A flagship online newsletter

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

SEP
2023

FORSAKING ALL OTHERS CHILD EVANGELISM

p. 03 BECOMES A REALITY IN
RECLAIMING THE YOUTH WKC
p. 04 p. 06

WKU.ADVENTIST.ORG
SEP 2023 VOL 5 | ISSUE 9

EDITORIAL
BY KNOLLYNE GAI

West Kenya Union

Conference Officers

President
Samuel Misiani

Executive Secretary
Japheth Ochorokodi

CFO/Treasurer
David Sande

Executive Publisher
Philemon Odhiambo

Editor
Knollyne Gai

Associate Editor
Maureen Were

Layout and Design

Stephanie Marande

Circulation
Knollyne Gai Zipporah Awino

September marked a The key word this year is being Correspondents

significant period for the West
Kenya Union Conference (WKUC)
and the East-Central Africa
Division. The month commenced
early for the WKUC Media Center
team, who traveled to Nairobi to
prepare for the Mega Net
Evangelistic campaign.
Pastor Mark Finley, assisted by
his wife Ernestine Finley, led this
campaign, with Dr. Chidi Ngwaba
overseeing the health segment
and Pr. David Mmbaga sharing
insights on family life. The event
reached followers and viewers
globally, baptizing numerous
souls as it concluded.
Family is a key component in
our church and society even
today. It is because of its
importance that the church
dedicated a whole week of
celebrating family togetherness at
the beginning of September.
faithful to your marriage partner Ranen Conference
by forsaking all others. Tom Owuor
A week after the mega net Lake Victoria Field
event, 23rd of September 2023, Benard Okoth
the Youth department celebrated Kenya Lake Conference
World Pathfinder's Day. This Yudah Opapa
special Sabbath allows Pathfinders Central Nyanza
to unite and celebrate their Conference
Vincent Onunga
identity, featuring singing,
Western Kenya
preaching, and the vibrant spirit of Conference
the Pathfinder. Oscar Musamali
Additionally, 30th September Greater Rift Valley
held significance in the Adventist Conference
Edward Limo
calendar as a special day
designated by the Sabbath School North Rift Valley Field
Lwandany Abednego
department for welcoming guests
into Adventist churches.
West Rift Valley Field
Sammy Cheluget
South East Nyanza Field
Knollyne Gai is the Editor of Exploits at the Joseph Aunda
West Kenya Union Conference of the
South West Nyanza Field
Seventh-day Adventists. Bernard Okoko
Southern Kenya Lake
Field
Tobias Panyako

