PROVOST’S DESK Church’s response to US Supreme Court ruling on LGBTs

By The Very Rev. Canon Sammy Wainaina

ecently the US Supreme court ruled that same-sex couples can marry nationwide i.e. in all 50 states. For It can no longer be ignored that society has become so Rthe liberal Northerners and propagators of Lesbians/ perverse that persons of the same gender are now having Gays/Bisexual/Transsexuals (LGBT) rights this decision was sex and/or living in a union akin to marriage. In the welcome however in the conservative Southern states United Kingdom, Parliament enacted what they called Civil the decision was met with resistance. Some prominent Partnership Act which established a legal basis from which legislators have out rightly objected to this ruling stating, those who live in same sex relationships can achieve legal “…we have always believed in the Biblical definition of recognition and a status functionally equivalent or similar to marriage as being between one man and one woman. a marriage. That definition has been deeply rooted in our society for thousands of years. Regardless of today’s ruling by the The Anglican Church in responded as follows Supreme Court, we still believe in a one man and one to the US Supreme court’s ruling: woman definition of marriage.” {Statements issued by Archbishop Foley Beach of the Diocese of the South Similarly, the Attorney General “… no court, no law, and GAFCON leadership} of the State of Texas stated, “… no court, no law, no rule, and no rule, and no words To all the and Members of no words will change the simple the Anglican Diocese of the South: truth that marriage is the union will change the simple As you know by now the Supreme Court of one man and one woman. And truth that marriage is of the United States has ruled that gay nothing will change our collective and lesbian people have a right to get resolve that all Americans the union of one man “married” in every State of the Union. should be able to exercise their When the opinion was released, the faith in their daily lives without and one woman. And bishops of the Anglican Church in North infringement and harassment.” As nothing will change America were gathered in Vancouver it stands, some states have even for our College of Bishops Meeting. We sort suspension of the ruling so as our collective resolve have released a statement, a Litany for to seek redress before adhering to prayer in our churches, and a resource the provisions of the new law. that all Americans for you entitled, “Bearing Witness should be able to to Holy Matrimony.” I hope you will In our own Kenyan context the read, study, and use all three in your constitution defines marriage exercise their faith congregations. You can find them in as “the voluntary union of a one place here. man and a woman whether in in their daily lives a monogamous or polygamous without infringement This Church will continue to honor union and registered in accordance the Biblical definition of marriage as with this Act.” Homosexuality and and harassment.” between a man and woman. The lesbianism are prohibited by law clergy of this church are not allowed under the Penal Code (Sections by our Constitution and Canons to 162, 163 and 165 which provides perform same-sex unions or bless same- for Unnatural Offences and Indecent practices between sex marriages. Individuals with same-sex attraction are males. It states in part, “Any person who – has carnal welcome in all our churches; I have met many from around knowledge of any person against the order of nature; or the Province who do attend our congregations. But we permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him expect them to practice the same sexual ethic as we ask or her against the order of nature is guilty of a felony and all our other members - the Biblical mandate of abstaining liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.” from sex unless it is in the context of marriage - marriage between a man and woman.

News & Views | July 2015 1 As the ramifications of the ruling begins to make it way In this context I cannot avoid mentioning a very disturbing to the various States, we will keep you updated on how it event in England. On Saturday 20th June, a Canon of York affects your congregation. Please be courteous, gracious, blessed a ‘Gay Pride’ march of homosexual activists, causing and Christ-honoring in your social media or press statements. a senior clergyman in the Diocese of York to say that the And lastly, let us continue to pray for the United States of “York Minister’s leading the way in the Gay Pride march America. is symbolic of what the ’s leadership is doing generally on this issue – leading people away from Similarly, our own Archbishop and Chair of GAFCON the clear teaching of the Bible and the Gospel.” (FELLOWSHIP OF CONFESSING ANGLICANS) responded as follows: In the face of such challenges, GAFCON exists to encourage work that will strengthen the to be My dear brothers and sisters: true to its biblical calling. One very promising initiative to help restore biblical truth in the life of the Church is the Grace and peace to you in the name of our only Lord and Anglican Church in North America’s recently announced Saviour Jesus Christ. It is a strange thing that in the Church Symposium on the ‘Domestic Church: Family Catechesis we can see both extraordinary strength and extraordinary in Contemporary Society (October 15-17 2015 at Christ weakness at the same time. Church, Plano). I am sure they are “York Minister’s right in their conviction that the The strength of Christian faith has leading the renewal of the Church in the twenty- been revealed in a most profound first century will not be deep and way by members of the Emanuel way in the Gay lasting unless the spiritual significance African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pride march is of the family unit is recognized and it Charleston, South Carolina following is given its proper place as a means of the shooting of nine of its members symbolic of what discipleship, teaching and growth in during a bible study by a gunman the Church the Christian life. obsessed with white supremacist ideas. Also in North America, next month The true Christlikeness of this historic of England’s our GAFCON Ambassador Bishop church, which has been no stranger to Bill Atwood will be speaking at the persecution in its past, was summed leadership is doing International Congress of Catholic up by a victim’s relative who faced the generally on this Anglicans. The GAFCON leadership gunman in court and said, “I forgive you is pleased to support this gathering and my family forgives you. Repent and issue – leading recognizing we all need each other. give your life to Christ”. people away from Our Anglo-Catholic brothers and sisters enrich our fellowship and In a different way, but also in the face the clear teaching strengthen our stand. of adversity, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali has of the Bible and noted the strength of Christians who We too in Kenya are seeking to have gone through terrible suffering at the Gospel.” equip our Christians with another the hands of the Islamic State. During his Divine Conference hosted by All recent fact finding visit to Iraqi refugee Saints Cathedral Nairobi 28th-30th camps at the invitation of the Chaldean August 2015 taking the theme ‘A Call to Holy Living’ (1 he found surprisingly high morale and that despite great Thessalonians 4:7) and international visitors will be most poverty, the church-run camps have worship, medical and welcome. One of our main speakers will be fellow GAFCON educational provision and these are open to all. Primate Archbishop Foley Beach from North America.

