News of October - December 2007

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Orphans Program- Blankets for Christmas

Thanks to all who are praying or contributing financially to this program! By the grace of God, the Orphans Program is a huge blessing. Thanks to a special donation, we were able to buy blankets for the orphans as Christmas gifts. The orphans were very excited to receive the blankets and thanked the Lord for His kindness through the Coptic Church.

The Kingdom of God is Growing

In Bondo, 100 Kenyan people were baptized in St. Philopateer Church by Father Thomas. What made this day even more amazing was that the new members were baptized on the feast day of St. Philopateer. The St. Philopateer Church was graciously offered from the St. Mary & St. Athanasius Church in Mississauga, Canada.

Also, thanks be to God, 300 Kenyan people were baptized in St. Mark & St. Moses Church in the Alego Parish by Father Jacob. They had been waiting eagerly for baptism for several months.

In Tanzania, 20 people were baptized in St. Mary Church by Father Joshua. Thanks be to God that after Father Joshua was recently ordained for this church, he has a joyful introduction beginning by baptisms.

35 new Zambian members were baptized in St. Mark Church, Lusaka by Father Mark the Priest of the Church of St. Mary, Kenyama. Among this number, there was a newborn baby, some children, adolescences, and a few adults. Two of the adults were severely sick and thus they received baptism in their room in the Coptic Hospital. Miraculously, the next morning after their baptism, the two seriously ill patients were found in good health and were released from the hospital. All the new members have also received Holy Communion the very same day. Glory be to God.

HOPE for a Brighter Tomorrow: World AIDS Day 2006

On December 1st, 2006, the Hope Center in four locations (Kenya: Nairobi, Maseno, Industrial Area & Lusaka, Zambia) sponsored a march through the city of those who are HIV positive. The group was led by Bishop and priests. This courageous group marched to encourage others to get tested and encourage those with HIV/AIDS to get the proper treatment to live positive, healthy lives.

First Group of “Elders” Visits Kenya and Tanzania on Mission Trip

A group of 20 missionaries from St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Washington D.C. led by Father Bishoy Andrawes visited Kenya and Tanzania on a short-term mission trip. What made this trip unique is that the missionaries were the Coptic Mission’s first group of “elders” to do mission. They had an amazing, life-changing experience and look forward to coming back to Africa!  (read more)

New Church in Nigeria

The first Coptic church in Nigeria is in Lagos, which has 30 Nigerian members. A group of 150 Copts from Egypt have recently moved to Nigeria and have opened another church in the city of Calibar. They are currently renting a house in which the church group meets. Please continue to pray for this church and its group as they hope to find a building for a permanent church, continue growing and reaching out to the community.

Salvation Retreat in Nairobi

A two-day retreat was held in which 32 youth attended at a retreat center named Brackenhurst. The talks were given by Bishop Paul and Father Moses. The retreats also included discussion groups and competitions. The main theme of the retreat was salvation in the Orthodox Concept, which was explained through its three meanings of renewal, sanctification and praises. The youth had a wonderful time in spiritual growth, fellowship and revival.

Newlywed Retreat in Nairobi

A newlywed retreat for two-days was held in which 10 couples attended at a retreat center named Brackenhurst. Bishop Paul and Father Moses led the topics for the retreat. The Bible Study was on Philippians and there were also discussions on the relationship between Abraham and Sarah.

Youth Purity Retreat in Kaluo and Alego Parishes

The Kaluo and Alego Parishes each held a Youth Purity Retreat in which each three-day retreat had about 50 youth attending. The topics were led by Father Timothy in the Kaluo Parish and Father Jacob in the Alego Parish. The youth had an amazing time in fellowship, spiritual growth, and dedicating their lives to stay pure before marriage.

Opening of New Building in Maseno

By the Grace of God, a new building has been opened mid-2006 in Maseno. This amazing building has 18 beautifully furnished rooms, each equipped with its own bathroom and balcony. The building serves as a conference center, whether it is a Spiritual Retreat for Youths or Servants, or an AIDS Training Conference for community leaders, or any other functions of this nature.

New Prayer Warrior Program in Maseno

In Maseno, we have learned that Prayer is our only source of power and the only weapon against the schemes of the enemy. Therefore, we have created this Prayer Warrior Schedule, which divides the day into eight 1-hour slots; each person is assigned a slot daily, during which he/she goes to the chapel and prays for the specific services going on that day, for everyone serving in the mission, and for specific prayer requests, all written on a white dry-erase board. This ensures that there is continuous prayer throughout the day, and that the mission is led by the Spirit of God. It also trains us to pray unselfish intercessory prayers for others during one whole hour.

New Surgical Room & In-Patients Ward at Maseno Clinic

Thanks be to God, a new surgical room and in-patients ward has opened in the Maseno Rural Clinic. This has been an answer to many prayers to a need in the area. There was a major need for surgery rooms and rooms mainly for women who are to give birth and those suffering with various diseases.

Overnight Prayer with the Servants

In Maseno, the servants all got together for sharing, prayer and praising all night. The night concluded with a liturgy in the early morning. The prayer and sharing was led by Father Elisha and Father Bishoy. The servants were blessed with a group of missionaries from Washington D.C. who also shared their experiences in Africa during the all night prayer. The night was very encouraging to all those attending and they all bonded in true spiritual fellowship.

The Chapel of St. Mina, Lusaka

A full renovation of the Chapel of St. Mina has been completed. The renovation took about a month and cost several million Kwacha. Amazingly, on several occasions, many Zambians nurses and other Coptic members have testified that they smelled strong incense in the Church when there was no service. May the blessing of St. Mina be with us all.

Father Mark of Zambia Invited to Speak at the Catholic Church 

The Catholic Church’s leader in Lusaka was looking for a Coptic Orthodox leader to talk about the Coptic Orthodox faith. Father Mark Musamu was invited to St. Ignatius Hall where he delivered a very powerful speech concerning the Coptic Church and St. Mark the Apostle. The time frame scheduled for the session was strictly 2 hours; yet, listeners continued to ask Fr. Mark questions for almost an additional hour. The listeners were about 200 among whom were the Catholic leaders, nuns, deacons, and missionary brothers and sisters.

Zambia Servants Conference

Thanks be to God, the servants of the St. Mary and St. Mark Churches in Zambia, led by Father Mark, came together for a conference. The conference was designed to encourage the servants in their service, and to pray together for the services. This was a blessed time in fellowship and spiritual bonding through prayer and praises.

We have Joined HOVIC to Help Street Kids

The mission in Maseno has recently joined a Christian shelter for street kids, HOVIC. The Coptic Church has been given a weekly time slot to teach religious education to the kids. It is also a perfect place for us to mingle with the kids in a safe environment. This is a very exciting and beneficial partnership for us and for our street children ministry. May God continue to bless this service and guide us to the next step.