Mission Studies Department
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Item A study on Conversion from Islam to Christianity among the Borana Women in Nairobi, Kenya with Implications for Christian Witness.(2014-05-23) Murumba, Pauline CheropThe Borana MBB women are converts from Islam to Christianity. The Borana in Nairobi originated from Isiolo, Moyale and Marsabit. Some of them have lived in Nairobi all their lives though their parents migrated from the rural area. The Borana are part of the wider Oromo people group. The dominant religion among the Borana is Islam but there are also minority Christians among them. This study is an attempt to understand the conversion process of the Borana MBB women living in Nairobi. It applies Rambo's model of understanding conversion with regard to the experiences of these women. The changes resulting from the conversion are also examined. This study employs the ethnographic research method to gain insight into the experiences of the Borana MBB women. Being a phenomenon that touches human behavior, the research has preferred this anthropological research method in order to establish what cannot be studied scientifically. For better understanding of this complex phenomenon, the study has used Kraft's worldview theory of relationships as the running theme together with Love's concepts of 'encounters'. Through the findings of this study, it has been established that the Borana MBB women mostly came to Christ after they faced some form of crisis in their lives at the personal, social and the supematurallevels. The agent who left the greatest impact in the life of the informant is the one who came into their life at the point of crisis. Power encounter greatly contributed to conversion through healing and deliverance from evil spirits. Upon conversion, the convert came not only to Christ but also to the body of Christ, the church. This called for a smooth transition that could reduce 'culture shock' to the new convert as was often experienced. Recommendations are made out of the findings with proposals that can be applied in ministry to the Borana Muslim women in particular and Muslims in general. There is need for better understanding of the specific needs of Muslim women in order to reach them better with the gospel of Christ. The MBB should be empowered to become an agent of the gospel of Christ in his family and community at large. This will only happen if she has proper follow up and sound discipleship that can strengthen the new convert.Item A study of Karen Residents' Perception of Corruption in Kenya Police with a Special Implication for Discipleship(2014-05-21) Njuguna, Stephen NdiranguThere are few issues that generate reactions like someone being associated with corruption, worse still in a Christian or rather in a religious setting and environment like Kenya. This is because before right thinking human beings, nobody wants to be seen as wicked. The instinct to be right is the first and original position of man's heart according to our maker God Almighty. Evil is an intruder and in second position. In our hearts we love and always choose the best. Even a thief at times when caught in the act of stealing some would say, "I was keeping it safe." Some may say, "I did not give a bribe but a catalyst," which they also call facilitator. To the Police it is called TKK, meaning, 'Toa kitu kidogo," In other words, give something small (bribe). Those who demand TKK generally are Traffic Police on the road, or at the Police Station counter, or Regular Police on patrol. But, to the few high and mighty Police Officers in air-conditioned rooms their meaning of 'TKK" may construe 'Toa Kitu Kikubwa' meaning, give something big (bribe) which has to befit the status or rank. A study of Karen resident's perception of corruption in Kenya Police, with its implication for discipleship seeks to understand this monster called corruption. At the same time, this study seeks to know the causes, the nature, extent and impact of corruption. It Vt~11. then be known the effective interventions in Kenya government, the Church, the Society have made and are able to make in bn.iging an end to this vice. The choice of Karen area was because it represents the farming community since Kenya is basically an agricultural country. Karen also has business people who can afford a bribe if cornered or the need arises to avoid sleeping in Police cells. People are likely to give a bribe also to avoid being taken to court, which is a tedious, time and money consuming process. Karen has residents of all status, races and religious persuasion. The Karen Police area falls within Langata Police Division. Among the constituents of the region are top politicians who are advocating for change with eradication of corruption as their key agenda. The study has three primary strands: 1. The individual encounters and experiences of the researcher who has spent over thirty years in the midst of corrupt elements in Kenya. He has also worked for sixteen years in the Tax arena an area infested with corruption. 