling the Great Commission to which all believers are called.
The importance of every gift, no matter how small, is illustrated in a New Testament story that strikes to the very heart of the nature of Christian giving. Jesus sat in the Temple and watched as people put money into the Temple treasury. Some rich people put in large amounts of money. Then a poor widow came forward and put in only two copper coins. While her offering was worth little more than a few Kenyan shillings or a couple of Filipino pesos, Jesus proclaimed that she had put in more than all the rest! While the rich gave from their wealth, the poor widow gave from her poverty, giving all she had to live on (Mark 12:41-44).
As the poor widow’s offering shows, giving involves sacrifice. To give of our substance and treasure is to sacrifice what might have been kept for our own use, benefit, or pleasure. Because there is an element of sacrifice involved, giving is a sure measure of the spiritual condition of our hearts, for, as Jesus said, where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also (Matthew 6:19-21). The rich who offered in the Temple sacrificed little, for they gave from their wealth. The poor widow, on the other hand, proved her heart full of sacrificial love by giving all she had to the Temple treasury. Therefore, it is not the amount of the gift that pleases God; rather, it is the spiritual condition of the giver’s heart that matters. Like the poor widow’s tiny offering, the sacrificial offering of a heart motivated by love for God and neighbor is precious to our Father in heaven.
When we give, however, we must examine our own hearts, for our motives may be sinful and selfish rather than loving. For example, if we give in order to receive praise or to gain attention for ourselves, we act not from love but from the desire to elevate self rather than to serve others. As Jesus teaches us, we are not to be like the hypocrites who sound a trumpet as they approach the offering plate, so that all may see their charitable deeds. Rather, our giving is to be so quiet and unostentatious that even our right hand does not know what our left hand is doing (Matthew 6:1, 2).
By giving to the mission of All Nations Christian Church International, each of us plays an important part in fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ. All members of our international fellowship are encouraged to support the missionary outreach of our worldwide denomination by giving to their local churches. Our local churches, in turn, are encouraged to give a portion of their offerings to our denominational headquarters to be used throughout the world where needed. These offerings are essential to the fulfilling of the great missionary work to which we are called. Whether our gift is very large or very small, when offered as an expression of heart-felt love for God and neighbor, we can be certain that our heavenly Father, who “sees in secret,” will reward us openly (Matthew 6:4).
©2012 Martin M. Davis, Ph.D. Candidate; Faculty, All Nations Seminary; Rector ANAC, Jackson, MS, USA Please visit his blog at www.martinmdavis.blogspot.com
UPCOMING EVENTS 2012-2013
March 7 Consecrations of Tom Brown and Steven Evan, El Paso, Texas
March 26- 29 Cross Walk Conference
March 30 Patriarch Minister at Grambling State University
July 25- 30 Ministry in Great Rift Valley (Archdeacon Kenny Otieno-Coordinator)
26-28 Clergy Conference- Nakuru
29 Missioners worship in various Churches
30 A Visit to Nakuru Game Park
31 Return to Nairobi
August 1- 5 Gathering of Nations
1 College of Bishops
2- 4 Conference
5. Missioners worship in Various Churches
6 Free
7-11 PEFA Conference- Muranga
October 2- 10 Ministry in Lagos, Nigeria
March 5-12, 2013 Clergy conference, India
May 15 -20, 2013 Sta.Maria, Philippines: Clergy conference and Married couple’s seminar
May 21-27, 2013 Clergy conference, Illigan City, PhilippinesFinally, Beloved, pray in Spirit in all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the people of God. Pray also for us that whatever we do will be in keeping to God’s will.
Patriarch JohnI am ever grateful to God for your response to the call to minister together. We greatly appreciate those who pray for us and those who are tithing to ANCCI. We have congregations which tithed while others gave 15 % of their tithes and offerings. Other individuals made contributions for mission. We are now writing to encourage those who are sending their tithe to continue this precious work. And for those who have not yet started sending their tithe, we are reminding you of article 8 of ANCCI faith statement: “8. tithing 'And Abram gave Him a tenth of everything.’ (Gen14-20b) We believe that all Christians (including Clergy) should tithe to the storehouse. (Mal. 3:10) God’s hand of blessing reaches to those who tithe as shown in Malachi 3:10b. ‘…and thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.’ It is expected that all ANCCI clergy and congregations give regularly, consistently, and substantially to the work of ANCCI; keeping in mind that the tithe is the commonly accepted Biblical standard of giving to which all Christians should strive.”
The procedure is that Congregations receive tithes from the members and then the church gives 10% to ANCCI. In the case of a Diocese, the parishes tithe to the Diocese and the diocese tithes to ANCCI. And in case of the ministries, the ministry gives 10% to ANCCI. All the ministries – both in developing countries and developed countries are expected to tithe. Tithers are the ones who are regarded as members with good standing. There is enormous blessing to those who tithe. As Malachi puts it: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty and “see if I will not throw open the floodgate of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have enough room for it…Then ALL NATIONS will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” says the Lord. Note that the Scripture tells us to “bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.” In modern terms, this helps provide administration and running expenses without which it is almost impossible to carry on the church's mission. The designated funds come from special offerings and are not a part of the tithe. Last year, some churches faithfully tithed and gave offering for specific missions, which is a noble thing. In 2010 and 2011 85% of funds were designated and this left us with no money for administration expenses and capital development. We need to change this trend. Your tithe will enable us to do what Jesus Christ has called ANCCI to do, "to preach the good news to all nations."
May the Loving Father richly bless you.
Patriarch JohnPastoral letter
January 10, 2012
To all beloved brothers and Sisters who are affiliated with ANCCI.
Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The most profound way of reflecting on Christmas story is that God became a human being and went through the passages of life which are characterized by celebration, joy, crises, communality, individuality, life, death and miracles, humiliation and exaltation. In December we experienced this phenomenon. On December 18,Rayna Danielle Wilson, a miracle baby, born to Curtis and Tabitha after eighteen years of marriage was presented to church. We all praised God for the miracle. On the same day Barbara Riley, wife of Bishop Johnny Riley was entered into the Holy Orders. On the same day we received the report about typhoon in Philippines which claimed the life of 1200 and destroyed home include the home of our affiliate. Two of our priests and a bishop spent a night at the roof of their house. They were rescued by military at 8 am. I wept with them because it was in this facility that we held clergy conference in May.
Like Rayna, Jesus was a miracle baby. When the Angel Gabriel reported to Mary that she will have a child, she asked the angel, “How will this be since I am a virgin? The answer was above her head: “the Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the one to be born will be called the son of God.” The emphasis here is the Most High is a God of miracle and miracles are beyond our comprehension. Ron and Mary Jones reported a miracle in their Christmas message. They said: “This has been an exciting year for the Jones. It started with Ron coming off dialysis (Praise the Lord!!). His last dialysis was 26th of December last year. It took some convincing to get the Dr. to agree to stop, as this just doesn’t happen. Except of course, if God decides to heal one’s kidney.” Like the Jones and the Wilson, you might be praying for a miracle. If you believe, the Most High will bring it to pass. As in the case of Mary mother of Jesus, we should “Trust in the Lord and do good: dwell in the land and feed on his faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you the desire of your heart.” Psalm 37:3-4
As a bearer of Christ, you may be going through humiliation or marginalization. Remember that our master went through it. The crib of the Lord of the Universe was a manger. Even though he was the Lord of cosmos, and that it is in him that all things hold together, even though he was God, he emptied himself. He became a human being taking a form of a slave and totally submitted himself to God's will. The Lord of all creation humbled "Himself and became obedient to death, even the death on the cross." As a suffering servant, "he was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. He was wounded for our transgression; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole and with his stripes we are healed." The greater the suffering, however, the greater was his glorification. After death he rose with a spiritual and everlasting and non-aging body. And as Paul writes, "God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in the heaven and on earth and under the earth and that every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (You can read more about the passages of Christ in John G Githiga. Initiation and Pastoral Psychology. You place an order at www.createspace.com or www.amazon.comANCCI.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
At the request of Patriarch John Githiga the following persons gathered at Crosswalk Ranch, Oak Ridge, LA for the purpose of assessing the call of God's direction for the work in Zambia. Archbishop Metropolitan Doyle Volentine, Bishop- Elect Bill McMahan, Father Curtis Wilson, Dean Carolyn Volentine, and appointed emissary for the project Rex Bryant. Also invited and attending was Ira Milligan. After prayer and discussion it was resolved that the department of ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT be established. The following were appointed by PJ as Board of Directors: Bill McMahan (Chairman), Father Curtis Wilson, Ira Milligan, ex-official, Archbishop Metropolitan Doyle Volentine, Dean Carolyn Volentine, and Patriarch John. The Board of Directors was mandated to focus on economic and spiritual growth of the nations starting with Zambia project. The main project is establishment of the University and development of ANCCI land which will become a focal point of spiritual and economic development in Zambia.
