CDM Africa (Kenya) Newsletter
Dear Prayer Partners and Supporters,
Warm greetings from CDM Kenya! We’re excited to share with you the latest updates from our recent activities and engagements as we press forward in our mission to empower and equip leaders for an effective ministry.
It is estimated that 90 percent of church pastors in Africa have no formal biblical and theological training. As a result, false doctrines and syncretistic expressions of the Christian faith are rampant throughout Africa. Have you heard of the Shakahola massacre in Malindi, Kenya? In the incident, over 600 people were murdered due to false teaching. They were starved to death, and others were brutally killed “so that they could see Jesus”.
That’s why CDM is in Africa – to offer solid training to local pastors through the iTIM program and equip them for ministry. This includes imparting knowledge about the Gospel of Christ and helping them to discern and address false doctrines, such as the Shakahola massacre in Malindi, Kenya.
(Please watch the video report for more details)
I. iTIM – Central Region
1. GGBC iTIM Training
Gospel Garden Bible College (GGBC) is a missionary school that has trained local pastors and has planted over 40 churches in Kenya. It is also affiliated with Gospel Garden Church of Kenya (GGCK), whose senior pastor is Rev. Shalom, a Korean Missionary, and the GGBC School Principal. On February 22, 2024, Rev. Gong, along with our certified study leader Pastor Hongo and Pastor Samuel were hosted by Rev. Shalom to conduct the iTIM Seminar, which was attended by 20 enthusiastic evangelists ready to be equipped for deeper discipleship. After the seminar, we added them to our online system so that they could independently continue with the iTIM studies in their own churches.
2. GGCK iTIM Preaching
On March 17, 2024, Rev. Gong and his wife Missionary Jane were also invited to speak at GGCK. The service was supplemented by an inspiring testimony shared by Missionary Jane titled “Resurrection from the Dead,” and Rev. Wenhui Gong delivered a sermon titled “Salvation to be Experienced” from the first chapter of the Christianity 101 iTIM study book. No matter what setting of the Christian life we are, mastery of the basics is essential to success. Christianity 101 covers a lot of the basics, and Lesson 1 puts the most basic subject of all under the microscope: SALVATION.
It’s important for all of Christ’s team members to understand this term. More significantly, it’s a word that must be experienced before one can be a part of His team! The congregation and seminary students got to know from the message: The word salvation means “deliverance.” It suggests that we’re in some type of danger and need to be snatched away, to be brought to a place of safety. The solution is Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1Cor 2:2) “For He has rescued us from the dominion of the darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins! (Col 1:1314)
II. iTIM – Nyanza Region
1. Sindo iTIM training Center
On March 7, 2024, our LTM team visited the Nyanza region of Kenya, specifically Homabay County. First station is Sindo, where we planted a local church and established an iTIM training center 6 years ago. You may have know some background of Sindo, a small town on the shores of Suba in Homa Bay County, could be likened to a smaller version of the infamous biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The town is known for illicit sexual affairs, alcoholism, prostitution, and other acts of debauchery. It’s no surprise that Sindo is among the towns with high rates of HIV/AIDS infections in the country, so there is a significant need to equip the local pastors with the tools and skills to lead the local people from sin into the light of Christ Jesus.
The iTIM training center in Sindo equips local pastors and supports orphans in the community. CDM Administrative worker Daniel Hosea and our certified study leader Pastor Kennedy Radara conducted an iTIM seminar at Sindo Inland Baptist Church for 20 local pastors from the Church Leaders Association. They also engaged the participants in group discussions on Christianity 101. We prayed that, with solid training and skills, the pastors could positively impact the community so that the culture and worldview can be transformed.
2. New Field Mfangano Island
Our mission director, Rev. Gong, and his wife, Jane, extended their visit to Mfangano Island, situated in the eastern part of Lake Victoria, Kenya. Spanning 65 square kilometers with an estimated population of 30,000, Mfangano Island hosts the largest population of Olusuba or Suba language speakers in Kenya. The primary religions practiced by the locals include African traditional beliefs, Catholicism, Pentecostalism, and Seventh-day Adventism.
The primary purpose of our visit was to gain a deeper understanding of the Suba tribe’s culture and context. We conducted numerous interviews with local people and actively participated in their community activities to gather valuable insights into their way of life. Through this participatory observation, we acquired significant information about the community.
Furthermore, this work also serves as an example of case study for our seminary students, teaching them how to reach and contextualize the gospel for a new tribe. This study is invaluable for their future ministry, equipping them with cultural sensitivity and effective communication skills to evangelize a tribal people and make disciples of Christ among them.
(Please see the video report)
We discovered that the Suba people have a unique perspective on the integration of traditional culture and Christianity, which is crucial for understanding and respecting their beliefs and values. Additionally, they face various challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare resources, and a lack of employment opportunities.
Our ultimate goal is contextualization, aiming to share the gospel in a way that resonates with their cultural context and worldview. To achieve this goal, we plan to initiate an iTIM Seminar in mid-June as a first practical step, hopefully 40 local pastors from the 3 Christianity denominations participate in it.
