EXPLOITS

A flagship online newsletter

®
of West Kenya Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists

FEBRUARY
2023

RECHARGED FOR
MISSION
p. 05

SYSTEMATIC GIVING
p. 08

INTEGRITY CHAMPIONS
GRADUATE
p. 10

WKU.ADVENTIST.ORG
FEBRUARY 2023
EDITORIAL
BY PHILIP GAI
Photo by WKU Media
Often the question is asked
every year whether Seventh-day
Adventists celebrate Valentine’s
Day. It is often asked against the
backdrop of its pagan origins and
later Christianization. Worse still,
concerns emerge over the dirty
activities happening on
Valentine’s Day every year in the
name of love.
Valentine’s Day is usually
celebrated on the 14th of
February as a day of romance and
love. A time when lovers
exchange flowers and gifts as they
celebrate their love for each
other. Many have used this
opportunity to propose to their
prospective wives, often in
colorful and romantic displays.
The truth is that the origin of
this day is enshrouded in mystery
with a myriad of stories
concerning its beginnings. In one
story we are told about the
Roman Catholic Priest who defied
Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd
Century. The Emperor had
decided that since single men
make better soldiers, he outlawed
marriages. As a result, St.
Valentine continued to conduct
marriages secretly, an act that led
to his murder.
It is also said that St. Valentine
wrote a love letter to a young girl
with whom he fell in love while in
prison. The girl was the daughter
of his jailor who visited him in
WKUC EXPLOITS
prison. In the letter, he signed,
“from your valentine,” a phrase
that has continued to date.
Other legends narrate the
pagan celebration of Luperculia
that took place on the 15th of
February. The fertility festival was
dedicated to the Roman god of
agriculture by the name Faunus,
as well as to Romulus, and Remus,
the founders of Rome. During the
event, the Roman priests could
gather at a cave where Romulus
and Remus had been cared for by
a she wolf to offer a sacrifice of a
goat for fertility and a dog for
purification.
The priests would then skin
the goats and make strips of their
hide, which they would then dip
into the sacrificial blood and later
slap women and crops in the field
with the strips to make them
fertile. The young ladies who
received the gentle slap would
write their names and put them in
a pot where young men pick
them. This often translated into
marriages.
Other anecdotes say the 14th of
February was a mating season for
birds in Europe hence the time for
celebrating love and fertility. The
question still lingers, why should a
bible based church like the Seventh-
day Adventists celebrate a function
that has clear pagan roots and is
enshrouded in mystery?
Ellen White was well aware that
the Christmas day celebration had
pagan origins, but she did not
dispute any celebrations on that day.
She only called for caution in the
manner of its observance. She said,
“the world has many holidays, and
men become engrossed with games,
horse races, gambling, smoking, and
drunkenness.” (Adventist Home, p
475). “Would it not be well for us to
observe holidays unto God when we
could revive in our minds the
memory of His dealing with us?”
(Adventist Home, p 475).
VOL 5 | ISSUE 2
We could take advantage of
these Holidays and make the
most out of them for the glory of
God despite their pagan roots. Be
it Christmas day or Valentine, we
could make God the center of the
celebration. No wonder every
year, the Family Ministries
department strategically places
the family celebration week
around mid-February. There
could be no better time because,
at that time, Love is in the air.
God is a God of love (1 John
4:8). True love comes from God.
The greatest commandment is
that we love God and love our
neighbor (Matt. 22:36-40). We do
well to celebrate true love on
Valentine’s Day as we believe in
pure love on any other day. God
has given us the unspeakable gift
of His love in the person of Jesus
Christ. Let us celebrate the Christ
event responsibly and lovingly.
Philip Gai is the Editor of Exploits at the
West Kenya Union Conference of the
Seventh-day Adventist Church.
West Kenya Union Conference Officers
President
Samuel Misiani