Barbara Pitts Riley was ordained priest on December 18, 2011.Her husband, Bishop Johnny preached a powerful message. The service was uplifting. Keep this couple in your prayer as Bp Johnny is running for Mayer of Monroe.
News from Philippines: Bishop Stephen Villaester was one of the speakers in Christian Muslim Forum. The theme of the Form was Jesus Christ from Christian and Islamic perspectives. The event was attended by civic leaders and University community. Bishop Stephen is the chairman of Interfaith Community which brings Protestants, Roman Catholic and Muslims together. We pray that other nations will create forums for the dialogue between Christians and Muslims.
FEEDING PROGRAMS: All Nations continue to follow the footsteps of our Master in feeding the hungry and clothing the necked. Bishop Stephen and his family are feeding the hungry in the Dumpsite in Illigan City Philippines while Kennedy and Mary Otien are doing the same in Nakuru, Kenya. We ask your prayer and financial support for this vital ministry. If you invest in this ministry, when the Son of man comes in his glory you will be delighted to hear: Come you blessed of the Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave me food.”
MISSIONS: PJ and ++Doyle receive calls from many countries asking for equipping the pastors. This is their passion. ++Doyle is gifted in empowerment and encouragement while PJ is good at theological education particularly practical theology. Your generous donation will enable them to fulfill ministry.
GATHERING OF NATIONS AND FUNDRAISING (July 26-30) in Nairobi, Kenya, will be a celebration of life and a fund raising event. Prepare for this event and by saving money for the event and thinking about the ways and means of fundraising and reaching out to foundations and your friends. In the prophetic service which was held in Crosswalk Ranch PJ heard a voice which repeats three times: Three Universities. He saw Zambia, Kenya and the USA. On July 27 seven he will be celebrating his 70th birthday. He is asking the community of faith to pray for the amount of money which we expect from the Great Provider.$7m or 70 m. Lets us strongly believe in our Master’s word: “Until now you have not ask anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:24
Finally we are most grateful to all those who supporting ANCCi with their tithe, offering and contribution in 2011. We couldn’t have reached those we ministered with your contribution.We pray that you continue this precious work. If you have not yet made a contribution we invited to do so. Make you tax deductable check payable to All Nations Christian Church International.
“Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy- to only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages now and forevermore! Amen.” Jude 24-25
December 2011
MISSION TO MOMBASA AND UNITED KINGDOMAs we ++Doyle Volentine, +Bill McMahan, Rev. George Bates, and I flew to Mombasa, we were assured of our safety by God’s word: I life my eyes to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth…the Lord will keep you from all harm. Psalm121. The Lord indeed kept us from all harm. The other words which were very encouraging came from Psalm 27. The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid? Surely, the Lord protected us and gave us traveling grace. We are most grateful to all who prayed for us and to those who gave us financial support.
Archbishop Kombo did a superb job in planning and scheduling. We started with crusade. The music was of the highest quality. The singers danced to the glory of God and were joined by the congregation. Evangelist Joel Njoroge and Dr. John Kombo (both Kenyans) preached the first day. Their ministry included healing and deliverance. The following day ++Doyle and I ministered the word. We indeed felt the presence of God. The third day we had the Rev. George Bates assisted by Rev. Bill. Their message was powerful and anointed and was followed by deliverance and healing.
A large number attended the leadership conference which lasted three days. Rev. George, using the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasized the importance of three keys to fruitful ministry: Character, courage and compassion. These virtues are fundamental for spiritual leadership. Bill, using his experience as a pilot, described how God can locate where we are in comparison to GPS. His message was well received. Bishop Doyle spoke on the Holy Spirit-the fruits and work of the Holy Spirit. In addition, the Spirit used him in prophesying to the participants. I spoke of Anthropological approach to pastoral care, emphasizing pastoral care to the parishioners as they go through the passages of life.
On Sunday we preached in various churches. Archbishop John Thon and I ministered at Christ Temple Community Church, which was planted and is ministered by the Rev. Collins and Mrs. Milford. They focus on holistic ministry-spiritual, physical, social and economic needs of the parishioner. The service was very spirited with great music and friendly Christians.
For our relaxation we participated in a safari to Shimba Hills Game Park which is famous for African elephants. Although the elephants were hiding that day, we enjoyed seeing other game animals-giraffe, waterbucks, monkeys, and buffaloes. We enjoyed lunch in the game park.
On November 17 we left for the UK. We were delighted to meet with Bishop-Elect Steven at London City airport . He took us to a Holiday Inn where we stayed for four days. Our activities included touring London, visiting with Bishop Michael and Dr. Ruth Reid. We prayed with Ruth who was battling cancer. We praised God for her faithful ministry. On Saturday we visited Apostle Williams’ new facility which is big enough to be a cathedral for All Nations. We praised God for this precious gift. Apostle Williams then hosted us at a Chinese Restaurant and shared more time with us in precious fellowship. On Sunday we worshipped in Christ Faith Tabernacle which is under the oversight of Apostle Williams. Each of us had to time to give a brief message. We were indeed edified by the sermon of Apostle Williams and by the music of the Spirit-filled congregation. Following worship, CFT hosted us for dinner. This was highlighted by the golden time of visit with the first lady, the Rev. Oma Williams.
On March 21, 2011 we left for the United states praising God for his provision and protection. Reflecting on our mission, I perceived phenomena which might have a prophetic message. Our journey from Mombasa to London was extremely foggy. Because of this, the flights from Nairobi to Amsterdam and from Amsterdam to London were delayed. Our journey from London to Amarillo, Texas was the same. The clouds and fog seemed to symbolize the day of the Lord which is very much like a woman in labor pain. The global village is going through pain caused by economic crisis and Muslim extremists. The major newspapers reported daily, the war between Al Shabaab and the Kenya armed forces-linda Inch(defend the homeland) The East African nations and African Union are teaming to fight the common enemy. This Satanic force is Anti-Christian, anti-western civilization and against all non-Muslims. With regard to the economy there is a yawning gap between rich and poor. So many people are hurting in the global village, including the USA. So many people are jobless and homeless and hungry. I believe these upheavals are ushering in the coming of the Lord. We have to bear in mind that He who came is simultaneously coming, and He will finally come at the time. He is the one who was, who is and who is to come. The phenomena which we have mentioned, I believe are ushering a great revival. This is very much in keeping with Joel’s prophecy: And afterward (the day of the Lord) I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women will I pour out my spirit in those days. I will show wonders in heavens and on earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. Both in Mombasa and the United Kingdom we saw these manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
The day of the Lord has a message for you and me. We have to watch and pray. When Jesus predicted His coming in Mark 13 he concluded: What I say to you, I say to everyone: “Watch.” Apostle Peter tells us in a nutshell what we must do while we await the coming of the Lord: For this very reason make every effort to add to your faith; goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge self-control; and to self-control perseverance ; and to perseverance godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (II Peter 1:5-8)May the Lord richly bless you in this Advent and Christmas season,
Patriarch JohnREPORT FROM KENYA
It was another blessed Sunday in our kiti church yesterday with early morning prayers.Bible study was conducted by brother Vincent with readings from Job 2:1-14.we had a glorious time of praise and worship in Gods presence.My sermon was titled "love for one another" with readings from John 14:34 and 1Corinthians 13.we had two ladies and several children join our flock.
The Sudanese service was also a blessing with one of their pastors ministering the word. We later had all our pastors from our Rhonda and kaptembwo church and part of their flock attend our services later in the evening with a guest minister Rev Sarah ministering to us from Psalm 84.it was nice spending the whole day in the house of the lord.