In conclusion, our work on4 Mfangano Island is not just about spreading the gospel but also about nurturing future theological leaders and missionaries who can effectively proclaim the gospel in diverse cultural settings, leading more people to experience God’s love and salvation. We pray that through these efforts, God can use us to bring about fundamental changes in their cultural and worldview perspectives into biblical ones.
3. Kisumu County
During our return journey to the mission station CDM House, we felt guided by the Spirit to revisit Kisumu, where we had the privilege of meeting Pastor Kennedy Radara. Pastor Radara is not only an iTIM Certified Leader but also a local teacher at Alendu High School. During our discussions, Pastor Radara shared us his using iTIM studies at both the school and his church.
Excitingly and encouraging, the iTIM study has already commenced at the school, with 60 enthusiastic students in 3 groups, engaging discussions centered around Christianity 101, leading by the school chaplain and 2 other teachers, also our certified study leaders. These discussions take place once a week on Thursdays. Despite encountering challenges related to insufficient study materials, Pastor Radara and his team’s dedication is truly commendable. Their commitment exemplifies the spirit of discipleship outlined in our iTIM Operation Manual.
Moreover, Pastor Radara proposed extending the iTIM approach beyond his immediate sphere of influence. He aims to share his experiences and insights with colleagues in other high schools and intends to organize iTIM seminars for local pastors in the Nyanza Region.
We are optimistic about the potential impact of these initiatives. We anticipate that the students and community church pastors involved will be equipped to effectively engage with their communities and the younger generation, spreading the transformative message of the Gospel. For more detailed information, please refer to the comprehensive report provided by Pastor Kennedy Radara.( See Report and Proposal, contact us for password)
III. iTIM – Eastern Region
1. Visit to Pastor James’s Home in Kyuso Village
On March 26, 2024, our CDM administrative worker, Daniel, and local supporting coworker, Pastor Samuel, embarked on a significant journey to Kyuso village in Kitui County, furthering our commitment to supporting our iTIM leaders. Kyuso Village stands out for its underdevelopment and semi-arid climate, attributed to irregular rainfall patterns. The living conditions in Kyuso paint a sobering picture of hardship, with basic homesteads and lacking proper sanitation facilities.
During our visit, we assessed the progress of burial arrangements for Pastor James’s late wife, who tragically passed away in March 2024. The final rites took place on April 6th, adding to the weight of Pastor James’ responsibilities. He is the head of a large family, including eight children, three of whom are at crucial stages of education in junior high and high school.
Pastor James shoulders not only the care for his immediate family but also for his siblings, as both of his brothers have passed away, leaving behind widows and children residing in Kyuso Village. Poverty is a prevalent challenge in this community, with Pastor James’ parents struggling to make ends meet, relying heavily on goat-keeping due to limited food production from the land.
Despite his personal challenges, Pastor James is an iTIM leader who attended one of our leaders’ seminars at the Kabuku Prayer Center in November 2023. While rooted in Kyuso, he currently serves as a pastor in Muranga County, demonstrating his commitment to spreading the Gospel of Christ despite significant losses.
We are also grateful to mention that Pastor James has received support from a generous donor, who contributes one dollar for every dollar of his income, effectively doubling his financial support. This support helps ensure financial stability and allows Pastor James to continue his ministry and positively impact his family and the Kyuso community.
Through the support of our donors and continued prayers, Pastor James can sustain his ministry and make a lasting difference in the lives of those he serves. Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers.
2. Ministry Proposal: ITIM Program Seminar in Kyuso
During our visit to Pastor James’ home (Kyuso), we had the privilege of meeting with a local Pastor (Pastor Joseph Mulandi) who expressed keen interest in the iTIM program. In collaboration with him, we aim to organize a seminar that will equip local pastors with valuable skills to enhance discipleship ministry. The seminar is primarily targeted towards local pastors in Kyuso and neighboring areas. We anticipate the participation of up to 20 local pastors, including those from Pastor James’ church, who are eager to enhance their ministry through iTIM. Your Prayers and Support will be a blessing to this Seminar that we anticipate to be held in mid-June 2024.
IV. iTIM Training from the Head Office
Currently, we have 138 local church pastors and leaders who have completed the full seminar of iTIM and are in the process of leadership certification. Around 2,000 churches in Africa are familiar with the iTIM discipleship program and are earnestly requesting us to implement the program in their Churches.
That’s why we recently had a productive Zoom training meeting by Pastor Ramon, the chairman of iTIM International. The meeting was held on 12th April 2024, attended by Rev. Gong and Daniel in Africa, Alvin Xu in Asia, Vince in North America, focused on familiarizing the team with the new website, Traininginministry.com. Pastor Ramon explained the functionalities of the learning management system, highlighting the roles of students, leaders, and administrators. We concluded that while introducing students to the new website for learning purposes, we would continue utilizing the http://www.itim-online.net/online.net website for leadership and missions management purposes, ensuring seamless operations.
As we reflect on these endeavors, we’re grateful for your unwavering support and prayers, which continue to fuel our mission of equipping and empowering leaders for effective ministry. Together, we’re making a tangible difference in communities, one step at a time.
Blessings,
Daniel Hosea
Administrative Assistant,
CDM Africa
Limuru, Kenya
Email: admin.kenya@cdmission.org
Website: https://new.cdmission.org/