LEADING THE WAY THROUGH FAITH AND FRIENDSHIP

Profile On Phides Kang’ethe, Teens Women’s Leader

Two years ago Phides Kang’ethe was opposing her two sisters who were studying the Bible to become disciples, and refused one of them bus fare that she needed in order to go for her baptism. Today, Phides is in the full-time ministry of the Nairobi Christian Church and leads the women in the Teens ministry.

So how did she give up her previously held wordly dreams and decide on the ministry? "My kingdom dream was to help many people become disciples so that’s why I chose ministry."

How did she feel when asked to lead the teens? "I was so scared," she says. "I was terrified. Janet prayed with me and that helped me get over the initial shock."

Now, though, Phides is having a great time, facing different challenges and learning a lot. "I’ve had to learn to be patient with teens," she says, "especially given their constantly fluctuating emotions." Phides has risen to the challenge. Elizabeth Wambui, a teen worker in the full-time ministry, says of Phides that "she is very open about her life and that helps the teen sisters to open up. She also makes friends very easily."

Jane attests that "Phides really loves the teens and hangs in there with them when they are struggling." Jane, Phides’ discipler, adds that Phides has changed a lot. Apart from turning around her life’s goals, Phides "has really grown in her confidence. Previously she would never share, not even at Bible Talk. Now, though, she teaches with great confidence."

Fear has turned to fun for Phides. After her initial reaction to the idea of leading the teens, she is now enjoying her time with them. "It’s great getting involved in many activities," she says, "like dancing, singing, exercising together and making friends." It’s also been character-building. "Dealing with many situations has made me have to go to the Bible. I have learned perseverance from the various situations."

Phides illustrates powerfully the lesson God taught Samuel as he sent him to anoint David – "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7. Effectiveness in God’s kingdom is not just about experience or spiritual age, but faith, love and commitment to people. And that is exactly the kind of friend that Phides Kang’ethe is to the teens she leads and the teen workers who help her.