Saturday we had two meetings to attend to in the morning hours with pastor Mary attending the pastors wives monthly meeting in one of the motels.I was attending another meeting in destiny creation church in kiti area.Later in the afternoon together we joined our singers in church for practice and prayers ready for Sunday. Friday was our day of rest and we had time at home the whole day. Thursday we attended a prayer meeting dubbed God Bless Kenya forum in one of the motels attended by church ministers from our town with a seminar in Gospel community church in the afternoon.
Wednesday we had prayers at our kiti church while pastor Raphael and Doris were in kaptembwo slums church.Pastor Justus and Sammy were leading another team in our Rhonda slums church.Please pray for our upcoming feeding and food distribution program at Rhonda slums on 26th November 2011.Pray for our visit to the street families at our towns garbage dumping site on 25th November 2011.we are trusting the lord for food stuff and clothing for the two programs. Tuesday we had our towns pastors fellowship .we had a wonderful time with a celebration of honor for the out going executive committee.we had time pray and award them with certificates and break bread and share the holy communion together. Monday was a day that saw out singing and music group meet for prayers,word and practice ready for the Christmas carols.
keep praying with us. pastor ken and Mary still going strong
November, 2011
MISSION TO MOMBASA AND UKWe ask for your prayer as we prepare to take off for mission to Mombasa and England. Interestingly, we are preparing for this great undertaking, while we are celebrating the feasts of All Faithful departed and All Saints. This occasion, sometimes called “All Souls Day,” is a twin feast of All Saints Day.” It has been observed in Easter Church from very early time and was introduced into Western Europe in the 10th century. The 16th century English reformers cut this festival out of the Church Year because they did not like to distinguish between “all saints” and “all souls.” I believe “all souls” include people of God referred as “faithful ancestors” in the Modern Services. Better still, this week includes a remarkable English missionary to Africa, Bishop James Hannington, Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa and who started his mission in Mombasa, Kenya. He was one of those Englishmen who caught a vision of what needed to be done on “the Dark Continent” and set out to offer all he could in service for African people. This was a sacrificial self giving. After serving as a missionary, he returned to England for ill healthy. When he recovered, he went back, carrying with him Episcopal order. He was enthroned in Mombasa as bishop of Eastern Equatorial African. On October 29, 1885 he was attacked in Uganda by the warriors of the Buganda King who feared that the bishop was attacking his kingdom. Before they had to pierce him to death, the bishop was able to say his last words: “Go tell your king that I die for the people of Buganda, and that I have purchased the road to Uganda with my life.” It is because the people of God,like Bishop James, that we became Christian and have a passion of reaching All Nations.
I am asking you to pray for Archbishop Doyle Volentine, Bill McMahan and George Bates and I as we prepare to take off. Pray that the Lord may give us fruitful ministry in Mombasa and in England. We wrestle with the same dragon as did all Saints. The devil tends to strike hard when we are taking off and when we get there. The greater the mission the grater the battle; the greater the battle the more fruitful the mission becomes. The Seer puts it this way: “The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it is born.” Yet she was victorious: for “she gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule ALL NATIONS with the rode of scepter.” “The woman was given two wings of a great eagle so that she might fly to the place prepared for her.” (See Revelation12).
Pray also for those who will be ministering with us and clergy who are attending the conference and the people of God in Mombasa who will attend the Crusade. Prayer for Bishop Elect Steven and Micah Evans.
With love, Patriarch John
To God be the Glory August 2011
Kenya Mission Trip
Archbishop Doyle Volentine"Day by Day O Dear Lord three things I pray: To see thee more clearly; follow thee more nearly; love thee more dearly" is a familiar Christian prayer made famous by the 1970's musical Godspell . It is an appropriate reflection of the August 2011 ANAC Team to Kenya and their prayers. The Team was composed of the host Archbishop Elias Kombo, Kenya; Archbishop Metropolitan Doyle Volentine, ANAC Missions Coordinator Bill McMahan, Pastor Curtis Wilson, all of U.S.A.; Pastor Steven Evans and Associate Pastor David Brewster, United Kingdom.
The first week-end was dedicated to the consecration of 4 new bishops for Kenya. Attended by about a hundred people, including twenty-five pastors and their families, the worship service gave honor to Christ and duly recognized the high calling of the office of Bishop. There is much anticipation in Kenya of a mighty move of God and this week-end was a holy down payment of the work of the Holy Spirit. Our accommodations were at the Methodist Guest House, Nairobi. This too was providential. Representatives of the Methodist Conference of East Africa were staying at the guest house at the same time. This was a wonderful opportunity to meet to have fellowship and consider how God might use us together. The result was invitations to Uganda and Zimbabwe to come and minister with these dedicated people o f God.
At the invitation of the Pentecostal Evangelical Fellowship of Africa the team moved to Thika and spent many hours in teaching seminars on leadership training. The seminars overflowed with participants and teaching was enthusiastically received. Beyond class time the team members were stopped and the participants requested prayer and counseling. God honored the worship services and sermons with outpourings of healings, release for the demon oppressed and possessed, and the glory of His presence. It is an honor to announce that the result of such joint ministry is that PEFA and ANAC are now officially associates in Ministry.
One cannot honor God without giving him praise for his Creation. The team's trip to the Nairobi National Game Park brought a much needed rest and opportunity for praise through fellowship and awe of God's wild creatures. Of course, the many pictures in our memories are too many to list. However, two outstandingly vivid memories are that of a lion with his fresh kill of a giraffe and a black rhino threatening to charge the van in which we toured.
It is a travesty to go on a mission trip and not take time to honor and appreciate the cultures who have welcomed the teams and the gospel. Being aware of this cultural mistake, the team tried to use its time wisely by visiting the Bomas of Kenya and the traditional dances that helped tell the story of Kenya's tribes and tribal culture. What a blessing!
Returning to the Lord's work, the team then participated in yet another conference, Sabasaba. Approximately 25,000 people came together for edification and to give worship to God. It was reported that there were a minimum of a thousand salvations, as well as deliverances and healings.
Our last Sunday found the team duly appointed to various churches to bring greetings from Christians in our respective countries and to encourage the believers in Kenya. As mentioned above the teams' prayers were answered and we saw the Lord in his mighty works more and more clearly, we believed we followed him more nearly, and, without question, loved him more dearly day by day.
From Patriarch John
July, 2011"To him that overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations." Revelation 2:26. This apocalyptic promise was realized by the saints who went before us and it is still being realized by the living saints. The living saints who enjoy this promise are Christians who ministers with and to the people of other nations. They support overseas and domestic missions with their prayers and finances. The benefactors are just as useful to the Lord as those who are sent. As the Bible puts it, “How then can they call on one they have not believed? How can they call on him whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?” It is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the Good News.” We are most grateful to those who have responded to God’s call to missions and those who have enabled them to go by financial contribution.
EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCES AND GOSPEL FESTIVAL IN KENYA: August 20-30, 2011
We are glad to inform you that ANC has responded to Christ’s call to send a highly qualified team to empower the clergy and the people of God. The theme is, KEEP THE FIRE AFLAME. There will be three Clergy conferences on the 20th of August for all ANAC CLERGY. This will be held in Nairobi, Kenya. The other two conferences which will be hosted by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Africa (P.E.F.A) will take place concurrently in Nairobi and Thika Kenya. The Gospel Festival will be held at Saba Saba. It is estimated that there will be 15, 000 to 20,000 people in attendance. We are expecting great things from God. And we strongly believe that great things will happen. The following are the team members: The Right Rev. Dr. Peter Ndun’gu (team coordinator); The Rev. Boniface Gitau, ANAC Deacon and Director of the Vessels of Honor Ministries; The Most Rev. Dr. Doyle Volentine, Archbishop Metropolitan of ANAC; The Rev. Bill McMahan, Director of Missions; The Right Rev. John Riley, director of Bridging the Gap Ministries; The Very Rev. Dr. Steven Evans, Bishop-Elect, Living Faith Diocese, UK; the Rev. Curtis Wilson, Director of Crosswalk Ministries; and David Brewer, Associate Pastor, Living Faith Church, UK. Other missioners from USA are Dr. Weley Paul, Tommy Hays, Sister Carol, Mr. Mike Gonzales and Patti Petrone and the Rev. John King, Canada. The team will be hosted by the Most Rev. Elias John Kombo, Archbishop of the Province of Equatorial Africa and Bishop Mararo of Pentecostal Fellowship of Africa.
