new church life: september/october 2014
provide. A major success story is that Kevin, a former orphan of Etora and
student at the school, is now one of the teachers.
The Etora Church building is a newly constructed, temporary structure. It
is made of wooden poles with metal sheeting attached for walls and roof. It is
temporary because the termites gradually eat the wood and it will all have to
be rebuilt. They hope for a permanent structure made of bricks, but know that
will take some time. While their attendance is impressive, averaging around
100 adults (up from about 30 last trip) and more than 120 children weekly,
most are farmers with little cash income.
During the week, I spent time with each of the classes in the school, met
with the General Church Board in Kenya, visited the high schools the orphans
attend, and had extensive meetings and classes with the clergy and others
there.
Due to heavy rains, making the road to the Masaii group impassable, we
were not able to travel there, nor could they to come to Kisii. We hope to
meet with them in the future. (I should note, the climate in southwest Kenya is
lovely. They are close to the equator, in a lush hilly region. Temperatures range
from the low 60s to the lower 80s year round. The humidity is moderate. In the
rainy season there are some powerful showers but they usually last for only a
short portion of the day.)
The General Church Board of Kenya is functioning well. Comprised
primarily of lay people, they have representatives from all the church groups in
the country. They coordinate the Sunday School programs and youth groups,
ensuring their New Church content. They also promote and support lay leaders
and outreach or missionary efforts.
Almost everyone speaks English, which is taught in all the schools. But
the most widely spoken language is Kiswahili, regardless of one’s tribal tongue.
They are translating the Writings into this language. They have just about
completed the Four Doctrines and are seeking a means of publishing it for
missionary purposes. Given the extensive Scriptural background of everyone
there, and how many Scriptural quotes are used to demonstrate the truths of
the Heavenly Doctrines, this is an ideal book for that purpose.
The Kiagware Church, where I preached on the second Sunday, is more
of a wooden frame with branches placed on a lattice work for a roof. This
made for an unusual distraction – preaching while avoiding the dead leaves
hanging down. They are attempting to purchase the property so they can build
something more permanent. The place was packed with about 50 adults and at
least that many children. The local chief was present and wants to be baptized.
He has been a supporter for several years.
All of this development is remarkable given the travesty that occurred
more than two years ago. While I certainly do not relish bringing to mind this
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