September 3, 2008

We don’t know how many churches he started … he was always starting churches. I know of seven now pastored by young men who grew up in Mwimuto Baptist Church. All were sponsored to go to the Nairobi Baptist Association’s three year Bible School. All finished because of financial support by Pastor Samweli and his church … The church started before the village developed so it was among the first in the area. Of the 17 churches of all denominations now in this part of the city, seven of their pastors were led to the Lord, baptized and discipled by Pastor Samweli … Well over 60 Baptist churches were represented at the service. Pastor Samweli always drew people together.” These are a few of the quotes heard at the Celebration service held last Saturday for a “life well lived” by Pastor Samweli Kihugu. There were a few sad moments, but the day will be remembered as a day of praising God and seeing how He has been and IS at work in Kenya.

As I stood outside during the service (the church building is large by Kenyan standards, but the seats ran out quickly!), I realized that Jack and I were a part of the ongoing story of God’s living and active Word (Hebrews 4:12) that day. As I tried to decide if Matthew 28:19-20 or 2 Timothy 2:2 was the best scripture to describe the event, I realized the day covered both! We were celebrating what happens when God’s children obey our Saviour and “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV). We were also getting a glimpse of our Saviour’s Multiplication Table as we viewed one servant’s participation in Paul’s directive: “The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV).

Two parts of the service were especially moving – The prayers using the word “Asante” (thank you in Kiswahili) over and over and with the plea to our Father for forgiveness for those who killed the beloved pastor. Second, the plan of salvation shared at the close of the service as the cycle of making new disciples continued.

Do continue praying for comfort, strength and wisdom for Samweli’s family, the members of Mwimuto Baptist Church and the community. Jack has been given the opportunity to mentor the young man the church has called as their new pastor. Pray for this man and for Jack as they use their time together to grow in their knowledge and ability to serve their Father. Pray for me as I write this special living and active story of our Saviour’s Multiplication Table and share it with others as a way of bringing honour and glory to our Father and helping others realize how they have been and can be an active and living part of God’s Word and plan.

Thank you for also being a part of this story as you sent/send and supported/support missionaries financially and through your prayers – missionaries who have also been and are a part of God’s Multiplication Table! Bert Yates

Pictures are entitled: 1) 2 Timothy 2:2 in action; 2) The overflow from the church; and (3) Will they be discipled?