W KUC EXPLOITS PAGE 02

SEP 2023
FORSAKING ALL OTHERS
BY SAMUEL MISIANI
Welcome to the school of
marriage. It is a school without
graduation, for it lasts a lifetime
and has eternal consequences.
“Enter to learn and learn to serve!"
Marriage is for the glory of
God and the good of man and
woman! We play different roles in
marriage according to the divine
principles of marriage. Jesus once
told the people, “I can of myself do
nothing!” Why? And yet He is God?
Pr. Benard Okoko
The answer is that in the plan
of redemption, the Triunion God
purposed and agreed that they
would function as the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit! Equal
but different roles! In His office as
the Son, He humbled Himself and
became a servant! We call Him
the Ebed Yahweh, the servant of
the LORD. He submitted Himself
to the will of the Father. But He
was always God.
In marriage, we imitate God
and follow the divine order of
creation in order to fulfill the
divine purpose for our creation
and the institution of marriage.
Therefore, you cannot fully
understand and appreciate the
marriage relationship until you
clearly know who God is and His
purpose in creating you.
Tabitha & Richard
WKUC EXPLOITS
Why is that so? Well, it is
simply because you were made by
and for God. Colossians 1:16, “For
by Him all things were created that
are in heaven and that are on
earth, visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or
principalities or powers. All things
were created through Him and for
Him." (cf. Hebrews 1:10)
The man and the woman were
created equal but different. God
has equipped them differently
according to the roles He wanted
them to play in a marriage
relationship and in their role as
stewards.
Marriage is about what God
expects of the couple more than
what they expect of each other.
Marriage is, first of all, for God.
This is often the missing link that
makes so many marriages
miserable and painful. It is why
many opt to get out of a marriage
relationship as soon as they enter
it.
The marriage vow often has
this phrase: “Forsaking all others,
you shall cling to him or her." The
root of that phrase is based on
the text in Genesis 2:24. “Therefore
a man shall leave his father and
mother and be joined to his wife,
and they shall become one flesh.”
This word, therefore (Al-ken in
Hebrew), is much more than a
logical conclusion of what has
been said previously. In Hebrew,
it has a deeper meaning:
a call to an act of
obedience! One
author says:
“Knowledge is
always connected
with obedience.”
VOL 5 | ISSUE 9
Pr. Samuel Misiani
To understand the insight is
to act upon it. ‘ Al-Ken is not
restricted to our notion of
logical conclusion or rational
analysis. ‘Al-Ken is about what
we are to do due to our
understanding.
Its two components mean
“what is foundational and what
is correct that leads to action.”
In other words, the creation of
man and woman is presented
as coming out of one life. Eve
was made from Adam. She is
the bone of his bone and the
flesh of his flesh. She has her
own life and her own mind, but
the two are one.
Since man and woman have
that essential original unity in
marriage, we are simply
bringing about “the restoration
of that union by an exclusive
relationship that reunites what
was once a single entity.
That is the purpose of
marriage. It is not lust
abatement, economic leverage,
or passionate possession. It is a
reunion. It is a homecoming. It
is two becoming one again. This
is “soul-partner” language. It is
what we are all yearning to
find.” (Hebrew Word Study by
Skip Moen, 2009).
Samuel Misiani is the President of West
Kenya Union Conference of the Seventh-day
Adventists.
CONT. TO NEXT PAGE
PAGE 03
SEP 2023
RECLAIMING THE YOUTH
BY TOM OBUYA
The youth within the Seventh-
day Adventist Church are viewed
as a valuable and essential
resource, embodying hope for the
community. Ellen White's
perspective underscores the
potential impact of a properly
trained and mobilized youth
force in swiftly spreading
the message of their faith
worldwide (Education, p.271).
Highlighting
the necessity
for well-
organized
and well-
trained
young
individuals
in the
church,
there is an understanding that the
energy and enthusiasm of youth
must be channeled effectively to
prevent potential harm to their
spirituality and relationships
(Gospel Workers, p. 21).
The importance of their
contribution through courageous
testimonies and energizing the
church's members is emphasized,
especially in light of the church's
evangelistic mission and the need
to focus on youth for its
continuation.
It's recognized that being born
into Adventist families doesn't
guarantee conversion or baptism;
there's a call to address the
concerning trend of youth leaving
the church, particularly during
the transitional phase after high
school.
The story of the prodigal son is
cited as a relevant narrative,
suggesting that grace and love
should guide the approach of
parents and senior Adventists
towards those who have strayed.
WKUC EXPLOITS
Youths in a Discipleship training
Acknowledging the departure
of young individuals from the
church, often challenging their
upbringing, particularly as they
enter the workforce or pursue
higher education, is seen as a
worrisome development.
Recent studies shed light on
various factors contributing to
this disconnect, encompassing
aspects like the perceived