2. A literature review that surveys literature from several disciplines 3. Field research The findings indicate that, the majority of the society, given a freehand, would rather not have corruption but like sin many are helpless so they give in to the vice. For graft to be eradicated it would require divine intervention, the government, church and private sector efforts, all working together. This calls for witnessing and discipleship in the Police Force where the need is overwhelming. Certainly like any other human beings, not all Police Officers are corrupt, though most are perceived to be by society.Item The Educational Level of the Boy Child in the Low Economic Class Estatesopf Nairobi Kenya : case study of Kawangware(2014-05-16) Omagwa, Samwel AtungaKawangware is a small market suburb located about 11 kilometres west of the capital city of Kenya - Nairobi. Most of the residents belong to the low-income class. It's inhabited by 86,000 people and most of them provide domestic and support services to the neighboring suburbs. Amongst the things that one notice on visiting the area are the number of boys loitering around and ferrying various goods to the market, instead of being in school. This study explores the Educational Level of the boy child in Kawangware, and the factors that cause a significant number of boys not to attend school. A qualitative research design employing ethnographic tradition was used for study. Data was collected using face-to-face open-ended interviews. The findings revealed that many covert factors hinder the educational level of the boy child in Kawangware. Twelve themes emerged to explain these factors. The researcher concluded that there is a dire need to facilitate and offer solutions to these hindrances, which impede meaningful education to the boy child in Kawangware. Although the findings in this research offer implications to the Church, government and non-governmental organisations and the society in general, the recommendations provided are limited to the role the Church can play to alleviate the suffering of the boy child. At least one other research topic arose out of this investigation; in order to grasp deeper insights into the educational level of the boy child in Kawangware and to establish more effective strategies to help them, the researcher recommends a further study that explores the social life of the boy child in a home context. Based on the findings, the educational level of the boy child is in dire need of help and the church and society must be challenged and be engaged in this issue in meeting their felt needs.Item An Investigation into the factors that Influenced Numerical Growth of Deliverance Church Eistleigh in Nairobi, Kenya from 1981 to 2006(2014-05-16) Lang'at, Joshua KibetThe purpose of this research was to bring to light the factors that influenced the growth of Deliverance Church Eastleigh (DCE) from a congregation of 500 in 1981 to a congregation of2500 in 2006. One of the main reasons that made it necessary to carry out this research is because many Churches struggle with the issue of Church growth. By making these factors aware, such Churches are able to compare their methods with the methods used at DCE and thus be able to determine which methods work for them best. The research was carried out using qualitative method of research where 32 participants were interviewed using open ended, .semi-structured questions. The findings were analysed and it was discovered that the major factors that caused growth in the Church were effective leadership, committed members, effective church activities and meetings, effective departments, evangelism, missions and follow-up and good administration. The main factor that stood out as a major influence on the other factors of growth was effective leadership.Item The impact of organizational development program on the nationalization process in Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya from 1997 to 2007(2014-04-22) Andhoga, Walter OtienoThis research seeks to investigate the impact of Organizational Development (OD) program on the nationalization process of Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (F.P.F.K) from a missionary led Church organization to a national led Church from 1997 to 2007. Specifically it seeks to investigate the impact OD program has created on national leadership in F.P.F.K, find out whether through OD nationalization process has been achieved, and if the national leaders have embraced the changes produced as result of the OD program The results of this research show that OD program is successful in the nationalization process of F.P.F .K.The mission and vision of the organization has been understood by the leaders at the national level. The policies and manuals have been formulated and implemented at the national level and that leaders at the national level have been positive about the changes introduced as a result of the OD program. A sense of national identity has been created and the church has become an active partner in the civil society. However, the challenge with the structure of the organization is that it does not give leadership authority to individual leaders. Leaders have understood their responsibilities without depending on the former missionaries. They have taken firm control of running the organization and their presence is felt throughout the organization. The capacity of the national leaders has been built through different trainings offered through OD, which has made them achieve management skills in running the organization. This is a positive development in F.P.F.K. Based on these findings, it is necessary that any nationalization process be initiated early to prepare the leaders for hand over before the expatriates leave. OD should be an ongoing process in the organization so that leaders are developed and equipped without waiting until the time for hand over is ripe. Since running an OD process requires a lot of finances, the churches should be sensitized to start development accounts which can be used in the training of leaders. Emphasis should be made in all congregations so that they may continually contribute to this account and be willing to send more leaders for the training. In addition partners from the overseas should not withdraw their funding quickly as soon as they hand over leadership to the locals but they should