THE ESSENCE OF LIFE   

Life can mean different things to different people, depending on their life orientations, experiences, and religious, or held beliefs and practices. Therefore, life seems to elucidate different answers from different perspectives and standpoints. In another's context, life entails all that is there to be seen, conquered, and experienced, in an atmosphere of personal fulfillment; based on a given set of human standards and measures of success. 

A student of conventional  inquisitive studies and discovery, may easily and obviously reach a conclusion that  there is no definite answer in the subject of what id life? Again, he/she falls victim of skewed interpretation of what life really is. The cycle continues on and on.

When this is the case, all  human competition across cultures, is goaled towards achieving that is which the essence of life, based on the contextualized definition of life. Further still, some may adopt a hybrid type of definition of life, as borrowed from distant human cultures in history; or a observed through media and the present day global interactions.

Over the centuries, the question of what  life really is has dogged philosophers, religious, and political systems without count. Any serious Soul seeking to find out what the essence of life is, will make a departure from  existing simplistic and narrow paths seeking to define the essence of life. 

With such an effort, need arises to get to the root and the very genesis of things. If for and by way of philosophy, nothing can be or exist by itself whatsoever, then life cannot be by itself. An effort to understand world history, takes a student of history to down to the achieves of history in order such for answers  from past and present historians perspectives.

In the same way, a journey to the discovery of the essence of life takes serious students to the creator of all things. How does He define life, and the essence of life. In an by all means, this discovery can only be made possible from the creator's own  manual, the Bible.  An encounter with statements made by Jesus, the very author of life will help one to comprehensively and logically reach a conviction about not only the meaning of life, but the very essence of life. 

In John 14:6, Jesus made a very heavy and loud statement, " I am the way, the truth and the life".. (NIV). The question then could be, how can Jesus claim to be the way, the truth, and the life? In a world full of many "ways" of doing things, where truth is considered relevant to one's orientation, and the meaning of life has numerous answers, Jesus seems very confident, in this discourse with his disciples.

What I find interesting is in verse John  14:29. That he says these things before they happen so that the disciples can believe when they come to be. That a time was going to unfold when he would be the way. the truth, and the life. At least for them not to be troubled with our present day.

In the John 17:2, Jesus dialogues with His father in prayer, as his disciples listen to him. Again, he claims that God gave him authority over all people, that he might give eternal life to those that the father had given him. Beautiful. At least he clears the mystery of  who the way to the father is, and who gives eternal life. 

The essence of life is simply knowing Christ, the author of both earthly life, and eternal life. To know him, be found in him, and to make him known to others, by way of preaching the gospel, the way of Salvation. This is what NGCS students endeavor to achieve in and with their training at NGCS.

Paul teaching a class on personal development

Harun Miheso teaching a class on OT Survey

A volleyball game after class, not a bad idea

 Founded on the Lord's very commission ' ... Therefore,  go and make disciples of all nations, (Mat.28:18-20,NIV), NGCS has existed to do exactly that since 1990. A visit to NGCS main campus, will not be a visit until you  appeared in a signature photo, with a background reading, 'Equipping Christians in Holistic ministry and missions., To provide Transformative Training in Church planting and maturing towards unity for Christ'. These two statements sums up the vision and mission of NGCS.

Over the years, the School has strived to live to its founding objectives despite the many challenges common with any preacher training School. God has confirmed his grace immeasurably by providing both resources and direction for the School in otherwise very difficult times. 

Md Sussy Nandama teaching English at NGCS -22/01/21

Just like many sectors in the society, the advent of Covid-19 pandemic, reorganized the school in a big way. For the first time, the School created an e-learning platform to ensure that learning was going to take place as the World was battling with the pandemic. Just as the saying, need is the mother of discovery, the School administration in conjunction with the Board, moved with  speed to develop the e-learning platform, which has now become a very popular way of instructing not only at NGCS but in Kenya as well.

However, there were a myriad of challenges to this mode of learning as experienced here. They ranged from the Country's unpreparedness for e-life, poor power connectivity in the towns and villages where NGCS students come from, lack of smart gadgets that would enhance e-learning, lack of skills from both the students and lecturers, and unreliable electricity in Kenya. At the end of the day, one would take a deep breathe ... we managed. How, by the help of God. 

Despite the challenges experienced with the program, there was a 55% success in the first semester and 90% success in the second semester. The  school's education committee and the board, held separate sittings to better things in the second semester and the future. Today, the school has adopted a hybrid mode of instruction. This means that every class at NGCS is hosted in the Big blue button, that enables recording and joining by all registered students from their most convenient places possible. There are 6 students taking online classes, and 16 others taking a residential program from Nairobi campus.

