Small Things Are Great

After reading and rereading The New Testament , I’ve started thinking of it as The New Testimonies - of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Here's why:   The original writers of the New Testament—those who gave us everything from Matthew to Revelation—did not initially set out to write “scriptures.” This is evident in how frequently they refer to “the scriptures” in their writings, which, at the time, pointed to the Torah, the prophetic books, and the historical writings of the Jews. Jesus Himself said, “If you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me” (John 5:46). Paul’s statement in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “all scripture is God-breathed” also clearly refers to the Jewish scriptures.   The New Testament writers, however, were primarily addressing specific needs of their time:   - The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John): These are eyewitness testimonies or collected accounts meant to introduce Jesus to those who hadn’t seen or heard Him pe...

Dear Patron 3 Let's wrap it up on accountability. Accountability is one of the most misunderstood, yet most vital, aspects of ministry. While it’s easy to demand accountability from those we lead, it’s much harder to invite critique from our followers. But this mutual accountability is at the heart of godly leadership. In the Kingdom of God, accountability is not about rank or age—it’s about transparency and growth. Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:1-2 to restore one another when we stumble. Notice the inclusivity here: “ one another. ” Leaders are not exempt. In fact, the higher the calling, the greater the need for accountability (James 3:1).   As a patron, your accountability extends beyond reporting to the principal or school authorities. You’re called to be transparent with the Christian Union leaders, the congregation, and even the students you shepherd. Why? Because accountability is not just a task—it’s a testimony.  It shows the teenagers that no one, not even thei...

The book of Colossians is a powerful letter that speaks to the sufficiency of Christ in all areas of life and faith. Written by the Apostle Paul to a young church grappling with cultural and spiritual challenges, it offers timeless lessons that are as relevant to believers today as they were in the first century.   In a recent(6th March 2024) Bible exposition, one Steve Thuo unpacked some of the pressing issues faced by the Colossians—issues that still resonate with modern-day Christians. He highlighted four key challenges that were threatening their faith:   1. Philosophy : The Colossians were tempted to rely on human wisdom and hollow, deceptive philosophies instead of finding their treasure in Christ (Colossians 2:8). This warning remains critical today as believers navigate competing worldviews that can distract from the simplicity and power of the gospel.   2. Legalism : Some in Colossae argued that spiritual growth depended on strict adherence to rel...

 I doubt I’m the only one who struggles with this, but hey, I think I’ve stumbled on a solution that works—well, most of the time.🤔 You see, in this business of discipleship, it’s a bit like parenting: you always have your favorite child. 😂😂😂! You know it’s true. We don’t say it out loud, we don’t even show it (we hope), but deep down, we all know there’s that one child/disciple who just gets extra airtime in our hearts. ❤️ Now, here’s the problem. Your "favorite" status is like a VIP pass. You’re always checking in on them, finding out how they’re doing, sending them airtime or M-Pesa, and even praying for them with 🗣️gusto. Then, one random Thursday, it hits you: “Wait, I haven’t checked on… what’s-their-name again?” That disciple you forgot exists. The guilt starts gnawing at you, and instead of calling them immediately, you postpone🤦🏽‍♂. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and then one day, you discover—brace yourself—they’ve backslid. Like, kabisa kabisa.🥹 H...

The New Testament gives us a rich and colorful testimony of Jesus' life, ministry, and impact. What’s even more fascinating is how the witnesses are drawn from all sorts of relationships— disciples, friends, family, and even former enemies. It’s like Jesus left no base uncovered. When it comes to His life, there’s at least one faithful follower, one loyal friend, and even a family member ready to vouch for Him. The flow and value of these relationships make the case for Jesus next to undeniable. First, we’ve got the faithful disciples. Matthew, John, and Mark lead the way, painting vivid pictures of Jesus’ life. Matthew and John were right there in the action, hearing the parables, watching the miracles, and maybe even debating who among them was the greatest. Their accounts show us who Jesus was, what He did, and what He said—straight from the inner circle. Then there’s Mark, who gives us the story through Peter’s eyes, and trust Peter to keep it raw, action-packed, and unforgetta...