Let us not neglect to pray for these communities and all GAFCON is also seeking to strengthen the life of its growing our brothers and sisters who are seeking to follow Christ number of branches and last week our General Secretary, faithfully despite deep trauma. Archbishop Peter Jensen, was the main speaker at a well attended meeting in Belfast, Northern Ireland at the In contrast, there are too many examples in the Church of invitation of Irish members of the Fellowship of Confessing weakness in the face of the subtle challenges of cultural and Anglicans in the UK and Ireland. Many present became financial pressure. In Africa we are still too dependent in our GAFCON members. thinking on outside agencies. This makes us vulnerable to relationships designed to buy influence and damages the Archbishop Jensen spoke on the theme ‘What GAFCON integrity of our witness, while in the more economically means to me’. He reminded the meeting of the way that developed world there is too often a fear of being out of GAFCON had stepped-in to stand with orthodox Anglicans step with secular culture. as the Communion began to break apart and recognized 2 News & Views | July 2015 the sacrifices made by many of those who now form the with passion. It was the difference which made Anglican Church in North America. a difference; the difference with real content. It was the message that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He also praised the Church of Ireland House of Bishops he rules through the Scriptures, the word of God. for their courage in reaffirming the biblical teaching that The ancient Christians out-lived, out-thought and marriage is by definition between a man and a woman, out-loved their contemporaries. They did not do following the referendum result in the Irish Republic in this by doubting the faith or changing it to suit favour of so called ‘gay marriages’. He contrasted this decision with that of the Scottish Episcopal Church’s General the times. They did it by confessing the truth, Synod earlier this month to remove the biblical definition of even to death. marriage from the canons of their Church and added that Our response now should be both sober and firm. To these the cost of trying to hold both views together is to obscure new legislations we must say a resounding no, whatever the teaching of the Bible when it is in fact very clear, just the consequences vis-à-vis economic sanctions. However, to at a time when a new spiritual darkness is falling on the the sinners themselves, we must act mercifully, as it were, Western world. hate the sin but love the sinner, for we too were once living in darkness but are now redeemed. This is an opportune The partnership and encouragement that GAFCON offers time to share the love of Jesus Christ and the Gospel of as a global fellowship is therefore going to be needed more transformation. than ever as we commit to the re-evangelization of the West and develop new wineskins for the task. So let me give Furthermore, we must insist on following Biblical guidance the last words of this letter to an extract from Archbishop on marriage and family and uphold these tenets that are Jensen’s address: timeless in nature. We should not be ignorant of the times …liberal has little appeal to non- we are living in for these acts herald the last days which means that our salvation is now nearer than ever before. Let believers. The ancient world did not heed us be found ready, sharing the Gospel and living in holiness. Christian idol worshippers: it was won over by Christ is coming back, will you be ready when He comes? those who preached and lived the biblical gospel

News & Views | July 2015 3 News & Notices – July 2015

DIVINE CONFERENCE 2015 – This annual conference organized by the All Saints’ Cathedral Diocese is scheduled for 28th to 30th August 2015 at the Trinity Auditorium. This year’s theme is “A Call to Holy Living” taken from 1 Thessalonians 4:7. One of the main speakers will be fellow GAFCON Primate Archbishop Foley Beach from the Anglican Church of North America. Please plan to attend as we seek to receive Revival, Restoration & Refreshment from the Lord.

DIOCESAN FUNDRAISER – This year’s Diocesan Fundraiser for the Office Park will be held on Sunday 20th September 2015 at 9.30am at the Trinity Auditorium. His Grace the Archbishop will be the guest of honour assisted by our very own Provost. There may be an interruption of our normal morning services [please read the Sunday Service bulletin and August magazine for more information.] God bless you as you plan to attend.

HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE 2015 – This year’s visit to the Holy Land is scheduled for 9th to 18th November 2015. Package cost is USD 1900/- which includes: flight costs, airport taxes, accommodation and meals (full board); airport & ground transfers, visa and visa processing, Guide charges and entrance costs. Please register at the Information Tent.

VOCATIONAL BIBLE SCHOOL – This year’s VBS is scheduled for 17th to 21st August 2015. Targeting children ages 3 to 12. Parents please allow your children to attend. There shall be Biblical expositions; bouncing castles; face painting and interactive games.

TEENS’ CONFIRMATION HOLIDAY CLASSES – are scheduled for 17th to 22nd August 2015 from 9am to 4pm. Please register at the Information Tent.

TEENS’ 10TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE – will be celebrated from 9th to 16th August 2015. This will culminate in a Teens’ Conference from 12th to 15th August 2015. Please register at the Information Tent.

