|
|
|
The African Mission
has brought God, Jesus, and the THIS PAGE: NEXT
PAGE: (Click Here) PROGRESS
TO APRIL, 2006: Branches: 11 Branches: 3 Branches: 1 Branches:
1 Total Branches: 16 “Our gospel
came not unto you in word only, but
also in power, and in the Holy Ghost,
and in much assurance; as ye know
what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” (1 Thess. 1:5)
The word of the gospel is
found throughout the New Testament. “But
without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God
must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek
him.” (Heb. 11:6) This faith must
be in the true and living God of Israel, in Jesus, and in the holy priesthood
that are called as officers in the Gospel
faith comes only through those called of God and ordained as officers in His
kingdom. “14 How then shall they
call on him in whom they have not believed?
and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?
and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach,
except they be sent? as it is
written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and
bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel.
For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith
cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” ( Faith
alone, though, is not sufficient to bring one soul into the kingdom of heaven.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven.” (Matt. 7:21) “19 Thou
believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and
tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”
(James 2) “Then Jesus said unto
them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man,
and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” (John 6:53) Men must
repent of their sins and be washed
clean by the waters of baptism—what Jesus termed being born again. “Now [God]
commandeth all men every where to repent.” (Acts On the
day of Pentecost men of all nations came to hear the words of Peter. They sought
salvation and inquired of Peter, “Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then
Peter said unto them, Repent, and be
baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of
sins, and ye shall receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to
all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 41 Then they
that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added
unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2) After
being confirmed into the The power
of the gospel is the holy priesthood. Before
Jesus began His ministry, He went to John the Baptist to be born of water
because John was a Priest of the Levitical Priesthood and held authority from
God to administer that ordinance. John,
though, did not hold authority to baptize with the Spirit.
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh
after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall
baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” (Matt. 3:11) The Bible only notes two
priesthoods: the Levitical/Aaronic
Priesthood and the Melchisedec Priesthood. Authority
to baptize with the Spirit is the power of gospel held only by the higher
Melchisedec Priesthood. Before Jesus
could begin His mission He had to be called of God and ordained to this
priesthood. Jesus could not take
this priesthood upon Himself. “Then
the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”
(Matt. 4:11) He was called and
ordained under the hands of the Father. “4
And no man taketh this honour unto
himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5 So also Christ
glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he [the Father] that said
unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.”
(Heb. 5) Jesus
was called of God and ordained by the Father as an Apostle, Prophet, and
Lawgiver, the same as Moses. “For
Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up
unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things
whatsoever he shall say unto you.” (Acts Jesus
then called all of the other officers of
the Melchisedec Priesthood. “11
And he gave some, apostles; and some,
prophets; and some, evangelists [High
Priests]; and some, pastors [Elders]
and [all are] teachers; 12 For the
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of
the body of Christ: 13 Till we all
come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a
perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” (Eph.
4) It is important to note that only the Melchisedec Priesthood has authority
from God to baptize with the Spirit and confirm a person into the None
were allowed to preach the gospel among the followers of Jesus without being
properly called of God by the spirit of prophecy and being ordained under the
hands of one holding that priesthood. Aaron
was called by a revelation given to Moses and ordained under the hands of
Moses—who held a higher office. “Beginning from the baptism of John, unto
that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness
with us of his resurrection.” (Acts The assurance of the gospel is found in gospel faith and in the special gifts and blessings which are given to children of God. Gospel faith provides both an assurance of things hoped for but not seen and power. Each person born of the spirit, if he cherishes it, is inspired with blessings of faith, intelligence, and understanding. “13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16) “24 By
faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of
Pharaoh's daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of
God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach
of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto
the recompence of the reward. 32 And what shall I more say?
for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of
Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 Who through
faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped
the mouths of lions, 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the
sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to
flight the armies of the aliens.” (Heb. 11; whole chapter)
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works
that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I
go unto my Father.” (John 14:12) The
Apostle Paul outlined these various gifts of the Holy Ghost.
“1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you
ignorant. ...7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to
every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word
of wisdom; to another the word
of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith
by the same Spirit; to another the gifts
of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working
of miracles; to another prophecy;
to another discerning of spirits; to
another divers kinds of tongues; to
another the interpretation of tongues.”
(1 Cor. 12) “Follow after charity,
and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” (1 Cor. 14:1) Most
sectarian Christian churches claim these gifts were done away.
Why? Paul taught they are
“given to every man.” John
Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism, writing about the loss of these gifts
of the Holy Ghost, wrote, "The cause of this was not, as has been supposed,
because there was no more occasion for them, because all the world was become
Christians. This is a miserable
mistake; not a twentieth part of it was then nominally Christian.
The real cause of it was that the love of many, almost all Christians,
so-called, was waxed cold. The
Christians had no more of the spirit of Christ than the other heathens.
The Son of Man, when He came to examine His Church, could hardly find
faith upon earth. This was the real
cause why the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost were no longer to be found
in the Christian church--because the Christians were turned heathens again, and
only had a dead form left." (John Wesley's Works, Vol. 7, 89; 26-27) The
saints of God have been blessed with guidance from God through Prophets, angelic
visitations, dreams, and visions. “And
it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit
upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young
men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” (Acts 2:17) The
saints in Africa enjoy these blessings; but, the time for a Prophet is still at
hand. As you read this tract, you
will note these blessings are enjoyed by the saints in Consider
the wonder of the power of healing.