Executive Secretary
Japheth Ochorokodi
CFO/Treasurer
David Sande
Editor
Philip Gai
Managing Editor
Knollyne Gai
Associate Editor
Maureen Were
Layout and design 
Stephanie Marande
Circulation 
Zipporah Awino
Correspondents
Ranen Conference 
Tom Owuor
Lake Victoria Field 
Benard Okoth
Kenya Lake Conference
Yudah Opapa
Central Nyanza Conference 
Vincent Onunga
Western Kenya Conference
Oscar Musamali
Greater Rift Valley Conference 
Edward Limo
North Rift Valley Field
Lwandany Abednego
West Rift Valley Field
Sammy Cheluget
South East Nyanza Field Joseph Aunda
South West Nyanza Field
Bernard Okoko
Southern Kenya Lake Field
Tobias Panyako
PAGE 02
FEBRUARY 2023
RENEWED MINDS FOR KINGDOM
STEWARDSHIP
BY SAMUEL MISIANI
The message of the gospel is
that the kingdom of God is here!
The word kingdom comes from
two words: King and domain. A
kingdom is the domain of the
king. The king's authority comes
from the fact that he owns the
territory.
God owns the universe, not
because He inherited it from
anybody, bought it from another
ruler in the universe, received it
Photo by WKU Media
as a gift from some external force
in the universe, or from another
equally powerful god. No. He
created it.
The kingdom is the territory
where the king exercises his
authority, reign, and rule. In a
kingdom, the king's wishes,
desires, and aspirations for his
subjects matter most. A kingdom
mindset is one that honors God as
the creator and focuses on the
desires, aspirations, honor, and
glory of the King.
WE HAVE THE
FREEDOM AND POWER
TO CONTROL OUR
THOUGHTS AND MAKE
EVERY THOUGHT
SUBJECT TO CHRIST.
The final message is to fear
God, glorify and acknowledge
Him for who He is. The universe is
God's, He made it, and He is at
the center of it all and continually
runs it. We need to renew our
minds to allow God to create a
new thing in us.
Photo by WKU Media
WKUC EXPLOITS
VOL 5 | ISSUE 2
Our thoughts are to be re-aligned
with the will and purposes of the
King. The gospel is an invitation
to reign with the King as sons and
daughters.
Stewards of the Word
Stewardship is reigning as
kings: Kingdom stewardship is
grace-based stewardship.
Kingdom stewardship is love
based. We love Jesus because He
first loved us and gave Himself for
us. Photo by WKU Media
As stewards, we should give We have received His
ourselves to God, and the righteousness through faith. Our
question every kingdom steward righteousness is like filthy rags
must ask is: Does God have me? hence we reject ours to rejoice in
The rich young ruler in Mathew His. Those trusted with the duty
19: 16-30, lived outside the of taking care of God’s property
kingdom, loved God but on his should not discard the law of God
terms, and was in charge of his but exalt and affirm it forever.
life and wealth. He loved his
Stewards of Grace
wealth more than God. But
remember, Kingdom stewardship It is important to think eternity
is loving God with all your heart, when planning. Short-term plans
mind and soul. should be 70 years and long-term
In God's kingdom, the citizens plans are for eternity. Whatever
live by every word that proceeds one does in the short-term plans
from the mouth of God. His word has a consequence in the long
term. We are to live with the end
is; sweeter than honey, life, light,
in mind. Tithes and offerings take
truth, bread, power, spirit, right,
eternal, flawless, perfect, tested care of ones' long-term
and found to be true. relationships and prosperity. You
reap what you sow.
Stewards of Righteousness
We become good stewards of
Whoever sows in the flesh
reaps corruption. When one
righteousness when we sacrifices and deny
acknowledge that righteousness himself/herself pleasure for the
and justice are the foundation of sake of the Kingdom, they will
God’s throne. The pursuit of reap from the eternal,
righteousness is the business of unsearchable riches of Christ.
the Kingdom citizens. We have
the freedom and power to control
our thoughts and make every
thought subject to Christ.
CONT...NEXT PAGE
PAGE 03
 FEBRUARY 2023
RENEWED MINDS FOR KINGDOM
STEWARDSHIP CONT...
BY SAMUEL MISIANI
Photo from Unsplash
Stewards of the Body
The members of our body are
instruments of righteousness as