SIFA NIGHT – This is an all-night worship concert hosted by the Trinity Voices which will be held on Friday 28th August 2015 at the Trinity Auditorium. All are welcome!

MEDICAL CAMP IN KIBERA – The Social Outreach Ministry (SOM) will hold a Medical Camp during the Mission Month at Holy Trinity Kibera on 22nd August 2015 from 9am -3pm. We appeal for doctors and drug donation to facilitate the exercise from individuals and pharmaceutical companies. (Contact Louise on 0733-819 351)

NAIROBI EVANGELICAL MISSION 2015 – which is organized by East Africa Revival Fellowship will take place from 7th to 16th August 2015. We request interested missioners to participate and register at the Information Tent (on Sundays) or contact the office during weekdays.

SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES – Deadline for submission of articles for August 2015 is Monday 10th August 2015. Theme for August is: “A Call to Salvation” [Mission Month]. Please submit clear photographs with an article of 600 words or less to [email protected] OR info@ allsaintsnairobi.org If material is not original, please quote the source. Priority is given to reports of church events. Editors reserve the right to edit or withhold submitted items. Opinions expressed in News & Views are not necessarily those of the Editors or the Cathedral.

4 News & Views | July 2015 Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A Rare Neurological Illness

By Kimani Kamau

ultiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological illness that MS symptoms Mresults from an abnormal response in the patient’s immune system. This affects the central nervous system (the MS is unpredictable and symptoms vary widely. They may brain, spinal cord and optic nerves), which is basically the include: body’s engine. MS is characterized by periods of relapse • Fatigue which occurs in about 80% of people, and can and remission while, for others, it has a progressive pattern. significantly interfere with ability to function at home The cause of MS is still not known and there is no cure as and work, and may be the most prominent symptom in yet. a person who otherwise has minimal activity limitations; • Walking difficulties which may be related to several

Left to right: Kimani Kamau, MS Kenya Chair, Ana Carlucio, MS Kenya Treasurer & MS patient and Maina Gichungu (MS member and whose spouse is a patient)

MS occurs in most ethnic groups, including Africans, Asians factors including weakness, spasticity, loss of balance, and Hispanics/Latinos, but is more common in Caucasians sensory deficit and fatigue; of northern European ancestry. Most people are diagnosed • Numbness and tingling of the face, body, or extremities between the ages of 20 and 50, although MS can occur in (arms and legs) – this is often the first symptom young children and significantly older adults. MS is thought experienced by those eventually diagnosed as having to affect more than 2.3 million people worldwide. The MS; disease is not contagious or hereditary. • Feelings of stiffness and a wide range of involuntary muscle spasms that can occur in any limb, but much more common in the legs; News & Views | July 2015 5 • Weakness, which results from deconditioning of unused and continuing throughout the disease’s course. It includes muscles or damage to nerves that stimulate muscles; comprehensive and interdisciplinary care of various health • Vision problems are usually the first symptom of MS for professionals. many people. These problems include onset of blurred vision, poor contrast or color vision, and pain on eye MS Kenya movement; • Dizziness and vertigo characterized by feeling off balance The Multiple Sclerosis Association of Kenya, abbreviated as or lightheaded; MS-Kenya, is an organisation that brings together people • Bladder dysfunction, which occurs in at least 80% of with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and a similar disease called people with MS; Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO). It also encompasses people • Pain is common, and occurs in about 55% of people affected by the illnesses. This includes, but is not limited to, with MS, and can be both acute and chronic; patients living with the condition, their families, care-givers • Clinical depression — the severest form of depression — and medical professionals (neurologists, physiotherapists is more frequent among people with MS than it is in and nutritionists). the general population or in persons with other chronic, disabling conditions. Objectives

MS in Kenya To acquire and share information on Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica: provide support and relief to people Not much seems to be known about MS in Kenya. For a long affected by MS and NMO; act as a link to other Multiple time, it was thought that MS did not occur in Africa. One Sclerosis Societies and Associations worldwide; lobby and neurologist estimates that there are at least 400 patients create awareness on MS and NMO; promote research into who have been diagnosed. The number of those affected Multiple Sclerosis and allied conditions for the benefit of all; is likely to be much larger. In Kenya, there are less than 20 encourage people affected by MS and NMO to attain their Neurologists (specialists who diagnose MS) who are mostly full potential as members of the association by improving based in urban areas. The estimated cost of a full diagnostic their quality of life. work-up for MS in the major private hospitals would be about KShs. 300, 000/- making it unaffordable for majority To know more about MS-Kenya, visit: of patients. The diagnostic equipment (MRI scanners) are Facebook: www.facebook.com/MSAssociationofKenya also only available in urban areas. Medication costs are high. Website: http://www.mskenya.com/ They range from KShs. 75, 000/- to KShs. 400, 000/- per month on average depending on the medication chosen. Contact Email: Secretary: [email protected] Treatment Chairman: [email protected]

Currently, there is no known cure for MS. Managing MS is an ongoing process, beginning with the very first symptoms

6 News & Views | July 2015

Greetings in Jesus name.

The Marriage Outreach Ministry (MOM) of All Saints Cathedral organizes and runs an Annual marriage conference targeting married couples. This year's conference will be held at Pangoni Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa from October 17th to 20th, 2015.

