Audio Scriptures strengthen villagers’ faith

By the Rev Dr Francois Sieberhagen, Media Consultant, Africa Area

KENYA — On a recent visit to Mombasa, I was taken to Callers Spring Gospel Church in Bombolulu, just north of the city, to visit a Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) listening group. This is a mixed village of Christians and Muslims. They are not wealthy, but they live together very harmoniously.

Reaching the outskirts of the village, we proceed cautiously along roads littered with rocks and potholes. At the roadside are many small shops lit by kerosene lamps. People are busy with last-minute shopping in the dim light.

Dark and empty

When we finally stop outside the church, we find it dark and empty. “The generator has broken down, so everybody has gone to the pastor’s house,” we are informed. Parking the car, we make our way through the dark streets until we reach Pastor Moses Njuguna’s home, which consists of a couple of rooms behind a shop.

Once inside, we wait for the group to assemble. Soon the tiny room is full. There are 10 people, not including the many children who have come with their parents. It is very hot and humid.

After an opening prayer, Pastor Njuguna starts the tape at Hebrews 5. Everybody sits quietly as they listen. Adults and children alike concentrate hard on what is being said.

Don’t get lonely

Afterwards, Pastor Njuguna explains, “Listening to Scripture being read in this way tends to keep you more alert than reading to yourself.” All the participants nod in agreement.

One, Moses Machoina, says, “Listening in a group takes the boredom away. It is difficult to listen on your own. The main thing is that you don’t get lonely.”

“There are more than 300 active listening groups,” adds George Maganga, the FCBH Coordinator in Mombasa. “The three promoters whom we use are volunteers and are doing great work.

Start to love

“We are really trying to help the churches to disciple their congregations. Christians need to be able to engage with the Scriptures in order to answer questions from non-Christians.”

Pastor Njuguna shares this view. “I have seen how people start to love the Bible after they have become involved with this program. It influences our congregation in a positive way.”

Gift from God

Making our way in the dark back to the car, we reflect on the fact that, although these people lack earthly goods, they have true spiritual dedication. They taking nothing for granted: for them, everything is truly a gift from God.