ACC&S Guardians of Hope Leadership

ACC&S Guardians of Hope Leadership Conference

Kanamai -- Jumuia Conference Centre, Kenya

For the past three days, we have been facilitating a series of meetings with the African Christian Church & Schools (ACC&S) Guardians of Hope (GOH) leadership in the beautiful Kanamai Conference Centre, north of Mombasa.

We had some fierce storms blow through the coastal retreat (I think it poured rain on each of our three nights there), but the sun did peak out from time to time. We held the gathering on the coast as a way to honour and appreciate this team of dedicated volunteers who have served the GOH groups within the ACC&S for nearly six years. It was such a joy to see our friends from the mountainous highlands of Kenya's Central Province, walk in the sand and test the ocean waters. Most had never seen the changing of the tides before. "This is a wonder!" gasped a fellow pastor, "A wonder of God's creation!"

GOH leader Mary in front of the

Uhuru Kamili Conference Hall

Among the participants were Mary and Eunice, two women who have been dedicated leaders within the GOH since its beginnings. Throughout the conference, we met together in a thatched mukuti roofed hall (made from banana leaf). The purpose of our gather was to create a policy manual to articulate the agreed standards, models and best practices of the Guardians of Hope projects within the ACC&S. Our goal was to create the manual together by gathering the input and perspectives of the denominational, regional and local leadership who have guided the projects over the past six years.

The results far surpassed our expectations as the leadership participated enthusiastically in analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of overall program as well as each of the main components of the projects. By reflecting on their years of experience, the leaders had many important lessons to teach and wisdom to impart to future GOH leaders and to each other. Although Erica and I facilitated the conference, we benefited as learners ourselves.

We are deeply thankful for the support of Canadian Baptist Ministries for sponsoring this conference and for the ACC&S moderator, general secretary, development team, pastors and leaders who participated so generously in the conference.

Rev. Mbau, regional minister from ACC&S Embu,

excited to be on the coast of the Indian Ocean

"On behalf of the ACC&S Guardians of Hope, we thank you for the gift of this conference and the support of these ministries to people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS"

Erica with the ACC&S GOH Leadership Representatives

Aaron with ACC&S moderator, Dr. Julius Karanja,

and general secretary, Rev. Joseph Miana

This was the first time that the Guardians of Hope leaders from all ten regions of the ACC&S have met with both their moderator and general secretary. Both Karanja and Miana actively participated in the conference leading worship each morning and encouraging the GOH in its important ministry among their churches and communities.

Local beach boys selling their ocean treasurers

to the Guardians of Hope leaders.

Thank you all so much for keeping the Guardians of Hope in your prayers!