“14 Is any sick among you? let
him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him
with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the
sick.” (James 5) One woman was dying of AIDS in a hospital in One was
rescued from injury while traveling in a mini-bus that was involved in a severe
accident. Some were killed and
others dismembered. He didn’t lose
a drop of blood, shook the dust off, and walked home.
Another was also rescued from death when the bus he was traveling was
involved in a severe accident. All
others in the vehicle were killed. He just shook the dust off
and walked home. Jesus
spoke of “signs following” true believers.
The saints in How did
the Christian church progress from the days of the Apostles till now?
All of the Apostles, except John, were martyred by 69 AD.
It is believed that John returned from the Isle of Patmos in 97 AD and
died in 99 AD. Jesus gave severe
warnings to the Gentile churches. They
had returned to their pagan beliefs and traditions and fallen into grievous sin
(see Rev. 1, 2, 3). They refused to
live by the law of God; and the Prophets and Apostles were taken from them.
God no longer spoke directly to man.
Why? “1 Behold, the LORD's
hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it
cannot hear: 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your
sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isa. 59) According
to the noted ecclesiastical historian Eusebius, the order of High Priests
remained for at least one generation after the Apostles.
There is no record how long the office of Elder remained.
A correct knowledge of the Melchisedec Priesthood was lost.
We know that by the time the first Bishop of Rome claimed to sit at the
head of the Christian Church in 570 AD, that not one soul entered the “The pope is of so great dignity
and excellence, that he is not merely man, but as if God.
The pope alone is called most holy, divine monarch, and supreme emperor,
and King of Kings. The pope is of so great dignity and power, and he constitutes
one and the same tribunal with Christ, so that whatever the pope does seems to
proceed from the mouth of God. The
pope is as God on earth.” (Guiness, Romanism and the Reformation, pp. 25, 26) The
Gentiles were to be given another opportunity to have a dispensation of the
gospel and the Melchisedec Priesthood restored to them.
“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the
everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every
nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” (Rev. 14:6:6)
Exactly 1,260 years later, Joseph Smith claimed to have been ordained to
the same Melchisedec Priesthood held by Moses, Jesus, and others; and organized
the Church of Christ on April 6, 1830. Joseph
Smith wrote, “We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by
the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and
administer in the ordinances thereof. We
believe in the same organization that existed in the After
Joseph was murdered, with the help of the Government in The same
hour that Joseph was martyred in Carthage, Illinois, on June 27, 1844, James J.
Strang (although 400 miles away) claimed to have been ordained under the hands
of angels to the same Prophetic Office held by Joseph; as his successor.
This would not have been valid, if Joseph had not been dead; as only one
can hold that office on the earth at the same time.
On June 18, Joseph had written a Letter of Appointment to James.
It was mailed on June 19, in Nauvoo; and delivered by regular course of
mail, arriving in From James J.
Strang remained the only person who ever claimed both an appointment by Joseph
Smith and an ordination at the hands of angels.
He is the only man who fulfilled the duties of Prophet, Seer, Revelator,
and Translator. He translated the
most important book of Scripture, The Book of the Law of the Lord.
It is mentioned in the Bible by name over twenty times and as the law of
God hundreds of more times. It was
taken out of This
knowledge will help you understand the importance placed upon the true restored priesthood by
the Elders in
John the Baptist realized a preparatory
work before Jesus restored the Melchisedec Priesthood and opened the major
dispensation of the gospel. It
appears the Elders in
Biblical generations are forty years.
Forty years after the Jews rejected Jesus, they were destroyed by the
Roman Army. The forty years after
the final Gentile dispensation was closed will be fulfilled in 2007.
Many people believe the time of the great desolation, spoken of
throughout the Bible, may be on our doorstep.
The work in
Many believe in a Rapture seven years before the return of Jesus.
The Bible does not support this presumption.
“17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with
the Lord.” (1 Thess. 4) It may be
very soon when Jesus returns, “8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that
know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall
be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from
the glory of his power.” (2 Thess. 1) Most
will be left behind to burn. “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.
Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the
earth?” (Luke 18:8) The African Mission began on Stephen Njenga Munyora was born on
He
told of the Lord visiting him on “Concerning
God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob I learned much concerning that in 1998 as I
was telling you. It is the time I
understood that God was preparing me concerning the forth coming ministry. I
feel inadequate to analyze that much for the time of it has not yet come;
but am prepared for the perfect will of God to be done.” “By the way do you know the Lord
has ever told me concerning the ministry
I was working in. He confirmed to me that it was wasted years that
is the direct term the Lord used. He told me about a time (let me use the
direct words I got from Him), ‘I am about to give you out to an army who fear
nothing but breaking my laws and desire nothing but my Kingdom to come.’ My
eyes by then were not enlightened to understand what really the Lord meant. “Finally, it is a long
story but the message was for a time when it will be too late for them that take
my Kingdom to fulfill their greedy purposes; but He promised that they will
stand in the door and witness when it is crossed and they will get the message
when IT IS TOO LATE.” We immediately began to make plans for him to
travel to the Stephen had his first interview
for a visa with the U. S. Embassy on My wife, Mary, began exchanging
text messages with Stephen. He wrote, “Pass my greetings to Mary. I feel her
wonderful spirit. She is a strong
mother and it is her responsibility to bring us up in the fear of God. She is
more than a Mother.” On Stephen was given a second
interview with the Embassy on “She
seems to have heard my preaching on the TV because she was calling me by name.