I must confess—nothing is set in stone in this life, except perhaps the unwavering call to grow in Christ! Over the years, I’ve stumbled upon countless acronyms for studying scripture: SPECK, SWORD, SOAP, WRAPS… and while all are useful, they can sometimes feel like those fitness gadgets you buy but never use. Today, I want to challenge you to actually do  the work. We’re diving into S.T.U.D.Y., a framework that’s open to your tweaking, memorable, and hopefully transformative.   But here’s the catch: studying scripture isn’t for the faint-hearted or the casual scroller. If you’re ready to stop skimming and start growing, let’s get into it! S - Slow Down. Let’s face it: the world moves fast. Your calendar is fuller than an overloaded matatu during rush hour. But here’s the truth: you cannot study the Bible while running on fumes . Slowing down is non-negotiable. Think of it as sitting down for a feast, not grabbing street food on the go. If you’re too busy to sit and rest,...

Foundation blog Spiritual Blessings Prayer Guide Inspired by Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, this guide helps me shift my focus from material needs to embracing the spiritual blessings I have in Christ. Chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4) Focus : Praise God for choosing me before the foundation of the world. Pray to embrace my identity in Christ. Prayer : "Lord, thank You for choosing me to be holy and blameless in Your sight. Help me understand this truth deeply and walk in my calling." Adopted as God’s Child (Ephesians 1:5) Focus : Celebrate being adopted into God’s family. Pray for a deeper revelation of my place as His child. Prayer : "Father, thank You for adopting me through Jesus Christ. Let this truth shape my identity and help me live confidently as Your beloved child." Redeemed and Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7) Focus : Reflect on the redemption and forgiveness found in Christ. Pray for a full understanding of His grace. Prayer : "Lord, thank Yo...

Today in our fellowship, we explored Luke 9 and 10—two chapters that boldly proclaim the mission of believers. They clearly show that it is Christ who calls, equips, and sends. But what stood out to me today were the “ do not ”instructions:   - Luke 9:3: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.” - Luke 10:4: “Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.” Naturally, as a missioner, I ask myself before stepping out, “What do I need to carry?” Most of the time, I settle on things that guarantee safe travel—snacks, meals, and shelter. Sometimes, I even stretch myself to carry gifts and goodies for those I’m reaching.   But as we discussed this text, one thing became clear: God wants His ministers to travel light. He sends us on spiritual missions, not social ones.   Our mission isn’t the goodies; it’s about the Kingdom of Goodies (read: God). That’s why Jesus equipped His disciples with p...

Dear Patron 1   Dear Patron 2 Last week, we unpacked authenticity—the necessity of living and ministering with a heart that's consistently real on and off the podium. Today, we turn to the next cornerstone of effective ministry: availability.   It’s often said that presence outweighs presents. Why? Because presents are cheap, but presence is costly—it demands time, love, and sacrifice. The beauty of availability is that it mirrors God’s own approach to humanity. God didn’t stay distant, operating from His throne room. No, He came down to dwell among us. In Exodus 3:7-8, God tells Moses, “ I have indeed seen the misery of my people...I have heard them crying...so I have come down to rescue them. ” - What have you seen as the misery in your students?  - What have you heard them complaining about? - How do you plan to be present for them? Likewise, in Jesus, we see divine availability in action. Philippians 2:6-8 reminds us how Christ “ made himself nothing by taking...

You know the saying, ' When in Rome, do as the Romans do .' Well, Apostle Paul had never set foot in Rome, but that didn’t stop him from introducing himself ahead of time! He pens this epic letter, not only to make his grand introduction but also to give the Romans a taste of the message that’s been setting the world on fire—his message of the Gospel. The church in Rome wasn’t planted by any of the Apostles. Instead, it sprouted from the seeds sown during Pentecost (Acts 2), when Jews who had experienced the power of the Holy Spirit returned to their homeland as believers. Despite this, no Apostle had ever visited to nurture or guide them. Cue Paul, who is brimming with excitement to finally meet these brothers and sisters in Christ. Though miles apart and culturally distinct, Paul feels an unshakable bond with the believers in Rome—a bond forged by their shared faith. In this letter, Paul doesn’t just skim the surface. He lays out the Gospel with razor-sharp clarity, speaking ...