insincerity of adult members,
undue focus on less essential
matters, negative attitudes, and
uninspiring worship services.
BEING BORN INTO
ADVENTIST
FAMILIES DOESN'T
GUARANTEE
CONVERSION OR
BAPTISM
VOL 5 | ISSUE 9
Several reasons are
identified for youths avoiding
church involvement, including
a lack of meaningful
relationships within the
church, a sense of the church
being out of touch, traumatic
experiences, or a feeling that
the church is unresponsive to
. their needs.
However, it's noted
that some youths use
these reasons to
explore the world,
underscoring the
value of fostering
meaningful
relationships.
The influence of the parent-
child bond on a young person's
faith is emphasized,
highlighting that the quality of
this bond holds more
significance than the
religiosity of the parent.
Consequently, blaming the
church entirely for certain
challenges may not be entirely
accurate. Effective parenting
styles that prioritize care,
affection, warmth, and
freedom are identified as key
in nurturing faith and
emotional well-being.
Tom Obuya is the Youth Director of the
Central Nyanza Conference of Seventh-day
Adventists.
Community service at Migingo
PAGE 04
SEP 2023
SENF FIRST CAMP MEETING
BY JOSEPH AUNDA
Pr. Joseph Ounda
The camp meeting season of
2023 focused on understanding
God first, as it was more essential
than serving Him. God's
messengers aimed to foster
regular relationships with God,
praise God's work, and foster
personal connections with Jesus,
delighting in His manifestation.
They emphasized the
importance of growing in our
relationship with God. Growing in
Christ involves daily communion
with God, acknowledging His
presence, and being led by love
and service.
Spiritual maturity involves
obedience to God's word,
cultivating a relationship with Him,
and improving on His word to
reduce worldly impressions and
love and serve Him faithfully.
The festive period saw God's
servants' toil, like a seed in the
ground, accepting to die for sin
and resurrecting to new life, akin
to a farmer's journey.
As Jesus said in the book of
John 12:24 (NKJV), "Most
assuredly, I say to you, unless a
grain of wheat falls into the
ground and dies, it remains alone;
but if it
dies, it
produces
much
grains".
WKUC EXPLOITS
This year's camp meeting at
South East Nyanza Field (SENF)
aimed to celebrate the benefits
bestowed upon us by God. We
celebrated the Adventist church's
100th anniversary of gaining
access to the Kuria community,
incorporating the slogan
"celebration like never before" to
commemorate our one-year
mission and their gratitude to
God.
The celebration is set to
culminate in December,
bringing together the entire
field with hearts filled with
God's love and gratitude, aiming
to consecrate our hearts to the
service of God.
The Review and Herald,
August 15, 1882, states that
when preparing for camp
meetings, individuals should
critically examine their hearts
before God, confess any
discord or strife in families,
and pray together. Worship at
the camp was centered on
God, not material comfort or
fame.
Guests were humble and
well-prepared, and ministers
aimed to elevate God and seek
His favor in their actions.
Their work was a token of
God's humility in the pulpit.
Early sorting and confirmation
of guest attendance improved
budgeting efficiency and
allowed camp leadership to
focus on improving weak
areas.
Kubweye Camp Meeting
Joseph Aunda is the Communication
Director at South East Nyanza Field of the
Seventh-day Adventists.
VOL 5 | ISSUE 9
Jesus prophesied joy in
heaven for one sinner who
repents. The church of God
experienced a significant
increase in baptized members,
with 1325 accepting the gift of
God in Jesus Christ's life.
This growth is driven by
God's words, forcing many to
abandon their former
lifestyles.The nurturing team
continues to guide these new
members in their spiritual
journey, highlighting the sweet
sound of a sincere, convicted
sinner seeking a savior.
The Adventist church's
mission statement emphasizes
evangelism and camp meetings
as a means to spread the gospel.
Prayer is a vital source of
strength and rejuvenation
during holy gatherings,
fostering spiritual healing and
creating an environment
conducive to God's spirit.
The mission statement
highlights the diverse needs and
challenges thousands of people
face attending yearly meetings,
highlighting prayer as the only
source of power.
Many faithful Christians long
for the old-time religion, where
religious activities were done in
spirit, without the influence of
jazz, reggae, and pop. The
church should focus on well-
organized services of praise and
awe toward God rather than
man. The world's affluence and
sophistication are causing the
church to distance itself from
God's presence.
PAGE 05
 SEP 2023
CHILD EVANGELISM BECOMES A REALITY
IN WKC
BY JOSEPH NAMUNYU
Precious and her mother
An eight-year-old girl and 19
Lilian Odhiambo
other souls were baptized during
the Aget Seventh-day Adventist
Church camp meeting, which
took place from the 20th to the
26th of August 2023 in the
Western Kenya Conference
(WKC).
Young Adventist girls invited
Precious, the eight-year-old non-
Adventist, to attend the camp
meeting. Her arrival delighted the
Aget SDA congregation in Busia
district.
This occurred in response to
West Kenya Union Conference
(WKUC) President Dr. Samuel
Misiani's plea for young people