We talked over thirty minutes trying to convince her we have nothing in common
with the church I was telling you of the latter day here in Nairobi [Utah LDS];
but all in vain. “She has refused me a visa
and claimed that I am not genuinely coming for that purpose and she stamped my
passport that I cannot apply again until “But under all means and
cost I cannot and I am not ready to renounce the faith, God directed me to
it with a purpose and He has a reason for all this.” I wrote to the Consular General,
Mr. David Stone, concerning this atrocity. Mr.
Stone eventually granted Stephen another interview for an additional $120.
Stephen went to this third
interview with all the necessary documents and evidences required by the
Embassy for a visa. He wrote that
although the counselor could not give a reason for denying him the visa that he
was still refused a visa. He also
wrote the counselor “even told me that he had no doubt of my coming back to On On March
21, Stephen wrote, “I have realized of late that God has been working
behind the scene and before the year 2007, He is ready to act in various ways
that will be a wonderful chance for the world to realize the true gospel, I have
discoursed that He is preaching and working before we enter into the scene. I
discovered that in Nakuru.” On March
24, he wrote, “Samuel I understand that time is running and seasons
changes. Solomon said that it is
good for the wise to understand seasons. He named an insect sought of that
is very good in understanding seasons, and He said that we should learn a
lesson from it. What am trying to say is that, God has given me a good
opportunity to start the [true] church of latter day saints in On April
8, when Stephen realized that we were finally going to meet in “Now I want to have
finished with this travel arrangements early next week and start praising God,
and worshiping him meaning business, for what He has done. Imagine I have
started forgetting the pains I have gone through those months. I cannot be able
to continue. I just want to rush somewhere and behave like somebody who was
weary and labored and the Lord give Him rest. When a time like this comes I just
forget who I am, remove everything in my table room, and shout the time has come
to praise my God... that is utterly what is going to happen today. I have to
sing for Him a new song.” I packed about
eighty pounds of books for Stephen. Dean
and I left Thursday night. All
flights were on schedule; and we arrived in
On
Stephen
advised me that before any group meeting with more than six people must be a
registered society with the Kenyan Government.
A meeting of more than six people is considered illegal and the people
may be arrested. Stephen made application with the government to be a registered
society as soon as he got home; but, it takes six months in
On
May 22, Stephen’s wife Rose wrote
to me, “I've heard the teachings provided by my husband saying that
there are five crowns awaiting us in Zion: crown of life, crown of glory,
incorruptible crown, crown of life, and crown of rejoicing.
I would not like to miss either. That
is why I put every effort not to miss the rest set ahead of me and be a partaker
of the great promise. And so therefore let us not be ignorant of this great
promise so that we may not do what others did.
They were consumed in a number of thousands by the wrath of God. But I
thank God that we are not now one of them. We
have already discovered the narrow way that leads us to the great promise.”
On
May 23, Rose wrote to me, “I
am sorry to inform you that Stephen, Peter, Festus and Phillip [new
convert] were arrested by the police last week on operating an illegal meeting.
They warned Stephen against that; but Stephen thought that by showing papers
proving that the registration is in process that could be sufficient evidence
and allow us go on and he ignored the rule. But in my house last Sabbath they
came to Stephen and we gave them contacts of our lawyer.
They went but soon they soon come back later and arrested them.
The rest were released today on security bond. Stephen is still in
custody. They are saying that he
will appear in commercial court tomorrow morning. Rose.”
The
police severely beat him while he was in jail.
This required him to be taken to the hospital as soon as he was released.
After he was released from the hospital, Rose wrote on me, “He is
bleeding and throwing up. We have known that the [
Stephen wrote of a vision.
“One day before my arrest [for having a meeting of
more than six people], I was on my way home. I was in a dangerous place
known of criminals. It was some minutes to
“From then I became so fearful fearing not such a thing to happen to me
again, and what followed was my arrest, admonition in the hospital where [Paul]
Kinyanjui met me. I promised him that after my discharge I would baptize him.
Immediately I was discharged. I could not be able to take even a glass of water
in my house, but it was surprising to tell my wife that I have to go and talk to
Kenyanjui or else I perish. I have been recalling the first day I went to
Eldoret. Paul, before any other thing else was talked about, spoke of the
premises. But, I was not comfortable
to hear that it has been a pub. But
in that situation I recalled about the garbage center. “Dad
I have an assignment and it is not yet over. I
have to prepare the Saviors wife that I believe is the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints. Please,
failure to complete the assignment the caller said I will perish.
I don’t want to perish. Allow
me to do what He has said. I remember in the first letter I wrote to you during
our introduction, I mentioned about some years back when He asked me concerning
an army of ten, who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but the While in the
hospital, after being beaten in jail, Stephen met Paul Kenyanyui.
When Stephen begins discussing the gospel, the influence of the Holy
Spirit is immediately recognizable. After
a discussion in the hospital, Paul wanted to be baptized.