do it gradually.Item A study of the traditional perception of sin among the Abakuria people of Kenya, with view to presenting a holistic Christian witness that will meet the felt needs among this community(2014-04-17) Nchama, Thomas GituguThe main aim of this study was to examine the traditional perception of sin among the Abakuria people of Kenya, with the objective of presenting a holistic Christian witness that will meet the spiritual needs of these people. In order to achieve this goal, research was carried out in this community by focusing on the Abakuria traditional views of sin, the causes of sin as perceived by the Abakuria, and the traditional methods used to deal with sin whenever it occurs. The research was a qualitative study, and data was collected primarily through ethnographic interviews with selected participants among the Abakuria people. Questionnaires were also used to capture the general understanding of sin in this community. A keen analysis of the Abakuria cultural worldview regarding sin revealed the following observations: To begin with, the Abakuria like most African societies acknowledge the existence of sin. This acknowledgement is demonstrated by the terms and local phrases they use to describe sin/an offensive act. The research revealed that two terms iriraga and umugiro are used to describe sin. An examination of the two words revealed that sin has two dimensions at least according to Abakuria. While sin on one hand offends the divinity (ancestral spirits, spirits and ghosts), it also hurts and spoils relationships. Secondly, the Abakuria people categorize sins. There are those termed as the most horrible sins, there are terrible sins but can be put aright and there are also minor offences. The most horrible sins include murder, witchcraft and incest. The second category has sins like adultery, physically assaulting one's parent, and rape. The third category consists of sins such as lying, stealing foodstuffs, bitterness and greedy. Thirdly, this research discovered that the Abakuria people believe sin is caused by three forces; angry ancestors, influence from witchcraft and inheritance from parents. Fourthly, it was discovered that Abakuria deal with sin promptly whenever it occurs. The major means of dealing with sin in this community is through animal sacrifices. Sacrifices are meant to appease angry ancestors and other deities so that curses and other forms of punishment will not befall the living. Another form of dealing with sin in this community is by publicly shaming the wrongdoer and making him/her compensate the offended party. However, the first category, the most horrible sins do not have a solution except by killing the victim or totally excommunicating him/her from the society. The findings of this study raised several implications for missions in the continent of Africa and more so among the Abakuria community, for which appropriate recommendations have been made. The recommendations are intended to provide both theoretical and practical platform for the development of sound mission strategies. These mission strategies will go a long way in helping Christian witnesses to present a relevant and holistic gospel among the abakuria people.Item Pentecostal Assemblies of God in Nyamira District of Western Kenya: A Study of the Dynamics of The Pastors’ Impact On The Laity For Church Growth(2014-04-09) Adeniji, JohnThe purpose of this study was to investigate the Dynamics of the Pastors I impact on the laity, how the Pastor as enablers and leaders have equipped the members for the growth of their Assemblies. This was conducted among twenty-eight Nyaramba PAG pastors of Western Kenya. In order to adequately deal with this subject, four research questions were raised by the researcher and nineteen interview questions were developed from them. In addition, the following data was collected from the record of each Assembly. (1) How many members were there in the Assembly when the Pastor started pastoring? (2) How many members are there in the Assembly now? These were statistically processed. Findings of this study showed that there is a minimal impact made by the pastors on the laity for the following reasons: (1) The pastors do not set definite goals for the growth of their Assemblies. (2) The pastors produce non-participatory laity. More than half of the pastors do not involve the laity in ministry. (3) The pastors do not create appropriate channels whereby the gifts in the laity could be put to use.Item An investigation into the factors that influenced numerical growth of Kimbo all nations Gospel church Kenya from 2000 to 2007(2013-08-23) Mbugua, Joyce M.The purpose of this research was to shed light into the factors that influenced numerical growth of Kimbo All Nations Gospel Church from a congregation of about 500 in 1994 to 2,500 in 2007. One of the major reasons is because many churches struggle with the issue of church growth. Many churches remain small despite many years of existence. By bringing these factors to light, such churches will be able to compare their methods with the methods used at Kimbo All Nations Gospel Church and thus be able to determine which methods can work best for them. The research was carried out using qualitative method of research where 30 participants were interviewed using open ended and semi structured questions. After the findings were analyzed it was discovered that the major factors that caused numerical growth in the church were effective leadership, effective departments, evangelism, mission and follow-up, good administration, committed membership and good church activities. Effective leadership emerged as the major factor that influenced other factors of numerical growth.