This letter is an invitation to you to come join us at the conference.

Register Now

To register please click the button above to complete and submit your registration form. A deposit of Ksh 15,000 is required by 31st July, 2015 to secure your booking.

MOM Team For registration inquiries please contact Peter on 072 826 0897 or send email to [email protected]

News & Views | July 2015 7 Father’s Day [Raising Future Leaders] [Raising Men to become Fathers]

By Rev. David Otieno

ather’s Day was inaugurated in the United States in define how they will relate to their teachers, church leaders the early 20th Century to complement Mother’s day in and the society as a whole. In nurturing future leaders, Fcelebrating fatherhood and male parenting. On 19th parents must practice what they preach. Children are very June 1910 the first Father’s Day sermon honouring fathers observant and can see through fake relationships. was celebrated at the YMCA in Arkansas, USA. Future leaders are raised through proper mentorship, The event has now been universally accepted and this year reading the correct motivating literature and engaging in it was observed in various places since 11th June 2015. In good social practices such as sports, attending motivational Kenya it is observed on the Third Sunday in the Month of lectures and learning the lifestyles of famous leaders such June, and it is NOT a public holiday as in some countries. as Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Mother Maria Theresa, amongst others. The questions to ask is why observe this day? Perhaps the answer has to do with challenges that parenthood has Parents, uncles and grandparents can also be good role- faced. With a number of single parents, usually the mother models, more so if they lead righteous lives, by example. taking charge of affairs when fathers are absent or have shirked their responsibilities. (1 Peter 3 : 1- 7 ; Ephesians 5: At this point, it is fitting to take inspiration from the Bible 22 – 6:4 ) - Declare beforehand your standing and your faith in the Lord. Let the values and principles of your relationship with The Baby Boomer’s Generation had the advantage of God be made known immediately to all you come in contact close-knit family ties, where the father as the leader of the with, particularly with those you have any dealings with at household performed all the manly duties, and provided for work, school or neighbourhood. “But in your hearts set the mother, who was a housewife and whose roles were apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an restricted to raising up the children and ensuring they were answer to everyone who asks you to give reason for well fed and clothed. the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15, NIV

The script has changed with the “Y” Generation where Raising Men to become Fathers single parenthood is now common. And whilst the Girl Child matures quickly because of biological reasons, the Boy Child In my view, what it takes to raise Men to become Fathers has to navigate these un-charted waters through trial-and- begins with the Family Unit. Man and Woman must share error methods, with strong peer-pressure to contend with. the responsibility of bringing up the Child. There are distinct roles for both parents towards their Sons and Daughters. Raising Future Leaders The challenges one faces as a man and how he meets and Some Leaders are born into leadership roles (i.e.) monarchies, resolves the issues, defines his strengths and weaknesses, whilst others are born leaders. The second category is those and separate’s the “Men” from the “Boys”. who pro-actively take leadership roles. The Boy Child should have proper grounding in regard to In both categories, the VALUES which parents instil in their roles and responsibilities, and expectations of the society in children, in matters of integrity, morality and uprightness their support.

“What it takes to raise Men to become Fathers begins with the Family Unit. Man and Woman must share the responsibility of bringing up the Child. There are distinct roles for both parents towards their Sons and Daughters.”

8 News & Views | July 2015 Hospital Ministry seminar

By Judy Sirima

ospital visitation is an important aspect of pastoral ministry. On 11th July 2015, the Hospital Ministry Hwent for an empowerment seminar at St Julian’s Conference Centre, Limuru courtesy of ASC. The seminar “Before giving care which was facilitated by Rev. Josephine Ngahu, Rev. Philip Owour, Father James the chaplain of Nairobi Hospital identify yourself to and Counselor Margaret Mbuthi focused on care giving, care giving and evangelism, the concept of hospital visit, the patient, treat the professional code of practice and matters of spirituality among others. patient with respect, When we think of ministry, we often think of the words of address them by Jesus in the Great commission, ‘’Go and make disciples’’ (Matthew 28:19). Jesus, however, also said something name to boost their about caring for the sick. In relating to the final judgment of the nations, Jesus said of the righteous, ‘’I was sick and confidence in you and you looked after me’’ (Matthew 25:36). observe punctuality.” Furthermore, when He sent out His disciples, Jesus commissioned and empowered them to ‘’heal every disease and sickness’’ (Matthew 10:1). In each of the gospels the healing ministry of Jesus clearly illustrates His concern and compassion for the sick.

Members of the Hospital Ministry

News & Views | July 2015 9 Jesus example of caring for the sick was followed by the mindful of the patient’s needs, observing your boundary i.e. early church and has been practiced up to the present. how far you can dig into the patients’ life is key including Therefore ASC Hospital Ministry understanding of the your personal appearance. Christian responsibility for caring for the sick traces its origin to the earthly ministry of the Good Shepherd and His Be alert and attentive; build working relationships with apostles. facility staff, avoid discussion of personal problems with the patient or asking for favors. Basically care giving is about According to counselor Margaret Mbuthi, care giving is not being honest with the patient. evangelism. Care giving is about taking care of someone who is in need or offering service to somebody’s emotional, Father James agrees that the main purpose of hospital visits physical, psychological and spiritual needs. While evangelism is not to evangelize but to recognize the needs of patients focuses on meeting spiritual needs of the patient, care and being present to them to give them hope at their