The day after being
released from the hospital, although very weak, he took a bus to Eldoret—about
six hours from
On May
27, Stephen wrote, “I’m discharged. I’m on my way to Eldoret six hours
drive from
Stephen
wrote of a dream. “There was
another day I was sleeping. I was carried and I had a dream. I was feeling as if
there was some one brutal who was knocking at our door. I tried to wake up but
it was not possible. In that time I saw myself in a church whereby there was a wedding
going on. The groom was in the church
waiting for the bride. The
gentleman was very clean and neat. As we were waiting for the bride an old lady
came in, very much untidy and she wore natters and she carried a huge luggage on
her back. The mother of the gentleman stood and asked her, why are you wearing gowns for a burial service in a place of your
wedding? Another neat man who was in front stopped her and he said that is
the way it is today. He started preaching a message that was out of topic
according to me. But I heard him asking the lady, do you know that you are tied
to nothing, carrying a huge luggage and he
cannot marry you. You have
dressed contrary of the law of marriage. Those
words touched me and I stood and proclaimed in a loud voice, why then his father
deceiving her? He is the one who advised her in the long way.
Then the man who was talking told me, ‘you,
young man, can you go all over and advice the ladies who are intending to marry
the way they should be properly dressed.’ I answered yes I will, and then
he authorized me to go and sign a paper that I have accepted to do that
assignment. When I was waking up to go where he was, he said I will not go
alone. I saw Rose crying and I woke up.”
“I
am feeling very tired to the point I cannot differentiate Moses and Aaron.
It has not been easy to be in the place we are now; but the grace of God
that passes all understanding has been capable to carry us through. I have decided to do the will of the one who called me despise many
obstacles I am meeting on the way. There
was a time when I was in a situation and I wrote to you, and I informed you that
I am asking my God, why me? Where is the answer to the many questions those are
raising in my going of faith? But through the perfect inspiration, I have been
convinced beyond doubt that the grace of God is sufficient.
For we need to persevere, for after we have done the will of God, then we
shall receive the promise of God and that is to enter to the rest set ahead of
us, and not only me but also for them that wait for his coming patiently.”
On
May 31, Stephen wrote, “Dear dad, I
have come from far. I am not a spiritual infant and I cannot be easily driven
away by the traps of the Devil. I told several times that I understand what
Timothy was instructed by Paul and whenever I look at this I always have a
picture of you as Paul and me like Timothy; and what God
has assured me is that, this mission is dedicated to Him. The brother in
Eldoret is new, he happened to go through the article I wrote some time in
the news paper and the conversation began. One
favor that God has give me is that I am not straining to convenience any one
after a short discussion I LEAVE FOR ONE TO DECIDE. And in that I have
seen God.”
On
On
June 14, he wrote, “We understand
now concerning my calling and God has
warned me several times and even I was surprised Him telling me that He is
my boss and He will supply my needs according to his riches in glory. The issue
of Eldoret is simple and more specific than all the other things we have done
and it will avail much.”
On June 19, he wrote, “I always tell the members here, when they enter to this Kingdom then they should put every effort to be Gods forever, for the only blessed race is the one that belongs to God. When they are alive God, loves them and when they die, God will never leave nor forsake them. Love the Lord your God with all your mind and that means 100%. Paul said put the full armor, meaning 100%.”
On
August 17, Stephen wrote, “What
do I say, up to that extent, if God is for us who can be against us?
The missionary journeys here are
becoming much encouraging and the gifts of God which are irrevocable are
becoming consistent. I have a knowledge that He is preparing a big army to
testify about the call, gift, and the goodness of Bernard Ngigi Mithia received an angel
of the Lord who told him of the evil in the church he fellowshipped.
Jesus also evidently appeared to him (“before I come back”) and told
him how to find the true path through Stephen.
He attended the Sabbath meeting on August
20, “he claimed to have encountered with an angel along Rift Valley and
they had a conversation together. He
was asked about the fellowship he used to attend and how sure he was that it was
Godly for him to serve there. He claimed to have wasted a lot of his money and
properties due to the leaders of that fellowship could come and give him false
reports that the Lord is interested in his properties and they would claim that
it is the Lord who speaks about that etc. [am shortening]. Now he claims that on
one Thursday last month he was coming from one of the markets some late hours
and on his way home he heard a loud voice calling his name. “He turned around to see who was
speaking to him terribly. When he turned back he saw someone who was very
neat with blaze of fire on his background.
He fell down and the angel who
was speaking to him said ‘kim kim I have come to rescue you and to direct you
to the proper church before I come back
due to at the moment you are on your highway to the grave having people who lead
you towards the chambers of death. Go
into a double eight hotel and ask for Pastor Munyora from there.
They will know him by that name. Explain
to him what you have encountered and hide nothing and add nothing.
He will guide you to the whole truth [I am translating] and from then on
you will receive a position of a better service that will rescue you and your
family.’ He had a lot of stories; but I am trying to make it brief.” On On After
Stephen and Peter arrived home in Three
days later Peter was found.
Stephen wrote me on October 16, “Praise God. At last I know where Peter is. The guys
he went with were bad people. He is in police custody in Naivasha. He was
conveyed to that cell by criminal investigation. I have to get them in the
morning. ... On
October 13, Francis Ndungu Kagwima
sent me an email inquiring about spiritual truth.
