Kenyan Politics!

Dear Kenyans,

I have been watching the developments in the Kenyan politics with a lot of interest. I think it will take a miracle for President Kibaki to survive the pressure that is facing him and continue to rule Kenya.

At first I thought he was genuine when he assummed the presidency after signing the MoU.But as things turned out, he was clouded by the greedy Mt. Kenya mafia and he could not feel with the other Kenyans or sense that he was loosing grip of the country's political leadership.

One of the arms of the government that I seriously blame for this failure is the Special Intelligence. These guys are suppossed to have the real feeling of the common mwananchi and they are suppossed to brief the head of state on the direction that events are heading. It looks like they totally failed to keep the head of state informed on what was transpiring on the ground. The other thought that comes to mind is that they may have played their part faithfully but they were ignored by the head of state who chose to listen to his political cronies. The result is a total disaster.

The only alternative that I see for him right now is to accept to go back to the drawing board with the Orange team and accept their terms or remain adamant and be voted out in the next election. In fact the remaining two years may be a nightmare for him if he does not sit down with the Orange team and agree on crucial issues such as a timetable for coming up with a new constitution, sharing of power through equal sharing of "important" ministerial positions with other coalition partners etc.

The President also faces the crucial task of phasing out his close political advisors and confidents who have already fallen out with the Orange team. Unfortunately, these same politicians do not command any following across the country so they cannot use the power of the vote to bring them back to positions of prominence.

But one thing is commendable about President Kibaki, he is a gentleman in many ways and he does not rush to act. That is a major plus for him and if he uses it well, he may bounce back to power but with the Orange team leaders as his teammates

May God bless Kenya.

Gerald Baraza
E-mail: geraldbaraza2000@yahoo.com

Nyabisaga Ministry Report

August 2005 was a busy and rewarding month for us.The Free Methodist Church of Tanzania National Superintendent Fabian Kikoko, his deputy, Pastor Josephat M. Ntampaka and I left Mwanza on the 17th of August and traveled to Nairobi, Kenya where we attended a leadership and evangelism seminar. From there we traveled back to Tanzania on 21st and headed straight to Nyabisaga in Tarime District where we facilitated in a Pastors seminar. 12 Pastors attended the seminar together with their spouses. The following topics were covered:

1. Maintaining unity in the local church. 2.Ministerial tips to avoid discouragement. 3.Tent-making in the ministry. 4.The role of the Pastor’s spouse in the ministry.

The response was very positive. The attendants gave very positive feedback after the seminar. They requested that we hold a similar seminar in February next year. Please pray for us that this may be possible especially as far as funds are concerned.

On Sunday I shared the Word of God from 2 Kings 23:25 and 1 Samuel 4:12-18. I called on all who were present to avoid the mistakes of Eli who had eyes but he chose not to see the sins of his sons. He had the opportunity to bring about transformation in Israel but he did not take advantage of it. Later own he suffered for his lack of vision, irresponsibility and cowardice. Instead we should be like Josiah who despite his young age worshipped his God with his heart, mind, soul and strength. He saw the depth of Israel’s sins against their God and he courageously acted to bring about spiritual transformation. God commends him for it. 8 people gave their lives to Christ after the message. Let us pray for them that God may be with them as they begin a new and special journey in their lives.

After the worship service, Supt. Kikoko and I tried to travel back to Mwanza but we got stranded at Bunda. We arrived there at 4.45 p.m and found that all the public transport vehicles going to Mwanza had already left. Bunda is two hours drive to Mwanza. We spent the night in Bunda and traveled to Mwanza on Monday morning. I was happy to find my family safe and sound. I really appreciate the prayers of all those who prayed for us. God bless you so much.

Well, let’s continue praying for Supt. Lucas Maisori as he leads the Mara Jimbo/district that God may give him wisdom and patience. He is facing many challenges as far as the building of the pastor’s passion and endurance in the midst of hardships is concerned.

Let us also continue praying for all those who gave their lives to Jesus Christ that they may be nurtured in the Word so that they may grow up to be part of God’s army in this part of the world.


I want to thank each of you for covering me with your prayers during my time in Nairobi and Tarime.It would be impossible to do these ministry evaluation and evangelistic mission trips without your encouragement and financial support!
I am humbled and blessed that you have chosen to do so.