PRAISE REPORT
We are glad to report Brother Rex Bryant’s fruitful ministry in Zambia where he served with Bishop George Musandile. Rex developed a cordial relationship with the Zambian brethren. They would have liked him not to return to USA. Besides encouraging Bishop George and his pastors, he also visited the Chief and they discussed further about our land and the latter agreed to extend the land to the river bank. We are most grateful to brother Rex for this great undertaking.
OVERSEAS MISSIONS 2012: Pray and put on your calendar the overseas missions which are scheduled for 2012. We are also announcing that the GATHERING OF NATIONS which was to take place in the UK has been rescheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya July 26-29 2012. We will also celebrate the 5th anniversary of ANC which was chartered in the State of Texas on July 27, 2007 (which is also my birthday). In addition to having time for mutual edification, we will hold a fundraising for All Nations University.
2012 Conferences
Cashmere, India March 2-9, 2012
-Clergy Conference
Philippines May 8-24, 2012
-Clergy Conference
Kenya, July 26 –August 6, 2012
Gathering of Nations July 26-29, 2012
· Thursday July the 26th: College of Bishops
· Friday July 27th: Conference (also 5th anniversary of ANC) and fundraising for All Nations University.
· Saturday July 28th: Conference
· Sunday July 29th: Consecration
· Monday July 30th: A visit to Nairobi Game park and Bomas of Kenya (cultural experiences)
Great Rift Valley- Nakuru
· July 31- August 5
· Tuesday August 1st, Wednesday through Saturday the 4th : Clergy and Spouses Conference
· Sunday, August 5th –delegates to worship and minister in churches.
· Monday August 6th: -Departures
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13Mission Trip to London and Wigan, England
FROM PATRIARCH JOHN
April 7, 2011Now that we have gained victory over the jetlag and culture shock, we can write to you about the great things that God has done. We went to UK motivated by your prayers, empowered by the Holy Spirit with the message of FAITH. We went by faith, not by sight. The Spirit reminded us the importance of faith. “For without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” As ++Doyle and +Carolyn and I were obeying the command of our Lord, “Go” we were fully convinced that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of the things not seen.”
LONDON: We stayed in London for three days. We visited with Bishop Reid and Dr. Ruth where we enjoyed wonderful hospitality and fellowship. We visited John Wesley’s Museum and had Eucharist at Wesley chapel. Apostle Alfred and Rev. Oma Williams who were with us at Wesley place took us to a Chinese Restaurant where we had “all you can eat”. After this they took us to their church, Christ Faith tabernacle which was attended by about 500 Christians. There was energy and lovely music and a powerful message
We spent the rest of our time at Wigan, England with the Rev. Steve and Micah and their lovely daughter Macy. We experience the presence of God in this family and in the Church where they minister-The Living Faith Church.The members of this church have a living faith as opposed to dead faith which does not connect the worshipers with God. Here we had morning and evening services. To my utter surprised, the morning service, started with fellowship (very much like East African revival fellowship which led me to and nurtured me in Christ.). After uplifting music the members testified about their walk with God. This was followed by my sermon. After the sermon God give Doyle prophetic messages for every person in the congregation. There were lots of tears- the sign of the presence of God. This was followed by an altar call. Those who were prayed for rested in the Spirit by laying on the floor. This overwhelming power was similar to what St. John experienced on the Island of Patmos “When I saw Him” John wrote. “I fell at his feet as though dead” Rev.1:17 What amazed me was to see the Holy Spirit using the hands of Archbishop Doyle in the same way he used Archbishop Elias and John Kombo in the church at Ichichi, during our mission to Kenya last year. (Ichichi is my birth place.) What a blessing to have archbishops who have totally surrendered to God and have allowed the Spirit of God to use them in whichever ways He wills. What a blessing to have a Pastor like Steven who leads the members to worship in the Spirit. This is what God desires. Jesus put it this way: “The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: For the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24.
After Lunch we hurried to church for the evening service which included many new faces. This event started with discussion followed by inspiring music and a sermon from Doyle and Carolyn. Once again we experienced the presence of God. As the saints were immersed in the Spirit, Pastor Steven suggested that in these days if we listen closely we could hear the hoofs of the horses from the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. He mentioned this twice and pointed to the return of Christ Jesus. After the service about twenty-five people testified to twice hearing the horses galloping when Pastor Steven spoke about it. This was a powerful and dramatic sign for us all. Jesus our Savior, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords will return!
Christians in this church were loving and friendly. They indeed made us feel at home. One member dressed like a cowgirl to make a “Texan” feel at home. This community of faith reminded us of the words of John Wesley: “The world is my parish.” and an African proverb: “The world is my home.” (ulimwengu ni nyumbani). We praise God for the ministry of Steven and Micah which is characterized with signs and wonders. We learned that the local newspapers had reported the miracles performed by Steven- the healing of a cripple just as Peter did at the Beautiful Gate.
GATHERING OF NATIONS NOVEMBER 2-6, 2011. Taking into consideration all members of ANC, we felt that it would be cheaper and more convenient for the people from America, Asia, and Africa to meet in England for this event. Information of the exact venue will soon be available. In the meantime, please prepare by doing fundraising for the trip to cover food, airfare and lodging and to acquire necessary documents (such as a passport).And now… To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy-- to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen. Jude 24-25.
ALL NATIONS NEWS LETTER
February 2011“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers (and sisters) of mine, you did for me.” As the Lord continues to expand our boundaries and bring in more ministers and ministries, I am awed by the unity of Spirit. Amazingly, the Lord has given us the same focus. That is – reaching out to “the least” among us. I am overjoyed when I hear the reports about the feeding programs from our ministries in Kenya, Philippines, Pakistan and India, and about our prison ministry in the USA and Kenya. Even Bishop Doyle and Rev. Carolyn, despite their busy schedules, find time for ministering to immigrants in jail with a large number of them receiving Christ and in turn, they have taken the Gospel to their respective countries.
We have ministers who are visiting the sick. Rev. Mary Githiga routinely and voluntarily gives pastoral care to the sick and dying through the Hospice program. On December 23, I was given a precious gifts by the Rev. Debora Hoffman of the First Christian Church who cared for the children of our Seminarians. These gifts were so special because they were chosen by the children. Several weeks before Christmas, the Rev. Debora asked the students to bring the names of their children with their Christmas wish lists. As I knocked at the door of the first family, the whole clan came to the door. Their greeting was: “We saw you in Sudan on TV.” They reminded me that on the same day last year, Bishop Doyle and I were in Sudan where we were given a hero’s welcome. In the second home, as soon I brought the gifts, I was given a 9 month old baby to hold, while the two boys sat on my lap. Here I found two seminary students with a house guest. “This is our Obama”, bragged one of the Students. “No! He is more than Obama”, responded the other students, “Since he is a spiritual leader of Christians in many countries”. I felt affirmed. I saw the face of Christ in these children. The third home which I visited was the home of our priest. His wife had been hospitalized for a month, had just come home, and then readmitted again to the Hospital. As with the previous children, these children were more interested in Abuna (Sudanese name for Father) than they were in the gifts. They wanted a handshake and a hug. To this end we are most grateful to the First Christian Church for their hospitality and to all of you who are giving financial support and to those who are giving their time and energy in feeding the hungry and to those who are ministering to the children, to those who are visiting the sick and those in prison, and those who are receiving our Missionaries. Our Lord Jesus gave precious words for you: ‘”…Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’” Matthew 25:34-36 (for more information about these ministries visit www.allnationsanglican.com)
ALL NATIONS SEMINARY is registering students from several countries: Kenya, Philippines, Zambia and USA. Our Online and onsite allows students to move at their own pace. Two students completed the Master of Divinity programs and graduated on December 26. Archbishop Elias John Kombo, who graduated with honors, comes from a small community in Kenya, yet ministers to an entire Kenyan community and has churches in all the Provinces in Kenya. He was also awarded the Doctor of Divinity. The second graduate was Simon Aloak from Sudan who by receiving the M.Div , was promoted from a blue color job to being Director of Refugees Services in Amarillo, Texas. ++Doyle Volentine was awarded the D.D. We send congratulations to these students for their diligent work. We are delighted to report on the ever improving seminary website and the highly qualified faculty. For more information visit www.allnationseminary.comGlobally we received Bishop Santosh Thomas from North India who was appointed Director of Missions in North West India. Additionally, we received the Fourth Dimension International Charismatic Ministry in Brazil. This ministry, which was founded by Bishop Fabianos, developed from fellowships comprised of Anglican, Pentecostal, Baptist and Presbyterians. This ministry gives me a lot joy since I am a product of fellowships which were started and led by East African Revival brothers and sisters.
