AEE Kenya’s Mission to Kisumu – a recap
African Evangelistic Enterprise Kenya’s annual City-wide mission to the City of Kisumu happened from 27th June to 7th July 2024. The theme for the mission was Amalo Rieny, which is Luo for Arise and Shine, derived from Isaiah 60:1-3 – Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you!
Every year, national offices in African Enterprise do evangelistic outreach missions to different cities so as to reach out to the least, the last and the lost, sharing the good news of salvation to thousands and bringing scores to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
AEE Kenya’s mission to the city of Kisumu was the second mission on the AE calendar, coming just a month after AEE Rwanda did their Students Mission to the city of Kigali.
The Kisumu City-wide mission yielded a total reach of 62,754 people and a harvest of 11,228 souls. Through the use of stratified evangelism, an outreach strategy where the gospel message is taken to everyone, everywhere regardless of social or economic class, the gospel of Jesus was shared throughout the lakeside city of Kisumu from the streets kids, to the city leaders.
The 10-day city-wide mission was possible through collaboration with hundreds of local churches that worked together with AEE Kenya to host and facilitate the missionaries who were involved in evangelism. Over 360 evangelists from different locations both within and outside Kenya, travelled to Kisumu to participate in the mission while another 406 local evangelists also signed up to serve and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
No stone was left unturned, no corner unpreached and no one was left unreached as the evangelists spread out to cover schools, prisons, homes through door-door evangelism, leadership dinners and meetings, sports, and open air/market crusades.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners!
Located about eight kilometers from Kisumu CBD, Kibos is a small neighborhood known as an industrial district. With the Kibos river snaking its way across the small center, and picturesque hills as a background, you would not know it acts as a home to some of the most hardened convicts in Kenya. Kibos Maximum Security prison houses 855 inmates with 322 wardens watching over them and helping rehabilitate them as well. The inmates housed within are those sentenced to more than 20 years and those on life sentences as well. Most of them do not come there straight from court, but rather, are brought in from smaller or medium sized prisons.
When we arrived at the prison, we were received by the Prison Chaplain, Rev Silas Tarus who introduced us to the deputy warden in charge, Mr. Erastus Mwaura. He explained to the visiting evangelists some of the challenges the inmates face, most stemming from being abandoned by family and friends once incarcerated. He appreciated how selfless individuals, institutions and churches get together and provide basic items the inmates require most. “We have had churches and people visit us many times, bringing tissues, soap, clothing items, books, among other things. But we are even more appreciative of those who spend time with them and minister to them. Through this, we have seen a shift unlike ever before. The inmates themselves have now even learned to share the gospel. And on top of that, they can sing. I honestly believe they can rival any choir. Next time when you come, bring beautiful voices and worship together, and get to feel their zeal for worship. Our ultimate goal, is to fully rehabilitate all who are incarcerated here. If there ever comes a time where all are completely rehabilitated, and released back into society where they can help grow their families and ultimately the country, I have always said, we do not mind turning the prison into a chicken farm (he laughed). This is a dream we all share. It might not be attainable at the moment, but that does not stop us from trying to work towards it. We are glad to have made new friends from African Enterprise Kenya and Serve the City Kenya, and we look forward to partnering together even in future.”
We do not mind turning the prison into a chicken farm!
Mr. Erastus Mwaura
Great thanks and appreciation to all who participated and supported the mission through prayer, financial donations and giving in kind. That dedication and generosity have made a lasting impact in the city of Kisumu.
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