Apostle Joseph Njugunafrom the UK preaches during a service to marke the second year of existence for the International House of Worship (IHOW) church in Braintree, Mass. To the extreme front left is Pastor Joram Karanja, the pastor og the IHOW church.
Story and pics by Harrison Maina, Ajabu Africa News, Posted August 7, 2010
BRAINTREE, Mass. , _The International House of Worship church (IHOW) in Braintree marked it’s second year since inception during a colorful ceremony held on Sunday July 25 at the church premises in Braintree, Mass.
Led by Pastor Joram Karaja, the IHOW church has been growing and making ripples in the south shore side of Boston.
It has consistently brought the good news to its faithful and visitors, and has of late invited various men and women of God, including gospel singers to minister.
During the 3rd annual celebration, the fully packed church saw Apostle Joseph Njuguna, an International Kenyan preacher from the UK, popularly known as the Man of God, take part in the celebrations.
Also in attendance were the Mwaura’s, a popular Kenyan gospel team comprising of a husband and his wife.
Based in Nakuru, Kenya, The Mwaura’ have been on a gospel tour in the USA, and have captivated audiences with their gospel hits done in both their Kikuyu and Swahili languages.
The event was also attended by other top local Kenyan gospel artists like Sarah Mbogo and Mary Munyiri , both from Lowell, Liz Kariuki from Worcester, Nancy Wanja from North Carolina and Peris Mbaria from Lawrence.
Welcoming the guest preacher and reading a brief history of the church, Pastor Joram Karanja told worshippers and guests that the IHOW church was started in 2008 by him and pastor Kori, who has since moved to California.
He said that the church has since been growing both spiritually and numerically as it faces the various challenges of life.
Left to right: Elders of the IHOW church, Jamlick Wairimu, Pastor Stephen Kahuki and Pastor Joram Karanja are directed to cut the cake marking the 2nd annivesary of the IHOW church
“As we navigate through natural disasters like storms, disease, hunger, earthquakes, the constant threat of terrorism and nuclear, the HIV menace and the emergence of China as a world power, the church of Christ has a task towards alleviating this and doing the needful,” said Pastor Karanja.
He asked worshippers to invite the presence of the Holy Spirit to enable them face the challenges in the world today. “If we allow ourselves to be hurt and damaged by these experiences, we will never be good candidates for anointing.
We must learn to hang from the cross and say father, forgive those who wrong us for they do not know what they are doing.”
Pastor Karanja said that if people do not practice to do this, “then the church of Christ will never grow to maturity”.
When he took to the pulpit, Apostle Njuguna from the UK asked worshippers not to worry when they encounter misery or when they get rejected by people.
He said that he is a good example of a person who was completely lost and rejected by everyone around him.
“I used to plant marijuana in my mothers backyard back in Kenya. I was so addicted to Heroine once in London and everyone used to hide when they saw me approaching for fear that I could snatch their possessions,” said the fiery preacher.
Drama: IHOW chrch women stage a play during the 2nd Annual celebrations.
"The Mwaura's" from Kenya perform
However, Apostle Njuguna said that when he decided to live according to the scripture, God renewed and restored him. Now that he has even become an international preacher, going to different countries, he preaches words of hope.
“Your misery will become your ministry. Your rejection will become your deliverance,” he declared.
The ceremony saw various entertaining performances from several gospel artists and the church choir as well as play staged by the women of the church.
Pastor Stephen Kahuki served as the master of ceremonies. He thanked the members of the church for making the annual celebrations a success and the visitors for joining them on the auspicious day.
The event ended with a lunch session as visitors socialized before dispersing on the sunny summer afternoon.
