Cross - Atlantic Teamwork helps Raise Ksh. 1 Million for Kenyan Church

Dr. Peter Mucheru Mwaura, Rev Francis Gatua and one of ther church Eders participate in the worship service just before the church building fundrasing at the PCEA Machini church in Ruiru, Kenya. H.Ndeta/Ajabu

By John Harry Ndeta , Ajabu Africa News, posted July 16, 2010

RUIRU- Kenya_Leading by example, a Kenyan living here in the US, Mr. Wilfred Muiruri surprised many when he helped to raise over Ksh.1m ($12,230) in absentia for the construction of a home church in Machini, Ruiru district in central Kenya.

Working closely with the church chairman, Pastor Dr. Peter Mucheru Mwaura; Mr. Muiruri who is a Kenyan in Diaspora set a good example by giving back to God and the Kenyan society that helped raise him before he moved to the US.

The church service on Sunday July 11, 2010 started with normal church proceedings with Rev. Francis N. Gatua of the Ruiru parish church delivering a sermon.

Rev. Gatua who preached from the books of Psalms 117 and 2 Corinthians 9-6 asked the faithful to be weary of deception that is widespread in church today.

The church which started in 1983 under Ruiru Parish had less than 10 people at the inception. Today, it has more than 7 churches. The PCEA Machini Church which is one of the 7 has a membership of over 200
families.

In early 1990’s, Fredrick Kimani Kariuki, a member of the church contributed building materials which were used to construct the current church. The same year, Rev. Ngumba was posted to head the church and helped raise it to the level it is today.

Wilfred Muiruri of Bradford, Mass. who contributed a cash donation presented by Lucy Ngunjiri of Kameme FM

At the close of the 20th century, the church leadership started
thinking of building a sanctuary for God. It was not to be until late
2009 that a church development committee under the leadership of
Mr. Charles Twiga decided to start the church building project.

To date, the church membership had contributed over Ksh.200, 000. Of the above amount, more than Ksh.140, 000 has been used on church planning including architectural work. The remaining balance is on the church account.

It is after the preaching that the PCEA Machini church chairman Dr. Mucheru acknowledged the invited guests and the fund raising session started. He welcomed all the guests and asked them to have a look at the architectural drawing of the Ksh.30 million church.

Represented by renowned Gospel artists-cum-local Kikuyu FM radio station presenter Lucy Ngunjiri, Mr. Muiruri (USA) sent in Ksh 150, 000, with friends adding another Ksh 20,000. for a total of Ksh 170,000.(Appx. $2,088.00)

This is my local church where I grew up," Muiruri told Ajabu Africa News during a phone interview in Boston, USA.

He said that before coming to America, he had been taking an active role of building the church especially when he was serving as the church chairman, and will always continue to do the same even from the US.

"I am so glad that we are a step closer to a better church that will include several classes for the children, a function hall and the main sanctuary," added Muiruri, who worships at the PCEA Ushindi church while in the USA.

He thanked all the friends who helped him with contributions that added up, then sent to his local church through Lucy Ngunjiri

Lucy Ngunjiri of Kameme FM during the church building funds drive in Ruiru, Kenya

The Kameme radio host gave a history of the Prayers Beyond Boundaries
Ministry where she serves while encouraging believers to keep praying to God.

“If he has done it for me, he can do it for you,” said Lucy.
Notable contributions came from Dr. Peter Mucheru Mwaura who gave over
Ksh. 200, 000 while the PCEA Machini church members contributed Ksh.
230, 000.

Former assistant mayor in Thika town and Councilor, Mr. Mwaura
contributed Ksh 70, 000. In his remarks, Mwaura thanked the church for
its determination to guide the society on moral issues.

Other contributions came from former Juja MP Stephen Ndichu who gave Ksh. 16, 000 with friend and members from the Kwihota District making additions. Ndichu is among a host of other candidates vying for the Juja Parliamentary seat that fell vacant when outgoing MP Gorge Thuo lost a petition lodged by his 2007 closest contestant William Kabogo.

The by-election date for the Juja parliamentary seat is yet to be set but many contestants have come up already.

In his remarks at the fundraiser, Ndichu asked the PCEA church to be more receptive to the young people in the church and give them freedom to worship the way they like.  Ndichu who is a member of Full Gospel church
in Kenya said the religious approach the PCEA church has been identified with needs to be shade in the light of modern developments to avoid losing new comers to the new Pentecostal churches.

Ndichu asked worshipers to be wary of false prophets who go about conning them of their cash by promising miracles and selling them anointing oil.

Members of the community during the church building funds drive in Ruiru, Kenya

"You cannot strike it reach by buying anointing oil. Some of you have been cheated into buying soil in paper-bags in the name of buying land. Flee from such blatant lies by some preachers", urged Ndichu.

On the proposed Constitution, the former MP asked faithful in Ruiru and the entire republic to read the constitution and vote wisely.

"Whether Yes or NO win, Kenya will remain, we will have a constitution in place and will live on,” said the former legislator.

Others who contributed included District Commissioner in Western Province, Charles Twiga who is the PCEA Machini church Development chairman, and the area Councilor among other local church and political leaders.

The target amount of money for the construction of the PCEA Machini church is Ksh. 30 Million which indicates that a lot remains to be done and well wishers are encouraged to keep sending their donations to
enable this noble project come to fruition.

The Cross -Atlantic teamwork by the dedicated men set a good example and becomes a challenge to many Kenyans in the Diaspora who totally forgot their village churches and communities once they got entrenched in the western way of life.

But judging by the looks of gratitude on the faces of the members of the PCEA Machini church, it could be a worthwhile pursuit that may transform many areas in Kenya that desperately need help.

Members of the community during the church building funds drive in Ruiru, Kenya .H.Ndeta/Ajabu

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