After answering him, he wrote me on October
18, “I am delighted to write this afternoon and am very happy for your
continued and consistent reply that I have dropped on my desk. The content was
warmly welcome and embraced by the entire family. We are grateful and rejoicing
as a deer that has just seen a stream of flowing water in a desert. “We
hereby eagerly wait to receive the mentioned elder greatly and I assure you that
he will be in safe hands; all I would like you to do is to inform me when he is
getting here soonest possible. “My
family and I are looking forward to receive a servant of the most high and host
him as Abraham did, for we are certain that by receiving him we are receiving an
angel of God. We are very thirsty to hear the great news of the kingdom that he
is bringing to us and the worship of the true God. “We
know after we receive the news our lives will be fully changed and we
shall have a chance to be members of the true church and our names will be
written in the book of life. “We
have been looking forward to a time like this when we can get a chance to
receive the true gospel, since we heard about it in the Media [Kameme Kayu
Kamuingi Fm] and we consider ourselves privileged to receive the servant of
God.” I
contacted Stephen and told him I felt it was urgent for him to visit Francis.
He responded, “I will see them (Francis) tomorrow. I will wake up and
travel to Kinangop. It is a bit far from The next day Francis wrote me, “It was with tremendous blessing this morning to receive a God’s servant in my house. He got to my house early this morning and we took our breakfast together. That proved to me that love could be as quick as lightening. We took hours studying the word of God together with my wife Agnes and my son and wife Nganga. “We
are all ready for baptism when Elder Stephen who we accepted for his love
and open spirit, will advice when to take place, the reason why it became
impossible today is because of the SAINT held in the police custody and when he
informed me about that he is a student and he can be realized after a surrender
of a logbook or a security of the equivalent, I
advised him to go together to the station. I asked my lawyer to accompany us.
When we got there, we found that he was held as a red handed suspect; but he was
unjustly arrested. In cases like that the criminal investigation department is
not allowed to realize some one without a sufficient security bond. And that
case unless God intervenes it will take quite some time, not less than two
years. ...I have to consider the life of a saint as of paramount importance than
any kind of money if there is no way out before Friday, I will then surrender my
logbook but that will give the impossibility of one of my vehicles to be on the
road for unknown period of time.” The next
day, Stephen wrote, “I am on my way home. I met Francis and the family in the
morning and then we went to see Peter.” “I have just received a call from
[Francis] Ndungu and they will be coming here for baptism on the 29th.” As it
turns out the man on the bus who
Peter befriended was a criminal, kidnapped him, and then Peter was arrested with
the criminals. Had Peter resisted,
the police would have shot him. Arrangements were made with the help of
Francis’ attorney to get Peter released on the 21st.
They demanded a security to release Peter.
Francis gave Stephen the security using his own vehicle. When
Stephen got to the police station on Peter was freed from custody on October 21.
Stephen text messaged, “I am still in the station. They are demanding I
see the boss here and he is demanding money (corruption). We have already signed
security. I have to collect the amount from a second hand shop and leave my cell
phone. They will release him when I give them $70, for they are about to close.
That is why I have decided to get that money and pay later with 10% interest. He
[Peter] is just quite not in a good mood; but he was kidnapped and when cid
[police] met the guys he could not have time to explain for if he could resist
they could shoot.” The
national radio stations invited Stephen to present gospel messages on October
23, and then answer questions. I
advised him to mention the case of Peter. He
told the story of Peter and how he was unjustly held and the policeman required
a bribe to release him. The next day Stephen text messaged, “It is
unbelievable. The
ocpd of the police station was sucked today. You can get that in the
newspaper tomorrow. The boss who was oppressing me in the case has lost his job.
It is in the news.” Francis
wrote me, “The good story of the day is the miracle the God of Abraham performed
after the strain to get Peter out of jail. The
whole nation has come to know that a man who believed he was somebody in the
sight of God, was nobody; and two young guys who he didn't want to respect were
somebody in the sight of God. Stephen just mentioned that in the media Sunday
morning and yesterday that guy who required a huge amount of money was escorted
to anti-corruption headquarters like nobodies business. The nation media group
is indicating it clearly in the head line... sucked in heaven... Stephen
mentioned to me that I will get my logbook back. I am sincerely happy and
delighted about it.” On On
Sunday Francis wrote, “You have just blessed my soul by your beginning words,
the spirit bear witness that I am now a child of God, born of water and spirit
and having the Melchizedek priesthood. What
a joy flows in my bones. The
happiness that is contained in my heart words cannot explain, and the pleasure
of the welcome by sons of God is wonderful.
Now you are my brother, we are in the same race and we shall be together
and the bonds of our spirits will ever glorify God.” Stephen
organized a School of the Ministry in
the building donated by Elder Paul Kenyanjui from November 1, through November
11, in Eldoret. Sixteen attended classes. “Dad
this is Stephen with my own hands writing down this. The classes are doing good.
I will be back on Sunday after my radio program. I tell you, when you see all of
them in Eldoret walking and kneeling together for prayer you just see God.