The team during a seminar session giving is about helping, encouraging and giving hope to the patient. The bottom line of care giving is to give hope. “You have to listen to

Mbuthi emphasized that people who are sick go through the patient’s story, to five stages; denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance stages. As a care giver it is important to know identify their source of which stage the patient is in, before giving care. Listening to the patients needs is equally important. hope, faith and fears. The secret lies in not Care giving can be done either at home, in hospital or in school and anyone can be a care giver. The qualities giving false hope to of a good care giver are; having a deep sense of self awareness, being compassionate and humble, patient, the patient. However, approaching the patient with confidence, being honest and truthful, being respectful for the individual, having a good do not rule out hope sense of psychological health, loving, social, warm and accommodating. because medical science

Do’s and Don’ts cannot determine the As a care giver always remember the patient is the centre of care. Before giving care identify yourself to the patient, beginning and end of treat the patient with respect, address them by name to life, only God can.” boost their confidence in you and observe punctuality. Being

10 News & Views | July 2015 request. Hospital visitation is not forcing our faith upon the Rev. Ngahu emphasized the need to empower the Hospital patients because spiritual needs are different. Ministry to make it more vibrant. She urged the members to remain focused and appealed to other members of the In encouraging the patient it is important to let the patient Cathedral to join the ministry. A five member committee set the agenda and not the care giver. You have to listen to was appointed to steer the ministry. the patient’s story, to identify his source of hope, faith and fears. The secret lies in not giving false hope to the patient Through the application of the above ideas and the but do not rule out hope because medical science cannot empowerment of the Holy Spirit, our ministry to the sick determine the beginning and end of life, only God can. can become more effective. Philippines 2:4 says we should “You must help the patient to identify a sense of meaning look at the interest of others; 1 John 4:12 says God’s love by using words that give hope”, states Father James. is made complete in us through love and 2 Thessalonians 3: 13 says let us not grow weary doing good. Challenges of care givers Time constraints; disruptions; privacy; dealing with the There was a family who had a son and they lived near the patient’s emotions; complexity of illnesses; and mistrust by sea. Very early in the morning the son would wake up and family members. go to the shore to pick up every starfish that would have been drawn away by the sea tides and left stranded on the The best way to deal with care giving is to lower personal sea shore, and throw them back into the sea. At the same miracle expectations, learn to balance between personal time an old man would go for an early morning jog along and patient life, initiate other interests to prevent burn out, the sea shore and would see this boy throw the star fish learn to do self care, take time off to avoid burn out and get back to the sea. One morning the old man went and asked help if need be, the counselor advices. the young boy, ‘’why do you throw the star fish back to the sea and yet they are so many left.’’ The boy remained According to Rev. Owour three key words are important in silent and took another star fish and through it back to the hospital Ministry; punctuality must be observed, respect the sea and said the old man, I made a difference in that one.’’ person you are visiting and observe boundaries. Are you making a difference in your service to the Lord?

News & Views | July 2015 11 Disability Month pictogram

During the month of July we focused on disability and how the congregation as a whole can serve and better understand persons living with disability. Disability falls under the Pastoral Care pillar which is headed by Rev. Josephine Ngahu. The month incorporated persons with disability into the services with various activities including pastoral care visits to persons living with disability. It is hoped that we at the Cathedral will embrace those living with disability and serve them not just during the focus month but at all times and everywhere.

Disability Team during a pastoral visit

Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Presentation by a lady living with Albinism Visit to a multiple-leg amputee

12 News & Views | July 2015 MY EXPERIENCE AT THE CATHEDRAL By Richard Bukachi

y name is Richard David Bukachi Okola, married to Jane Aliviza, a Mfather of 2, Brian Prosper Okola a young adult, and Gladys Patience Ayuma a teenage girl. They both love the Lord Jesus Christ. In January 1998, I encountered an occupational accident which broke my spine. I am a ‘Person Living With Disability’ (PLWD) and a wheelchair user.

My experience at the Cathedral during the last 2 years has been breathtaking. You gave me a platform to talk about the most vulnerable and neglected segment of our community (PLWD). The Cathedral created opportunities, allowing me to express challenges faced by (PLWDs). You celebrated and motivated us through carefully selected themes. This has lead to public awareness creation on disability and stigma, attitudinal, environmental, societal barriers’ elimination in the Cathedral. You were non judgmental and empathic to us.

We (PLWD) feel valued and respected by your acts of kindness. My wheelchair was falling apart when I was first invited to the Cathedral in 2014. The Cathedral lend me a wheel chair and thereafter bought me a new one complete with a cushion to prevent pressure sores. The chair is light, easily portable and durable. Please accept my sincere appreciation on behalf of all PLWDs. I can’t find enough words to thank you all. I am still coming to terms that the Provost and the Clergy and Cathedral allowed a PLWD on the pulpit. I consider myself not only a friend of the Cathedral, but part of the Cathedral. Most Churches steer clear of issues disability for lack of Biblical insight. The Cathedral has stood out as a champion for PLWD. You have set a very Mr. Richard Bukachi & family high standard that others ought to emulate. God bless the Cathedral and its saints for reaching out to PLWDs, and for being the hands and feet of Jesus. I will never forget the unconditional love and kindness shown to us the family of PLWD.

