To start off the year 2005, the full-time ministry staff members and non-full-time ministry regional and congregational leaders from around East Africa gathered under the banner, "Dare To Dream Again" from January 3rd through 5th. Coming on the heels of a year that was more notable for lack of growth in many ministries than for resounding successes, the theme for the event and the messages preached were not only appropriate but much-needed and highly motivating.

Steve Mukenya, co-lead evangelist for the East African churches, inspired the gathering with the opening message, "Dare To Dream Again," calling all to re-learn faith from the example of Abraham in Genesis, powerful and persistent prayer from the example of Jacob also in Genesis, and the resilience to bounce back from setbacks from the example of the apostle Peter. Steve reminded all, "We have dreamt before and God has done great things in our lives," calling everyone to have great vision for their lives as they have had before.

Drawing from the example of Joseph, who went from being a self-indulgent adolescent to becoming a God-reliant administrator, George Irungu taught on humility. In a lesson entitled, "The Humble Will Be Exalted," he shared candidly from personal mistakes and concluded by declaring that "the strength of a man is shown by his humility."

Having led the Bujumbura church, assisted by Didi Havyalimana, from a membership of 20 at the beginning of 2004 to a membership of 33 at the end of that year, Benson Kyama was well placed to guide and encourage the group on "The Key To A Successful Ministry," a lesson from which all who desire to be effective for God, and not only leaders of large groups, can learn. Benson communicated the need to have a stellar personal example, a close and consistent walk with God, and a willingness to pour our hearts, time and effort into helping the needy. Referring to Jesus' lifestyle of helping and healing, Benson said, "The only miracle we need to perform is to love people."

In a message to the brothers entitled "Look To The Sky," Steve challenged the men not to look negatively on their failures but to wait for the lesson that God is teaching through each event that we go through. While we sometimes settle for the plateau of mediocrity, Steve pointed out, "God calls us to the mountain top from where we can see clearly and so that we may rejoice."

Carol Mukenya encouraged the sisters to understand their value in God's eyes and not let Satan weigh them down with unnecessary guilt in her lesson, "It's All About Love." Distinguishing between our purpose - to walk with God - and our mission - to help others to have a walk with God - Carol helped all to prioritize correctly, spiritually and maturely, stating, "A woman who understands her purpose has a mission, and a woman who does not understand her mission does not understand her purpose."

The final message, "The Value Of Godly Standards" by George, called us to go make disciples and to expect of ourselves and of those around us to be fully involved in reaching out to others, having excellent bible talks and bringing our children to church. Of Matthew 28:18-20, George said, "This passage and the conviction of living it out has brought about the salvation of each one of us, and as this passage continues to be in the bible, it continues to commission us, and should continue to be our conviction."

The conference closed with an atmosphere filled with revival and renewal. And, just as the leaders celebrated a collective declaration of and resolve for spiritual re-birth, there was an extra-special reason to celebrate as William and Victoria Auki, leaders of Nairobi's children's ministry and Kibera region, announced the birth of their daughter on the morning of the conference's final day.

This truly is the time pre-eminently for us to dare to dream great dreams, determine to do grand deeds and decide to be great disciples. God helping us, we will all have a spiritually successful year in 2005.

Click below for notes from the messages preached at the conference