Mizpah House of Prayer was a prayer tent where the faithful walked in for prayers and fasting.
But with time, believers made it their Sunday place of worship, inspiring Apostle Jesse Karanja to convert it into a church.
Today, Mizpah House of Prayer has a membership of over 250, with networks in other churches based Europe. It has 2,000 online followers who follow live sermons on its Facebook page.
“The church never misses visitors from other countries, especially from Norway who camp here for weeks or months. The growing membership saw it upgrade from a tent to a magnificent structure,” said a member of the church.
It also has a website, where all matters related to the church are communicated by a vibrant communication department.
The church currently owns a private nursery, primary, day and boarding schools named Mizpah Ambassador’s School.
A multi-million shilling modern cottage project for believers is under construction, for the church which has a strict code of conduct and a different approach to matters such as weddings.
“While in other churches the groom arrives at the church first, for us, it is the other way round. The apostle quotes scriptures from the Bible that state that the Church (bride) is waiting for the groom (Jesus) for the final day,” a member said.
On Sunday October 28, Paul performed his usual duties in church as a translator.
The congregation ululated when Apostle Jesse Karanja announced Paul’s wedding the following Saturday and as Paul walked to the pulpit, Apostle Jesse asked about his bride and was disappointed with the response.
“Sasa hata Sunday ya mwisho jameni (even on the last Sunday before your wedding the bride is not here)?” asked the man of God who then turned to the congregation posing the question on whether they knew her.
“People don’t know whether she is dark or brown, tall or short. But don’t worry. It is all about your happiness,” the preacher continued as Paul nodded in agreement.
“Paul is one of my armour bearers and has been here for a long time as a translator, and we are very ready for the wedding which means service to God will be perpetuated,” he said while granting Paul permission to spend the night in the compound on the eve of his big day so that “he doesn’t get to the ceremony late.”
“And you women, if there is something you are still demanding from the bridegroom, say it before Wednesday. I don’t want such issues to delay the ceremony. I won’t even preach on that day, but will only see you exchange vows,” Apostle Jesse added.
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