OVERSEAS MISSION
Pastor Bill McMahan was appointed as Director of Missions. We praise God for his experiences in Kairos, Promise keepers, his leadership in Medical missions and his skill as an Engineer.
UNITED KINGDOM: God willing, ++Doyle and Carolyn Volentine and I will be in the UK March 23-30. We plan a retreat and fellowship with bishops and pastors and to preach the Good News.
PHILIPPINES: May 11-18 2011: God willing, the schedule will include: feeding children at the dumpsite, medical mission, Revival crusades, visiting with the Mayor of Iligan city, Pastors’ conference with consecration of Bishop Elect Stephen and ordination of a priest and three deacons.
Finally, we thank you for reading this message. We also ask you for your prayers and generous financial support.
“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory and with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.” Jude 24, 25
Patriarch John
ALL NATIONS NEWS LETTER
July and August, 2010ANNIVERSARIES: July is for me, the month of anniversaries and rites of passage. It was on July 27 that I was born. Also in July on 07/27/07, All Nations Church was chartered as a Not For Profit Corporation in the State of Texas. On the same date the following year, we were granted 501, C, (3) by the Federal Government. On July 25, 2010 the ANAC Board of Directors elevated me as the Patriarch of ANC. Nevertheless, among all the wonderful events that have taken place in July, the most outstanding anniversary is July 13 when the Holy Trinity came in my heart. Fifty-two years ago, my brother Habel and I attended Revival Fellowship in a dimly lit house. I didn't know that Habel was there, but immediately after I had confessed my sin, I heard my elder brother who was in another room had also confessed his sin and committed himself to Christ. We started following Jesus just as Peter, Andrew, John and James. After being nurtured by the Revival brothers and sisters, we start the work of evangelists. We did house to house, street to street, open air preaching long before we had any formal training. During those days, the Spirit touched many people through us. We never counted them for we were never interested in numbers but only in being used by the Spirit of the Risen Lord. Heaven was my motivation. As I woke very early in the morning, my song was “One step to heaven is required. One step every day.” By this I meant that sharing the love of God with one person was a stairway to heaven.
For the last 52 years, I have been awed by the way the Lord has kept His promises with regard to His presence with us. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Mat 28:20 But you will received power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8. Not only were these promises fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, but in my walk with Jesus, I see them fulfilled every day. All these days that I have walked with God, I don't remember a time when I prayed for His presence without experiencing His presence right way. God has never told me to wait for His presence.
I have asked for other things which I either never got or I got after a long period of time, but the prayer for the infilling of the Holy Spirit has always been immediate. The Holy Spirit comes with authority and power for witnessing. God of all wisdom and power has enabled me to cross so many cultures. Each of these cultures has contributed enormously to my understanding of God, humanity and religion.
What is the secret of a fruitful ministry? Jesus has the answer: I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5. If we stay in Christ not only will we bear much fruit, but also the fruits we bear will remain for ever. One of the sources of the joys of heaven is meeting with the people whom we won for Christ or helped to grown in holiness or those who we brought to Christ through financial resources we gave to the missionaries and preachers.
MINISTRY IN LOWELL, MA was like a divine carnival. It gave us a golden opportunity of ministering to our own community, Kikuyu. We had to speak in English, Kikuyu and Swahili. This uplifting event was preceded by challenges; bad news, disappointment, and hurt. When we were in Dallas we got a call from our daughter Ray informing us that she was hurt at her work place and she had taken a medical leave. We receive travel benefits through her employment with the airlines. With the necessity of her going on medical leave, our tickets were no good. For that reason, we had two choices, return to Amarillo or go to her home. For a moment we didn't know what to do. The airplane to Boston was already overbooked, so we spent a night in Dallas with our niece, Mary, (where we had a great time). On the following day, our niece Mary took us to the airport to catch the earliest plane (which we missed within minutes). On the second plane, there was only one seat and so we have to make another difficult decision: Who is going first? I told Mary, “You have to go.” “No, you are the officiate, so you have to go.” As I was boarding the plan, I felt so uncomfortable leaving Mary behind. My plane was to arrive in Boston at 9:20 p.m. When I was in St. Louis, Mary called and told me that she was in Houston boarding the plane which was to arrive in Boston at 6.00 p.m. I was thrilled! At 10:30 I arrived at the home of The Rev. Samuel and Margret Kimuhu. Mary was already there! The large crowd included a large number of priests. There was a lot of energy as we feasted late at night. At 11:30 John (our nephew) and his wife Josephine took us to their home where we were to stay.
On Saturday, I was a celebrant at the renewal of the marriage vow of Samuel and Margret. The event was spectacular. It included praise and worship, dancing in the spirit, and a lavish meal.
On Sunday August 1st, Mary and I ministered the word to a Presbyterian church which was planted by our two nephews three year ago. We were surprised by the growth of this church and the high degreed of participation in worship. The service included liturgical dance performed by children and youth, songs by great musicians and praying in the Spirit. Surprisingly, this wonderful congregation owns the sanctuary.
In the afternoon, we had the ordination of John Mwaniki and Horace Kamau. The large crowd included 21 priests and three bishops. A good number of the priest ministered with me when I was in Kenya before we came to the US. The service included praise and worship and there was a heavy anointing of the Holy Spirit.
This event was following by visiting the home of Rev. Gerald Wahome whose mother-in-law had died in Kenya only a few days previously. The house was filled with Christians who had come to comfort and provide fundraising. Again, I was asked to give the word of consolation. At 10:00 p.m. we were in John's home. At about 11:00 p.m. ,Samuel, John and Horace came to bid us farewell and to give us precious gifts. Before we went to bed our nephew Moses called to find out when we are leaving. “Tomorrow.” I responded. He told us,“That ticked must be canceled. You have not had time with the families.” We were surprised when we were at the ticket desk on Monday to find that our tickets were already canceled and the other affordable tickets required that we fly on Tuesday. So we were back to John and Josephine who prepared a feast for the families. We had a very rewarding fellowship with the primary group which included grandchildren, nephews, nieces and a grandpa. We stayed together until late at night. The following day we flew back to Amarillo.
In reflection, the Christians in Lowell, MA are very much like the early church who “devoted themselves to the Apostle's teaching and the fellowship, and to the breaking of bread and prayer...they broke bread in theirs homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47
THE MINISTRY IN THE GATHERING OF THE NATIONS in Arizona was just as rewarding as that of Lowell, MA. This included priestly ordination of Joseph Donvito of ACTS Messianic Congregation and deaconate ordination of Ron Jones from Grafted Messianic Ministries. This took place on August 14th 2010 at the Grace Community Church in Tempe, Arizona. The liturgy included praise and worship, praying in Spirit, Jewish liturgical dance and blowing of the shofar, Holy Eucharist, the sermon and a wonderful meal. There was an overwhelming feeling of joy in joining our Jewish and Christian heritages with the presence of the Holy Spirit,
On Sunday we had a retreat for Fr. Joseph and Deacon Ron and Mary Jones. This was followed by the Bible group which met at the Cunningham's wonderful home. The group was inclusive with singles, married couples, Anglos, Japanese and African Americans. Additionally, we spent time with Fr. Briggs working on the All Nation’s website. We are most grateful to Briggs for building the website, also for Archdeacon Joe for maintaining the website and to Stacy for her kind hospitality.
Freedom of expression is the unique ethos of the Gathering of Nations. Everyone was free to express what was on their minds and hearts. This helped me to know and to connect with these lovely people of God. Thanks also to Archdeacon Joe and Mother Marlene for their ministry.