A section of the class at NGCS

Joshua Ogada -IT class -25/01/21

Charles Ngoje teaching-22/01/21

Students in IT class -25/01/21

Have you ever seen a miracle? Yes, a miracle. Am sure by and large, my blog will draw readership largely from the Churches of Christ far and beyond. The subject of miracles raises endless theological submissions. Even from the best brains and scholars within the brotherhood.  This year, God taught us without count that Him alone can do miracles, anyway, anywhere, anytime. He is not limited to any particular context nor generation. The scripture is fulfilled in our very own times, 'The Lord shows mercy to whom he choses to'

A miracle in my context means and must mean going against the natural laws, science, and worldly wisdom. For my case, it refers to doing what only the divine power can do, through human or supernatural agents(empowered), or direct  action from the heavens. 

Brother Charles Odoyo Ngoje is back from the 'abyss'! Yes, the abyss. Late last year, were were struck with bad news that elder Charles had contracted the deadly Covid! It sounded like the first one week, he was not going to make it! His close family members painted a glimpse picture of let's  hope... The Lord overturned the natural laws to allow him live again! Praise be unto His name in the heavens in Christ Jesus name!

In a close talk with him after his class at NGCS, Charles said " I don't know how I fell sick, but I know the Lord has spared me with some longer time here. Perhaps to do different things differently" This is so amazing. One would recognize his composed and authoritative voice, but his struggles to walk straight and with his profound agility were observable. 

However, Charles has a very bold resolve not to be put down by his feeble muscles, but to be alert in the Holy Spirit's power to do his roles at his family, Winyo Church, and NGCS.  Brother Charles needs our prayers as he recovers fully by the Lord's grace. 

NGCS needs prayers from men and women that will care to trust that the Lord can do new things at the School. The the students in class here are being reset in their minds to meet with the porter. Please, pray for their health, families and ministries. 

It cannot be complete without thanking  our ministry partners for standing with NGCS over the years. More so, in this very last 10 months after Covid-19 pandemic changed many people's fortunes in a strange way. You chose not to drop NGCS from your list of burdens. To God we feel indebted for you forever. To the Churches, ministries, and individuals that have entrusted us with their students, we are you. Because of you, we remain standing.  We give all of you our promise, we will do our best by His help to train these men and women as the good Lord wills. 

Your servant in Him,

George Onchangwa Matangi    

Richard Chepkwony named the Chairman fo Siriat Bible School's Board

Mr. Richard has had several coats in the field of leadership and administration. he is serving the government as a chief in his Londiani area. He has been the Coordinator for the Kilon Bible School and this last weekend he put on another coat of responsibility as the Chairman of the Board of Siriat Bible School. An alumni of NGCS, Richard is very qualified for this new responsibility. We believe that he would the only one who could most effectively fit into the huge shoes left behind by the late David Sambu. May we pray for him and the entire family of the Church in the larger Rift Valley region that Siriat Bible School serves. May God give him success and bless him abundantly. Amen

Since late last year, the leadership of South Nyanza churches of Christ have been talking seriously about re-energizing their leadership training programs. As these talks kicked off a need for general evaluation of the churches in the area was engaged. It was revealed that most sectors were not doing as well as we want to see. A need to refocus the entire church became indispensable. A team of leaders have thus been working on a draft strategic plan for the next five years. The draft is nearing its completion in the next one month. We will then embark on the work of sensitizing the churches about it to earn their useful input, critic and endorsement. Last Saturday, the draft went through the hands of a wider spectrum of leadership. This meeting endorsed a greater enrolment at a training program scheduled for April 16 to 21, 2012 at Winyo Training Centre.  Churches of Christ have the potential to grow to 200 congregations in the next five years. That will only happen with quality training of evangelists. 

Orbituary

The family of Nairobi Great Commission School is mourning the passing on of the Chairman to the board of Siriat Bible School, Sotik. Mr. David Sambu moved from this life into the next on Saturday 25, February 2012 at Tenwek Hospital. He will be laid to rest on Friday March 2, 2012 at his home in Kericho. Pray for his family. -Charles

With profound love this Christmas season

Christmas Greetings from the Ngojes

This one goes to 100 people who have impacted us positively over the years. You are in our thoughts this Christmas season.

To you the workers of the LORD, who preached the gospel and baptized my parents and who later baptized me, we salute you this Christmas season. You came in as young couples ignorant of what lay ahead of you. By faith you left the comfort of home. You braved the flight over the seas and the jungles of the world, in the dark. Like Jonah who was in the belly of a fish three days, you too were in the belly of a giant iron bird destined for distant lands of Africa. You trusted all in the LORD. Because you came, so we are a church in Africa.

