CHURCH AS GOD INTENDED

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In the Book of Acts, we find that all New Testament believers always had church in their homes. It was only in their homes that they gathered to do what we call “church”: praise God with the Psalms, celebrate the Lord’s Supper, fellowship, share the Word of God, and pray together.

I have listed all of the scriptures so the church God intended to establish is obvious. Also, we only need to look at the church in nations where Christians are persecuted and it is obvious that believers are once again meeting in homes. This will be the way forward for the church as we approach the last days before Jesus returns.

“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem — a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying.” Acts 1:12-13

“And day by day, attending the Jewish temple together (evangelize) and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.“ Acts 2:46-47

“And daily in the Jewish temple (evangelize), and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5:42

“As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.” Acts 8:3

“And when he (Peter) had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.” Acts 12:12

“And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.” Acts 16:40

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.” Acts 20:7-8

“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,” Acts 20:20

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus … greet also the church in their house.” Romans 16:3,5

“Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus.” Romans 16:10-11

IS CHRISTIANITY SHRINKING?

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Glenn T. Stanton explains in his book, The Myth of the Dying Church (2019): “The apparent shrinking of Christianity is both true and false. True in that nominal and weak ‘Christian-in-name-only’ folks are identifying as Christians less and less. But there is no indication whatsoever that serious faith is shrinking any.”

How Christianity Is Actually Thriving in America and the World

Stanton adds, “So is Christianity shrinking? Not if you’re talking about the biblically faithful congregations that call their people to genuine Christian discipleship. Only … the mainline churches … are free falling as if they have a millstone tied to their necks.”

“So the real story is,” notes Stanton, “this is a sheep and goats being divided thing. A clarifying of faith, rather than shrinking of faith.”

In John Calvin’s Commentary on Isaiah 9:7, he provides an excellent reminder for Christians of all ages that we are truly on the winning side: “Though the kingdom of Christ is in such a condition that it appears as if we are about to perish at every moment, yet God not only protects and defends it, but also extends its boundaries far and wide, and then preserves and carries it forward in uninterrupted progression to eternity.”

Dr. Byron Johnson, Distinguished Professor of Social Sciences and Founding Director of the Institute for the Studies of Religion at Baylor University is one of the country’s leading researchers on the role of religion in public life. He gave this bit of advice: “the secular media will continue to push out the narrative that religion is dying … why not focus on the hundreds and thousands of peer-reviewed studies that show the power of faith to transform people’s lives for the better?”

The church as we know it, the institutional church is certainly dying as it is not the church Jesus established. In the last days before Jesus returns, we will return to House Churches as described in the Book of Acts. In fact, it is already happening. Francis Chan is leading the way in America. Can I also suggest you get a copy of Jim McCotter’s good book, Church Revolution Today to discover the truth about the church Jesus established and what God is doing through house churches that are following Jesus’ command to make disciples that make disciples.

KENYA HOUSE CHURCH MISSION TRIP

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The KHC discipleship mission trip to Seme sub-county of Kisumu ended well today, Monday, September 12th. 2022

GOSPEL  MEETINGS:  The holy spirit worked mightily and powerfully in our midst, touching and convicting many souls to repent of their sins. As a result, many people believed in Jesus Christ and realised He was the promised Jewish Messiah who would come first to die for our sins but also to come again to rule and reign in the Millennium.

At one point, in the home of Mr. Paul Otuoma, his brother Mr. Gordon Onyango testified about not having believed for many years in the Trinity – He said he was a Jehovah’s witness follower, and he believed only in the Oneness of God.  After him sitting under our teaching and hearing pastor Melkio teach on the Trinity, his heart was broken and he believed in our gospel message. He also agreed to become part of the newly founded Seme House Church.

At the home of Mr. Bonface Maganga, an atheist and homosexual after sitting under our teaching, he acknowledged the authority of God and his supernatural power. He repented for his sins of rejecting God and practicing homosexuality. He surrendered his life to Jesus and was baptized. He has now become part of the newly founded SEME house church.

