OCMC News - Help Make Sure the Work in the Diocese of Kisumu and Western Kenya Continues

by Orthodox Christian Mission Center (Posted 1/10/2019)

Please start 2019 with a gift to the OCMC and see that the work in the Diocese of Kisumu and Western Kenya continues!

Dear Brothers and Sister in Christ!

I will never forget how this year began. As we prepared to celebrate the Theophany Feast we received word of the the passing of His Grace Bishop Athanasius. It was a shock to many, even more so to the faithful of his diocese of Kisumu and Western Kenya where so much work to grow and strengthen the Church was underway.

Though His Grace is no longer with us, the work continues. This is why I am writing you today. In this time of transition, your help is urgently needed to continue the efforts in the Diocese of Kisumu and Western Kenya!

The Church in this recently-created diocese has experienced tremendous growth. It is home to more than 100 Orthodox clergy. Churches have been built, schools have been established, vital care to orphans is being offered, and the Faith is being taught and shared. You have helped make all this possible, and your continued support of these efforts is needed now more than ever.

The fruits of what this support can mean have been seen across the diocese in the scores of people that have come to the Faith, in the eyes of orphans that have been given a home, in the smiles of women who have bonded in fellowship, and amongst Church leadership who are pursing innovative ways to administer and sustain the Church.

Will you please consider a gift of $100, $200, or more toward these efforts?

The need is great! There are villages throughout Kenya that are in need of critical support and even more that are ready to receive the Gospel. With your prayers and contributions, we can train and deploy the missionaries and teams so urgently needed to assist this work.

In 2019, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center will be sending 6 mission teams to Kenya, as well as trying to train and place new missionaries called to serve there. Additionally, the Mission Center is being asked to underwrite numerous projects and provide support to nearly 170 clergy serving throughout the country. Your gift will be a part of an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars aimed at strengthening and growing the Orthodox Faith in Kenya.

Every cent is needed to make possible the teams, missionary ministries, and projects that will share the Faith, provide catechetical teaching, engage the youth, provide healthcare, and build churches and schools. Your support of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center will ensure that this witness continues in the Diocese of Kisumu and Western Kenya and around the world.

Thank you for your continued offerings and prayers!

In Christ,

Fr. Martin Ritsi
Executive Director

PS – As the new year begins, prayerfully consider making your gift a monthly recurring commitment of support. By becoming a recurring giver, you will be part of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius Society and do even more to transform the lives of people throughout the world.