T
he Hope for Africa evangelistic series in Nairobi, Kenya, was a beacon of hope that radiated across the continent. The impact of its messages, translated into seven languages and reaching approximately 10,000 downlink locations in 11 countries, was huge!
During the series, 194,000 people chose to be baptized and join the Seventh-day Adventist Church family. I’ve chosen two of their stories to share with you because they powerfully demonstrate God’s hand at work.
The Rebel’s New Leader
The first story takes us to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a nation marred by decades of instability and conflict. In DRC, a dreaded rebel group, Mai Mai Kifuafua, held sway over the life of Omari, a man entangled in violence and chaos since the age of 15. The efforts of local pastors Bakano and Esaie during the evangelistic event would prove to be a divine intervention in his life.
The pastors’ mission took them to the confines of a prison, where they encountered Omari, a man seemingly immune to any authority beyond that of his rebel group. They shared the Word of God with him through the Hope for Africa series, and his hard heart began to melt.
Omari made the courageous decision to sever ties with his former life and embrace Christ as his Savior—a perilous choice given the dangers of leaving a rebel group. Now baptized, Omari’s testimony of freedom in Christ echoes within the prison walls.
Transformed Through Tragedy
The second story unfolds in Nairobi, where the lively city contrasts with the solemnity of Kenyatta National Hospital. Within its walls, two strangers, Makokha and Desire, found their lives intersecting on a path toward faith and transformation amid tragedy.
Makokha’s journey began with an accident that left him alone in a foreign city with his injured wife. There, he met Desire, who was grappling with the agony of his daughter’s illness. Their shared nights in the hospital corridors became a catalyst for deep conversations.
Desire, a devout Adventist, introduced Makokha to the teachings and optimism embedded in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. United by a common pursuit of hope, Makokha and Desire attended the Hope for Africa evangelistic event at a local church. The speakers, including Mark Finley, imparted wisdom and hope through compelling presentations.
Tragically, Desire’s daughter lost her battle with illness. Yet his unwavering faith in Christ’s promise of resurrection became a source of strength for Makokha, reinforcing his need to be part of a church family that embraced this profound truth.
When the evangelistic campaign ended, Makokha surrendered his life to Christ and was baptized. With his wife’s health restored, the couple returned to their hometown, but not before Makokha engaged in his own act of mission work. To extend the blessing he received, he donated a parcel of land in his village for the construction of a Seventh-day Adventist church.
The transformed lives of Omari, Makokha, and many others are a testament to the mission of Hope Channel International. They are a powerful reminder that hope can bloom even in the most unexpected places.
Hundreds gather to hear the Hope for Africa presentations sponsored by Hope Channel International in conjunction with the East-Central Africa Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Adventist World Radio
The evangelistic meetings resulted in 194,000 baptisms
The team of Hope Channel and East-Central Africa Division church leaders
To explore the various programs on Hope Channel, visit HopeTV.org or watch on DirecTV HOPE Channel 368, Roku, or the free Hope Channel app.
Thank you for supporting Hope Channel through your weekly mission offerings and, in North America, by giving to World Budget. To give, visit adventistmission.org/donate.