There are a lot of things happening there and I wish one person from On Stephen
returned from Eldoret to The next
day Stephen wrote me, “My intention on coming to Nairobi was not to make Julius
[the cop] a disciple; but to practice what we teach because I would not like to
be a Pharisee who tells other what to do and he is going different. I thank God
I know better what I teach, what I believe and before I preach to others I have
the assurance of the kingdom. You may be surprised that God loved Julius very
much. That all my strains regarding
the case of Peter ended up making a strong relationship between Julius and my
Father in Heaven.” “Movements
of God are mysterious. I did not share the gospel in any way with Julius; but I
told him several strong words after his release. I even told him that I was not
ready to baptize him yesterday; but he felt as if he was falling to the wrath of
God in the next minute and found that his protection was only behind accepting
the gospel practiced my men who pity his life.” Stephen
then tried to get Julius reinstated in his job.
“Through the power bestowed in me I feel that I would need a time with
the one in charge before I leave for Eldoret. I testify the intention of God we
preach towards the life of Julius and share with them what God told me last night and then I leave them to think about it.
If they found it good and respect one who goes to them in the name of the Lord
then, then they will give him back his job.
If they don’t I will have completed my mission.”
Julius has since been reassigned. On November
30, Stephen wrote, “Tell dad I have felt good spirit with Julius
and he is now a son of the kingdom. [Did he get his job back?] Not yet, but
he will be transferred. He got an appointment letter.” On November
15, Stephen told of guidance by an angel of the Lord. “But, when I was on
the way asking God many questions and speaking on self, I was encouraged when God answered my many questions by telling me that there is no
temptation, no trial, no humiliations, no insults that have seized us except
what is common to man. The very
saints and heroes we talk and read about under gone all that and they overcame.
God we serve will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bare. The
present sufferings cannot be compared with the glory to come. The conclusion
was, I do take watch over you, I will
never leave nor forsake you, the way I was with my prophets I lead them to
different places, wondered in desert the same way I shall be with you.” On November
18, Stephen wrote to me, “My father Samuel,
I have all the joy to send this short epistle to a brother who has been
called by God of Abraham and Jacob, sanctified and been elected for a high
mission in Christ Jesus. I believe with all my heart wherever you hear from me
despite the culture and social boundaries I do warm your heart and encourage you
for this great assignment we have been assigned to carry in oneness, looking
forward towards the reward that has been kept ahead of us. May the grace of God
that surpasses all understanding be with you now and forever till we meet again
and embrace each other because the race is not simple; but we are guaranteed
victory. “Paul
the apostle when he was in prison, where he wrote several Epistles, when he
started recalling all the saints he has uncounted in his life, how some loved
the world and done away with the gospel Paul preached to them, others abandoned
him in the hour of need, others stood with him even if the situation could be
cumbersome. He could not fail to send greetings to the house of Pilsila and
Akular and the house of Onesforo. I do thank God
for the unforgettable effort you have done towards the work of the
ministry that I carry knowing I bear the marks of it on my body.” On December
1, 2005, Stephen wrote, “I hope this finds you and mummy at a very good
mood and a spirit that is very ready to understand the voice of the Holy Ghost.
I had a vision last night that
made my heart to become a blaze and it has made my day. I pray the Father of our
fore fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to make it come to pass. It was as them
that dreamed when we received the news that we
are to be gathered back to Zion. “I was
in a very clean place, and I saw a very big lake with pure water, and imagined
the water to be warm and desired very much to get in and start swimming. I
jumped into the lake with my garments and I felt very good in it. After then I
walked with some few saints towards a place in the vision. I got at home and I
left them there and went to milk my cows that were outside, the confidence that
was in me was that my life has changed and I felt that there are good things
going on. After the milking we carried the milk with my brother and entered to
my well furnished house better than the one I stay in here in Kenya, that is far
as I can remember; but when I asked the Lord the meaning of it I have part of
it. The lake meant a big multitude of people and the milk is the outcome of a
product. The home is the tent of this body and the confidence come from the
Gospel I preach. That has made my
day and I could not feel settled until I mention that to you.” On December
16, Stephen wrote, “I hope this finds you and mum in good health. I thank
God of Jacob to have helped me this far. I tell you I am continuing to trust him
all the way because for the few months I have been in the ministry of the true
church I have seen him and I cannot talk of even a single day I failed to see
Him. My responsibility is to do the work of the ministry focusing my eyes
towards the reward and the prize I will receive when I finish my race and hand
over the flock that was entrusted to me when I was in this life. I have tried
every way possible to see every flock remain in the race and I am still trying
to encourage the one. It may seem to be the last that my father is not
interested with number one, two or three; but whosoever will finish the race,
will be declared as a winner. “I
have to hold firmly my rod and my staff so that the enemy may not devour any
sheep in the flock and teaching them to recognize the voice of the stranger so
that they may not follow him. We have heard a lot now and the conclusion of the
matter is let us fear God and keeps His commandments
for that is the whole duty for a man, for God will bring every deed into
judgment, including every hidden thing whether was it good or evil. What