News & Views | July 2015 13 Cathedral Centenary Celebrations Committee (CCCC) 2015

he Centenary Committee 2015 was formulated to i) To fulfill God’s command to remember the Lord your steer the planning of the Centenary celebrations God Tplanned for November 2017. The committee was j) To reflect on how the Cathedral has fulfilled the great formerly introduced to the Cathedral Congregation on commission Sunday 19th July 2015. k) To celebrate God’s revelation of salvation and bequeath a spiritual legacy to future generations Steering Committee The Steering Committee will plan and coordinate all the elements of the celebrations. Members are: Terms of Reference The terms of reference of the steering committee are as 1. Karanja Kahia – Chairman follows: 2. Jared Ogutu – Vice Chairman a) To formulate the theme and theme song for the 3. Dorothee Omwela – Organizing Secretary centenary celebrations that resonate with the vision 4. Jerop Too – Secretary and mission of ASC, ASC Diocese, and ACK Province. 5. The Provost – Rev Can Sammy Wainaina b) To form the Cathedral Centenary celebration Committee 6. The Asst. Provost – Rev. Paul Korir (CCCC) and sub committees to drive the planning, 7. Jandson Njoroge management, and centenary celebrations. The Provost and Assistant Provost shall be ex-officio members of the 8. Canon Macrine Owiti CCCC. 9. Canon Jotham Kilimo c) To decide how long the celebrations will be, the extent 10. Janet Njoroge of the celebrations, and the respective schedules and 11. Sam Ogutha programmes. 12. Grace Madoka d) To prescribe key activities that will be carried out during 13. Dan Oyuga thee celebrations. 14. Cornelius Walubengo e) To formulate and approve sub themes for the respective key activities that resonate with the main theme 15. Janice Mwaniki f) To explore opportunities for partnerships, the models of 16. Atigala Luvai such partnerships, and the levels of involvement. 17. Mercy Eunyalata g) To explore marketing, advertising, and publicity 18. James Ngeta channels that are mutually beneficial. 19. Representative from the Province h) To explore and implement brand rationalization and production of brand manuals, and to identify areas of Objectives of the celebrations are: branding and merchandizing. a) To thank God and give Him all the glory for His i) To decide on the publications that will be used for and faithfulness for 100 years of ministry in the celebrations, and advise if any advertising charges b) To tell the world about the LORD’S wonderful works will be levied. c) To document the Cathedral’s history in print and j) To prepare budgets for the celebrations and present it electronic media and preserve it for posterity to the PCC for approval. d) To recognize and document the critical milestones that k) To research into the history of the Cathedral and have defined the Cathedral’s story prepare appropriate publications and documentaries. e) To build a firm foundation and set the ministry agenda l) To co-opt expertise as need arises. for the next 100 years We welcome members of the Cathedral to share their views f) To reaffirm the tenets and traditions of and ideas via the Chair, Mr. Karanja Kahia or speak directly g) To establish strong partnerships for propagating the to the Provost via [email protected] Thank you! Cathedral vision and mission h) To firmly establish the Cathedral as a unique brand in ministry to the world

14 News & Views | July 2015 Attitude is Altitude

“O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” Moses (Exodus 4:10).

A man born with no arms and no legs, Nick Vujicic has overcome life’s challenges through strength and hope found in Jesus Christ. Today greatly sought for motivational speaker across the continents. Let him tell his story:

By Canon Micah Amukobole Hi Friend My name is Nick Vujicic and I am thankful to have been born 30 years ago with no arms and no legs. I won’t pretend my life is easy, but through the love of my parents, loved ones, and faith in God, I have overcome my adversity and my life is now filled with joy and purpose. I reside now in California with my wife, Kanae, and we both love seeing people’s lives changed for the better or touched in some way. It is my hope that your life is positively impacted by my story.

I was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, and it was a shock to my parents that I arrived without limbs. There is no medical reason for it. My parents did their very best to keep me in the mainstream school system and give me every opportunity to live to the fullest. I was blessed to have a brother and a sister as my best friends too.

We later moved to Brisbane, Australia, where I lived for 14 years before I made the move to California. At age eight, I could not see a bright future ahead and I became depressed. When I was ten years old, I decided to end my life by drowning myself in a bathtub. After a couple attempts, I realized that I did not want to leave my loved ones with the burden and guilt that would result from my suicide. I could not do that to them.

I wasn’t depressed my entire childhood, but I did have ups and downs. At age thirteen I hurt my foot, which I use for many things like typing, writing and swimming. That injury made me realize that I need to be more thankful for my abilities and less focused on my disabilities.

When I was fifteen years old, I sealed my faith in God and from there it has been an amazing journey. News & Views | July 2015 15 A janitor at my high school inspired me to start speaking website where I share with you my thoughts on faith, hope about my faith and overcoming adversity when I was and love to encourage you and to help you overcome your seventeen. I spoke only a dozen times to very small groups own challenges. over the next two years. Then I found myself in front of three hundred sophomore (grade 10) students and I was Dream big my friend and never give up. We all make very nervous. My knees were shaking. Within the first three mistakes, but none of us are mistakes. Take one day at a minutes of my talk, half the girls were crying, and most of time. Embrace the positive attitudes, perspectives, principles the boys were struggling to hold their emotions together. and truths I share, and you too will overcome. One girl in particular was sobbing very hard. We all looked Sincerely, at her and she put her hand up. She said, “I am so sorry to Nick interrupt, but can I come up and hug you?” http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/about-nick-his-story

She came hugged me in front of everyone, and whispered Nick Vujicic’s life demonstrates that all things are possible. in my ear, “Thank you, thank you, thank you. No one has His motivational programme of Attitude is Altitude is ever told me that they loved me and that I am beautiful the built on the principles of: Attitude Is Everything And Self way I am.” Perception Determines Direction.

