HISTORY IS MADE AS DEACONS ARE APPOINTED
History was made on Sunday May 8th, when, for the first time in the history of our churches in East Africa, deacons were appointed to serve, in the Nairobi congregation. Anthony and Mary Mwanza and Oscar and Mary Ondatto, were, before an excited gathering of saints, commissioned by the evangelists to serve the church.
Anthony and Mary were baptized on 29th October 1991 and 11th May 1994 respectively, and were married on 30th September 1995. Their son, Marley, was baptized on 29th June 2002. Oscar was baptized on 20th September 1989, Mary on 27th April 1991, they were married on the 14th of September 1996, and their eldest daughter, Charlene, was baptized the following year on the 4th of February. Both couples are in the Metro region, from where they have earned the respect of the entire Nairobi church.
Anthony and Mary are deacon and deacon's wife for parenting, and Oscar and Mary for worship service.
Appointing the two deacons, evangelist George Irungu said, "These men have gone through a lot, and have passed the test. Today, my job is so easy because I don't need to convince you of the credentials of these couples."
These are the words that George read out as he charged the two men to serve the church in the capacities for which they have been appointed.
"In the presence of God, and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, on behalf of the leadership of the church, and our family of believers, I give you this charge, devote yourselves fully to the service of the Lord in your capacity as deacon.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, seek to glorify God first. Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of a deacon, discharge all the duties of this ministry, and may the Almighty God continue blessing your service in his kingdom."
In honour of the Ondattos and Mwanzas, Harriet Macharia sang an inspiring solo based on Jesus' words in Matthew 11:28-30
Several people shared thoughts that echo those of the church at large. Philip Owaso, who has been a disciple for thirteen years, pointed out that Anthony counted the cost with him before baptism, and added, "As long as I've known Anthony and Oscar, they've been a great example to the church. I remember when I came to church for the very first time, I met Oscar, who was very welcoming. His work, all along, has been serving. Anthony, too, has been a servant since I joined the church. I feel like their appointment is appropriate."
Janet Waweru has been a Christian for the last fourteen years. She shares, ".Since becoming a disciple I've read about deacon,s and seeing it here in Nairobi, 14 years later has made me emotional. It's a momentous occasion. It represents growth in the church here."
She continues, echoing sentiments shared by many in the congregation, "I'm very inspired by the two couples. Since I became a disciple I've been seeing Oscar serving. You come to church knowing that you will find Oscar making sure that everything is in order. [The two couples] are people we look up to. They serve tirelessly. It's who they have been. They are awesome, spiritual couples - people we all look up to. This couldn't have happened to a better quadruple of people."
"I feel inspired by them to keep working on my spirituality," she concludes,
We congratulate the two couples, pray for them, and pledge to make their job a joy and not a burden.
 Anthony Mwanza family - Deacon of Parenting |
Evangelist George Irungu
|
Harriet Macharia singing
|
Oscar Ondatto family - Deacon of Worship Service |