It was pomp, color and dance as Kenyan christians in metro Atlanta recently came together to usher in yet another Kenyan community Church. Christened Bethesda Empowerment Center and headed by Rev. Dr. Joseph Wamutitu, the church was consecrated at a colorful ceremony attended by a number of respected Church leaders and hundreds of faithfuls. The church, situated on 990 Cobb Parkway in Marietta, GA, joins other Kenyan community churches in Atlanta.
Speaking at the event, Kenya Christian Fellowship Association (American chapter) emeritus president, Dr Joseph Njoroge, said it was encouraging to see Kenyan imigrants coming together as an entity with a goal of disseminating the gospel. Although the sprouting of Kenyan Churches in the US has not been without its fair share of critics, the institutions have been playing a pivotal role in the community, offerring not only spiritual nourishment but also serving as benevolence centers.
Speaking to KEN shortly after the ceremony, Rev. Dr. Wamutitu said that Bethesda Empowernment Center should not be miscontrued as a competitor. “On the contrary, we intend to complement the existing Kenyan Community Churches. Besides, we have realized that there is great need to identify, develop and nurture the myriad talents which have not been tapped and are out there with our people. Our aim is not to ‘poach’ from the existing churches but to reach out to those Kenyans who are struggling with their identity and empower them. We are different and unique but not special”, said the 45 year-old father of four who holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Others present included Bishop Samuel Kaniaru of Muranga, renowned Christian radio presenter Rev Jackson Kariuki and Kim Media Group CEO Wilson Kimani Wanguhu.
This new development comes hot on the heels of two other colorful ceremonies by the two biggest Kenyan churches in Atlanta. In April, the Kenyan American Community Church (KACC) celebrated its tenth anniversary in a ceremony held at its recently acquired premises in Marietta, GA while Christ Harvesters Ministries International (CHMI) recently feted as it moved to its mega sanctuary in the leafy suburbs of West Cobb, GA.
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