'Faith Comes By Hearing' leader, the Rev Perminus Ngigi of St John’s, Kabuku, Kenya

Mr Ngigi himself arrives several minutes before anyone else and ensures a prompt 6.00pm start every Wednesday evening at the weekly sessions at this Province of Kenya (Anglican) church in the Limuru area, some 42 kms (26 miles) northwest of Nairobi. Prior to starting the course, he had preached two consecutive sermons on the importance of listening to God’s Word and the biblical principles behind the FCBH program. Then he had committed himself and the church to hear the New Testament read by devoting the one-hour-a-week meeting to it.

To further underline their commitment, members also pay a Kenyan Shilling every week in order to purchase a summary of the previous week’s session with its questions and answers. And eager old ladies can often be seen rushing to pay for their materials, despite the fact that some of them cannot even read. ‘My grandson will read for me at home’ replied one confidently when approached. In this way, they can also memorize the Scriptures and do their ‘homework’ before attending the next session. Newcomers are also welcome, but must first prove their commitment by attending three consecutive sessions before they can register. Each session involves 30 minutes’ listening time and 20 minutes for questions and answers, followed by 10 minutes of prayer. Immediately afterwards, at 7.01pm-sharp, a roll call is taken. As the participants’ names are called out they shout “present”, are recorded on the register, and leave for home, satisfied that they have heard the Word of God.

To Mr Ngigi, the program is a refreshing and God-inspired method of encouraging his congregation to learn the Bible. And because he spends so much time on Sundays preaching and teaching about the importance of Christians knowing and applying the Bible’s message in their lives and hence being changed by it, the FCBH program has his full support. “There cannot be a better reason for any pastor involving their churches in the FCBH program,” says program coordinator, Julius Kamau. “Here at St John’s, the program is serious business! The FCBH promoters and I have been greatly encouraged and had our hearts warmed by this church. Please join us in our prayers for them and other churches who have started this program, and praise God for what he is doing in Kenya through it.”