Areas of need : Please pray for the following things, which would greatly enhance the provision of sound training of the FMBC students if they were available:
1. Property for building facilities such as classrooms, a library, dormitories, dinning hall, etc
2. Volunteer Teachers for the following courses: November 2005 onwards: Worship, Prayer, Meditation, and Devotion, Christian Home and Marriage,: Christian Education 2. Theology, Bookkeeping, The Christian Witness, Discipling, World Evangelization, Free Methodist Church History, African Church History, Helping to Good English. 3. Games equipment: soccer balls, volleyballs, soccer shoes, etc 4. A keyboard for worship in the FMBC worship services. 5.Funds for the construction of the Nyamaheheiya local church.

GOD IS MAKING MANY, MANY RICH!

GOD IS MAKING MANY, MANY RICH!
Pastor Fedhelina Mlongecha, the only female student that we have in the FMBC told me a story recently that has remained in my mind and made me think a lot about the relationship that children have with their parents here in Africa. This incident occurred in her village and it left many people surprised. A young man refused a goat- a wedding present from his father. The reason, “He does not love his father!” Hmmmm. I know you are already looking for a reason as to why this young man did this. The reason is, his father is a devout Christian and he wants his son to give his life to Jesus Christ. The young man is a Muslim and he hates Christians! 2 Corinthians 9:9-11, says, “ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God"

The Apostle Paul never stopped reminding the Corinthian Christians of the lavish kindness of God their father on them. He told them of what they had already received from their father despite the fact that they did not deserve it and what they could anticipate. God does not target one pew and one isolated good-living, man or woman. He bestows his gifts to all those who have nothing and deserve nothing. Mankind!

Surprisingly, like that ungrateful son in Kigoma, Tanzania, some of you are continuing to reject His gifts. He offers you His wonderful gifts and you continue, quite deliberately, to refuse them. Imagine how you would feel if you had saved up, and bought a fine wedding gift and when the time came for you to offer it to the bride and groom they refused to take your present. Wouldn't you be offended? Wouldn't you think, "So I'm not good enough for them am I?" Wouldn't it put a great strain on your relationship? Wouldn't you feel like having nothing to do with them ever again? But every Sunday God, our father, continues to meet with you here and he is making an offer to you of his dear Son Jesus Christ, to be the Lord of your life. To take total control of your whole life-everything!

GOD HAS SUPPLIED ALL OUR NEEDS!

See how the apostle Paul describes God here: "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food" (v.10). The farm laborer doesn't buy the seed that he sows in his master's field. The farmer supplies the seed to the sower. So too God supplies everything at the beginning of the process of cultivation to the time of harvesting. That father in Kigoma had supplied “life” to his son. He took care of him until he grew up. He played a big part in making him what he is today. Free of charge. It isn’t nature that made that young man.

It isn't 'nature' that does that, it is God. There is no such thing as 'nature'. 'Nature' is a classical concept. It is God who causes everything to flourish in his creation. God gives the sower the physical strength to work, to drive the tractor that ploughs the field and pulls the other implements, which will sow the wheat in the furrows. He causes the seed to germinate and to put down roots and grow. He causes the flowers to blossom and start the whole process of fertilization, sending the insects, the flies and the bees, this way and that continually - they too live and move and have their being in Him. He opens His hand and satisfies their desires too. Eventually fruit appears - a hundredfold greater than the bare seed sown. God supplies it all, and we are debtors to him for everything. That is why we say grace sincerely before we eat a meal. God has once again on yet another day met our need. We prayed "Give us this day our daily bread," and He did so. "He supplies seed to the sower and bread for food" (v.10). Hasn't God been good to you? When did you ever return home to empty cupboards and bare shelves? God has seen to it that your barn (here in Africa) or refrigerator has been always full, and that you have had health to enjoy his temporal mercies until today. Are you thankful to Him? Do you vow from your heart, "Every day will I bless Thee, and I will praise Thy name for ever and ever"?

But you are not mere bodies alone. You are also souls, and those souls have needs too. They need life, because they are dead - dead to the life of God, and dead to the influence of Jesus Christ.