GLOBALLYwe have received three new communities within the All Nation’s family: 1)the Rev. Joropalli V. Srikanth of the Great Commission Gospel Ministries in Hyderabad, India, with his 6 churches, 4 pastors and an orphanage and 2) Pastor Neelan Suvarnaraju of Faith Gospel Ministries of Bangalore, India with his 14 churches who work with the poor Yanadi tribe, with 25 orphans and 15 widows living on the street who have been rejected by their families. For more information visit www.agcma.org and 3) Bishop Emmanuel Elangovern with his 300 pastors located all over India, 27 children in an orphanage, ministering to 3000 people and the Bethel Bible Institute emmanuelindia@gmail.com .FINALLY we humbly praise God for giving us the will and energy to fulfill the Great Commission and for owning the Great Promise: But you shall received power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.
By now you might be asking: How can I help? Please send you tax deductible check to All Nations Anglican Church, P.O. Box 19805, Amarillo, TX 79114, USA. Your precious gifts will be highly appreciated.
In Christ love, Patriarch John
The Board of Directors, matter of great importance!
To All Bishops and Clergy of All Nations Church,
We are writing on behalf of the Board of Directors about the matter of great importance. It was noted with great appreciation and thanksgiving that ANC is growing in leaps and bounds and that the number of the members is nearly a QUARTER OF A MILLION and that we are in 16 countries. It was also noted that while we have a great deal of numbers we don’t have much financial support. It was therefore resolved that all the Archbishops, bishops, and the clergy in all 16 countries have to participate in giving financial support.
The Board highly recommended the resolution which was made by the House of Bishops on September 15, 2009 .It was resolved that: “In as much as the giving of money is a real symbol of affiliation, fellowship, and commitment, it is our solemn recommendation that all ANC clergy and congregations give regularly, consistently, and substantially to the work of ANC; keeping in mind that the TITHE is the commonly accepted Biblical standard of giving 10% to which all Christians should strive.”Your tithes and offerings are essential to the work of the greater church. Administrative costs, travel expenses, missions support all rely on your faithfulness. The clergy tithe, the bishop tithe, and congregational tithes may be sent to All Nations Anglican Church, PO Box 19805 Amarillo, TX 79114 Phone: 1-806-476-0013 bishopjoni@yahoo.com
Tithing is not only an Old Covenant command, but also a New Testament blessing and privilege. We look on tithing as our privilege to contribute to the Lord’s work. And it is your tithe and offering which will enable us to move to the next level
In God’s Service, David Brister M. D., Susan Sanborn Treasurer, Secretary
MISSION TO KENYA
May 28 - June 25, 2010The Lord gave us a clear vision as we set out for our mission to Kenya. We were to lead a retreat for pastors and to consecrate the shepherds of the flocks. The Lord assured us that He is our Great Shepherd and that He will provide for us and uses us to empower the shepherds whom He had prepared before the creation to lead His sheep. The guiding scriptures came from Ezekiel 34:11-15 God promised: “I Myself will search for my sheep and seek them out....I will feed them in good pasture”. As with David, we were assured that “The Lord is my Shepherd.” God also promised: “And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and my mind, and I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever. The Lord fulfilled these promises far beyond our expectation. All the events were like a divine carnival. We were fed spiritually even before delivering the message.
AT LINANA HIGH we experienced God’s mighty presence as 1200 young men were singing and dancing in the Lord. We were awed by the ministry of the chaplain Edward Etale, our Seminary Student. Both Mama Rehema and I gave the message to very attentive students. We sang for them “The Lord is my shepherd” in Swahili. After the service we enjoy hospitality from chaplain Etale. After the service we joined Bishop Ruth and Lisa Wong at the ordination of Martha Muzungu. This event was marked with joy. Martha and her congregation were very much like the name of their ministry- Joy Land Ministries. Delicious lunch included cutting ordination cake which Rev. Martha fed to the congregation as the bride would feed the bridegroom. I have never seen anything like it!
Retreat for pastors followed. The topic which was covered included fruitfulness in ministry, divine healing and knowing your rights in Christ. There was praise and worship. The event concluded with a healing service which was conducted by Bishop Ruth and Archbishop Elias John. Most of the pastors were bi-vocational. The majority of them were teachers Following the retreat, Bishop Ruth and I taught seminary students. Bishop Ruth lectured on Spiritual Formation, while I taught Anthropological approaches to Pastoral Care. The students were eager and interactive.
CONSECRATION of Bishop George Musandile and Bishop Stanley Karanja was a momentous occasion. George and his wife oversee the Five Fold Church in Zambia, while +Stanley and Margret oversee the Kingdom Builders Network which concentrate on reaching out to teachers and head students. We praise God for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit! We were very much impressed by the spirituality of these bishops and their wives. They are indeed a great gift to the church.
ENTHRONEMENT AND CONSECRATION Of ++Elias John Combo was a musical festival! ++Elias, being a children’s musician, he had planned the service to start with praise and worship. The service, which was held in the University of Nairobi, attracted a large crowd. Elias was consecrated as Archbishop of the Vision Evangelic Ministries and All Nations Province of Equatorial Africa. ++Elias brings to All Nations gifts of healing. He preaches the Gospel with manifestation of signs and wonders, particularly in healing and deliverance. He has planted churches in all seven provinces of Kenya and has a ministry in Norway.
On Monday, ++Elias took the mission team to the Nairobi Game park. We enjoyed seeing all kinds of animals. The most impression was a lion and lioness, who comfortably laid on the middle of the road as thou they were posing for a camera. As we drove closer and closer to them, they refused to move from the road and were expecting us to drive on the roadside. As we watched them lying fearlessly, they reminded us of the Lion of Judah, and that with Jesus (the Lion of Judah) we can smile at the storm. They reminded me of several times that I heard Jesus saying “It is I. Do not be afraid.”
On Tuesday ++Elias took us to Masai Land. We were given a hero’s welcome by the Masai who slaughtered a goat for us. Symbolically, this was an act of giving the very self. We enjoyed delicacies before the service. In the church, we were culturally and spiritually enriched by the Masai in their traditional attires. Before preaching, they prepared our hearts with praise and worship. When preaching, we were affirmed by hand clapping. We left Masai Land rejoicing in the Lord who bonded us with Masai. On the way to Nairobi, we had a flat tire in a small village. As we were working on the vehicle, two Kikuyu young men came and told us that they wanted to commit themselves to God. Mary and I delightfully led them to Christ.
On Wednesday, ++Elias took us to Ichichi, the place where I was born. The road was bumpy and hilly. We were totally surprised by the Holy Spirit in this church which is pastored by my Nephew, Stephen Mbatia. We were given a warm welcome by the congregation which included my brother, sisters and old friends. Bishop Ruth and Lisa were well received. There was heavy anointing and divine healing as ++Elias made an alter call. I have never seen this happen at Ichichi. To crown it all,+Elias asked the anointed worshipers to come and shake my hand. Each person shook my hand and placed shillings which amounted to Ksh 750($10), which was a lot money for Ichichian. We felt loved, affirmed and energized.
On Friday June 11, we drove to Nakuru, Mary's birthplace. Saturday we ministered to the Congregation of Yahweh which is under the oversight of Pastor Susan, wife of The Rev. John Mwaniki. We were once again awed by the Holy Spirit in the way the congregation (which was all Kikuyu, my community) worshiped in the Spirit and in Truth and at the same time claim our Jewish heritage. They preferred to address God as Yahweh and Jesus as Yoshua. Interestingly, there is parallel between Jewish and Kikuyu heritages. For both, the fig tree is a national symbol. The very meaning of the name Kikuyu is “the people of the fig tree.” For both, circumcision is the means of becoming a full member of the community.
On the afternoon of the same day, we went to Kiti, Nakuru, to minister with Sudanese under the oversight of ++John Thon. We were given a cordial welcome. The Lost Boys who were clad with white shirts and black pants, performed Christian dance with a lot of wit and prepared the congregation for the message. Bishop Ruth had the message of encouragement for women, which was well received. After the service, we were served with Sudanese traditional cuisine.
