Carrying the Flame

The family of Deacon Samuel Kahutu Gitau passing the flame

Today marked 47 years of partnership between Canadian Baptist Ministries and the African Christian Church and Schools, our longest continuous partnership in Africa. Together CBM and the ACC&S have been a part of the transforming work of Christ in Kenya through bringing spiritual, social, and economic change. 

We had the great privilege of signing a renewed partnership agreement with the ACC&S in conjunction with the celebration of the retirement of Samuel Kahutu Gitau, in his home church in the mountainous region of Nyatarugu. 

Samuel became a Christian through a college youth fellowship at Nairobi City Hall in 1968. He began serving in his local ACC&S church, around the same time that Canadian Baptists first began partnership discussions with the ACC&S. Over almost five decades, Samuel has seen the partnership grow as he has ministered as both laymen and deacon. 

For several years, we had the great joy of working with Samuel as a regional leader within the ministry of the Guardians of Hope program. Beyond the Guardians of Hope, Samuel's ministry has spanned parish, regional, and national responsibilities. 

Samual and Zipporah being prayed over by Moderator Jeremiah Ngumo 

At seventy-three, Samuel was celebrated today by the denomination for his faithful years of service. As a sign of his family's commitment to carry forward his legacy, Samuel and Zipporah passed their flame through a candle-lit service with their gathered family.

Moderator Jeremiah Ngumo signing the ACC&S and CBM 

partnership agreement with Erica today in Nyatarugu

In many ways, today was a passing on of another flame as Jeremiah Ngumo officially renewed the partnership between our two organizations. We are excited for what the future holds as Jeremiah and the new executive have demonstrated such integrity and positive energy.

Moderator Ngumo and the ACC&S executive 

blessing the children of Nyatarugu

We have had the joy of participating in many worship services with Jeremiah, since he became the ACC&S moderator. One of the great things that we have witnessed him doing at each service is a blessing of the children. As the young people come forward, Jeremiah and the leaders gather the little ones in their arms, giving thanks to God, and praying for their lives. It is a beautiful image of the flame that carries onward.