Story by Ken Allan and David Kamau
Photos by Dan Nyaoke
Sunday, the 28th of July 2019 was not any ordinary one at the Nairobi University’s Central Catering Unit (CCU), where the Central Church of the Western Bloc meets for Sunday services. The whole Western Bloc had met for a breathtaking service to welcome their new leaders Evangelist Richard Ahenda and his wife Florence (the Women Ministry Leader).
The congregants trooped in early not to miss a single part of the service. As early as 8.45am, the choir was all glowing on the stage ready to start the worship. With their melodious voices, they led the congregation in worship and praise songs. People couldn’t help but put their best feet forward for electrifying dances.
Thomas Mutunga opened the service with prayer, paving way for Mr. and Mrs. Simon Munyao who welcomed everyone for this auspicious service. The three sectors which make up the Western Bloc: Central, Kiambaa and Kawangware and Kangemi (KAKA) ministries were all in the house. Also visiting were Hope Volunteer Corps (HVC) 2019 team who had a two weeks mission to serve in the Kenyan town of Embu. Malinda Woldu, the Hope Worldwide Kenya director had the opportunity to introduce this team before inviting Nadine Templer, the leader of the team who in turn shared briefly about what they do. Mark Llorens charged with leading the Corps in Embu, shared how the parents deliberately exposed him to mature crowds who had great influence in his life as a teen. As a result of this exposure, he became a disciple.
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- The Service in Progress
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- Thomas Kiarie delivering the message of the cross
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- Mark Llorens the team leader for HVC-2019 shares on the opportunity to serve in HVC-2019
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- Malinda Woldu welcoming Nadine Templer to speak on Hope Volunteer Corp
This paved way for the Lord’s Supper sharing by Thomas Kiarie from the KAKA sector whose message came from Hebrews 10:19-25, 35-39 reminding the believers that they are not a people to shrink back and be destroyed but are those who believe and are saved.
Evangelist Richard Ahenda delivering the Sermon of the day
Evangelist Richard Ahenda, an all-round seasoned preacher delivered the main sermon, titled “More than expected,” from Mathew 5:38-42 and Ephesians 3:20-21. “God’s expects us to go beyond the ordinary. And that the role of a Christian is not to fight back when they suffer injustice but to go the extra mile.” It was also clear from Ephesians that God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine according to his power that is at work in us.
Jarett Odwallo wrapped up the service before he ushered in Kevin Oduor, Ground Zero Campus Ministry leader to take the service to the next level which was the climax of the day. Kevin invited the Ground Zero crew to the podium from the back end of the hall. This group of young and vibrant youths brought the hall to a standstill with seriously harmonized dances while carrying the celebration cake. Evangelist Richard and his wife Florence were invited to the stage to join in the dance.
The Campus team way of welcoming the Ahenda’s
Four couples from Central, KAKA, Kiambaa and Ground Zero came forward not only to share about but also to officially welcome the Ahenda’s to the Western Bloc in Nairobi Kenya. Anyima Okundi, Malinda Woldu and Nancy Odwallo then stepped up to gift the new Western Bloc leaders.
Richard and Florence were baptized in February and March 1993 respectively. They have been married for 30 years and are blessed with two boys, two girls and a son In-law. They were appointed Evangelist and Women Ministry Leader respectively in 1997 and prior to that had led various regions in Nairobi then moved to Kampala on 2004 – 2019. In Kampala, they were overseeing the great lakes region family of churches that comprises Kampala and Luweero in Uganda, Kigali in Rwanda and Bujumbura – Burundi.
The cake prepared for the Ahenda’s
“We are very humbled by the enormous responsibility ahead of us as we serve God and His church to the glory of His name. We pray for wisdom and strength to do God’s will,” said Richard.
The whole ceremony was crowned by an electrifying dance from the Kiambaa sector kingdom kids dressed in angelic all white attire and led by Ciku Munyao. They left the congregation in awe with their dance moves. The service ended at noon with a final prayer, cake cutting and sharing paving way for fellowships.
To God be the glory.