encourages me, is how I was when I was called to serve the true God. I
was neither wise nor influential nor was I of a noble birth; but after my birth
of water and Spirit I began the gospel that is a stumbling block to some and to
others is foolishness but to my God is His power. “I
know I am not permanent in this world. It
is a matter of time, I fly away and be called no more but all that I have done
in this body for the sake of the gospel will follow me, my prayer is that I may
do good especially to those who belong to the family of the believers, that is
the marks in my body. I sometime feel as if I can mount up like an eagle and get
to the source of this gospel and bring it down to man, the heart desires that
but the body have no strength. I have no debt with any rank in this would nor do
I have a debt of knowing anything done before one has become a member of the
church of the first-born for if knowing that will end up destroying the
relationship between brothers then it is of no help. And I rest on the past
experience I was taught is fatal to true holiness and it is unfruitful in the
Lords service. I know that I have good Elders here who are going to Zion and
teaching the true doctrine, and that is all I need to know. Anyone who accuses
things that are different to that, he is not sent for a good purpose and I
should not pay attention.” Stephen
was asked by a group of 66 in Lodwar,
Kenya, to travel there and baptize them. On December 18, he wrote, “Muchemi is a brother who I discovered that
he has zeal of God in him, what had delayed me from ordaining him an Elder was
that I could see him over exaggerating things and I tried to coach him on that
but now I have no reason of not ordaining him an Elder.” On December
20, he wrote, “I am leaving for Lodwar today and I hope I will be
back on Sunday. I like this mission because it has a very good outcome.” On December
27, he wrote, “I am very fine. I had a rough trip in Lodwar. I left Rose
to send you photos and behind us there is a house where I was sleeping. There
were 48 and still 16 awaiting baptism in Meru. I
baptized 48 in Lodwar in pits and those people are dying of starvation. I
will have a baptism here on Sunday.” On December
30, he wrote, “I do not have sufficient words to explain to you how Lodwar
condition is, but if I can try to I tell you that place is worse.
No roads, no communication through telephone; and I think it can be of no
help to them. That place is beyond
what words can explain; but I hope you understand what is hunger sleeping hungry
and not certain of what to eat tomorrow. Not even some water to wipe your face
and the limbs of your body can be even counted.
It is actually terrible when you look at them you discover your situation
after a flow of tears.” On January
2, 2006, Stephen wrote, “The President announced the famine
in Lodwar as a National Disaster and that has provided us who have donation
to use the Military Lorries or to be in touch with the United Nations
offices. The media station I commonly use is also available to convey the
donations to Lodwar. I have to visit one of these offices today and organize one
of our Elders to travel with them to Lodwar.
My used clothes and some others we collected on the Sabbath and will be
taken over there.” The saints in Zion and in Kenya
with the help of the news media sent hundreds of pounds of food to the saints in
Lodwar. The food sent by the
government never reached Lodwar because of corruption; even though the boxes
were stamped “Not for Sale.” On December
5, Stephen wrote, “I have sent an Elder [Francis] to Lodwar this
morning.” Stephen had been communicating
with a group in Djibouti, a country
on the eastern side of Ethiopia, requesting baptism.
On January 3, 2006, Stephen wrote, “I am still getting mails from the
family in Djibouti that they are very anxious to get baptism and
confirmation.” The rest of the
story of the people in Djibouti is found in that section. On February 4, he wrote, “The breaking news is New Zealand donated
dog food to the Lodwar starving people.” On March 1, he wrote, “Muchemi
[in Lodwar] is requesting for a bag of maize, beans, and rice that will sustain
them for some days. I have a free transport from the media who are conveying
food.” On March 3, he wrote, “At least now Lodwar began raining from today meaning they will require help for a
few more days.” On March 7, he wrote, “Muchemi
is here. He is saying thank you for the support of food.” On March 21, he wrote, “I received a telegram from Lodwar
today. Muchemi says he has increased the number of Saints from the day he went
back and he mentioned that he has over forty
people awaiting baptism and some one to give them the basic of our Faith.” On March 23, Stephen sent me an email from Muchemi.
“Dear Elder Samuel, “Agree
to receive warmly greetings of the Love of Christ Jesus from a servant of the
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father in heaven and in this world of
many struggles. Yes it is the world of many struggles but He reined in heaven
and earth and He will reign forever. “My
name is Raphael Muchemi of the
Kingdom of God of latter Day Saints Lodwar.
I believe Elder and spiritual father Stephen has mentioned my name to you. It
has been my heart desire to respond with you as he recommended me to do; but it
has not been easy because of the circumstances of the place I stay. In Lodwar
there are no means of communication. It is very remote and is surrounded by
desert. The Turkana community who lives in those areas never attended classes,
and they are not conversant to the advance life; and they are still years and
years behind. The Government of Kenya has not been able to carry this
responsibility at least to bring education over here and that is why most of the
things that could be of help to them they are not found here. “The
best means of communication are got in Kitale. Sending an Email in Kitale you
pay a lot of money over ten times per minute compared with how much is paid in
Nairobi. There are post office boxes in Kitale but from Lodwar to Kitale is very
far such that you cannot make it to and from with one day because of the
availability of vehicles. “Lodwar
community is a group of people who are fully committed to their culture.
They believe when one finds the way of the truth and changes his life and
commits him or her to God, they follow God wholeheartedly and they hold their
faith with even their body strength. “God
bless you and keep you safe.