indicated by Romans 6:12-14 "Let
not sin therefore reign in your
mortal body, that ye should obey
the lusts thereof: neither present
your members unto sin as
instruments of unrighteousness;
but present yourselves unto God,
as alive from the dead, and your
members as instruments of
righteousness unto God."
The body is the temple of the
Holy Spirit. God has shown us
through the Spirit of Prophecy
how to live healthy through the
eight principles commonly
referred to us NEWSTART:
Nutrition, Exercise, Water,
Sunlight, Temperance, Air, Rest,
and Trust in God. Science knows
no substitute for these principles
of health. To this, add a sound
mind with the right attitude and
maintain a healthy attitude
towards others.
Image courtesy of Canva
WKUC EXPLOITS
VOL 5 | ISSUE 2
Stewards of Kingdom Treasures
Silver and gold belong to the
Lord. We return tithes and give
offerings for worship. This is an
expression of trust, loyalty, and
love to Him as the supplier of all
things. God is Adonai and the
proprietor. As stewards, we hold
everything that we have as means
of service in the Kingdom.
Resources are for service.
As you seek the kingdom and
desire to serve with excellence,
God will enlarge your territory.
He will increase your ability to
serve Him and multiply your
resources. The kind of
relationship you have with the
King determines how you give.
Giving is the principle of life in
the kingdom. In the kingdom,
everything gives. Nothing lives for
itself. There is neither selfishness
Pr. Samuel Misiani in Kamagambo
nor self-seeking in the kingdom.
Love is the principle of life there. Samuel Misiani is the President of West
Kenya Union Conference of the Seventh-day
Love obeys and gives.
Adventists.
PAGE 04
FEBRUARY 2023
RECHARGED FOR MISSION
BY MAUREEN WERE
Kenya recently welcomed the
Seventh-day Adventist church
global leader Pr. Ted N. Wilson
and his wife Nancy Wilson. On
arrival on 5th, the church
president paid a courtesy call to
the country’s president at the
statehouse. His Excellency the
president Dr. William Ruto
welcomed Pr. Ted Wilson and
held a brief meeting at one of the
most beautiful lawns as described
by Pr. Wilson. Pr. Ted. He was
accompanied by the East-Central
Africa Division officers, the East
and West Kenya union officers,
and a few selected church
leaders.
Pr. Ted Wilson in Statehouse
The following day, 6th of
February, the world leader was
flown to Nakuru where he paid a
courtesy call to the County
governor, Her Excellency Susan
Kihika before proceeding to the
filled Nakuru Agricultural Society
of Kenya (ASK) showground on
6th February 2023.
WKUC EXPLOITS
VOL 5 | ISSUE 2
Pr. Ted Wilson at JKIA
The General Conference
The theme 'I will go' was a president encouraged political
take-home message from almost and religious leaders to love
all speakers at the function. This mercy and work humbly with
was a wake-up call for all church God, adding that if leaders do
members to be actively involved that which is right and
in bringing souls to the Savior by approach every duty with love,
going out and evangelizing, since and draw many to worship God
we know not the hour of Christ's then world will be a better
soon return. place. He also emphasized the
need for unity in mission so as
Thousands of Adventist not to allow tribal or racial
faithfuls thronged the 8000- differences to divide the flock.
capacity showground stadium.
Among the dignitaries present
were Cabinet Secretaries,
Governors, Senators, Members of
Parliament and members of the
County Assembly of Nakuru and
Nandi. This was a memorable
event for Adventists as every
speaker reminded the audience of
our mission as a church.
During this pastoral visit, the
world church leader urged the
Adventist believers not to be
ashamed of their faith but to
share their faith with a bright
smile. “That precious name,
Seventh-day Adventist, tells us
where we have come from with
God as our creator who created in Pr. Ted Wilson in Nakuru ASK
six literal days and rested on the
Maureen Were is the Associate Editor,
seventh day Sabbath,” said Pr.
Exploits, at the West Kenya Union
Ted Wilson. Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists.
PAGE 05
FEBRUARY 2023 VOL 5 | ISSUE 2