MARKET PLACE EVANGELISM:   At the Kombewa trading centre, we ministered healing and salvation to a demon-possessed man who for many years has been walking around the place naked, talking to himself, and eating food from the waste bin. We prayed for healing, restoration, and salvation for him. Instantly, his mind came back to normal. He believed and was baptized. Everybody at the Kombewa trading center was amazed to witness this miracle. After the miracle, Pastor Jactone and Julius gave him some money to buy clothes and a pair of shoes. Also, his relatives were now prepared to take responsibility for him. Hopefully, he will join the newly founded SEME House Church.

 BAPTISM BY IMMERSION:  Many who believed in Jesus and the gospel message of repentance and salvation were baptized in the nearby dam. We baptized both men, women, and youths aged 18 years and above. A total of ten people were baptized.

God ministered through us to many people at tent meetings and outdoor evangelism meetings. Many souls were won back to Christ and many miracles of healing demonstrated the Holy Spirit’s presence.

NEW HOUSE CHURCH FORMED: Seme house church is found in Seme, sub-county of Kisumu.

The newly formed house church comprises 15 people, excluding children. Mr. Bonface Maganga Odhiambo will be the pastor overseeing the Seme House Church.

REQUEST FOR BIBLES: There is a great need to provide the members of this new house church with copies of the Bible. We ask that our brothers and the LEN team help to provide these needed Bibles. If you would like to help you can do so by clicking on the Donate icon on the Home Page. This icon was added just for donations to the Kenya House Church Movement.

KHC MISSION TRIP TO MBITA KENYA

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REPORT BY PASTOR CHARLES OTIENO OWINO

Purpose: Discipleship & Evangelism mission.

Hosts: Joshua Chiro & Wilfred

Arrival date: August 3rd and departure August 7th

My team received a warm reception from Mr. & Mrs. Joshua Chiro and Wilfred his stepbrother, who were our hosts.   

On the evening of day one, we held our first evangelism meeting at the entrance to Mbita Marketplace, the meeting was attended mostly by youths and a few adults. Pastors Omwenga and Samuel Osogo ministered the gospel message of salvation and repentance to the hearers. Later that night, we continued with prayer ministry in the home of Brother Joshua, our host.

Pastor Omwenga and Samwel Osogo ministering to passersby on roadside evangelism at Mbuta.

On Day 2:  

Our evangelism team led by Pastor Jacob conducted house-to-house visitations and roadside meetings. They moved from village to village ministering the gospel message, praying with the people, and inviting them to our tent meetings. Many of the elderly were unable to attend our Tent Meetings so were appreciative of the effort that was made to visit them in their homes. Many were prayed for and considered their spiritual needs were met with many reported healings and deliverance.

The rest of the KHC leaders ministered indoors and at the tent meetings.

Dorfina Achieng

The Holy Spirit touched the lives of many people and convicted the hearts of sinners to repentance. Many gave powerful testimonies concerning their past life before coming to Christ Jesus.

Sick people were healed from various sicknesses. The stand-out healing was a woman named Dorfina Achieng. She had been suffering from leprosy for 30 years. When she surrendered her life to Jesus after hearing the gospel message on repentance and salvation she was instantly healed from the deadly disease. Her joy was evident as she later testified about how miserable her life of shame and isolation had been for the last 30 years.

DAY 3:  In a meeting at the home of brother Wilfred, four men, Mr. Otiende, Mr. Ouma, Mr. Komollo, and Mr. Adiema responded to the gospel message and were prepared to give their testimonies to the group. All four men testified to the fact that they had been secretly practicing witchcraft within their villages. Their activities had harmed people in the village for which they were now sorry. We prayed again for the four asking God to forgive them for their past evil deeds. When asked all four were eager to join a house church group.

