With the company of members of Nairobi’s campus ministry, the 40 members of the Mombasa church held a special service to celebrate one year since it was officially launched. Mombasa city had recently been the venue for the World Cross Country Championships, but on this day a race of a different kind was being celebrated – the Christian race. The venue for the auspicious occasion was the Kenya Ports Authority Sports Club, magnificent with resplendently manicured playing fields and numerous courts for various sporting disciplines. But it was in the main hall where discipline was being championed – the discipline to serve God and men, not just for the 12-month period that was being honoured, but everyday for the rest of our lives.

144 people gathered. Apart from powerful singing, a moving Lord’s Supper message and vibrant fellowship, there were excellent presentations. Evans recited a self-composed poem in Swahili (the national language of Kenya and a language particularly dominant in Mombasa) before Polycarp, Jacob and Fatuma harmonized, after which there was a skit about how Satan distracts and destroys. It highlighted that busy often means Being Under Satan’s Yoke, when we allow our schedules to choke our spirituality.

Evangelist William Auki, who leads the Nairobi students ministry and oversees the Mombasa church together with his wife Vicky, preached on the topic “Without Holiness No-One Will See God.” “We must not only grow in numbers,” he urged the church, “but must each grow from within. Holiness is crucial if God is to walk with us and if we are to have a great impact.”

Reminding all that “when you lack holiness minor issues become major stumbling blocks,” William called the congregation, from Proverbs 4:13, “above all else, guard your heart.”

Since the Mombasa church was planted, 19 have been baptized and 5 restored (pictured left), the restorations being disciples baptized in Nairobi or Eldoret who moved to Mombasa under various circumstances.

Nicholas, who was restored last year, shared, “The planting of the church in Mombasa gave an opportunity to many disciples working in this city to be a part of the church. It’s great to see that God can use us to do great things.”

Evelyne, who was baptized soon after the planting, said, “This is a blessing. It’s exciting. We were so few when we began. The more we’ve grown the wider we’ve been able to spread and have bible talks in more and more parts of Mombasa city. My vision is for the church to spread throughout Coast Province”

Edwine Omaya, who leads the church, enthuses, “I feel privileged and honoured to work with such a powerful group of people. I’m encouraged by the progress of individuals, rising up to disciple others and help the church to grow.”

Truly, God has a plan for Mombasa and the surrounding region, and the disciples share His dream and are committed to His cause. To God be the glory.