Preachers’ clubs keep busy in Kenya

June 16, 2008

by Jonathan Lamb, International Programme Director for Preaching

Mercy Ireri is the very energetic coordinator of the preaching clubs in Kenya. Armed with her mobile phone, she keeps track of the pastors and lay preachers, encouraging them to meet regularly, as well as visiting the clubs in different regions near Nairobi. She recently reported: ‘I attended the Kirinyaga Preachers Club this past Saturday. The group has been meeting consistently each month since September 07. It is made up of 2 men and 3 women, from the Anglican church, the Methodist church and Gospel Outreach church (Pentecostal). Since the August preaching seminar, one member joined a college in Nyeri, about 35km away from Keroguya which is the meeting venue. She makes the needed effort (time and bus fare) to attend the club meeting. The other lady moved to Nakuru, but still comes to the club meeting. The cohesiveness in the group was pretty obvious. On that day, they had chosen to present outlines from Daniel 10. At first I was, like, of all books, Daniel! They decided on the book so that with what they were taught at the seminar, they can try to handle those ‘difficult’ books in the Bible. It was quite amazing to note that they did not dwell on the ‘absurd details’ in the text, but they used the ‘Studying a passage’ sheet to study the passage. After each presentation, they would assess “Faithfulness, Relevance, Clarity”, and give their feedback. Each outline identified the audience, had a theme statement, had a verse structure and an accompanying sentence. I was able to wrap up the session with a few points on handling apocalyptic literature. We sure had a real good day! I left so, so encouraged. With calmness returning in the country, many groups are now planning on beginning their meetings. My other highlight each month has been calling the club leaders. I get to laugh as they share their stories, and I get so encouraged when they explain what they are doing, and when I place the phone down, I thank God for what is happening. Thank you for your enormous support in this work in Kenya.’