Serving God is the wind beneath my wings

Many people, mostly Christians, know PASTOR RUTH WAMUYU. Her career as a church minister began as a young girl when she discovered her talent in music. Today, she is the force behind House of Judah ministries with branches in Nairobi and Kikuyu. She spoke to NJOKI CHEGE

Seven years ago, my husband (Reverend Theuri Maina) and I began the House of Judah ministry in Kikuyu Township. Today, our membership is about 1,000 and God has been faithful to us. Last year, my husband and I were ordained as ministers of the gospel and it has been a journey of prayer and transformation for us.

Two months ago on May 1, we opened the town branch of House of Judah ministries at Casino Cinema House in Nairobi and continued the lunch-hour prayer meetings we have been holding for the past two and a half years.

The greatest joy of being a minister is transforming the lives of many people. I get fulfilled when I see the results of the transformations and I believe I was brought to this earth to serve God in all capacities. In the past five years, I have witnessed God’s amazing grace and sustenance in our ministry. We trust He will continue to bless us and extend our work to all nations, as we hope to see House of Judah grow into an international ministry.

Challenges

As with other careers, there are bound to be several challenges in my line of work. As a minister, I deal with different kinds of people from diverse backgrounds. I have to treat each case differently as I try to meet their spiritual and counselling needs. So far, the grace of God has been my driving force. My passion to serve God and fulfil his purpose for me has been the wind beneath my wings, and the good results from my ministry continue to encourage me to press on. My work gives my heart peace.

I live a simple life and I thank God for that, but as a minister I also find that my personal space is limited as I am called to serve day and night.

My typical day begins at 6.30am because I like seeing my children off to school. After that, I do my morning devotion for about one hour then leave the house for the office at around 10am where I do my pastoral duties. At 12.30pm, we break for the lunch service, which goes on until 2.30pm then I go back to the office.

I go to class three days a week at the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST) at 5pm. I usually get home by 8pm. Working alongside my husband has been a great experience. We work as a team and it has been good for the growth of our ministry and my music career.

Share ideas

He is my support system and I love the fact that we are able to share ideas, encourage each other and work through the challenges as a unit.

It’s been tough juggling between ministry, work and family, but I am grateful that through God’s grace, I have managed to strike a balance in all areas of my life.

I have always known that my family comes first and I have always tried to keep it that way. I try my best to give my family quality time by prioritising them above everything else even as I concentrate on my ministry.

My husband and I got married in 2000 and we have two daughters — Taffi Neema who is nine years old and Precious Zawadi who is six. My family is dear to me and they have been extremely supportive of my work and ministry.

Brilliant singer

My husband was once a teacher but now works in the publishing sector. He has co-authored several books in the market. He is also a reverend and my partner in the ministry.

He is based in Kikuyu, while I work in our Nairobi base at Casino Cinema. Our youngest daughter is a brilliant singer and she has even recorded a few songs on my phone!

I am grateful to God for her talent because I know she is headed for greatness through her gift in music.

My children are proud of the fact that their parents are ministers and they show their support in every possible way. Often, children of ministers feel under pressure to behave in a certain way, but we have struck a balance that works. Children are sensitive and parents need to spare enough time to be with them so that they do not resent the pastoral work.

As a mother, I ensure I spend quality time with my daughters. Twice a year, we go for a family holiday to strengthen our bond.

When I’m not working, I love to listen to gospel music, go swimming with my daughters, travelling with my family and reading the Bible and other motivational books.c Seven years ago, my husband (Reverend Theuri Maina) and I began the House of Judah ministry in Kikuyu Township. Today, our membership is about 1,000 and God has been faithful to us. Last year, my husband and I were ordained as ministers of the gospel and it has been a journey of prayer and transformation for us.

Two months ago on May 1, we opened the town branch of House of Judah ministries at Casino Cinema House in Nairobi and continued the lunch-hour prayer meetings we have been holding for the past two and a half years.

The greatest joy of being a minister is transforming the lives of many people. I get fulfilled when I see the results of the transformations and I believe I was brought to this earth to serve God in all capacities. In the past five years, I have witnessed God’s amazing grace and sustenance in our ministry. We trust He will continue to bless us and extend our work to all nations, as we hope to see House of Judah grow into an international ministry.