Foreign Missions: Kenya, Africa
Nakuru, The Unfinished Task
On March 12, 2006, Bishop Thomas, along with Ministers Rhonda Ruffner and Bena Washington joined a group of other committed missionaries bound for West Africa to carry out the great commission, “go therefore and make disciples of all nations”. Their destination was Nakuru, Kenya.
After eighteen hours of nearly nonstop flying, the plane finally landed in Nakuru, a remote village in Kenya where their host, Pastor Paul Muema anxiously awaited their arrival.
Traveling to a third world continent was not a first for some of the missionaries as Bishop Thomas, Pastor Nathan Butler of the Righteous Church of God in Washington, DC, and several other missionaries traveled to Hyderabad, India in 2004. But for others, the 10-day excursion would be their first in a foreign land and an eye opening experience, an opportunity to perform hands-on, in-your-face ministry. This was not a trip of safaris, tribal rituals, and white water rafting, but an opportunity to preach and teach the infallible word of God to a nation desperate to receive the word.
Excitement permeated the air nightly as the group preached the word of God and spoke words of encouragement to throngs of people who traveled many miles either by foot or some other mode of transportation to hear the Gospel. Although there had been rumors of political unrest in the area, no one was swayed and remained determined to share the Gospel because the fields were plentiful and ripe for harvest.
While in Nakuru, Bishop Thomas met John and Beth Isoe, a young husband and wife team, who served in the ministry. Pastor Isoe said he often preaches all day without the aide of a microphone until his voice is hoarse because he didn’t have the money to buy such a precious commodity. Their resources are so meager, yet their vision is clear to preach the gospel when it is convenient and when it is not.
Upon his return, Bishop Thomas shared Pastor Isoe’s story with the congregation and the members immediately adopted this couple, making it possible for Pastor Isoe to purchase the much needed audio equipment. Since then their congregation has tripled in size because people can now comfortably hear the precious words of life. In the fall of 2007, we also assisted the ministry in the purchase of three acres of land upon which to build their first church structure.
This was a life changing experience because it changed the lives of the people the missons team served as well as the lives of those who served. And we are still committed to continuing our support to provide financial aide and other resources such as medical supplies, Bibles and emergency relief.
If you would like to join our ministry in supporting this worthy cause, please send your donation of any amount to: Highview Christian Fellowship, Attn: Kenya Action Plan, 4100 Hunt Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22032.
Thank you and may God bless your generosity.
