Sunday, May 29, 2011

Kenyan minister dedicated to advocating for gay Christians in Africa comes to West Michigan to visit with GIFT at noon on June 3

By Theresa D. McClellan

When you live in a country where sexual minorities are shunned by church and society, how does your faith give you the strength to support and advocate for them and how do you give comfort to gays who feel the church is compelled to persecute them?

Listen, learn and be inspired by the message from visiting Kenyan pastor, the Rev. John Makokha, who will share his journey of faith and advocacy with GIFT staff and supporters in downtown Grand Rapids at noon Friday June 3 in Room 3109 at the First Place Building, 207 East Fulton St.

The Rev. John Makokha, a pastor in Nairobi, Kenya, is also the country director of "Other Sheep Africa" an organization dedicated to advocacy on behalf of gay and lesbian Christians. He and his wife, Anne, offer educational workshops for pastors, seminary faculty and lay church members on human sexuality and gender identity.

Their ministry is based on the Scriptures from John 10-16 "And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

Rev. John is a senior pastor of the Riruta United Methodist Church and founded the "Children of Africa Hope Mission" where he and his wife provide elementary education, clothing and meals to orphans and other vulnerable children living in the slums of Nairobi.

Local philosophy professor and Fulbright scholar David Hoekema met Rev. Makokha last year while studying abroad in Nairobi. "We were deeply moved by their dedication to the slum residents of Nairobi they serve, to the plight of gay Kenyans shunned by church and society and to their dedication to the Lord," said Hoekema.

"We are eager to introduce John to others concerned for the future of the church in Africa," said Hoekema who has organized several opportunities for others to meet with Rev. Makokha during his week-long visit to West Michigan.

For anyone working to ensure that the message of God's unyielding love emcompasses everyone, and for those wanting to support an important ministry, this is a must-see session. So join us.

Rev. Makokha will also appear 6/4 at the Amazwi Gallery of African Art in Saugatuck. 6/5 at the 9:40 a.m. Sunday Westminster Presbyterian Church adult education forum, and 6/6 at a luncheon with Calvin College faculty and staff.

For more information, contact Professor Hoekema at 616-826-7046 or dhoekema@calvin.edu. To learn more about Rev. Makokha's ministry, also see www.othersheep.org/Members_Makokha.html

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Theresa D. McClellan
Faith Advocacy Coordinator
Gays In Faith Together (GIFT)
616-774-0446
www.GaysInFaithTogether.org

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