Mrs. Brigita Otondi

At a meeting in the home of Mr. Otondi, our evangelism team was able to minister healing to his wife Mrs. Brigita Otondi. She was suffering from an enormous growth that had turned solid on her left arm. She was prayed for and was instantly, miraculously healed from the disease and pain she had suffered.

Anne Anyango is a lady who was seriously cut by her drunkard husband. Her husband claimed to have found her involved in an act of adultery. We prayed for her healing after she repented and accepted the gospel message of salvation. 

At another time, Pastor Jacob Isogo ministered to a few women sitting beside the road, looking tired and weary after working long hours, he shared with them the gospel message about Jesus’ salvation, repentance, and His soon coming return. Some Jacob said believed the message, but some questioned Jesus’ soon coming return. He prayed with them and they all promised to come to our Tent Meeting the following day, which they did.

Led by Mr Joshua & Wilfred, our hosts, 12 members of the newly formed Mbita house church are standing in front to give their last word before the meeting came to a close on Sunday.

DAY 4: Before departure the following day, our team mounted an evangelism ministry within the central business district of Mbita Marketplace. It was a huge success with children, youths, men, and women turning up to hear the gospel message. Pastor Melkio with the help of a young lady translating ministered the gospel of salvation and the urgency to prepare for Jesus second coming. Many people welcomed the message and termed it timely and Biblical. 

God through the Holy Spirit truly ministered to us as well as those we ministered to. Despite our financial challenges, God came through providing for our needs and using us to minister to the spiritual needs of many in Mbita county. His promises are sure as long as we continue to remain steadfast, trusting Him.

 A NEW MBITA HOUSE CHURCH

The formation of a Mbita House Church with twelve members is the most positive outcome of our Mission Trip.

If you have been moved by these reports on the Kenya House Church Movement then I would ask you to consider joining me to support funding their monthly mission trips to rural areas. It would be great to help them provide bibles and training materials in Swahili for the new House Church groups. I have provided a DONATION icon on the Home Page specifically for the KHC Movement.

CHURCH AS GOD INTENDED

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Church Revolution Today

The first Christian leader who read this book changed what they had been doing in starting new churches. Following the Biblical model in Church Revolution Today, in 5 years they started over 6,000 house churches and saw over 60,000 new baptized believers. This book is indeed revolutionary.  

available from http://www.jimsbookstore.com for a donation

The author, Jim McCotter, has personally started countless house churches and a worldwide movement of churches. He has trained thousands of believers in how to win others to Christ and how to work together to grow and multiply churches in cities throughout the world. Some that Jim has trained internationally and that have read this book are now starting, on average, more than one new house church a week.
Jim has proclaimed the Gospel in person to tens of thousands in cities and universities all over the world. And through newspapers, radio networks and television stations, which Jim and his team have owned and operated, he has communicated to literally millions of people nationally and internationally advancing the Kingdom of God. Now Jim and his team are developing new media, interactive multimedia, to reach every nation in the world.

Think about it… without any modern-day transportation, communication, or technology the New Testament churches were literally fulfilling the Great Commission in their day. It was even the heathen that were saying, they are “turning the world upside down for Christ!” Yet today, Christians have not even turned one city upside down for Christ, much less the world! Something is wrong! The church and church leadership must dramatically change. We must humble ourselves and acknowledge that the churches, spiritual leaders and we are missing the mark. It is we that must be revolutionized. We need a spiritual revolution.

Charles Otieno Owino of the Kenya House Church Movement brought Jim McCotter to my attention and I am glad he did. Make sure you read it and bring it to the attention of all those who want to be obedient to God’s call to preach the Gospel, particularly to pastors in traditional denominational churches.

10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR HOSTING A HOUSE CHURCH IN IRAN

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The Revolutionary Court of Tehran has sentenced an Iranian-Armenian Christian man to 10 years in prison for establishing a house church, which the judge called “propaganda contrary to and disturbing to the holy religion of Islam,” according to reports.