On Sunday, Bishop Ruth and I went to St. Nicholas church, which I planted 36 year ago. This church birthed several parishes. It holds three services; English, Swahili and Sudanese. The church seats the St. Nicholas Children home, which I started 44 years ago. This church is my joy and my crown. We had come on Saturday to inform the Vicar that we are in the city and would like to give a message. Before the Service commenced, however, Bishop Ruth and I were called to the vestry and informed that we cannot preach, but can only greet people and sit in the congregation. We were invited during the announcements. +Ruth spoke for 3 minutes. When I stood, I spoke briefly for three minutes about how we started. On the forth minute, I was served with a note “time to stop”. I then quickly remembered Paul's words: “awe unto me if I do not preach the Gospel” So I quickly told the innocent audience about the secret of fruitful ministry which is recorded in John 15:5; Our Master says “I am the vine your are the branches..He who abides in me and I him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
After this Bishop Ruth and Lisa Wong departed for Nairobi while Mary and I were left visiting with families and friends. On same day, we worshiped in Nakuru Cathedral where I was ordained deacon and priest. Here we were well received and were given a chance to give report about our ministry. We had a blessed meeting with the Bishop of Nakuru and his wife, old friends and the member of our family. The whole service, which included wedding, was uplifting.
Interestingly, although obviated from ministering at St. Nicholas, the following day, boys who had lived in the St. Nicholas Childrens Home, found their way to a home where we were invited. These lovely children of God are musicians who call themselves “St. Nicholas Harmonies”. They sang for us and expressed their appreciation. “We are most grateful for you starting St. Nicholas.”, said one of the boys. “If it were not for you, we couldn't be what we are.” These fruitful children have produce a CD entitle “Jesus is the Answer.” They eagerly listened to the story of how we started the home in 1966 and the church in 1974. They enjoyed immensely spending time with their “spiritual grandparents”.
We spent our last week in Kenya visiting with families in Nakuru, Nairobi and Ichichi. The word which the Lord gave us during our fellowship with the families was from Proverb 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversary.” We praise our Heavenly Father for giving us brothers and sisters who are both friends and prayer partners. We also praise God for all our Christian friends who prayed for us and gave financial support for the ministry.
May God bless you and supply your needs according to his riches in glory! Patriarch John Githiga
PATRIARCH JOHN AND ARCHBISHOP DOYLE
MISSION TO KENYA AND SUDAN 2010We are most grateful to God for sending Bishop Doyle and me on mission to Kenya and Sudan and to all the people of God who supported us in prayer and funding. The Lord gave us a clear vision. We were assured by the Holy Spirit that we would be empowered to teach and equip the saints for the ministry. The loving Father had promised us power, not strength so that His power would be made perfect in our weakness. Upon our landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on December 16, we were met by Archbishop John Thon who escorted us to the Anglican Church of Kenya Guest house. Before we had recovered from jetlag, Bishop-Elect Stanley Karanja and the Rev. Daniel Muindi, Principal of Global Theological College, met with us to discuss the establishment of All Nations College, Kenya campus. I was awed by the way we agreed on many things, even though we were meeting Stanley and Daniel for the first time. After the meeting, my brother Bishop Gideon and brother-in-law Sammy came and drove us to my sister-in-law Margaret's home for supper. After enjoying our supper, we drove to Bishop's Court in Thika and had a lovely time with Gideon's family.
ALL NATIONS COLLEGE-KENYA CAMPUS
On the 17th of December, we read and signed a memorandum of agreement and collaboration. We agreed to form a new institution called ALL NATIONS COLLEGE-KENYA CAMPUS and that we will work together as one unified team with the same goal and purpose of establishing a new college for training and equipping the saints for global mission. We agreed that the College will start classes on February 10, 2010. We paid $4,016.00 to cover Global College rent arrears for November and December 2009 and to cover six months' rent for January to June, 2010 and for preparation of billboards and brochures. By the time we returned from Sunday (01/01/10), Rev. Muindi and Stanley had already made two billboards and the brochures for All Nations College. We rejoiced for the work which was done within a short period of time.
EMPOWERMENT CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
The objective of the conference was to empower believers, most of whom had experienced post- election crises, and to encourage them to move from the spirit of victims to victors. The theme was YOU SHALL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME UPON YOU AND YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESSES TO THE END OF THE EARTH. We were expecting a give-and-take process. We were blessed and surprised by the mature and Spirit-filled pastors chosen by Bishop-elect Stanley. The pastors, who included Bishop-elect George Musandile from Zambia, both motivated and inspired the participants. We fed on the promises in the book of Isaiah: Fear not, for I am with you be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (41:10) We were assured of God's guidance: And I will lead the blind in the way they know not, in the path they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into the level ground. These are the things that I will do and I will not forsake them. (42:16) On the 19th of December, Bishop Gideon and his driver took us to Nairobi airport and dropped us at the station where we were to board Jetlink. The ladies at the desk complained that our electronic tickets were not in their computer. To solve the problem to their satisfaction, they decided to cut a portion of my ticket for their records. In the meantime, Bishop Doyle was feeling very ill and we were looking for a place where he could sit. Eventually, we boarded Jetlink. The majority of the passengers were Sudanese. I sat with a Sudanese who spoke English and Swahili. We had a lovely conversation. After one hour and forty-five minutes we were in Juba, South Sudan. The airport appeared more primitive than any airport I have seen. The baggage was carried by a trailer which was pulled by a tractor. Each passenger had to identify his baggage as the bags were being downloaded from the trailer. Then the bags were marked by the customs official. We were so delighted to see Archbishop Thon who was our guide for 12 days and who took us to Citizen United Lodge. as we drove, we saw that Juba is a city under construction. the roads were being paved. Yet, most of them were dirt roads. In the lodge, we were blessed to be in a facility with bed, mosquito nets, and an outside bathroom and toilet without a commode or running water. We had to bathe from a bucket. Bishop Thon had a small tent. Here found we were living in both ancient and modern times. The next day we had to minister before breakfast. At 9:00 a.m. we were in an open-air congregation which was full of spiritual energy. The service was in Dinka (also in South Sudan). As it was hot, two women fanned us with pieces of cloth during the lengthy service. Bishop Doyle and I preached. We were given messages of encouragement and healing. These lovely Christians told us, "Bishop Thon loves us and we love him." Immediately after the ministry of the word, they dramatized their love by washing our feet and hands. They anointed us with expensive perfume. I have never experienced such love. This sacred ritual continued until 3:30 p.m. We were full of power, but because we had not eaten breakfast, we were becoming extremely weak. We remembered Jesus' words at the well with the Samaritan woman, "I have food to eat of which you do not know." At 5:00 p.m. we had our breakfast, lunch and supper. This was a great sacrifice for Bishop Doyle who, being a diabetic, is supposed to have a small meal every four hours. In this time of physical weakness, we remembered the words of our Lord, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." On Monday we were scheduled to meet with President Salva Kir, but he had to go to Khartoum. So, we visited the monument dedicated to John Garang, the first vice-president of Sudan. We continued to sight- see important Sudanese sites in Juba, such as the Nile River. On the next day, we chartered a MAF flight from Juba to Duk, Southern Sudan. The passengers included the family of Bishop Thon and his Diocesan Staff. As the aircraft was landing on the unpaved road, we were awed by the jubilant sounds and gestures of a large number of Christians who were awaiting us. This included a musical band. We rode in a government vehicle to the cathedral compound where we found another huge crowd. We were asked to greet the people. Bishop Doyle had to speak first. It was so hot and Bishop Doyle was not feeling well. After saying a few words, he experienced heat exhaustion. Two men led him to a small hut while I continued speaking to the congregation. I was so scared-since we were in a place which appeared to be the end of the earth-no paramedic, no hospital, no running water, no electricity, no telephone services. I made my message brief so I could find out what was happening to Brother Doyle. I was relieved when I found him with two women and Deacon Michael nursing him, wetting his head, shoulders and hands and fanning him with wet handkerchiefs. After visiting with Doyle, I was led to my hut which was the same size as his. The huts were circular, big enough for a single bed, had two small vents and a 3X4 foot unsecured door. Bishop Doyle was too hot in his hut and therefore his bed was moved outside for him to sleep under the stars and a mosquito net. Three men slept with us in the same compound in small tents. About 50 young people slept in an adjoining compound. We were never alone. At night, we were visited by small creatures such as lizards, bugs