Her gratitude inspired me to go across 44 countries and Let us sample just a few who practiced Attitude is Altitude speak 2,000 times. I realized that we all need love and hope impacting the world. and that I was in a unique position to share that with people • Ludwig Van Beethoven - Beethoven was a great source around the world. of confidence for himself and for others, being able to create music and play music even after being completely While majoring in both accounting and financial planning deaf is by itself quite a miracle. at a university, I also worked on developing my abilities as a speaker. I worked with a speaking coach who helped to • Hermann of Reichenau (Herman the Cripple) - (1013 - cultivate me as a presenter. He especially worked on my 1054). 11th century scholar, composer, music theorist, body language as my hands flew everywhere at first! mathematician, and astronomer. • Aristotle - (384 BC - 322 BC) was a stammer (stutterer) I spoke on motivational topics after creating the company, Aristotle the Greek philosopher, a great teacher. attitude is altitude. I also launched a non-profit ministry, life • Theodore Roosevelt - (1858 - 1919) at the age of 42 without limbs, to spread my messages of faith and hope years old became 26th President of the U.S.A. Although around the world. subject to epileptic seizures, bad eyesight, suffered from asthma, was a man of courage and strength appreciated Whoever you are, wherever you’re from and whatever you by many. are dealing with, I hope that you will be inspired by my story and my message. Please enjoy browsing around this

16 News & Views | July 2015 Etiquette: Honouring Other Worshippers

By Jandson Njoroge

racticing good etiquette entails using proper manners appropriate to the specific situation. It includes both Pverbal communication, meaning what you say and how you say it as well as non-verbal communication which includes body language. When we attend church, it’s helpful to communicate proper church etiquette to everyone to No one wishes to be the subject of gossip and slander. One enable them to act appropriately in the sanctuary. Once of the problems is that gossip and slander seem innocent the Christians understand the expectations, they can act and they often come to us subtly. Spreading negative or accordingly. In this issue we shall address the plague of shameful information about another person is contrary to gossip in the Church, which comes in the form of “have you walking in love. Love “thinks no evil” and “believes the best heard…?” In order to make it not look so bad, this is mostly of others”1 Corinthians 13. referred to as “grapevine talk” which is defined as learning something informally and unofficially by means of gossip Gossip and slander usually begin with something like, “Did and rumor. you hear about such and such . . .” The rest of it goes on to put an individual in a shameful or negative light. A.W. Tozer Bob Mumford once said, “The Christian army is the only had these powerful words of advice about the sin of gossip: one that shoots its wounded.” Regrettable, this statement is “Never pass anything on about anybody else absolutely true. As Christians we may have watched people that will hurt him.”Love covers a multitude and their families undergo untold pain and hurt because of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). The talebearer has no of the incredible power of gossip and slander. The aim of place in God’s favour. If you know something this article is to raise the awareness of the Christians, so that would hinder or hurt the reputation that they may follow the Lord’s teachings regarding speech, of one of God’s children, bury it forever. actions and care for each other. Find a little garden out back -- a little spot somewhere -- and when somebody comes Gossip is defined as second or third hand information that around with an evil story, take it out and someone dumps on someone without their prior consent bury it and say, “Here lies in peace the story and without the consent of the person being spoken about. about my brother.” God will take care of it. Gossip can be true, partially true, or completely false. It can be motivated by good intentions, but it is always negative “With what judgment you judge, you shall personal information about another that puts them in a be judged.” (Five Vows for Spiritual Power bad light. The Bible defines slander as accusatory speech by A.W. Tozer) that is injurious to a person’s name and reputation. It is essentially character assassination – the act of smearing So what should we do if we hear a rumor about someone someone. Gossip and slander colour people’s perceptions of else? When we refer to the Bible we find that there are an individual unfairly and unjustly without their knowledge many passages that deal with this subject. In Psalm 15, or consent. One major component in both of these sins David discusses the character required to dwell with God. is that the person being torn down is out of the loop. This Psalm has been called an “entrance liturgy” (The Talebearers usually avoid speaking directly to the one they Expositor’s Bible Commentary), with a would-be worshipper are demeaning. asking the conditions for entering a relationship with God: “LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may Gossip and slander violate the Lord’s own maxim in dwell in Your holy hill?” Psalm 15:1. Believers today can Matthew 7:12: “Treat others the way you want to understand the two questions of Psalm 15:1 as follows: be treated.” If anyone has suffered the agony of being Who is truly in God’s Church and who may dwell forever in gossiped about, they understand the force of those words. His Kingdom? News & Views | July 2015 17 David answers these questions by telling us to add three that have not been confirmed by witnesses, or that have righteous characteristics to our lives (verse 2) and to remove already been repented of. three evil characteristics from our lives (verse 3). These characteristics that we are to remove include or can relate In all circumstances, consider these questions: “Would I to gossip: “He who does not backbite with his tongue, want someone talking about me like this? How would my nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a family feel about this? My spouse, my mother, my father, reproach against his friend” Psalm 15:3. The Hebrew my children, my best friends?” These thoughts are typically for “backbite” means to be “a talebearer” or “slanderer” never considered when a person listens to or spreads gossip who does evil to a neighbor and reproaches (“shames” or about another individual. Have you ever noticed that speech “scorns”) friends (Enhanced Strong’s Dictionary and Spiros that tears others down travels like a bush fire, but news Zodhiates’ Complete Word Study Dictionaries). The Hebrew of repentance and restoration seems to move along at a word ‘râgal—a verb formed from the word ‘foot,’ means snail’s pace? Why is it that we often immediately believe properly ‘to foot it’ and then ‘go about.’ Then it means to and embrace negative assessments of people, but reports go about as a talebearer or slanderer; to circulate reports of repentance, change, or the dispelling of a false rumor unfavorable to others. are met with skepticism? As believers, the exact opposite should be our practice: we should be hesitant to entertain To illustrate the point, I will re-tell this story I read about a any skeptical or adverse words about others, and quick to brother who handled gossip wisely. rejoice in and embrace news of the dispelling of a rumor or another’s repentance! One of the sisters in the fellowship was spreading rumours that the brother was a drunkard. She said, “Have you heard In the pursuit of mutual edification and peace, our mouths that brother so and so is a drunkard. It is reported that his play a very important role. Our words should be carefully car was spotted outside a bar in the estate.” Of course she chosen, and designed to build up and not to destroy. See went ahead to narrate other issues that accompany gossip Ephesians 4:29.31; 5:4; Colossians 3:8, 16; James 3:10; 1 which is known in my mother tongue as “adding salt” or Peter 4:11. flavouring the story. These things were untrue and I know that some of us would have had a confrontation with this We must “slander no one” (Titus 3:2) and be ready always sister. However, in a wise way the brother kept his cool. to speak a good word about our brothers and sisters in After the service that evening, he drove to the sisters flat Christ. In the human realm, words are most often the spark and parked his car outside her house. He walked to his that leads to wars and atrocities, and there is a parallel house and left the car there the whole night. This definitely in the realm of the church, for “if you keep on biting and taught the sister the big lesson and she never engaged in devouring each other” with hurtful and damaging words, the vice again. “you will be destroyed by each other” Galatians 5:15.May “He who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend”