God can make them alive, and the consequence of that is when you hear about the Lord you don't immediately switch off. Without God's life in you will turn away, but when He quickens there is a new openness and a spirit of inquiry. You will accept an invitation to come to a religious meeting and you will discuss the claims of Christianity. That is the beginning of religion for you. You have been freed from the chains of indifference to Christ. God has supplied that openness, but he gives more than life. He supplies justification. Then He empowers us then He gives us an opportunity to serve Him in small and big ways.

GOD WILL MAKE US RICH IN EVERY WAY
He "will supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way" (vv. 10&11). By African standards, the young man in Kigoma has been made “rich” by his father. He has been given education. He has inherited a piece of land from this same father that he hates and he is given a goat as a wedding present! This goat can make him “richer” if he takes it and takes good care of it.

As I have said, at the beginning, He supplies seed so that we have strength to take our first steps following him, but those are merely the first-fruits of His gifts to us. He promises much more, an "increase" and an "enlargement". As our days so shall our strength be, and on and on to heaven. Stores of food greater and greater. Larger and larger harvests. These are the promises our Father makes to us. Every Christian faces the prospect of receiving from an inexhaustible Supplier.

OUR RICHES WILL MAKE US GENEROUS TO OTHERS!
"So that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God" (v.11). Like any African father, the young man’s father in Kigoma would have expected his son to use all the blessings that he had received from him to bless his own household and the extended family. He would also take care of his old parents. Christians are people made rich by God's constant generosity in every way. How then can they cling to their possessions? How can we mortify this strange phenomenon of Christian niggardliness? It is a real problem teaching godly generosity in a culture where suspicion and self are growing or have ruled for centuries.

God has blessed us and He wants to make us generous so that we may participate in the great commission either by PRAYING, GIVING or GOING. He expects us to be His co-workers not in things that we love only but also in things that we do not love. As long as they are dear to His heart. He expects us to participate in evangelism, missions, discipleship, leadership development, community development etc. Refusing a goat from a loving dad is bad. But refusing the blessings of eternal life and the crowns from the Lord our father is unimaginable!

Areas of need : Please pray for the following things, which would greatly enhance the provision of sound training of the FMBC students if they were available:
1. Property for building facilities such as classrooms, a library, dormitories, dinning hall, etc
2. Volunteer Teachers for the following courses: November 2005 onwards: Worship, Prayer, Meditation, and Devotion, Christian Home and Marriage, : Christian Education 2. Theology, Bookkeeping, The Christian Witness, Discipling, World Evangelization, Free Methodist Church History, African Church History, Helping to Good English.
3. Games equipment: Soccer balls, volleyballs, games kits, soccer shoes, etc
4. A keyboard for worship in the FMBC worship services.

Tanzania Free methodist bible college

Our Mission
The Tanzania Free Methodist Bible College exists to train Tanzanians for pastoral ministry
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The Present…..And Future
Today the Tanzania Free Methodist Bible College has an enrolment of 35 students from more than 30 local churches spread all over the Mara-Serengeti, Mwanza, Tabora, Arusha and Kigoma regions of Tanzania. These students include the Deputy National Superintendent, District Superintendents and Section/Parish leaders. Others are local church pastors, evangelists etc.
The college does not have its own facilities so the Bible school modules are held in Mwanza in rented facilities at Bwiru.


FMBC Programs
In 2002 FMBC launched two programs: a Certificate course for those church ministers who have only primary school education and a Diploma course for those who have high school education. Both programs take four years to complete and they are conducted on a modular system.
In order for one to graduate, a student must take all 48 courses that are offered in the following categories: Biblical studies, Pastoral theology, Church Growth and Development, Theology, Church History, Home and family. In addition, a student must have planted at least two local churches.

Modular System
All courses at FMBC are offered on the modular system, both for convenience of the students, their local churches and to enable FMBC to bring to campus an excellent adjunct faculty to compliment the FMBC teachers who reside in Mwanza.
Each module consists of one hundred and forty hours of classroom instruction, over a four week period, and is followed by three months of practical ministry in a local church as the students take more courses organized by the Theological Education by Extension (TEE) program of the FMCT.

A Word From The Principal
As we take strides into the 21st century, we in Christian training of ministers for this century, find ourselves deeply involved in a battle for this dear country. The only way we can save this nation is by having well-equipped, godly and committed servant ministers of the Word who have a passion for the perishing souls and a zeal for preaching the Gospel that has never been surpassed in the days that have gone by.