Saba Kord Afshari is just 22 years old. In August 2019, the Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced her to 24 years in prison for opposing the compulsory hijab.

Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, headed by Judge Afshari, sentenced Anooshavan Avedian, 60, to 10 years of imprisonment, alongside two others who are members of his house church — Abbas Soori, 45, and Maryam Mohammadi, 46 — both of whom are converts to Christianity, Human Rights Activists News Agency reported.

Article 18, a U.K.-based organization that promotes religious freedom in Iran, reported that Soori and Mohammadi received a range of non-custodial punishments, including a fine of about $2,000 (500 million rials) and a 10-year ban from membership in social and political groups as well as a two-year exile outside Tehran. In addition, they must regularly report to the offices of the Ministry of Intelligence.

The three were convicted on the charge of “organizing and running an Evangelical ‘Zionist’ home church with the intention to act against national security” and “maintaining satellite dish and receivers.”

They were first arrested in August 2020 when about 30 intelligence agents raided a private gathering at Avedian’s home in Narmak are in northeastern Tehran, but their case came to light only recently.

The agents confiscated all the Bibles and communication devices with passwords.

In Tehran’s Evin Prison, the three were subjected to psychological torture during several intense interrogation sessions.

Judge Afshari pronounced Avedian guilty of “establishing and leading an illegal group with the aim of disrupting the security of the country through education and propaganda activities contrary to and disturbing to the holy religion of Islam, through the dissemination of false claims … as well as contact with foreign countries, or organisational guidance from abroad.”

The Christians’ defense was met with “disrespectful remarks toward their character, and insults to their faith,” according to Article 18, which also said that over the past decade, authorities in Iran have closed down nearly all churches that offered services in Persian, the national language, or insisted they teach only in the ethnic minority languages.

The Islamic Republic is ranked as the ninth-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USA’s World Watch List. 

“Converts from Islam to Christianity are most at risk of persecution, especially by the government and to a lesser extent by society and their own families,” it says.

“The government sees the growth of the church in Iran as an attempt by Western countries to undermine Islam and the Islamic regime of Iran. House groups made up of converts from Muslim backgrounds are often raided, and both their leaders and members have been arrested, prosecuted, and given long prison sentences for “crimes against national security.”

The Muslim religion is an antichrist religion and Biblical prophecy reveals the Antichrist (Little Horn) arises out of one of four Muslim nations when the revived Ottoman Empire is broken up (perhaps by the U.N. or Russia) into four nations.

“Then the goat (revived Ottoman Empire) became exceedingly great, but when he was strong, the great horn was broken, and instead of it there came up four conspicuous horns toward the four winds of heaven.
Out of one of them came a little horn (Antichrist), which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the glorious land. It grew great, even to the host of heaven. And some of the host and some of the stars it threw down to the ground and trampled on them. It became great, even as great as the Prince of the host” Daniel 8:8-11

KHC MISSION TRIP TO ALURU ISLAND ON LAKE VICTORIA

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As many of you know I support the Kenya House Church Movement in Kenya and have done so for three years now. Recently, I spent time with them to ensure they knew where we are in terms of Biblical history and the urgency of the hour in terms of the Great Commission. See my recent posts on “Africa Trip Report” and “More on My Africa Trip Report”.

Pastor Charles is on the far left.

The KHC Movement is committed to at least one Mission trip a month to remote rural communities. For May 2022, God led them to a small island, Aluru on Lake Victoria. What follows is a report from Pastor Charles on the trip.

“The Kenya House Church (KHC) mission trip to this small Island was in response to a request from Mr John Onyango and his wife Rachel. After much prayer and consideration, the holy spirit directed us to visit this family who for a long time have been living on this small Island, earning a living by fishing.