to participate in the I Will Go
initiative. Precious attended the
church camp meeting, and as
the days progressed, she shared
her new-found message with
her mother. She later invited her
to the meeting.
Precious came forward without
hesitation when the call for
baptism was given, inspiring
others to dedicate their lives to
Jesus. Many worried if she knew
what the call was for, but after
interrogation, she affirmed that
she understood and accepted
every lesson presented since the
beginning of the camp.
W KUC EXPLOITS
VOL 5 | ISSUE 9
A similar call was made on the
subsequent days, and the number
rose. Precious told her mother
about her wish to get baptized and
asked her to attend a Sabbath
church service.
The mother attended the event
and most significantly agreed to
baptism on the Sabbath. Precious
and her mother were Sunday
keepers who heard and accepted
the Adventist message of keeping
the Sabbath day holy.
Pr. Patrick Musoma, their Busia
district pastor, stated that this was
truly the work of the Holy Spirit,
Others who were moved by
adding that in the latter days, Precious decision being baptized
children will spread the salvation
message throughout the world.
He vowed to include the youth,
children, and women ministry
leaders to nurture the newly
baptized members. Nurture and OUR STRUGGLE IS
retention are critical components
of a Christian's journey.
TO BUILD THE
YOUNG PEOPLE
AND DISCIPLE
THEM
The Children's Ministries
Department's aim is to develop
young people into loving,
serving relationships with
Jesus. Everyone who works
with children wishes to see
them choose to follow Jesus.
Our struggle is to build the
young people and disciple them
so that they may become
Precious’ Mother being baptised
members of the church
Let us endeavor to reach community.
adventurers, pathfinders, and even
young adults in order to prepare
Joseph Namunyu is the Youth Ministries
them for evangelism. The task is Director at the Western Kenya Conference of
enormous, but with God's help, it the Seventh-day Adventists.
will be completed.
PAGE 06
SEP 2023
SICKLE CELL ANEMIA
BY DANIEL TIROP
Daniel Tirop
Sickle cell disease (SCD) or
sickle cell anemia is an inherited
genetic disorder affecting the
hemoglobin protein in red blood
cells, resulting in anemia, pain
crises, and potential organ failure.
Early indicators of SCD involve
a decline in fetal hemoglobin
(HbF) levels within 1-2 years after
birth, with symptoms typically
manifesting after 6 months of life.
The hand-foot syndrome, a bone
infarction, is linked to the sickle
cell trait, where both parents
carry one copy of the gene and
pass it on to their children.
During intense exercise,
disease carriers (individuals with
one copy of the gene) may remain
asymptomatic. However, severe
dehydration at high altitudes can
trigger SCD symptoms in carriers.
Offspring of two carrier
parents face a 25% chance of
being healthy, a 25% chance of
being affected by SCD, and a 50%
chance of being carriers
themselves.
Pathogenesis refers to the
infection-induced process that
leads to illness. SCD results from
a mutation in the beta
hemoglobin gene, causing a
substitution of hydrophilic
glutamic acid with valine.
WKUC EXPLOITS
When exposed to oxygen
fluctuations, vulnerable red blood
cells undergo deoxygenation,
forming a sickle-shaped polymer.
This hinders blood flow, reducing
oxygen supply to tissues and
exacerbating sickling. Sickle cells
have a shorter lifespan of 10-20
days and hemolyze rapidly.
Splenic sequestration occurs
when vaso-occlusion blocks tiny
blood vessels in the spleen,
causing blood accumulation and
rapid enlargement, which can be
fatal. Unlike healthy round and
flexible red blood cells, sickle cells
are rigid and sticky, hindering
their movement through blood
vessels.
Vaso-occlusion is common in
early childhood and can lead to
splenic infarction later in life,
worsening baseline anemia and
susceptibility to infections such
as pneumonia, Salmonella Typhi,
and H. Influenza.
VOL 5 | ISSUE 9
Acute chest syndrome arises
due to vaso-occlusion in the
pulmonary vasculature, causing
deoxygenation of hemoglobin
and erythrocyte sickling. This
leads to further vaso-occlusion,
ischemia, and endothelial
damage, often presenting with
chest discomfort, fever, cough,
and hypoxemia, constituting a
medical emergency,
particularly in children.
Aplastic crisis occurs when
the bone marrow abruptly
stops producing red blood
cells, resulting in severe and
sometimes fatal anemia. It is
primarily seen in individuals
with sickle cell anemia or other
blood abnormalities, triggered
by a common viral infection,
parvovirus B19, acquired
through respiratory droplets.
Hemolytic crisis is
characterized by a rapid
destruction of a significant
number of red blood cells in a
short period, exceeding the
body's capacity to produce new
red blood cells. This
accelerates the breakdown of
red blood cells, particularly in
individuals with G6PD
deficiency.
Additional clinical
complications encompass
stroke, convulsions, priapism
(painful and prolonged penile
erection), leg ulcers, and viral
Hepatitis resulting from
multiple transfusions.
Sickle Cell Disease
(SCD) is a genetic
disorder causing
abnormalities in one of
the globin chains, leading
to the development of an
abnormal hemoglobin
called HbS, a type of
hemoglobinopathy.
NEXT PAGE CONT..
PAGE 07
UEAB 41st Graduation ceremony

