Break camp and advance (Deuteronomy) 1:1-8
“These are the words Moses spoke to all Israel in the desert east of the Jordan – that is, in the Arabah – opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hezeroth and Dizahab. (It takes eleven days to go from Horeb in Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Sier road.
In the fourtieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses proclaimed to the Israelites all that the Lord had commanded him concerning them. This was after he had defeated Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, and at Edrei had defeated Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth. East of the Jordan in the territory of the Moab, Moses began to expound this law. Saying: The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites; go to all the neighboring peoples in the Arabah, in the mountains, in the western foothills, in the Negev and along the coast, to the land of the Canaanites and to the Lebanon, as far as the great river, the Euphrates. See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore he would give to your fathers – to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – to their descendants after them.”
PCEA Karen Parish was created from the larger Lang’ata Parish. The inauguration was held on 25th January, 1998 by the Very Rev. Dr. Jesse Kamau; the then 15th General Assembly Moderator. The leading scripture Word was “Let the same mind which was in Christ be yours” Philippians 2:5.
The parish started with two congregations namely; PCEA Muteero Church in 1981 and PCEA Kuwinda Church in1985. On 17th December, 2006, PCEA Karen Church was birthed hence the three congregations.
The following are the Retired Elders who served in PCEA Karen Parish-:
1. Late John Wambugu Kariuki
2.Late Serah Nyatuga Kiaraho
3. Late Esther Wanjiru Kibicho
4. Late Kefa Njeru M’Barine
5. Late Jane Mugiri
6. Late Peter Kagotho
7. Late Joseph Munuhe
8. Late Elder Leah Mburu
9. John Wanyiri Kimondo
10. Joel Njoroge
11.Philip Kamuru
12.Gideon Roimen
13. Margaret Gakumo
14. Jane Kinyanjui
15. Godfrey Gathuku
16. John Warui
17. Hannah Wachira
18. Josphat Githachuri
19. John Kamau
20. Kibacia Gatu
21. Owen Koimburi
The following are the Active Elders who serve in PCEA Karen Parish: –
1.Peter Mwangi Maina
2.George Gitau
3.Humphrey Kinegeni
4.Prof.Evelyn Wagaiyu
5.Joseph Murigu,
6.Dennis Kimani
7.Patrick Kariuki
8.Ruth Wairimu Gathwara
9. Emily Chemeli Wagema
10. Dr. Margaret Wanjiku Njoroge
11.Jane Kawira Naivasha
12.Anthony Muriithi
13.John Ndai Muoria
14. Wangai Maina
15. Michael Kagiri
16.Jackson Waita
17. Miriam Muchiri
18.Ceasar Mungai
19.David Ndegwa
20.Esther Wanjiku Mwaura
21.Elizabeth Macharia
22.Catherine Irungu
23.Florence Mwaura
24.Kevin Mwangi Maina.
Parish Ministers who have served in the Parish: –
1. Late Rev. Jane Kashorda
2. Late Rev. Moses Maara
3. Rev. Eustace Ndomo
4. Rev. Samuel Muriguh
5. Rev. Paul Mwangi Kariuki (DSG)
6. Rev. Dr. Alphonse O. Kanga
7. Rev. Simon N. Kamande (Current)
Outreach Missions
Namanga Nendeni Area hosts 17 congregations that are twinned with 7 Parishes within PCEA Milimani South Presbytery jurisdiction. Karen Parish oversees Namanga Nendeni area for Pastoral oversight.
The ministers who have served in Namanga mission area are: –
1. Late Rev. Charles Maina
2. Rev. Ole Kishoyian
3. Rev. Nina Mwakichoda
4. Rev.Ole Koipa
5. Rev.Ole Runda
6. Rev. John Mambo
7. Rev. Lutangilo Yunamu Mwinuka
8. Rev. Ruth Mutembei (Current)
The Staff members who have served in the Parish
- Rev.Godfrey Njenga – Evangelist
- Ev.Samuel Ng’ang’a – Evangelist
- Winfred Mwangi – Secretary
- Dominick Odiembo – CTY
Achievements
- In all the three congregations the membership has greatly increased
- Tremendous growth and vibrant Children and Youth Ministry
- Dedication of Project Joshua Multi-Purpose Hall.
- PCEA Muteero Church 40 Years Anniversary Celebration.
- Completion and accreditation of PCEA Mailua ECDE Center
- Dedication of PCEA Kuwinda Church
- PCEA Karen Church started by renting a classroom at St. Christopher’s School but now they are on their own.
- Growth of members in the main groups – Woman’s Guild, PCMF,
Church school/Brigade and the Youth.
- Installation of technology to enhance communication and marketing as well as preaching on social media platforms.
Our Vision
A Parish that mirrors Jesus Christ in totality. Matthew 5:16
Our Mission
To worship God and care for humanity in obedience to the Great Commission. Matthew 28:19:
Core Values:
- Bible Centered – We are committed to the clear and accurate interpretation and teaching of the word of God, in an attitude of grace urges obedience. (2nd Timothy 3:16-17)
- Prayerful – We believe in individual and corporate prayer, recognizing our total dependence on God.(Philippians 4,6,7)
- Presbyterian Governance – We uphold the Reformed theology and Presbyterian form of church Governance; based on representative participation of members and entirely dependent on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (Exodus 18:18-23)
- Integrity – We are committed to acting in an honest, accountable and transparent manner in all our undertakings, Psalm 15:1-5
- Stewardship – We are committed to equipping , encouraging, and enabling our Church members to serve diligently in the ministry, as God has gifted each of them.(Romans 12:3-8)
- Ecumenism (Unity in diversity) – We embrace the unity of the Holy Universal Church. We encourage openness, respect and honour the diverse denominational backgrounds of Churches with whom we share a common faith. We seek to work in partnership with like-minded groups for the furtherance of the gospel.(1st Corinthians 12)
- Professionalism – We are committed to the highest levels of achievement obtainable through competence and personal skills. (Exodus 36:10)
- Innovativeness – We embrace new ideas and are committed to seek new approaches to the ministry of our Lord and care for humanity, we shall willingly try new approaches with vitality, energy and enthusiasm. (Rev. 21:5)
Parish Sub-division
The sub-division will result into two Parishes namely; PCEA Karen West Parish and PCEA Karen Central Parish.
i) PCEA Karen West Parish comprises of the following Church;
a) PCEA Muteero Church (Parish Office host)
ii) PCEA Karen Central Parish comprises of the following Churches;
a) PCEA Karen Church (Parish office host)
b) PCEA Kuwinda Church
Conclusion
We give God all honor and adoration for the milestone and triumph! We most sincerely thank all of you for gracing this auspicious occasion to the glory of God Almighty!
As Karen Parish is subsided today our mission continues as we are commanded by Matthew 28:19. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Glory be God!
Amen!