One of the beauties of reading the Bible chronologically is how it brings clarity and depth to the text. Context comes alive , and stories intertwine in ways that deepen our understanding of God's work.   As we dive into the letter to the Ephesians, we first paused at Acts 19. Here, we encountered a baptized congregation—passionate and devout, yet missing something essential. They had experienced the baptism of John, a baptism of repentance, but not the baptism Jesus gives: the Holy Spirit.   This isn't just an Ephesian problem. It mirrors the reality of many believers today. We settle for the water and miss the fire . We stop at what John wrought, forgetting what Jesus brought. We end up following the instructions of the man-of-God while neglecting the fullness of God’s invitation. The result? We master relationships with people but neglect intimacy with God. Our salvation becomes external—worked out, but not worked in. We serve tirelessly but lack the Spirit’s empo...

The book of Ephesians is packed with spiritual blessings available to every believer in Christ . These blessings are mentioned throughout the six chapters and highlight the riches of grace, power, and relationship believers have in/through/by Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:3-14 1. Chosen by God (v. 4): God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless. 2. Adopted as His children (v. 5): We are predestined for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ. 3. Redeemed through His blood (v. 7): We have redemption and forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace. 4. Lavished with grace (v. 8): God's grace is poured out on us abundantly, with wisdom and understanding. 5. Revealed His will (v. 9): God has made known to us the mystery of His will, to unite all things in Christ. 6. Sealed with the Holy Spirit (v. 13): The Spirit is our guarantee of the inheritance to come. Ephesians 2:4-10 7. Made alive in Christ (v. 5): Though we were dead in sin, God ...

Earlier this year, I realized one of my greatest mistakes: I’ve been reading the Bible too fast—so fast that I’ve been missing so much of its richness. Slowing down has been humbling and rewarding.   In our fellowship, we’re currently reading through the book of Luke as we close out the year. Today, we’re focusing on chapters 5 and 6, and slowing down has allowed me to notice the power in even the first words of any section of scripture. Take Luke 5:1-2, for instance:   " On one occasion, while the crowd was PRESSING IN ON HIM to HEAR THE WORD OF GOD, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. " (ESV) Did you catch that? Pressing in on him to hear the word of God. This wasn’t a casual gathering. The crowd wasn’t there to see a show or snap pictures for social media (if they had it). They were pressing in —fighting for proximity—to hear the Word firsthand. They didn’t...

 2 Corinthians 11-13 The conclusion in 2 Corinthians is not the kind of soft and sweet farewell that makes you feel warm inside. It’s more like an emergency landing where the pilot (Paul) knows what he’s doing, but the passengers (the Corinthians) are panicking. And frankly, they deserve it. Paul is visibly frustrated—and who wouldn’t be? He’s the one who first introduced the Corinthians to the gospel (11:2-3), nurtured their faith(Acts 17:11-18:11), and even sent young ministers like Titus and others to disciple them (12:18). Yet here they are, trashing all his effort and entertaining self-proclaimed "super-apostles" with a gospel that’s all style, no substance. These intruders(Jews mostly) preach human works instead of Christ’s finished work on the cross, promote exclusivity (a gospel for Jews only or at least be a Jew first), and prioritize personal fame and financial gain over serving others (11:4-5, 20). Wah! This is not the injili we know from our Lord. If you’re a mini...

Comfort. This word pops up early in 2 Corinthians. But, at first glance, it feels oddly placed since Paul and Timothy aren’t writing to people in mourning. Which begs the question: did Paul and Timothy know what "comfort" meant, or do they know something we’re missing? Turns out, it’s the latter. In this context, "comfort" isn’t the same kind of comfort that Mary and Martha received when Lazarus died. When people visited them to comfort them, it was about sharing their sorrow, empathizing, and offering support in their loss. Here, in 2 Corinthians, "comfort" has a different flavor altogether. It’s structured around the word “fort”—the root of FORTRESS. Now, historically, a fortress is a heavily fortified structure built to protect. It wasn’t put up during a crisis; it was built in anticipation  of one. Thick walls, towers, weapons, and even food were all put in place to withstand sieges, provide shelter, and house people and supplies. Across civilizations...

