From a casual labourer to pastoring to more than 3,000 people

 Jesus Winning Souls Ministries Church founder Pastor Daniel Indatula. Photo: Standard Group

Why did you set your church up in Migadini?

Jesus Winning Souls Ministries started at Migadini and we did not feel the need to relocate after the church was established. Residents in this place identify with the church and start worship service early. You will find us open at 7am with the choir rehearsing quite early.

How did Jesus Winning Souls Ministries grow over time?

I will never forget that I started off with a congregation of two. The number gradually grew and after working long and hard, the number peaked at over3,000 worshippers. We have peaked at that number as we can hardly accommodate other people due to restriction of space.

How would you explain the transformation of your church?

Initially, we never had these fancy setup we boast of today. As you can see, the area at the front where the altar stands looks newer than the rest of the church, and it is obvious that the stage at the back is what used to serve as the table of the Lord not too long ago.

An upstairs auditorium on massive pillars covers one half of the church with attributes of the Lord written in bold gracing the walls. This is the church where we have to fit over 3,000 people every Sunday. I remember the landlord graciously allowing us to worship even before we became a big congregation. He then allowed us to expand into what we have grown into today.

How exactly did you start your journey in the ministry?

I have had my fair share of false starts. I remember doing manual duties, looking for work where they employ unskilled labourers and then ministering to my congregation in the evening. Even after the number increased, they still could not sustain a church and I was still required to cater for church expenses myself. I remember the time a congregation of200 could only give Sh700 as offering. It got so bad that my wife had to go back home for a while as I sorted out our situation. I recalled her as soon as the situation improved.

What challenges did you face?

The Lord has been kind. Lack of money to run the church was not a challenge as it did not affect worship in this place. However, there was a time when running this establishment solely depended on my efforts as the congregation we were ministering to was quite nascent. The Lord however has sent a lot of support and his work is running smooth as a result of this. Building and expanding has been quite a challenge, owing to the fact that this is a residential area. Getting space to expand has not been easy. Despite all the challenges we had to face, the Lord kept working his miracle on the numbers, although the big congregation hardly translated into a solid financial base for the church.

What was the big break for the church?

When we crossed the 1,000 mark and knew that we were on our way to finally break even. The big break I had been waiting for however came in 2009 when a kesha (overnight service) I had organised to usher in the New Year shattered all our previous records. However, it was in the year 2015 when two of the congregants who were realtors were blessed with multi-million deals and brought their tithe to the church that we really took off. We were able to finance so many of projects with the proceeds from that tithe. As if on cue, another congregant was cured of a life-threatening disease, and being a rich man, he donated generously towards the church’s operations.

How is the offering used?

The sadaka (offering) we collect goes towards sustaining projects of the church. We have done wonders with what is donated by members and have visions based on what we can pool together as a community.

What’s your level of education?

I initially never went to school. But I have been pursuing my education and have a diploma in theology from Nyang’gori Pentecostal Bible College. I am also awaiting to graduate with a degree from the same college.

Who are you other than a pastor?

I am married with three children, a humble servant of the Lord. The car I drive ni ya kubarikiwa (donated), as all I invest in really is the church. I am also a student of theology.

What are your future plans for the church?

At the moment, we are laying the groundwork to take the church to new heights through live broadcasts, since televangelism can reach the many adherents of Jesus Winning Souls Ministries.