Competing commitments like

REBUILDING THE too much time at work, TV, and
social media among others are
FAMILY ALTAR working against our worship time.
However, make it a rule that the
Family worship is the coming most vital thing to your family is
BY JOHN TUWEI
together of family members to never to be overtaken by things
Worship should be an integral worship. “In every family, there that have a less positive impact.
part of our lives as Christians. The should be a fixed time for morning
Remember to start with the
greatest need for the family in the and evening worship. How
most important things. As a
21st century is the family altar. appropriate it is for parents to
family, decide to set the right
Any family without a family altar gather their children about them
priorities; endeavor to live by the
will soon be spiritually dead. The before the fast is broken, to thank
family-set values and never give
greatest desire of the Family the heavenly Father for His
in to external pressures and
Ministry department is for protection during the night, and …
demands of life.
families to rebuild the altar and When evening comes, to gather
once more before Him and thank The importance of family
worship God in truth and spirit as
Photo by WKU Media Him for the blessings of the day worship is; to connect us
families.
past.” (E .G. White, Child with God, teach our children
What is Guidance, p. 520). and families to worship God,
worship? place God at the center of
Worship is an our homes, bond our
expression families, protect our
of reverence children and families and to
and adoration establish spiritual values.
to a deity. Family devotion should
Worship is a not just be casual and
time when we rushed through, but
give adoration should be joyful and
and praise to conducted with reverence.
God. It is the It should include Bible
time to come reading, prayer, and
to Him in singing of praises with
reverence, each member being part of
humility, the worship. When Israel
gratitude, and neglected and forgot the
make our altar, captivity, and sorrow
requests came upon the nation.
Image courtesy of Canva
known to him.
Neglect of family worship may
During the Old Testament
The responsibility of raising lead children to captivity and
period, animals got sacrificed on
children in the right way rests sorrow. When the altar was
the altars. In our time, we need to
upon parents. Therefore, there is rebuilt, blessing and prosperity
sacrifice time and self at the altar
need to bring up children with came back. If we purpose to
of Jesus. These altars are
right instructions which can rebuild our family altars today, we
primarily the place of sacrifice.
efficiently happen through will arrest the tide of delinquency
Altars are mentioned in the building a family altar. and raise a wall against the
patriarchal stories of people like The main purpose of reverence scourge of sorrows, fights, and
Noah and Abraham (Gen. 8:20, is to adore God. The second most divorce in our families. Let us
12:8; 13:18; 22:9) The altar worship important thing is to renew the strive to revive worship in our
is justified since the altar family covenant with God and one homes and receive God’s blessing
appeared at the beginning of another. Family worship connects thereof.
human history and symbolized us vertically to God and
the presence of the deity in John Tuwei is a Family Ministries Director
horizontally to each person in the at the West Kenya Union Conference of the
sacrificial ritual. family and society. Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Photo by Canva