Mr. Onyango and his wife earlier last year attended one of our KHC discipleship meetings at Lidha house church. The couple after hearing our discipleship message were convicted and convinced in their hearts to have found Biblical reality. They asked us then if we would come and bring this message to the people on Aluru Island and have requested us to come several times since then.

https://goo.gl/maps/PoEAC3rNPDP1hX5w8

Purpose of the Mission Trip:  Discipleship  & Evangelism.

Arrival date: 14th, May 2022, Departure date: 20th, May 2022

Hosts: Mr. & Mrs. John Onyango. 

We held several indoor and outdoor meetings on the Island, and our evangelism team moved from house to house teaching, praying, and inviting families to attend our gospel meetings.

KHC arriving at Aluru Island for the discipleship mission trip
Charles praying for a sick gentleman, He has suffered from diabetes for 5 years, After hearing the gospel message on healing and wholeness, he accepted Jesus as his personal Saviour.

Pastor Seth conducting a water baptism of a new disciple. Our evangelism team ministered to this young woman who had separated from her husband seven years ago. She was living with her cousin and had a bad reputation because she lived a life of adultery, working and drinking In liquor lounges and at her cousin’s home. Our team ministered to her and she repented and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour.

This young boy had dropped out of school and run away from his father’s home to Aluru. He is involved in the fishing industry but living a depraved lifestyle including smoking opium. Having heard our gospel message of repentance and salvation, he surrendered his life and received Jesus Christ as his personal saviour. He agreed to be part of the newly founded Aluru house church, and he was given a bible. 

A new house church group of 10 ten people at Aluru was founded, we were able to give them our discipleship teaching manual to help them in their further study. Mr John Onyango was appointed to be the leader of Aluru house church.

Having spent time with all of these pastors on my recent trip to Africa, I now feel more involved in the work they are doing in these remote rural areas of Kenya. Moreover, if you would like to help support the work we could do with more help particularly to get Pastor Charles mobile again. The transmission and motor of his Toyota waggon are beyond repair. You can donate on the Home Page just click on the Donations icon. All donors will be kept in the loop on what is being done with donor contributions.

Pastor Charles Toyota Waggon

UPCOMING KENYA MISSION TRIP

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EMAIL FROM CHARLES OTIENO OWINO

Sad to learn that no one has responded positively to your two LEN posts on your recent trip to Africa. We were hoping that others would join you in supporting our mission trips to grow the House Church Movement in Kenya (KHC) and Tanzania.

It is difficult to understand why in almost 3 years of working together God has not prompted others to help you support the growth of the KHC movement. However, we must trust God regardless and press on in prayer, believing He is able to provide in whatever manner He chooses.

KHC UPCOMING MISSION TRIP:

As I had previously mentioned to you, KHC from May 14th to 20th will be going on a discipleship and evangelism mission trip to ALURU Island on Lake Victoria. Because of the higher cost of living on the island due to the transport costs, our budget for the trip is 80,000 Kshs. At the time of my writing, this report only 28,000 Kshs has been raised.

REQUEST: We are appealing and requesting brother Ron, LEN followers, brothers and sisters who may be reading this post to help support the KHC movement upcoming mission trip with Au$ 400.00

Your support/donations will be highly appreciated.

Praying for you ALL!

Donations can be made on this website. Click on the Donations icon on the Home Page. or money can be transferred directly to Charles Orieno Owino preferably using Western Union and for Charles to pick up at a W.U. Local Agent.

Name: Charles Otieno Owino Address: Isibania Road, Migori Kenya Email: otienochrls@yahoo.com

If you do transfer money directly please let me know so I know what is still needed to fund the Mission Trip.

baptism in Lake Victoris
temp_image_20220213_153855_e16d7541-cf2a-47f8-ae9b-f45aae44eaf2.jpg
picture taken at Mission Trip

KENYA HOUSE CHURCH MOVEMENT IN NEED OF BIBLES

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I have helped the Kenya House Church Movement for two years now particularly to move outside of the Migori region. As a result, House Churches have been set up in Ogembo in Kisii, Lidha in Nyatike and Nyamuzi in Tanzania.