SEP 2023 VOL 5 | ISSUE 9

SICKLE CELL ANEMIA CONTD...

BY DANIEL TIROP

SCD exists in various types,

including sickle cell anemia,
sickle cell trait (heterozygous
form), sickle cell beta-
thalassemia (heterozygous with
higher normal hemoglobin
concentration), and
hemoglobin SC disease (similar
to sickle cell anemia, the
second most prevalent type of
SCD).
Pain medications like
ibuprofen, diclofenac, and
oxygen therapy are
recommended in cases of a
painful crisis. Blood transfusion
is advised for low hemoglobin
levels. Medications such as
hydroxyurea, penicillin, folic
acid, and poludrine are also
beneficial.
Rehydration with oral fluids is
encouraged. Stem cell
transplantation is the most
effective for children under 12
years old.
The primary reason for
hospitalization of individuals with
SCD is a sickle cell crisis, which
can manifest as a vaso-occlusive
crisis, aplastic crisis, or
hemolytic crisis. Triggers for a
sickle cell crisis include infection,
low oxygen levels, dehydration,
intense physical exertion, stress,
alcohol consumption, pregnancy,
and cold weather.
World Sickle Cell Disease
Month aims to unite global
sickle cell communities,
standardize newborn
screening, and raise awareness
about sickle cell disease.
September is designated for
increasing awareness and
preventing complications
Daniel Tirop is the Health Ministry Director
related to sickle cell anemia. at the West Kenya Union Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists.

WKUC EXPLOITS PAGE 08

SEP 2023
HOPE FOR AFRICA EVANGELISTIC
CAMPAIGN
BY PHILEMON ODHIAMBO
Hope for Africa was an
evangelistic campaign with
messages of hope for the
African people. The messages
were divided into health talk,
family life, and sermons.
Dr. Chidi Ngwaba and Mrs.
Ernestine Finley led a health talk
on the potential of lifestyle
changes to reverse diseases like
hypertension, diabetes, obesity,
cancer, and autoimmune
diseases. They highlighted the
importance of a healthy plant-
based diet, adequate exercise,
sufficient water, and adequate
sleep as starting points for
disease reversal.
Dr. Chidi Ngwaba
A healthy diet can be
achieved alongside professional
treatment, and disease reversal
should only be considered with
the help of a trained physician,
was their constant reminder to
the viewers and listeners daily.
The acronym that guided the
health talk is WELLNESS. This
was put into perspective as each
letter was expounded to convey
the meaning. Water: drink at
least 8 glasses daily. Exercise:
engage in at least 30 minutes of
exercise daily.
WKUC EXPLOITS
Love: trusting in God assures
us of His presence and love.
Lifestyle: be temperate in your
dealings and adopt a lifestyle
that glorifies God. Nutrition: a
healthy plant-based diet in the
right quantity at the right time
is good for the body.
Environment: take deep
breaths and enjoy the pure fresh
air given by God. Sunlight:
vitamin D is essential for
strengthening bones and teeth.
Sabbath: resting rejuvenates the
body. Daily sleep for at least 6-8
hours and enjoy the weekly
Sabbath rest. Ultimately, we were
reminded that genetics may load
the gun in matters of health.
Lifestyle pulls the trigger.
Pr. David Mmbaga
Pr. & Mrs Mark Finley
VOL 5 | ISSUE 9
The family life session was a
call for the restoration of families.
Pr. David Mmbaga emphasized
that families built on God are
guaranteed to last despite the
challenges of our time. Couples
were encouraged to do good
things for each other not only
because it is good to do so but
also because it is the right thing
to do.
Pr. Mark Finley's sermon, filled
with hope for this generation,
began with three Revelation
songs, highlighting God's power
in Christians' lives and
Nebuchadnezzar's dream of world
history.
The second coming revealed in
scripture, would be loud, audible,
visible, and glorious, displacing
the belief that the dead are
already in heaven. Scripture
revealed that they are asleep,
awaiting the second coming of
Christ.
The Seventh-day Sabbath and
immersion baptism were
revealed, along with the history of
the Sabbath change and other
baptism forms. People were
allowed to choose Christ, which
clarified the blessing of a
thousand years of peace. After the
investigative judgment, we will
have the opportunity to question
the fairness of God's judgment.
The gospel call is not a rare
gem but a shared one to prepare
for the second coming of Christ,
and the series concluded with a
call for mission, inviting everyone
to participate in Christ's mission
of saving the lost souls.
Philemon Odhiambo is the Communication
Director at the West Kenya Union
Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists
PAGE 09