MAF Kenya provided transport to church leaders from the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) for a five-day retreat in Taita Hills, where they gathered to discuss important issues facing the nation.
This was the second of EAK leadership forums to address head-on, the six giants that stifle Kenyans progression into a first-world economy but also those that stifle the attainment of the great commission by our Lord Jesus Christ as found in the Bible in Matthew 28:16 - 20. They include corruption, poverty, a bulging youth population, ageing churches, global missions, and unhealthy churches.
The clergy from various parts of the country used the time together to fellowship, unify and build support for the local church.
Bishop Dr Geoffrey Njuguna, the Senior Pastor at Deliverance Church Langata, said that the retreat gave church leaders the opportunity to discuss issues around corruption, politics, youths, and drought which are affecting the nation.
Regarding drought response, the bishop shared that EAK has gathered and set aside funds and through their Secretary General Dr Nelson Makanda; and assorted food packages are in distribution to various parts of the country. In a recent initiative, 450 families were each given a 10kg bag of maize flour to provide a meal.
MAF Kenya flew the group on the one-hour, 10-minute journey from Nairobi to the destination of Taita Hills where they met up with other church leaders for the week of talks. The flight to the venue in southern Kenya, towards the coast, allowed participants to arrive refreshed and ready to meet – rather than face a six-hour drive by road.
Dr Master O Matlhaope, the general secretary of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), said it was a great opportunity to be part of the gathering organised by the national body Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK).
“From where I stand, it is important to have such meetings of church leaders at the level of national leadership to reflect on national matters in order that they contribute effectively and collectively as a body within the national space,” he said.
“It’s critical that is done because sometimes in between schedules, everybody is busy, and it is difficult to apply self to issues to the extent that, in the end, you can say this is the official consensus of church leadership.
“When you have maybe two people who are the mouthpiece, the spokespersons of the organisation, such persons need to always have a consensus so when they speak, they speak with confidence knowing this is the position of the church – so they know they are truly representing the church.”
He said there was great value in a physical gathering of leaders and MAF played an important role in making it happen.
“As a mission organisation, I think we are achieving the objectives of MAF – to facilitate transportation, particularly for Christian activities,” he said.
“I think it’s also advantageous on the side of price, not to mention the convenience.”
As a mission organisation, I think we are achieving the objectives of MAF – to facilitate transportation, particularly for Christian activities. I think it’s also advantageous on the side of price, not to mention the convenience.
Steve Down, founder and CEO, of World Causecoin, and creator of a concept he calls “Cause Capitalism”, was invited to participate in the gathering.
The entrepreneur from the United States has a message of developing businesses that are linked to non-profit initiatives. He has already launched a financial coaching venture in Kenya which funds a foundation giving goats to widows.
“Cause Capitalism doesn’t give a percentage of net earnings, the difference is that cause capitalism is a percentage of gross earnings, beginning day one with your first product or service,” he said. “Your non-profit partner is truly a partner; it’s a part of your business plan and you give before you are profitable.
“When I came here, I had no relationships, I was invited to speak at the national prayer meeting and that’s where I pledged that I would dedicate the remaining years of my life to serving the Kenyan, the African, people – and that I’d like to be referred to as the Kenyan American.”
Ann Musau, the Program Manager for Causecoin, said the quick journey time with MAF was a great advantage.
“We are grateful to MAF for the flight, a journey that could have taken six hours took an hour saving the team time,” she said.
Eunice Mwongera from Nairobi Baptist Church said that all the evangelists had a fruitful forum.
“We commend MAF Kenya for the professionalism displayed by their pilots. Interestingly, during take-off and landing, we did not encounter the usual bumps expected from a 13-seater aircraft. MAF has been flying for many years and the pilots have mastered the runways, Kudos MAF.”
We commend MAF Kenya for the professionalism displayed by their pilots. Interestingly, during take-off and landing, we did not encounter the usual bumps expected from a 13-seater aircraft. MAF has been flying for many years and the pilots have mastered the runways, Kudos MAF.