Kingdom Footprint Ministry Teams Trip To Katale, Kenya, Africa

Follow

In the late evening hours on Thursday June 2nd, the Kingdom Footprint Ministry Team arrived at the central bus station in Katale, Kenya. We were met by three local pastors, Moses Nandeke, Raphael Milimo and Michael Tana. These three gracious pastors would serve as our hosts and transportation for the duration of our stay. Neither the eight previous days spent serving in Nairobi nor the eight-hour bus ride could have prepared us for what God was going to do and show us in the span of the next four days. Additionally, to put things in context, due to the impact and travel restrictions of the COVID Pandemic, this was the first return trip that has been made in over three years. To say that these restrictions have greatly impacted the encouragement, relationship development and training of the pastors we would be ministering to, is the understatement of the decade.

Day One: Pastor’s Conference:
The Kingdom Footprint ministry team was picked up and taken to the host church (All Peoples Christian Growth Church) in Matisi, Kenya that would serve as the site of a one-day pastor’s training conference for both local and rural pastors. Unlike what we are accustomed to in the US, many of the pastors were traveling from villages that were hours away either by foot, motorcycle or bus. We were served breakfast and held prayer in the office of the host pastor Raphael Milimo in preparation for the day of encouragement and training. In total, over 50 pastors showed up in attendance ranging from the age of 21 all the way up to 60 years of age with some having pastored for many years and some recently installed as new church plants. The day was kicked off by a praise service that can only be described as listening to a choir of angels singing, alternating in between their native tongue of Swahili and perfect English. We witnessed as the presence of the Holy Spirit was so pronounced that many wept tears as God’s presence began to fill every square foot of that humble village church. Pastor Raphael started the service off with a time of exhortation, prayer and introduction of the Kingdom Footprint team. The morning session led by Mateo, would serve as the spring-board and catalyst of what would be the defining charge and admonition to this group of pastors and church planters for many years to come. Mateo then walked the pastors through the the three pillars of the message. Namely, how Jesus’ earthly ministry was preceded by his cousin John the Baptist and then was begun by selecting disciples who all were tied to each other either as brothers like Andrew to Simon-Peter and James to John or friends of the disciples. As Mateo continued with the message, he then spoke to the Great Commission given by Jesus as our Lord’s final instruction to ALL believers but specifically to those that have been called into ministry. Mateo then went on to explain the formula of “Speed” which is time over distance. He illustrated how that the only way to cover more distance in a shorter period of time was to focus on ways to increase speed. He then combined the Great Commission, the launching of Jesus earthly ministry and the meaning of speed into this ministry-altering truth that is to say, “The GOSPEL moves at the SPEED of RELATIONSHIPS!” We witnessed as the impact and revelation of this truth swept over the crowd of hungry pastors. The clarion call was two-fold as God uses relationships to further the Gospel, not only within the churches they pastor, but increasing speed and distance by developing and deepening relationships between themselves as fellow pastors and administrators of the Great Commission. Lastly, Mateo then spoke to one of the biggest threats that faces all Christians but especially pastors. This threat began with The Angel of Light in Heaven and continues unto this day. That threat is pride! The devil uses this threat to distract and dilute our efforts, thereby negatively impacting the speed in which the Gospel spreads. Namely, the desire to COMPETE with each other instead of a desire to COMPLETE each other… Mateo pointed out that the only difference in those two words was the letter “L” and that it stands for “love”. Meaning, love or the opposite of love (pride), is all that stands in the way of increasing the speed in which the Gospel can travel. Prayer was said and an opportunity to respond was given. All in attendance committed to this truth surrounding relationships and its impact on spreading the Gospel. The lunch meal to follow was provided by Kingdom Footprint and gave the perfect opportunity for dialogue amongst the pastors in attendance. Following lunch, and building on the truth from the morning session, the afternoons training was centered on detailed instructions and proven methodologies on how the pastors could not only increase the size of their churches, but add to their ministry by partnering with their fellow pastors. For example, adding a school to their existing church as an outreach of the Gospel and means to grow but leaning on the experience of their fellow pastors.