WKUC EXPLOITS PAGE 06

FEBRUARY 2023
WARMTH OF FELLOWSHIP
BY VINCENT LAGAT
As a people of God, when we
come together for fellowship, we
get time to grow in our
understanding of God’s word and
his purpose for our lives.
Fellowship enhances unity among
God’s people just as the Apostle
Paul exhorts us in Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the
unity of the Spirit through the
bond of peace”
Week of spiritual emphasis
(WOSE) is one of the most
revered weeks at the West Kenya
Union Conference (WKUC)
headquarters. During such weeks,
the WKUC staff get nourished
through the word of God, songs,
and eating together. Through this
association, members get to
understand each other and build
stronger relationships outside the
office setup. During such weeks,
they also renew their
commitment to God as they
journey towards eternal kingdom.
WKUC EXPLOITS
Meeting together is not only
gratifying, but it also cultivates
associations and promotes a
sense of belonging. A simple meal
shared with friends or family can
leave you feeling inspired,
strengthened, and connected.
This year Professor Sampson
Nwaomah, of the Adventist
University of Africa shared
uplifting messages under the
theme “The Marvelous and
Matchless Grace”, from the 22nd
to 28th of January 2023
At one of the worship sessions,
Prof. Nwaomah said, “we have the
atmosphere of worship, the essence
of our existence. Whatever we do,
we must do in the context of
worship”. He explained the fresh
grace of God to His people which
is new every day. Reading from
Lamentations of Jeremiah 3:22-23,
“Because of the Lord’s great love
that we are not consumed, for His
compassions fail not. They are new
every morning; great is thy
faithfulness.”
VOL 5 | ISSUE 2
WKUC Staff fellowship in the Garden
Touching on the danger of self-
righteousness, the preacher
outlined that by condemning
another, a person condemns
himself . He enumerated that one
may look at someone judge him
from the past, oblivious of the fact
that he/she might have made
peace with God.
The week of prayer ended on a
high note on the Sabbath of 28
January 2023 with WKUC staff and
their family members coming
together for worship at a nature
garden. It was a time of great joy
to be nourished and refreshed
from the daily sweet communions
with one another and with God.
Vincent Lagat is a Journalist at the West
Kenya Union Conference of the Seventh-day
Adventists, Media Centre.
Photo by WKU Media
PAGE 07
FEBRUARY 2023
GROWING IN CHRIST
BY MAUREEN WERE
East-Central Africa Division
(ECD) of the Seventh-day
Adventists (SDA) is working
tirelessly to double its
membership by the year 2025 by
God’s grace. Speaking at Nakuru
Agricultural Society of Kenya
(ASK) Showground, on 6th
February, the ECD President, Dr.
Blasious Ruguri urged members
to go out and preach the gospel
so that many souls may be won to
Christ
ECD happens to be the leading
division in membership in the
entire world. It has over five
million members, an indication
that Adventist has a great
influence in Kenya and other
countries within ECD territory.
WKUC EXPLOITS
The tremendous increase in
membership is as a result of the
Total Member Involvement (TMI)
efforts by leaders and the entire
Adventist believers within the
territory. The Division consists of
11 countries namely; Burundi, the
Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC), Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia,
Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South
Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Discipleship is a call to a life-
changing expedition with Jesus.
Being a disciple changes who we
are, how we think, and what we
do at home, workplace, school, in
church and everywhere else. As
disciples, we become a channel
through which Jesus aims to
change the world and prepare
people for his coming Kingdom.
VOL 5 | ISSUE 2
Discipleship helps one learn
how to trust God, read His word,
and apply it to his/her life. While
evangelism is the initial step in
sharing the gospel, discipleship is
a life-long process as we learn to
WKC Youth Evangelistic Campaign
follow Christ as stated in Mathew
11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and
learn of me; for I am meek and
lowly in heart: and ye shall find
rest unto your souls.”
For the church to achieve its
objective and double its
membership, members ought to
increase their strength and will to
be disciples and make disciples
for Jesus. The goal of discipleship
is to imitate Christ in character
and behavior. For the world to
identify us with Christ, we have to
love one another and show the
spirit of brotherhood. John 13; 35,
“By this shall all men know that ye
are my disciples if ye have love one
to another.”
Pr. Ted Wilson at Statehouse with other church leaders
Maureen Were is the Associate Editor,
Exploits, at the West Kenya Union
Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists.
PAGE 08
FEBRUARY 2023
SYSTEMATIC GIVING
BY LUCAS BACK
Man was created in the image
of God for worship. It is always a
joy to express love and gratitude
in the worship of God.
Systematic giving simply
