Father Robert Mwai, (center) leads a new year service at the Kenyan Catholic Community and Friends- Sacred Heart Parish in North Quincy, MA. Pic by H.Maina/Ajabu Media
By Harrison Maina, Ajabu Africa, posted January 5, 2012
BOSTON, Mass.,_Africans in Boston ushered in the New Year in different styles with several churches and clubs holding New Year's Eve events on Saturday night that saw hundreds of revelers and worshippers turn out in large numbers.
After the overnight prayers and parties, many churches experienced a low turnout during the following Sunday morning New Year’s services.
However, the low turnout did not hamper deliverance of crucial New Year messages by several preachers.
Leading a mid-morning mass at the Kenyan Catholic Community and Friends- Sacred Heart Parish in North Quincy, Father Robert Mwai asked Kenyans in the US to make a few manageable resolutions that if kept will help improve their lives as well as the welfare of the community.
The prelate said that when it comes to a new year, many people make too many selfish resolutions in the heat of the moment only to drop them soon after.
He therefore said that it was important to reflect hard then make only a few resolutions that one can keep.
“Don’t make too many resolutions because you will not keep them.Also, make resolutions that take consideration of other people around you,” said Mwai.
He asked the faithful to take a moment and reflect on what they are doing individually to make the community around them a better place instead of thinking of how they can just improve themselves.
“Ask yourself what you are doing on your part to make the community around you better. If you are not doing anything, make resolutions to do something to benefit your community,” said Mwai.
He added that Kenyans need to consider thoughtfully what can bring peace in their lives which will also enable the community to operate in a peaceful atmosphere as well.
Also in Quincy, several dozen Kenyans congregated at the All Saints Anglican church for a New Year’s service.
Delivering a sermon to the faithful, Rosemary Kamau, a long time elder of the church asked Kenyans to shield themselves against attacks of the devil in the New Year with the unbeatable amour of God.
Evangelist Rosemary Kamau, foreground, together with Rev. Fredrick Thanji and pastor Dorcas Ablrecht after deliverance of the New Year's messsage at the All Saints Anglican church.
She said that many people all over the world have complained that 2011 was a difficult year but for those who believe, 2012 would bring better things in life if they observed the teachings of the Bible without failure.
“Cloth yourselves with the full amour of God and you shall overcome challenges throughout this New Year,” said Evangelist Kamau.
She wished Kenyans everywhere a happy new year that will bring blessings in all spheres of life.
Among the churches that held New Year's Eve services were the Christ is the Answer church in North Chelmsford, Grace International church in Lowell, St. Stephens’s church also in Lowell, the Rapture Harvest Mission International in Wakefield and the Uganda Global Evangelical church in Burlington.
Many Africans who talked to Ajabuafrica.com said that they were hoping the New Year would bring better luck as the past year was very difficult.
“That was a difficult year to everyone, not just Kenyans. Everyone wants to forget it,” said Charles Ngeene, organizing secretary of the New England Kenyan welfare association.
“I am hopeful that this year will bring more peace and unity in our community that has never seen before, he added while wishing all Kenyans in the region a happy and prosperous new year.
Kenyans wish each other good luck upon making it into the New Year during a service at the the All Saints Anglican church in Quincy. pic by H.Maina/Ajabu Media
