KENYA – “They just came forward and accepted the Lord.”

Baptisms seem to take place regularly at the Omosasa AC Church in Kenya. The river is less than half a mile away from the church, so there is little reason for delay when a person gives his heart to the Lord. The service begins with vibrant singing and dancing. The worship in music is never less than 45 minutes. Time means little to this worship service, and the worshipers would be surprised that I consider it to be a topic of enough interest to include it in this article. The preacher is Samuel Ondieki, also the director of the Mercy Orphanage Home. He is always ready and always on fire. He uses a microphone, although no one would have trouble hearing him without one. With great conviction he proclaims the Word. Then he offers an invitation to know Jesus Christ followed by prayers for anyone in need. When there are converts, there is no lunchbreak as he and church accompany the newborn believers down the hill to the river “for there is much water there,” and they enter the waters of baptism.

I have at times asked for a bit more depth to the testimonies with questions such as, “Who are these people? What are their stories? What caused them to come to the church today?” The answers received to this point are simple as though it happens every day and all-day-long, “They just came forward and accepted the Lord.”

Thank God for places where the good news of the gospel is commonly received with gladness, so it seems to be frequent, every day, and all-day-long.

By Bryce Whiting, Africa/Europe Area Director