Bora Service Ifanyike? Not Anymore!

One of my most disappointing moments in ministry was having to witness the neglect of school ministry in our Day Schools(2017). And to be honest, this neglect came from two sides — outside and inside.

From outside, I noticed how busy missioners were just trying to make ends meet in our economy. Some worked 8–5 jobs that gave them no room for midweek school services. Others were entrepreneurs whose hustles — especially if it was a shop — demanded their attention in the evening. This left CU patrons without seasoned, passionate ministers to serve alongside them.

We all had our valid excuses whenever called:

1. Niko job.

2. Nikitokea itakua too late.

3. Niko na majukumu.

The result? Most ministers were only available on weekends… but Day Schools don’t meet then. Slowly by slowly, these external challenges started affecting things internally. Patrons were left alone, with no minister, no present ministry team, and sometimes not even a fellow teacher to help.

I’ve seen this first-hand — in Ruiru Constituency (where most government schools are Day Schools) and now in Ithanga–Kakuzi Subcounty. This is actually what birthed the ABCD approach to school ministry. (You can read about it here: [https://mapstage.blogspot.com/2025/02/why-church-is-losing-teenagers-and-how.html](https://mapstage.blogspot.com/2025/02/why-church-is-losing-teenagers-and-how.html))

But here’s the thing — left-alone patrons get demotivated over time. And you would too if fellow believing teachers aren’t helping, your friends aren’t available, and even your local fellowship (pastor and members) aren’t noticing or supporting the work you’re doing. Eventually, CU services became robotic — bora service ifanyike. Some patrons stopped even praying for the CU or its leaders. Leadership meetings and trainings faded away. Many CUs were left to the wind — and not the Wind of the Spirit.

I speak from experience. Those who know me know I’ve been present in schools since 2012 — actively — and earlier as a trainee (msee wa mkono). I’ve been to CUs where you walk in and feel emptiness all around: the welcome is dull, worship is dry, the word iko down, and the workers are just… demotivated. Ds all the way.

Thankfully, things are changing. Patrons and pastors are waking up to their role in raising the next leaders of the Church. We’re now seeing day school CUs with yearly and termly themes, intentional discipleship programs, and motivated leaders who have been trained. There’s still room to grow, but we’re on the right track.

So here’s my call:

Whether you’re a teacher in a school or a believer living near a school — step up. Fulfill your ministry to God’s glory.

Bye!