R. Muchemi.” On January 18, Stephen wrote, “Though I am in a lot of strains and
struggles, I trust the Lord that He will carry me all the way. Despise the plans
of the devil, I still have a chance to meditate of the great and wonderful time
awaits me when this life is over. I have several items of good news. One is from
a guy from India who is interested in
the truth. The other one is of a family in Philippines
ready to enter into the kingdom and that wipes my tears and says praise God
because the power of the gospel is continuing.” On January 23, he wrote, “I am very much concerned regarding the
people in Djibouti and in Philippians but the
saint to be from India has sent me a return ticket to India; but it is my
responsibility to get the visa which I am working on now. Dad I am getting very
much disturbed and God knows I am not in peace until we are united together
with all the others awaiting baptism. I tell you I am not comfortable even
staying in my house. I am feeling as if I owe someone money and he is coming to
debt it. It has circulated in my mind when I hear a knock on my door I feel as
if one has come to correct his debt just realize what is disturbing me. “Words cannot express what I
will feel to have all this in the Kingdom. I have not been informed concerning Vijay
Sheer Kumar family but all I know is that he is married with three kids and
I am waiting family photo that he has already posted. I am happy of the new
believer [Richard L. Banks, Jr. in Phoenix] and he is welcome to the Kingdom.” On January 24, Stephen wrote, “Sorry in case I have been impatient,
though Timothy was asked by Paul to be in hast in spreading the gospel;
preaching the word in and out of season, time is very much gone and the door
soon will be shut. It is not our time to eat and drink and have refreshment as
if we are not certain of our calling. Whoever now cries for help we should not
hesitate to do everything possible to save the few we can; because time is short
and anything may happen after the next
eleven months. “When in the Sabbath in
different places, two Elders were carried by the Spirit and they have proclaimed
that there is something extraordinary
that will come to this world after the next few months; and we have warned
the saints to remain faithful to their calling.
The Kingdom of God is at hand.” On January 16, Rose wrote, “We are standing on a higher ground and
when we look we can see the knowledge of many who are just about to be judged.
Then we should stand firm in the unity and the fellowship of the saints
because we shall rejoice when we get to Zion where our Lord will reign forever.
Behold, He is coming holding the clouds of heaven and every eye shall see Him
and in that day they will know how precious, how good, and profitable for us to
walk in the path of the light and the naughty words of their mouth will come to
an end and they fall because of the one they have served in this life. I will be
happy when I leave this life as a conqueror. Heavens will receive me and angels
rejoice to have come out as a winner. There is nothing me and my family desires
more than being partakers and heirs in Zion. There are many and very many who
enjoyed the fruits and goodness of this land and now there are no more.” On January 17, Vijay in New Delhi, India, wrote Stephen, “It’s nice to hear you again. I am pleased
to know that you can pay a visit to me and share the true gospel with us. I will
welcome you and your family and sponsor your trip to India. I am in suburb of
New Delhi and the place is called Gurgaon the IT hub. Please let me know as to
when you can plan be made to India and for how many days so your program in
India could be arranged accordingly. In
Delhi I have a nice house, good to stay, and you will really enjoy your trip to
India.” On January 30, he wrote, “I haven’t much to inform you concerning
the friends in Philippians but I have
pretty to tell about the gentleman in India.
We first met in the hotel in Emirates when I was waiting for you; they used to
live in the same hotel with his friends from Philippians. We took photos
together and he asked me of my address; and he was flying back home the very
evening you were arriving. I provided my contacts to him and when he got home he
responded, since then he became my friend and the issue of learning our religion
and he believed and came in. I have been sending articles to him and informing
him the requirements to be called a child of God and the risk of serving a God
who cannot hear, see and never answers ones prayers. It is through that fact he
was convinced and the acceptance of the gospel come in.” On February 6, Rose wrote, “Stephen
is very sick. I took him to the hospital after constant bleeding from the
mouth. He also has a nose bleed.” On February 10, Stephen wrote, “I will not hear the terror of night
nor the arrow that flies by day. I will only see the wicked punished. Mum when I
get out of this situation I start
meetings to reach thousands for the kingdom. The Doctor said that I had TB; but now confirmed that I am not
having it. I can go home tomorrow or Monday.” On February 11, he wrote, “A lady from Switzerland was baptized in
Mombassa today and she brought public
address system worth $3,000 for the church.” On February 16, he wrote, “I am home. I am having a serious stomach
problem. It has been paining off and on.” On February 19, he wrote, “I am assigned to lead two thousand people to the kingdom before December and that is what
will decide of death or live. I have prayed for a team for a long time. It has
been my heart’s desire for a long time praising God. I know now there is an
explosion in a revolution just about to begin.” “I will be holding an open air
meeting in Caltex—two KM from
Nairobi. On February 22, he wrote, “I am not worried
of the attacks of the devil; but I have full trust in God and I will certainly
see the wicked judged and the righteous uplifted. We are now in the situation of
test with my faith but the word tells me
because I have kept the word of endurance He will also keep me from the hour of
test. Dad, the God I serve is so good,
more than what people think He is.” On February
23, he wrote, “Mum, we are in Caltex in a meeting and it is
attended by over a thousand people—too noisy.” On February 26, he wrote, “We have finished with Caltex mission and I am going right away to baptize nine for the
next ten minutes.” On February 28, he wrote, “It is true that I mentioned to you that there was a lady from Switzerland that donated public address |