To our development partners who have gone out of their way to sacrificially support our children homes, learning institutions, clinics, agricultural efforts and relieve interventions. Thank you all who have donated for ministry needs, church buildings, scholarships for Africa’s sons and daughters. The teachers and the doctors who have come to Africa in the name of Christ against all forms of discouragement and obstacles –international economic recession, theological debate on evangelism versus social gospel, etc.

To those sons of this land who have been going out to the next village to preach, to teach and to serve the people of Africa in the name of God.

To those who have contended with persecution and ridicule because of their faith. And to all our friends, who have ever prayed for us, supported us materially/financially, emotionally, and spiritually. To those who have hosted us in their homes, fed us and clothed us. To those who taught us and those we have taught in the ways of the LORD. And to our colleagues at work and ministry both local and international. Merry Christmas and a happy new year, 2012.  Because of Immanuel this letter goes to most nations of Africa, America, Europe and Asia. 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

HUMBLED BY A PROSPECTING STUDENT

Charles Ngoje

Thursday November 8, 2011

Interviewees with members of staff

The 8^th day of November 2011 began normally at the Nairobi Great Commission School –chilly and cloudy. We knew we would have to contend with a long day. Interview for prospecting students has been anything but entertaining. On this particular day we would interview eleven individuals endorsed by their respective churches to pursue training at the school.

The process is well defined; register at the gate, have their papers scrutinized to ascertain their validity, sit for written interview in which their level of comprehension, proficiency in the English language, listening skills and scriptural understanding is tested. Then they would appear before a panel for oral interviews.

The Principal, the registrar and I formed the panel for oral interviews. This would be the final stage, where we would ask the students to explain why they want to come to school, what they intend to do with the training, what arrangements they have made for the upkeep of their families in their absence etc. The first candidate came, the second, the third… and then the eighth.

Alexander Atema 18

When Alexander Atema, the eighth interviewee came in, the atmosphere in the room changed completely. It became obvious that perhaps a greater leader had arrived. Chinua Achebe of Nigeria observes in his book, Things Fall apart, that, ‘A chick that will grow into a cock is spotted the same day it is hatched.’ At the interview we can tell one who will be a great student from one who will be a problem. Our great students have been great leaders out there.

This is what happened; unlike all others, Alexander moved in with confidence and yet with deep respect. He spoke with the humility of an African lamb. He shook our hands firmly with warmth when he came in, maintained effective eye contact and was as sincere as he was fluent in explaining issues.

I fought my tears trying to hold them back, sometimes in vain, owing to his eloquence, the experiences he had to endure in his fragile and yet formative years; and the authentic way in which he responded to the question, “Why do you want to come to this school?”

With a friend of his, they changed their base from the city center to Eastleigh where they met missionary Charles Coulston in person. Charles talked to them and enrolled them at Made In the Streets, a ministry that rehabilitates street children in the city of Nairobi.

But Alexander does not attribute his rehabilitation to Dr. Charles Coulston. He attributes it to God. He said, “God showed me love through his people, I cannot shy away from being equipped to serve Him. It is my prayer that God will use me as his instrument of love to the kids and families on the streets of our cities.” He defined his mission.

“I will glean the most from this school. I am on fire for God.” He said with absolute devotion.

Asked how he learned about NGCS, he said, “Charles announced that there is a Church of Christ School that trains preachers and that he would want for some of us to go to that school. Most of us laughed it off. Nobody wants to be a preacher. To former street kids, preaching is not the most desired responsibility. But for me, preaching is my calling.”

Alexander currently leads in songs, bible study and ushering at the church in Kamulu. He has since learned the trade of working with computers. He repairs computers for the Word Bible School Office, a sister organization to Made In the Streets. That is how he wants to program his life after NGCS.  As an evangelist, Alexander will be tent-making as a computer technician. Alexander is all one would hope for in a boy.

As a Kenyan, I want to thank Dr. Charles and Darlene, the missionaries who have been our translation of ‘Mama Teresa’ in our churches. They have not been too loud about what they are doing. You don’t hear them brag of the baptisms they are making each Sunday or of the congregations they are planting to impress their sponsoring congregations back at home. But quietly, they are remolding lives of children. Lives that have known nothing but corruption and rejection.  Restoring the image of God into the lives that have been abused and scarred. Putting hope where hopelessness abound. Seeing value where others, without the inner eyes that Charles and Darlene have, see worthlessness.

NGCS takes in students who are 21 years and above only. Alexander is merely 18. His fate rested now with the principal. I held my breath and Tom looked like he was praying over all this. We have a policy, God what do we do? And then the principal spoke. “Alexander, you are mature. We will overlook your chronological age and zero in on your spiritual and experiential age. Congratulations, we will admit you.”

Alexander Atema is a chick that will grow into a cock. He will be a great student. He will be a great leader. Pray for him and for all who will join the Nairobi Great Commission School in 2012.