While the above story does not provide answers on how our speech to others and about others be “only what is we should handle gossip and slander, here are some helpful for building others up according to their needs, that suggestions on how to deal with the problem. If you find it may benefit those who listen” Ephesians 4:29 yourself in a conversation with a person and they begin to express words that may put another in a bad light, you Next time you hear a rumor, go to the person being rumored have a responsibility to interrupt such speech and exhort about. And never spread something about another person them to speak directly with the person they are criticizing. without talking to them first and having an open mind to If an email or text message containing gossip is sent to you, hear their heart. Unconfirmed notions about others should you should disregard the content and ask the sender to not be spread abroad. go to the one being spoken against. In all circumstances, you should not be a party to gossip. And the spread of evil For further reading go to: http://searchingtogether. speech. We sin by entertaining accusations against others org/articles/gossip.htm

18 News & Views | July 2015 News & Views | July 2015 19 Interesting Facts on Disabilities

• Globally every five seconds, a person goes blind. • Just 1% of the blind population is born without sight. The vast majority of blind people lose their vision later in life because of macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetes. • Doctors have yet to find a way to transplant an eyeball. The optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain is too sensitive to reconstruct successfully. • Deaf or hard-of-hearing people who use sign language • Many people would rather be referred to as a person much prefer the term ‘Deaf’. The word ‘hearing- with a disability instead of handicapped. Impairment is impaired’ implies there is something impaired or the correct term to use to define a deviation from the broken, and Deaf people are not ‘broken’ – they simply norm while disability defines a restriction in the ability to use a different means of communication. perform a normal activity of daily living which someone • When Beethoven composed his ninth of the same age is able to perform. symphony, he was profoundly deaf. • Eighty per cent of persons with • Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the disabilities live in developing countries telephone, was originally an instructor according to the UN Development for deaf children and invented the Programme (UNDP). telephone to help his deaf wife and • Comparative studies on disability mother to hear. legislation shows that only 45 countries • Scuba divers often use sign language have anti-discrimination and other under water. Deaf people can sign/talk disability-specific laws. at great distances without the use of • Women with disabilities are amplification through the use of sign recognized to be multiply disadvantaged, language. experiencing exclusion on account of their • Deaf people have created a language gender and their disability. known as Sign Language which has • The World Bank estimates that been linguistically defined as a separate 20% of the world’s poorest people language such as English, French, and are disabled and tend to be regarded German. Various regions/countries in their own communities as the most have differing sign languages in Kenya, the Kenyan disadvantaged. Sign Language (KSL) in America they use ASL, American • Persons with disabilities are more likely to be victims of Sign Language. violence or rape, according to a 2004 British Study and • Deaf people develop keener senses of observation, less likely to obtain police intervention, legal protection feeling, taste and smell to compensate for their loss of or preventive care. hearing.

Let’s be inclusive and provide care, understanding, love and warmth to all persons living with disabilities for they are only other-abled and NOT disabled! Train the talent, diminish the disability!

20 News & Views | July 2015