Finding the Cutting Edge

When William Odhiambo left Nairobi in 1999 he had no visions of missionary exploits on his mind. All he wanted to do was relocate to Kampala, Uganda and look for work there as a cobbler while serving as a member of the church.

Instead, though, he ended up planting a church in town of Malaba on the Kenya-Uganda border which is now a constituent part of the Eldoret Christian Church.

On his way to Uganda, William lost his focus somewhat and stopped by in the town of Webuye. Out of touch with disciples, he weakened in his faith and stayed on longer than he had intended. He married Pamela and they now have two children (family above). On his way to Uganda when he eventually resumed his journey, William ran out of money in Malaba and was forced to stay there for a while. During this period he met a former disciple. The two of them decided to preach what they knew to be right and soon had a small following.

Malaba Church

In 2001 a disciple from the Nairobi congregation met the Malaba fellowship (right) at a wake in the town following the death of Dan Kuria, who had been leading the Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) church and whose family lived in Malaba. Jeff Malaoba, leader of the Eldoret church, sought advice, and soon after that William was restored and baptized his wife, Pamela.

Despite having limited facilities and no formally trained leader, the group in Malaba has continued to grow in numbers. “William does not necessarily know very much about how to lead a ministry,” says Jeff, “but with great faith has brought this seed fellowship to a membership of 12 and Sunday attendance of 40. They are very unified and meet daily to pray. I am inspired by their hard work and determination.”

Being a border town and transit point for truckers and traders, Malaba is well known as a centre of business, smuggling, nightlife and immorality. The disciples shine as a light there. Few though they are, their presence is being felt as evidenced by opposition and name-calling aimed in their direction.

Previously, different Bible Talk leader couples would go out to Malaba from Eldoret every two weeks. Recently, though, David and Christine Soita (left), who have been disciples for three-and-a-half years, accepted the call to move to the town and get jobs in order to lead the disciples there. They are excited about the prospect of doing so. “God has allowed us to be servants in this capacity,” say David and Christine. “We are encouraged by the Malaba disciples’ zeal for God. And we are also challenged – to lead with deep conviction, to have a passionate walk with God, and to teach the church to have the same.”

As long as we make ourselves available, God will gladly and greatly use us. Let us keep praying for William and Pamela, for David and Christine, and for and for all the other disciples who are letting their lights shine out in Malaba.