Friday, October 30, 2009

The Territorial Commander greets Nairobi, Nakuru, Thika, and West Nairobi Youth

Friday, October 30, 2009
On Sunday, October 25th, the Kenya East Territory's leader, Commissioner Hezekial Anzeze, came to Kabete Corps not only to greet and encourage the hundreds of youth collected there from Nairobi Division, Nakuru, Thika, and West Nairobi Districts, but also to once again become a youth himself. This historic meeting was full of joy and blessings from God as the youth gathered, bringing glory to God through their many talents.




The day started off with a huge march past into the gates of the Kabete compound with each division and district being well represented by many youth. As the band, flags, and soldiers passed everyone gave a salute to the Commissioner and the Territorial Youth Secretary Captain Khayumbi. Everyone marched with pride representing their respective areas. Even the Thika High School for the Visually Impaired students were able to come and represent their school!




As everyone finally entered and took their seats, the meeting began. Along with greeting their Division/District Youth Officers, some short messages from the TYS and the Commissioner's new fiancee, mama Margaret Mugasia, everyone was treated to many wonderful performances including massive gospel dances, wonderful singing from the worship band and choir groups, a great poem, and an interesting drama, "Two things must happen." You can see these performances yourself if you follow the video link on the left. There was also the presentation of a new Kenya East Youth t-shirt for the Youth Spotlight award winner for the month of July, Peninnah Osoth. Honorary t-shirts were also presented to the Commissioner, mama Margaret, and the TYS to make them young again.








The Territorial Commander gave a message using 1 John as his text. He talked about the youth being certain in Christ, loyal in Christ, and victorious in Christ - in these ways they would produce the signs of a new life. He talked about how The Salvation Army wants youth who love what is right and asked them to open the doors of their hearts and let Jesus in. There was a good response to this message as many young people came up to the mercy seat for prayer and petition.



We thank the Commissioner Anzeze for blessing the youth and Kabete Corps for being such gracious hosts. Continue to pray for all the young people and children who will potentially change their lives because of this meeting and also for those who continue to follow Christ boldly.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Kangundo Division, Kathiani, Mwala, & Matungulu Districts Meet the New Chief Secretary!

Monday, October 19, 2009


On Sunday, October 11th, Kathiani District hosted a youth Sunday celebration for Kangundo Division, Kathiani, Mwala, and Matungulu Districts lead by the Kenya East Territory's Chief Secretary Colonel Steven Howard. The youth were very excited to come and meet the new Chief and they showed up in huge numbers!


The day started as all the youth from the four divisions and districts marched past the Colonel and TYS, all of them saluting the Salvation Army salute as they passed. It was so impressive to see so many young people dedicated to the Lord through The Salvation Army. There were so many that the meeting could not be held at the Corps, but at a nearby school! The field was filled with Kenya East youth!



The meeting was great, featuring lively Gospel dances from all four areas. (To see some of these dances and others, click on the videos link on the left.) The dances were massive, with all the dancers filling up the whole area where the meeting was being held! In the course of the meeting the youth of the month for July was recognized and received his free t-shirt. There were guests from the USA who greeted the youth as well!



The message from Colonel Howard was impactful for the youth, focusing on giving one's self completely to God, or being "wholly" His. He talked about the different things Christians need to clothe themselves with (taken from Colossians 3:12). Many came forward to the mercy seat to rededicate themselves "wholly" to God. One young man even came from the outside to dedicate his life to Christ for the first time. We pray for him and everyone who made comittments to stay true to God and to follow Him faithfully.


Kathiani District hosted everyone so graciously and no one wanted to leave when it was all over. We all felt at home and are so thankful for their efforts. May the youth who attended be blessed and The Salvation Army continue to grow in these four divisions and districts!

Say Hello to the September Youth Spotlight

Monicah Kariuki
Age: 23
Corps: Kerugoya Corps, Kirinyaga District
Favorite Food: Chapati
Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 29:11-12

Before becoming a Christian, life for Monicah was difficult. She often encountered the common temptations of many young people today, including living standards and dressing fashions. However, since receiving Jesus Christ as her Savior, she faces these challenges with courage and strength and has seen great things happening in her life. Monicah is not only an active member of her corps, participating in Junior Home League and Gospel Dance as a leader and the band, she is also a great role model for young girls around the Territory, teaching them how to pray and read the Bible. Her most important plan for the future is to live a holy life and to serve the Lord in the right way. She hopes that everyone in Kenya may also give their lives to the Lord, ensuring a better country and a productive new generation!
Remember, if you want more information about Youth Spotlight or have a nominee contact your DYO, DO, DC, or the THQ Youth Department.

Friday, October 16, 2009

August School Break Means DVBS in Kenya East!

Friday, October 16, 2009
As schools all over the Territory closed down for the month of August, many Corps opened their doors to youth of all ages for Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS)! Children and young people all learned about God's love for them and Christ's saving work through singing, lessons, and games. May God be praised for what he has done in the Kenya East Territory through DVBS!


Once again the Kabete Children's Home kids in West Nairobi District were able to have their own DVBS as well. Over the course of the week they studied the "Totally His" Junior Soldier preparation material in order to understand what it means to be totally obedient, totally clean, totally focused, totally devoted, and totally committed to God in The Salvation Army. Through daily lessons, the children were introduced to the history of The Salvation Army, the amazing testimony of its founder, William Booth, and the beliefs and promise soldiers uphold as members in this Army. They also learned how they can take part in carrying out its important mission across the world. Sunday's meeting gave an opportunity for the children to demonstrate what they learned as they took part in the service, reciting the 5 Bible verses they had committed to memory. It was a great time for the teachers as well as the kids as we witnessed youth taking joy in the learning of God's Word and his will for their lives.
Continue praying for all the youth who attended a local DVBS and that they would stay true to any commitments or decisions they made.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

TDWM Blesses Embu, Meru, Yatta, and Kirinyaga Youth!

Saturday, October 10, 2009


On Sunday, September 26th, Embu Division hosted a youth Sunday for Embu, Meru, Yatta, and Kirinyaga lead by the Territorial Director of Women's Ministries, Colonel Janice Howard. It was a great celebration of the wonderful youth work in these four divisions and districts, as well as a chance for the youth to meet the new Chief Secretary and TDWM for the Kenya East Territory.


After a huge open-air event all the youth marched past the Territorial leaders by their divisions and districts, saluting the Salvation Army salute with pride. As the meeting started all of us were excited to see that so many youth had come for the meeting!



It was a wonderful meeting featuring a gospel dance by Meru district (with Kenya East Youth t-shirts!), a poem by Kirinyaga district, a timbrel performance by Yatta division, and a passionate poem by a talented boy from Embu.



Also during the meeting the youth of the month for August was recognized and received his free Kenya East Youth t-shirt. The four DYOs were also introduced and able to greet the youth. The message by Colonel Janice Howard started with some fun competitions between different youth. The winners were even given a palm crown to wear! The message was very convicting, speaking about keeping yourself physically fit, but more importantly spiritually fit. Many youth came to the mercy seat to make the decision to change their lives and make their actions match their commitment to Christ.



We are so thankful to Embu Division for hosting this great event. Everyone left refreshed spiritually and excited to be a part of The Salvation Army!