Africa

Girl’s Testimony Draws a Pastor and His Members to the Adventist Church

In Kenya, a friendship results in a whole congregation’s conversion.

Maureen Were, West Kenya Union

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Girl’s Testimony Draws a Pastor and His Members to the Adventist Church
Sarah learned about the Seventh-day Adventist Church thanks to her friend Babra. That friendship eventually led to the conversion of most of a congregation. [Photo: courtesy of Maureen Were]

In the heart of Luyeshe in Chegulo, Kenya, eight-year-old Babra, known for her bright smile and gentle spirit, found herself drawn to her new friend Sarah, who had recently moved into the neighborhood. Despite their differences in faith — Babra was a Seventh-day Adventist, Sarah was not — they became good friends. Babra felt a compelling urge one Saturday (Sabbath) morning to invite Sarah to join her for Sabbath worship.

With her parents’ encouragement, Babra mustered the courage to visit Sarah’s home and extend the invitation. To her delight, Sarah accepted, and together they walked hand in hand to Shieywe Seventh-day Adventist Church. What followed was a morning of hymns, Bible stories, and warm fellowship that left Sarah with a newfound sense of peace and joy.

Sarah’s experience didn’t end there. Intrigued by what she had encountered, she sought to learn more about the Adventist faith. Babra’s family warmly welcomed Sarah into their home, where they shared their beliefs and practices.

Moved by her journey, Sarah approached members of women’s ministries at the church with a request: could they visit her parents and share more about Seventh-day Adventism? Eager to spread their faith, the women gladly accepted. Sarah’s parents, open-minded and curious, welcomed the visitors into their home.

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General Conference Adventist youth ministries director Busi Khumalo (left) greets Sarah’s parents (third and fourth from left). [Photo: courtesy of Maureen Were]

Over the course of a three-day study about the Adventist message, Sarah’s parents, Jacob Wanyama Sasaka and his wife, found themselves increasingly convinced of the truth they were hearing. Their decision was profound, especially given Jacob’s role as a bishop of another Christian denomination.

Jacob’s conversion sparked a ripple effect within his congregation. Moved by his testimony and newfound beliefs, 27 members of his congregation chose to follow him into the Adventist faith. Together, they were baptized, symbolizing a transformative new chapter in their spiritual journeys.

The impact didn’t stop there. Jacob Wanyama Sasaka, deeply moved by his newfound faith, donated his church building, chairs, and plot to establish the Adventist Church in Luyeshe, under the Western Kenya Conference. This act of generosity marked a tangible commitment to his new beliefs and a testimony to the power of faith in action.

The community at large marveled at the transformation unfolding before their eyes. They credited two young girls, Babra and Sarah, whose friendship and simple invitations had set off a chain of events that reshaped many lives. Their story became an inspiration, highlighting the potency of child evangelism and the unexpected avenues through which God’s love can manifest.

As the community rallied around their new church, celebrating each baptism and conversion, Babra and Sarah continued to play pivotal roles. They were hailed as young evangelists, demonstrating that age is no barrier to being instruments of God’s love and truth.

Looking ahead, Sarah and Babra envision a permanent place of worship for their growing congregation. They appeal to well-wishers to support their efforts in building a dedicated Adventist church, ensuring a space where new converts and longtime believers alike can gather in faith. Their story, from a simple invitation to a community-wide transformation, serves as a testimony to the power of faith and the unexpected ways God can work through the lives of the faithful.

Maureen Were, West Kenya Union

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