These two chapters bring us to the conclusion of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, where he covers two big themes: GOING  and GIVING. I say " GOING " intentionally, because, while we often call it “death” and think of it as an end, Scripture suggests it’s more of a transition—from this life to either eternal life or condemnation. Earlier this year, we lost a young lad of 15. His departure hit me hard, and I found myself looking at Scripture again for comfort and clarity. What I discovered was eye-opening!  In Scripture, "death" often refers to physical death, particularly as a result of judgment or sin. Those who “died” faced God’s immediate judgment or were unbelievers. In contrast, "sleep" is frequently used to describe the death of believers, implying that physical death for them is only temporary because they will be raised to eternal life. This “sleep” softens the finality of death and reflects the Christian hope of resurrection.  Consider this: Anani...

In ministry, the five-fold offices—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—are like the Kapenguria 6 of the Church: each has a unique empowerment, suited for different situations and missions. When you look closely, you see why some of these roles stay planted like a tree in one place, while others seem to have suitcases perpetually packed. And when you compare pastors to apostles, evangelists, and prophets, you start to see some amusing differences. Pastors, for instance, are the “ HOMIES ” of the group. They’re like that one friend who not only remembers everyone’s birthdays but is ready to show up at your house with tea and chapati just to check in. Pastoring requires a consistent, steady presence and a deep, life-on-life commitment to one community. It's not just a “Sunday morning, see you next week” type of thing. It’s more of a “see you at the grocery store, your kid’s recital, and maybe even your mother-in-law’s birthday” situation. Paul even refers to pasto...

Dear Patron 1 As we engage in ministry to teenagers, it's crucial to understand the power of being authentic, available, and accountable. Authenticity means living out what you preach and teaching only what you practice. In James 1:22 (NIV), we’re reminded: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Our teenagers pick up on authenticity, and the strength of your witness is in showing them a faith that’s lived out daily, not just on Sunday. Ask yourself, “Am I the same person behind the scenes as I am upfront?” Availability  is all about presence. As Jesus showed us, true ministry happens through being with people, understanding their world, and sharing life with them. Teenagers may seem more interested in other things than in what we say, but when we show up for them consistently, we build trust. You need to know that your presence means more than any material gift. Accountability  isn’t just a demand we make of others; it’s a mutual ...

The School Is Part of Your Mission Field! The holidays are a golden opportunity—not just for rest but for reflection. As patrons, you have the unique front-row seat in influencing, guiding, and discipling these young souls. Yes, our beloved teenagers who seem more interested in TikTok than testimonies! But don’t let the noise fool you; in less than 10 years, they’ll be leaders in business, homes, and all sorts of spaces we can’t yet imagine. The weight of that responsibility is real. How they live, love, and lead tomorrow will be shaped by how we minister to them today. They’re watching, learning, and absorbing everything we do, whether we realize it or not. So, as you enjoy the holiday, take time to ask yourself some key questions about the ministry: - What do you need to START doing? Maybe there’s a fresh approach or activity you’ve been wanting to try but haven’t yet. Pray and go for it.    - What do you need to STOP doing? Let’s be honest: not every program is a hit. Wha...

I am absolutely in love with the choice of words by the writers of Thessalonians. In 1 Thessalonians, we begin with introductions and salutations in verse 1, move into thanksgiving in verse 2, and then verse 3 delivers something truly profound: 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NKJV):   "...we remember before our God and Father your WORK produced by faith, your LABOR prompted by love, and your ENDURANCE inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." See that?   Work produced by FAITH.   Labor prompted by LOVE.   Endurance inspired by HOPE. Wow! These three elements are so powerful that if you read too fast , you might miss out on their depth: "And now abide these three: faith, hope, and love." Remember that?🤔 Faith Affects How We Work. Faith is the foundation that shapes our work. Even on Mondays and Fridays. How is your faith differentiating your work in your vocation? Are your colleagues, neighbors, and friends able to see a difference because of your faith? W...