means intentional, planned
worship in giving tithes and free-
will offerings. The principle exalts
God as the creator who owns all
things. We belong to God through
creation and redemption. Giving
is an act of worship.
At West Kenya Union
Conference, we uphold the
Lordship of Jesus Christ and
encourage members to crown
Jesus as Lord of all and worship in
truth and spirit. When income
entrusted to members grows, we
also grow.
WKUC EXPLOITS
Our ultimate hope is in the
second advent of our Lord Jesus
Christ. This year we have a call to
get involved in mission and
mission alone. Mission requires
that we be faithful in all that is at
our disposal. Humanity is called
to manage assets for the Master
till He comes. It's our solemn duty
to protect what the Lord has put
in our hands.
Many times church members
feel contented the moment they
have returned their tithe. We
forget what the Lord has done to
us. Tithe belongs to the Lord. We
always forget to thank Him for
His faithfulness in our lives
through our liberal offerings. This
is the point at which systematic
giving comes in.
VOL 5 | ISSUE 2
Pr. Lucas Back
In as much as we return
faithful tithe of ten percent of our
income, we need to respond to
his love by freely and generously
giving our offerings. Our offering
should be 10% plus. The plus is
any extra amount depending on
how you feel the Lord deserves
your gratitude. There is no limit
to what one can give to God in
offerings.
GIVING IS AN ACT OF
WORSHIP
Let us not forget that the Bible
in Malachi 3:10 talks of bringing
“all tithes and offerings to the
storehouse” of God. A closer look
at the text and our practice
reveals that we tend to return the
tithe and forget to give offerings
faithfully. When was the last time
you thought of thanking God?
Both the offering and the tithe
should be brought to the
storehouse of the Lord.
Lucas Back is the Stewardship Director at
the West Kenya Union Conference of the
Seventh-day Adventists.
PAGE 09
FEBRUARY 2023
INTEGRITY CHAMPIONS GRADUATE
BY STEPHANIE AYAYO
GC Childen's Ministries Director at the graduation
Over 500 Integrity champions
graduated at Ranen Conference
Headquarters, The University of
Eastern Africa, Baraton, and
Victory SDA Church Kisumu
respectively, from 13th to 15th
February 2023. The three-day
event dabbed ‘Raising Integrity
Champions’ was organized by
Children Ministry Department led
by Pr. Roselyne Ayayo, in
partnership with the Ethics and
Anti-Corruption Commission,
WEZA Care Solutions, and United
Nations Children’s Fund
(UNICEF).
The candidates had been
trained on child protection,
rights, and abuse, from different
training centers within the
WKUC. The training aimed at
raising integrity champions that;
identify and live their values,
notice and manage their feelings,
educate themselves on how to
deal with the impact of their
attitude and actions.
They also recognize the good in
others' opinions, and complement
them for their efforts and trust in
God before their competencies. The
graduates were certified and
awarded certificates for completing
the course.
WKUC EXPLOITS
The event, which brought
together participants from fields
and conferences within WKUC
was officiated by the General
Conference, Children's Ministries
Director, Dr. Orathai Chureson in
the company of, East Central
Africa Division Children’s
Ministries director, Dr. Debbie
Maloba, and the WKUC leader Pr.
Roselyne Ayayo.
Children's Ministries Directors
from Fields and Conferences were
thrilled with the exercise and
marvelled at the plan of the Union
to give children a voice by
training them to be people of
integrity within their spheres of
influence. This move will go a long
way to strengthen the Children's
Ministries departments in the
local churches.
The Seventh-day Adventist
Church places a high value on
children since they possess
enormous potential for making
a positive contribution to the
Church and society. In this light,
the Church focuses on nurture
and protection of children,
redemptive correction, making
the church a safe place for
them, and fostering emotional
and spiritual healing.
VOL 5 | ISSUE 2
Jesus' ministry was to show
compassion to the needy. To
make this a reality, Dr.
Chureson visited street families
and rescue centers within the
Union. Some of these centers
were; Kamukunji rescue Centre,
Salome rescue center in Greater
Rift Valley Conference, and
Kisumu children’s remand home
in Central Nyanza Conference.
The event culminated with
pleasant moments of prayers,
scripture sharing, and giving hope
and joy to the abandoned
children. The Bible records the
words of Jesus concerning
children; “let the children come
unto me”. The Ministry of Raising
Integrity Champions is geared
towards bringing others to Christ
and in this context showing
children the right direction.
As the graduates go out on a
mission to educate and sensitize
people on child protection,
rights, and child abuse, they are
mandated to do it with love.
Stephanie Ayayo is the Online Editor, at the
West Kenya Union Conference of the
Seventh-day Adventists.
PAGE 09
GLOBAL YOUTH DAY
MARCH 18
2023