POKOT REVISITED
Last February we received a letter from Bishop Stephen Kewasis Nyorsok, the Bishop of Kitale, inviting us to visit his Diocese this year (2002) to view the development of the Church in West Pokot and particularly in the Mwino Valley where we were privileged to work in `the early days`. 28 years have elapsed since we left Kenya so we were a little apprehensive at responding to the Bishop`s kind invitation.
However, many problems were overcome and we spent the last two weeks of August in Kenya. Our son Andrew accompanied us to see again the land of his birth: we would have found it difficult without him. We had a great time, though it proved rather exhausting and our aged bones are still aching!
We saw considerable changes in the country generally, some for the good, though others caused us concern. The development in Pokot, both spiritually and economically however, left us full of praise to our God. Truly the prayers of faithful supporters over the years have been abundantly answered, especially when it is remembered that the last white mission-partners left the area years ago.
Let us list some of these developments:
Growth of the Pokot Ministry When we left the area in 1964, the Revd Daniel Tumkou was the sole member of the Pokot tribe to be ordained. Now there are 14 including Bishop Stephen himself. All have been well trained and most have a divinity degree. 5 of them accompanied us for the whole of our safari through Pokot country and 4 of these grew up in the Mwino Valley. They all struck us as deeply spiritually minded and enthusiastic in preaching God`s Word.
Greeting
on arrival (click
on picture to enlarge)
Christian Education From the beginning of mission work in Pokot, the real pioneers of the Gospel, the late Canon Lawrence and Mrs Annette Totty, established small primary schools at strategic centres all over the area, each staffed by a teacher/evangelist. Now, this initiative is highly developed. Everywhere we went we were highly impressed with the liveliness of the schools both in local support, and with each seemingly full of scholars, girls as well as boys. The scholars themselves were clean and smart in their uniforms and most of the teachers had a good Christian testimony. These schools are the foundation of the Church in many places.
Release from Animism It was wonderful to see the many Christians (perhaps hundreds) in the Mwino Valley all praising the Lord in joyous singing and worship. Not only were they rejoicing in Jesus as their Saviour from sin, but they were also thankful at being delivered from the fear of evil spirits, an integral feature of their tribal religion. Almost daily, when we lived there, we would hear the doleful songs around the mountains at various tribal functions. Nowadays they are singing the joyous praises of Jesus as their Friend and Saviour. Their faces were bright with the love of Jesus and their clothes were clean and colourful.
Vision for Mission None of the churches we saw were static. All seemed to have plans for extension. Alongside most church buildings, bigger ones were in the process of construction. Different members contribute materials, all are encouraged to tithe their assets, the Bishop setting a fine example in this. They avoid going into debt, and they are highly evangelistic in their outreach programmes.
Philip
being made an "honorary Canon" (click
on picture to enlarge)
M.U. & K.A.M.A. The Mothers` Union has been a strong force in upholding Christian marriage for many years all over Kenya and beyond. It still continues to grow but side by side we saw small and enthusiastic branches of, to us, a new movement, the Kenya Anglican Mens` Association. Even the young were being encouraged to join a uniformed Church organisation called `The Brigade`. These groups were impressive.
Kitale Diocesan Unity One of the Sundays we were there we attended an enormous service for the Ordination of 12 deacons and the Collation of 5 honorary canons. Many hundreds came from all over the Diocese of Kitale, each Church with its own choir, robed (African style) in bright and colourful garments. It was a wonderful act of joyous worship lasting many hours, all in the open air. The Bishop gave an 11 point Charge to those gathered. Everyone seemed to listen with rapt attention and to respond responsibly to those in authority. We came away convinced that it was a happy and united Diocese working together to build the Kingdom of God.
There was so much to praise God for everywhere we went. Sadly though, we sometimes heard of disappointments. A few, who were strong for the Lord when we were there had backslidden and grown cold. Although this saddened us, it made us realise that `the enemy` was still actively at work as he is wherever the Gospel is preached in the power of the Holy Spirit.
We came away full of gratitude and praise at the wonderful things the Lord has done throughout the Pokot areas, and we felt humbled to feel that we had been privileged to be in at the beginnings of this great work, especially in the Mwino Valley.
Canon Philip Price, Dec 2002 |
January 2003 index