The most recent was a return trip last month to Lidha in Nyatike County. Lidha is a beachside town on the shores of Lake Victoria. Nyatike is a sub county within the region of Migori.

Charles and his leadership team were invited back to Lidha by Mr Daniel Odhiambo and his team. Daniel had been appointed leader of the new House Church Group that Charles, and the leaders that had accompanied him, had set up on their previous trip to the county.

The pressing need is for bibles for these newly established House Churches in all three regions. If you would like to join me in supporting the growth of House Churches in Kenya you can do so by clicking on the Donations icon on the Home Page.

CHARLES TRIP REPORT

“We were delighted by the reception we received from Daniel and the other members of the House Church.

We had successful indoor and outdoor meetings.
INDOORS- we conducted several indoor meetings delivering the gospel message to those who came to our Tent Meetings.
God through the Holy spirit gave us power and authority to cast out demons from people who were possessed by evil spirits. There was a young lady brought into our meeting who had suffered at the hands of a magician and witch doctor. Her parents told us that she had been possessed by demonic spirits for two years. She had been in year three at school at the time and was unable to continue with her schooling. We prayed for her and by the power of the Holy spirit she was delivered from several demons.


Later, we were able to teach her the word of God, she repented and believed in the name of Jesus Christ. We also found out that she had been introduced to witchcraft by a girl friend.
OUTDOORS  – Everyday, our evangelism team went out taking the gospel message to different homes, beaches and  small islands. They were able to meet people at their places of business, teaching and sharing with them the gospel message and praying with them.
Reaching them at their place of business was the best method of meeting them ,since the people living around the  lake are mostly fishermen, fishing is the main economic activity in this area so much of their time is spent on the lake and at the beach selling the produce from the lake.
Thankfully, we were able to meet many who were receptive to our gospel message.
God was on our side with the power of the Holy spirit present, convicting the hearts of many to believe our message and come to repentance. It resulted in many being saved in the name of Jesus Christ.

Thankfully, the Holy spirit strengthened us all until we finished our five days mission. No one fell ill or felt weary.
The stand out achievement of the trip was the birth of a new House Church at Lidha  It consists of six people and will be mentored by the leader of the other House church, Daniel Odhiambo.

KENYA HOUSE CHURCHES MISSION TRIP

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FORTHCOMING MISSION TRIP TO KISII  REGION ON 14TH -18TH JULY, 2021


God opened the door for us in this region as a result of a previous trip by pastors, Charles, Maurice and Jacob. Two House churches were established: one in BUEMBU and the other in KARUNGU.

Maps showing Kisii in relation to Migori where Charles is based

A special invitation has been on our desk now for 2 months, wanting us to take our discipleship ministry back there.
After repeated prayers seeking direction and leading from God, we feel led by the Holy spirit to visit this region on July 14th-18th, so that we may fulfil our Macedonian call “come over here and help us”

The need and request was received from five Christian brothers who live in the region, one of which is an ex Muslim.
In our last meeting, we resolved to raise Kshs 67,000/ approx. Au$ 658. Until now, the leaders and KHC believers have raised a total of Kshs 37,000 which is not enough. Hence, the KHC movement and the board of  elders is requesting our friends, LEN and  partners in the work of ministry to help fund our trip with the remaining amount of money of Kshs 30,000/ approx. Au$ 380. Your support for KHC movement will be highly appreciated and will be for God’s glory!
Yours,
Leader & Founder KHC movement.
Charles.

I have been blessed to be able to assist the KHC Movement for sometime now and will continue to do so. I am a pensioner now so am limited in what I can do. I would appreciate any LEN follower out there who feels led to join me in supporting the KHC Movement. You can do so by making a donation on the Donation link on the Home Page.