‘Beyond The Walls’, a group of youths from different denominations in Kisumu, yesterday organized a thanksgiving service at A.C.K St. Mark Migosi church, in Migosi Estate.
According to Beyond The Walls’ organizing Secretary Mr Otilia Onyango, God has been faithful to them and allowed them to meet together after a long period of lockdown.
“It has been nine months since the first Covid-19 case was registered in Kenya. A number of us do not believe that the virus is real since none of the people who have contracted the virus is familiar to us”, Otilia told Kisumu City News.
“We have been safe, in good health and above all, we still love the Lord. This gives us the joy to thank God,” Otilia added.
The name “Beyond The Walls” derives its name from the belief that belonging to different denominations should not be a barrier to youth interactions in the church.
Speaking to Kisumu City News, Mr Oluoch Alfred, the Chairperson of the team said that “It is high time we stopped focusing on the boundaries or walls put by our denominations and focus on Christ who is the author of our faith”.
According to Mr Oluoch, the Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically affected the church. People have lost their jobs, and many have lost faith, but a few believers have found courage in the Lord during this challenging time.
“I know of people and friends who were serving in church before Covid-19, but now that life is tough while they have also lost their jobs, they show no interest at all on issues to do with the church”, Oluoch said.
The Chairman regrated that “it is sad to see potential ministers leave the church because of challenges in life,”
The event, which was branded “Sifa Afternoon”, followed a previous event which was held one week ago by another group of youths at Shiloh Family Church. Both events had good attendance with the majority of attendees being youths between the ages of 15 to 35.
One of the attendants, Mrs Grace Onyango, told Kisumu City News that there is nothing that gives her great joy than seeing the body of Christ worshipping together.
“Worship together as if you are in heaven. There will be no Anglicans, Legion Marias, Pentecostals; we shall be one. Joining brethren in worshipping gives me great joy”, Grace told Kisumu City News.
The Shiloh Family Church has been instrumental in mobilizing the youth towards the church, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when the youth are also facing significant challenges in life.
By Kisumu City News Correspondent