What's the link between Acts 17:1 to 18:11 and Thessalonians to Corinthians? In Acts 17, we find Paul traveling to Thessalonica around AD 50, where he shares the gospel, establishing a church despite facing strong opposition. Acts 17:1 When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. Shortly afterward, in AD 51, Paul writes his first letter to the Thessalonians to encourage these believers under persecution and to clarify their questions  about Christ’s return. The second letter follows soon after, addressing further concerns and strengthening their hope. Paul’s journey continues as he moves from Thessalonica to Berea and then to Corinth, where he spends a significant amount of time, detailed in Acts 17:11–18:11. Acts 18:1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. Corinth, a vibrant and culturally diverse city, presents new challenges, with believers struggling to apply their newfound fa...

My cousin reached out this morning with this question from Phillipians... " Watch out those who do evil things, those (dogs) those who insist on cutting the body. Elezea hii kidogo please? " Response: In Philippians 3:2, when Paul warns, "Watch out for those who do evil, those dogs, those mutilators of the flesh," he’s cautioning believers against false teachers who insist on circumcision (or "cutting the body") as a requirement for salvation. In Paul’s day, there were Jewish teachers who claimed that Gentiles needed to observe the law of Moses, including circumcision, to be true Christians. This teaching went directly against the gospel of grace.  The term “dogs” is powerful here. While the Jews often referred to Gentiles as "dogs"—unclean and outside God’s covenant—Paul uses the term to describe false teachers among the Jews. These "dogs" are blind guides, focused more on their traditions and personal gain than on the truth of the gos...

1. Legalism: Not About Rules, but Relationship. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” — Galatians 5:1 Here, Paul reminds us that Christ didn’t set us free just so we could create a long list of “dos” and “don’ts.” God calls us to live from love, not out of an obligation to tick off religious boxes. Legalism sneaks in when we start to measure ourselves or others by these checklists instead of God’s grace. Prayer : Lord, help me live from a heart of love, not from rules that hold me hostage to human approval. Help me to see others through the eyes of grace, not judgment. May I be a reminder that our faith is not a “rulebook” religion but a relationship with You. And, please, keep me humble enough to let others know they don’t need to meet my  standards—only Yours. 2. License: Grace Is Not a Free Pass for Foolishness. “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use you...

Think about this: in the opening lines of Philippians, Paul calls all  believers saints. No exceptions...you included. Philippians 1:1 (NKJV) "Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:" In the New Testament, the term " saints " doesn’t just refer to a few select individuals; it’s used for all believers. Paul addresses the Christians in Philippi, and also in places like Ephesus, as " saints "—emphasizing that anyone who follows Jesus is set apart for God’s purposes. This meaning, that we’re all set apart , speaks to every believer, whether bishop, deacon, or new disciple. Later, in the 10th century, the Catholic Church began canonizing saints, recognizing certain individuals who demonstrated extraordinary faith. While these lives are inspiring, the New Testament vision of saints  is one of every believer being called into a holy, set-apart life through Christ. So, as ...

P1 : So, why are we linking Acts 16 with Philippians? P2 : Acts 16 is all about Paul s first mission to Philippi, where he starts the first European church. Then, later, he writes to this same church in Philippians-only now, he s writing from prison.  P1 : Ah, that s why the letter feels so personal! P2 : Exactly. The letter to the Philippians shows Paul s deep bond with them. He s encouraging them to live with joy in Christ, even when things are tough. He talks about partnership in the gospel, finding joy in trials, and practicing humility. P1 : It sounds like Paul is reminding them of the foundation they built together back in Philippi. P2 : Yes, it s like a pep talk rooted in their shared history. Paul s saying, "We ve been through a lot, so let s keep pressing on with joy." P1 : Kwa ufupi? P2 : Acts 16 describes Paul's missionary journey to Philippi, where he establishes the first church in Europe. The letter to the Philippians, written later from prison, reflects Pau...