and birds. The young people had to entertain and guard us. On December 24th, we had the major worship service. By 7:30 a.m. there were 700 people seated at the cathedral compound waiting for the service to begin at 8:30 a.m. The worshippers expressed their jubilance as four bishops processed with the clergy and the lay leaders. By this time, there were 2000 people. Each person had to come with his own chair. The church service started with a song, "Onward Christian Soldiers Marching As to War". The first part of the service was conducted in the Dinka language. The second part of the service, the Enthronement of the Archbishop, was conducted in English. Women, youth, and children sang to the glory of God with Christian songs. As I looked at the youth, I shed tears, remembering that I had seen these youth and the cathedral compound in a dreams two years ago. Before Bishop Doyle and I preached, ten people gave their testimony. This included a Member of Parliament. Their testimonies were about who they are, their history, and how they had undergone tribulation. God gave us a message of encouragement and affirmation. We preached about Jesus who was born in a manger. The congregants were, however, more interested in us than our word. After the message, so many people came and knelt for healing. Bishop Doyle was praying seated as I was laying hands on the people. The service lasted four hours. On Christmas Day we had morning and evening services. On Saturday, we had another open air service at the public square, which included in attendance the chief, a member of parliament and the soldiers. Twelve persons spoke before we gave our messages. I was awed by discovering there were so many connecting threads between me and the Sudanese. Like them, I grew up in the battle field. My youth was spent during the Mau Mau emergency in Kenya and I and my family, along with many others, had been greatly persecuted. I now understand why for 8 years my wife and I have spent long hours reaching out to the Sudanese in Amarillo, Texas, U.S.A. We do this ministry at great expense and sacrifice, including the personal loss of a job as campus minister and the Vicar of an affluent University church. We are ever grateful to God for finding us worthy to suffer for and with the persecuted church. After the service we were driven to the compound by a Parliamentary Member in the government vehicle. We were visited by so many people at the compound who shared their stories. The most vivid visit was by three women who dressed as my mother used to dress fifty years ago. The spokeswoman asked:"How did you ever dream to visit this place, a place which God created and then forgot all about? In this place, since the creation of the world, we women have never gone to school. We have never seen people from another country. So we appreciate you very much. The women requested three things 1) adult education 2) a well so that they don't travel miles to fetch water 3) and grinding mills. We also had time to meet with the governor of Jonglei state. We attended his public meeting in which he was making an appeal to the citizens to surrender their guns to the government. I thought that the Governor was "preaching to the choir." But, when I asked a 6'2" sixteen year old youth what he thought about the appeal, he said, "I have three guns. I will surrender one to the government and keep two for my protection." On Monday and Tuesday we had a clergy conference. The clergy were very receptive. Since we intended to have a give- and- take process, the teaching included discussion and questions and answers. We concluded the conference with reaffirming the ordination vows and anointing hands with the holy oil. Our time in Duk was marked with honor, exaltation, and hospitality. A he-goat and three bulls were slaughtered for us. Financial need was also great and far beyond our budget. By the day we were to be in Juba we only had $125 for incidentals. Yet, the $100.00 bill was printed in 1996 and this was unacceptable either in Kenya or Sudan. We were in Juba at 9:30 a.m. to board the plane which was to depart at 10:30. To our greatest disappointment, we were told that our tickets did not appear in their computer and we must purchase another ticket for $604. The young woman at the desk called upper management and everything was negative. We continued negotiations at 6 p.m. At this time all planes had departed and the airport was closing. Bishop Doyle was very sick. With 80 Sudanese pounds between us we had to hire a taxi to go to the Citizen United Lodge where the fee to stay there would be $50.00 a night for each of us. We were not sure if we would find Archbishop Thon who had been staying at Citizen United Lodge. The taxi driver followed the ticket lady and he told us she had ordered him to follow her. Eventually, we found ourselves downtown at the office of Jetlink. Behind the desk was the lady with whom we had talked all daylong and had told us our tickets were not found. At this time we were too tired, exhausted and hungry for negative news. The lady told us it was going to be impossible to get tickets. She gave us a printout that indicated our tickets had been denied. I finally persuaded her that we needed to call our travel agent in the U.S. A. Miraculously, our U.S.A. travel agent answered the phone and received the call. After speaking with our agent, I asked to talk to the manager. The name of the Lord be praised. We were told that our problems had been solved, but there was no flight on New Year's Day and we would have to wait to fly out on January 2, 2010. Our taxi driver took us to Citizen United. When we asked him how much he was charging, he said, "You are men of God. Give me whatever you want." I gave him 40 Sudanese pounds ($20.00). And, he was contented. We were delighted to see Archbishop Thon, but my beloved Bishop Doyle had to live another day on an empty stomach. He was very sick. I was now concerned as to whether I would be bringing him to the U.S. alive. We prayed for divine intervention. I was most grateful to God for keeping Doyle through the night. On New Year's Day we received calls from my wife, Mary and Bishop Doyle's wife, Carolyn. It was like an oasis in the desert. Their voices were sweeter than honey. Our New Year's resolution was simple. Look for a place where we could get a good breakfast and rest the whole day. We walked to Matumizi Lodge which was about 200 yards. The facility is owned by a European who is married to a Kenyan. We had eggs, sausage, toast and coffee. I was delighted to see Bishop Doyle eating. A fan and TV with CNN broadcasting made us feel at home. We stayed there for four hours. I was, however, concerned about the bill since we had only 40 Sudanese pounds. Luckily, the money was enough with 20 Sudanese pounds left. Nevertheless, we had no money for paying the lodging. I then asked Archbishop Thon to take care of that and he gave us $50 for single entry visa to Kenya. On January 2nd at 8:30 a.m. we were at the Juba airport. Is it going to turn to Juba poverty? Yes! When we were going through customs, we were required to pay $90.00 for a tax (even though we had already paid airport taxes with our tickets). In addition , they charged us $10.00 for photocopying our passports. By now we had only $70.00. We have now learned to bargain like refugees. I told the custom official that we only had $70.00. The officer became angelic and told me that he is going to pay the remaining balance. While we are now free to board the plane, we have no money for visa in Nairobi and for hiring a taxi to brother Gideon's home. In flight, I was seated by James, an American Sudanese, who was transiting in Nairobi before proceeding to the U.S. After having a friendly conversation, I asked him whether I could trade the 1996/ $100.00 note for $50.00 He told me that he has only one $100.00 acceptable note and that he will accept the deal once we get to the customs. James is now our angel. We are now looking for the second miracle for money for hiring a taxi to Bishop Gideon's house. As we were taking our baggage from the Nairobi airport, I was thrilled to see Peter, Gideon's driver, who had come for us. The Bishop's court now appeared as a palace. We enjoyed hospitality from Gideon's wife Mary and their daughter Joyce. Although, I didn't get sick when we were in Sudan, I started having fever and problems with allergies and coughing so that by the morning of the 3rd, I had lost my voice. This time Bishop Doyle was my doctor. He served me with allergy tablets and Mucinex. We prayed that I may have a voice as I was expected to speak on the Countrywide Radio. We started the day with Bible reading and devotion and then we had a rest. On the 4th, I had regained my voice, even though, I was still sick. In the afternoon, Stanley and I drove to Nairobi where I was to speak and be interviewed by two young women, probably in their 20's, on the church and homosexuality. The interview went well and the message was broadcast to 1.5 million people. The message was reported to have been well-received. In conclusion, we can say that in all the things we came through, God was in control and we know he had our best interest at heart. By being in Sudan for 12 days, we were able to develop an empathic understanding, not only for the Sudanese, but also the people of God who had undergone such tribulation. Better still, the Lord strengthened the bond between Bishop Doyle and myself. For twelve days, we had no mirror (something which we take for granted) and so we were mirrors for each other. we indeed owned a Great Promise, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be my witnesses..to the end of the earth." Better still, we had a beatific experience, "Blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom of God...Blessed are you when you hunger for righteousness, for you shall be satisfied." Our experience has a lesson for us all. When God calls and sends us, He also provides us with a guiding star. And as it was with the wise men, we must boldly follow even when it gets dark. As the saying goes, "To be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your own path, and don't worry about the darkness, for that is when the stars shine the brightest."oooo Patriarch John Githiga
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May God richly bless you, Patriarch John Githiga