Day Two: Church Planting
The day began early with breakfast in Kwanza, Kenya at the church of our host pastor Michael Tana. We received a tour of his church as well as met with several of his key members and family. In addition to his church, William has also been involved in planting multiple churches. We then began a day filled with visiting seven of the church plants started by our three host pastors.
Our first stop was in Endebess, Kenya at a newly planted church whose location was chosen due to the growth in that particular city. The young pastor and his wife shared with us their vision as well as their needs for the church.
Our second stop was in Saboti, Kenya. This particular spot was chosen specifically to serve the needs of “Shanty Town” which is a highly populated area of small metal huts built on each other on the outskirts of the town of Katale. The young pastor and his wife expressed the need for funds in order to assist with their greatest ministry outreach, feeding the hungry.
Our third stop was also in Saboti, Kenya but in the rural/agricultural area of that city. Unlike the previous church plants visited, this church was opened literally in the middle of the village where the young pastor and his wife also live. Given its location, it serves as the primary church for the village. Of note, was the amount of children running all through the streets. The young pastor and his wife expressed the need for funds to help feed the village and its large population of children. It would be a great place to also open a school.
Our fourth stop was in Moi’s Bridge, Kenya. This location was chosen due to a large growing population in a rural agricultural village. The young pastor and his wife expressed a need for funds for chairs and food outreach programs.
Our fifth stop was in Cherangany, Kenya. This church plant is also located in a rural agricultural area surrounded by fields of Maze. This was one of the older and larger church plants we visited. The biggest need of this pastor was to finish encasing the building in concrete as the existing clay-based walls are deteriorating rapidly.
Our Sixth stop was in Kwanza, Kenya. This church is located near “downtown” and is the largest church plant that we visited.
Our Seventh and final stop was in Maili Saba, Kenya. This church plant is located on the outskirts of town again, surrounded by fields and farmers. The biggest need of this young pastor was for rent of his building. He is behind on rent and in fact found the front door locked by the landlord upon preparing for our arrival. His monthly rent is 3,500 shillings or $35 dollars US. We saw to it that it was paid before we left. Would you like to know how you can help? You could keep a churches doors open in a needy community for only $35 a month!

Day Three: Sunday Worship Services
The third day began as the first day with breakfast and prayer at the church of host pastor Raphael Milimo. The Kingdom Footprint ministry team then split up to speak at Pastor Moses Nandeke’s church as well as at Pastor Raphael’s church with a morning and afternoon service. It was a true highlight to take part in and witness their amazing worship and praise services. There is nothing like it! Both churches were at capacity with decisions being made in all services.

Day Four: Church School Visit - Pastor Bruce Wanyoni - Crossing Uganda Border
The fourth and final day started with a visit to Pastor Moses Nandeke’s Christian school located on the outskirts of Katale in Kiminini, Kenya. Pastor Moses started this school out of his own pocket just under two years ago and it has grown to over 75 students. The parents of the children cannot even afford the government school fees so without Pastor Moses, they would not be educated. Instead, they are being fed both physically and spiritually every day with a Christian education. Pastor Moses shared that they have several needs. The children have no desks to sit at, making learning extremely challenging. In addition, the teachers at the school work voluntarily without compensation so he would love to be able to pay them at some point for their hard work and dedication. An additional blessing of this school is that Pastor Moses will be able to use the rented school space as a church. He has been preparing a young pastor to start the church plant and will be installing him at some point in the next two months.

After spending some time with the children and teachers, we drove to Bungoma, Kenya to visit the church and school of Pastor Bruce Wanyoni. Pastor Bruce has been instrumental in planting churches all over East Africa in addition to his large work there. We were able to meet with his staff in their church as well as visit with his family in their home which sits directly on the property beside the church. In addition to the church, Pastor Bruce also operates a large Christian school with over 150 in attendance. Pastor Bruce is often referred to as the “Pastor’s Pastor”; after meeting him, we certainly agree. Lastly, God used Pastor Bruce to assist us with safe and efficient passage from Kenya across the Ugandan border. He rode with us to the border where we met up with a face familiar to both border crossing officials that allowed us a much quicker passage into Uganda. For his efforts and assistance, we are extremely grateful.

Lastly, we want to point out that between the 4 pastors mentioned in this story, they have personally planted a combined 24 churches with others pending in the coming months!!! Much of it done by their own financial sacrifice. How much more could be done with true support partners.

Please pray for these pastors, their families, their churches, their schools and their spiritual and financial needs. The needs are many, but much could be done for them and the furtherance of the gospel with your ongoing financial support. We can assure you that these pastors are getting it done for the kingdom, and leaving a lasting footprint for God!

Sincerely,

Garnett E. Bandy III

Comments

• 

  Garnett Bandy on 6/10/2022 6:13:41 PM

  Thankful to Kingdom Footprint Ministries for allowing me the opportunity to go on this life-changing trip. It has been an amazing experience to see not only God working in His people to further the gospel and grow His kingdom but to also witness the impact that Mateo has had on the lives of so many people clear across the globe. As someone who grew up in the church all his life and watched churches give so much to missions, it was an eye-opening experience to see how little truly gets to the front lines to support the REAL HEROES in their calling to fulfill our Lord’s Great Commission. Please consider pledging your monthly support so that we can connect the necessary funds with true needs in the field. Thank you!
• 

  Ricky Ray on 6/15/2022 3:26:49 AM

  As you lead us across Kenya from community to community I sat here envisioning each stop along the way. I remember standing with my son, Jonathan, looking out over the shanties and praying for a church to be planted among the precious souls. I wept. Thank you for going. Thank you for sacrificing. Thank you for the relationships you fostered. The Gospel moves quickly with you.