I believe that God has placed the FMBC in Tanzania at this particular time in the history of this country to equip these very leaders for such a time as this. The good news is that the church of God will be victorious because the battle belongs to the Lord!

Areas of need
Please pray for the following things, which would greatly enhance the provision of sound training of the students if they were available:
1. Property for building facilities such as classrooms, a library, dormitories, dinning hall, etc
2. Volunteer Teachers for theological courses and English grammar.
3.Library books for Theology and English grammar.

Contacts:
P.O.BOX 1770
Mwanza, Tanzania
Phone: +255282560991
Cell: +255745953089
E-mail: geraldbaraza2000@yahoo.com
or fmbc@lycosmail.com

Personal profile

KENYAN DIASPORA PRO-DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT

Who We Are

The Kenya Diaspora Pro-democracy Movement is made up purely of Kenyan volunteers and well-wishers from other nationalities currently living in the diaspora. Our head office is in Grand Rapids,MI but our affiliates and well-wishers are found all over the world.

We are men and women, teenagers and retirees, married and single, moms and dads. We are people of varied ethnic and religions backgrounds in academics, business, varied professions etc. Our personal diversity makes KDPM truly democratic!

But all KDPM members do have one very important thing in common, besides advocating for democracy in Kenya and other parts of Africa. We believe that participation in the political process is necessary to ensure good government: government that's fair, honest, responsive, effective, and compassionate. So we stay involved year-round to further these progressive ideals.

If you're concerned about the far-rightward skew of our nation's leadership, we invite you to get involved.

A Brief History of KDPM

The Kenyan Diaspora Pro-democracy Movement was established in 2006 under the guidance of Gerald Baraza. Seeing that there is a lot of patronage politics in Kenya that seems to be accepted by all political parties Gerald Baraza sought to bring about change by steering the political ship in a different direction. He believed that an effective international political organization could be created simply by offering interested Kenyans and well-wishers the opportunity to participate in the political process. Baraza’s faith in the power of international volunteerism is the foundation of the KDPM today.

Our Vision: What We Stand For!

KDPM is committed to promoting democracy as a means to achieve security, stability, and prosperity for Kenya, Africa and the entire world;

• Assisting newly formed democracies in Africa in implementing democratic principles;

• Assisting democracy advocates in Kenya, Africa and around the world to establish vibrant democracies in their own countries;

• Identifying and denouncing regimes that deny their citizens the right to choose their leaders in elections that are free, fair, and transparent.

Our Mission Statement

The mission of KDPM is to promote and inspire democratic development for all Kenyans through programs that build democratic citizens and institutions for the benefit of all.

Political & Related Action Issues: KDPM is currently undertaking the following:

1. Creating a website on which we can discuss vital issues.

2.Mobilizing Kenyans all over the US to participate in KDPM activities.

3.Researching on crucial issues and informing Kenyans on the best way to press for change and development on the same issues.

4. Writng important bills and networking with the current legislators to push those bills through parliament.

5. Identifying potential leaders in Kenya and grooming them to take leadership positions.

Important Resources Online

Coming Events

The KDPM Quarterly dinner is scheduled for April 5th 2008 at the University Club.
KDPM members in and around Grand Rapids,MI will hold prayers on March 1st 2008 ( 6.00 pm to 9.00pm ) at GVSU for the victims of the political clashes and violence in Kenya. Any support towards these victims will be appreciated. Those willing to attend the prayers are asked to contact KDPM for details.
Networks:

The Other Sheep- http://www.othersheep.org: KDPM believes in creating a society that recognizes and supports diversity. We seek to live in a society that does not discriminate against people because of their race, color, gender, creed or sexual orientation.
KenyaUnlimited Blogring—www.kenyaunlimited.com: KDPM believes in the freedom of speech and the power of communication. We appreciate the services provided by KenyaUnlimited and we are proud to be part of them.
Get Involved

KDPM is looking for volunteers to perform the following duties:

Serve as State and Regional Co-coordinators.
Writers and Researchers: KDPM is seeking men and women who have the ability to research and write on political issues.
Support KDPM:

Support to KDPM can be mailed directly to the KDPM office or to

Rev.* Steve Parelli, MDiv

Executive Director, Other Sheep

2962 Decatur Ave., 5D, Bronx NY 10458

Contact KDPM

The Secretary

KDPM

P.O.BOX 150573

Grand Rapids,MI 49515

Email: kdpm2000@gmail.com

Blog: www.geraldbaraza.blogspot.com

Phone: 616-734-3598

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Kenyan Diaspora Pro-democracy Movement

Principles
Democracy:

Democracy originates from the Greek word, "demos," whose connotation is people. In democracies, it is the people who hold sovereign power above the legislator and government.
Although it applies to the world's various democracies, certain principles and practices differentiate democratic government from other forms of government.


Democracy is government in which power and civic responsibility are exercised by all citizens, directly or through their freely elected representatives.


Democracy is a set of principles and practices that protect human freedom; it is the institutionalization of freedom.


Democracy rests upon the principles of majority rule, coupled with individual and minority rights. All democracies, while respecting the will of the majority, zealously protect the fundamental rights of individuals and minority groups.


Democracies guard against all-powerful central governments and decentralize government to regional and local levels, understanding that local government must be as accessible and responsive to the people as possible.


Democracies understand that one of their prime functions is to protect such basic human rights as freedom of speech and religion; the right to equal protection under law; and the opportunity to organize and participate fully in the political, economic, and cultural life of society.


Democracies conduct regular free and fair elections open to all citizens. Elections in a democracy cannot be facades that dictators or a single party hide behind, but authentic competitions for the support of the people.


Democracy subjects governments to the rule of law and ensures that all citizens receive equal protection under the law and that their rights are protected by the legal system.


Democracies are diverse, reflecting each nation's unique political, social, and cultural life. Democracies rest upon fundamental principles, not uniform practices.


Citizens in a democracy not only have rights, they have the responsibility to participate in the political system that, in turn, protects their rights and freedoms.


Democratic societies are committed to the values of tolerance, cooperation, and compromise. Democracies recognize that reaching consensus requires compromise and that it may not always be attainable. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit."



POLICIES OF KDPM

Meaning of “policy”: A plan or course of action, as of a government, political party, or business, intended to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters: American foreign policy; the company's personnel policy.
Democracy and respect for human rights have long been central components of KDPM. Supporting democracy not only promotes such fundamental African values as freedom and worker rights, but also helps create a more secure, stable, and prosperous global arena in which the Kenya can advance its national interests. In addition, democracy is the one national interest that helps to secure all the others. A democratically governed country is more likely to secure the peace, deter aggression, expand open markets, promote economic development, protect Kenyan and foreign citizens, combat international terrorism and crime, uphold human and worker rights, avoid humanitarian crises and refugee flows, improve the global environment, and protect human health.
With these goals in mind, the KDPM seeks to:
• Promote democracy as a means to achieve security, stability, and prosperity for Kenya and the entire world;
• Assist newly formed democracies in Africa in implementing democratic principles;
• Assist democracy advocates in Kenya and around the world to establish vibrant democracies in their own countries; and
• Identify and denounce regimes that deny their citizens the right to choose their leaders in elections that are free, fair, and transparent.



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I was born in a polygamous family about 39 years ago in the Western part of Kenya. We are 9 sons and 16 daughters.

I studied at Kenya Highlands Bible College and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology. After that I joined Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi,Kenya for an M.A course majoring in teaching/education. I have also taken courses in the M.A Educational Ministries at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids Michigan and in the M.Ed program at Grand Valley State University.Hope to graduate with an Masters in Public Administration in 2008. Before serving in Tanzania, I served in Kenya as an evangelist, Pastor, Deputy National Superintendent and National Superintendent.Other trainings include:

1. Advanced training in Evangelism and Discipleship at the Haggai Institute in Maui, Hawaii, USA.
2.Organizational Management of a Behavioral Transformation Program in Chicago, USA.
3.Free & Virtous Society Conference in Livingstone, Zambia.
4.Practial Leadership of a Theological Institution in Lilongwe, Malawi.
5.Free & Virtous Society Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
6.Acton University Sympossium in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

We praise God for every step that He has enabled us to accomplish.