In this world of uncertainty, nobody knows what will become of themselves, the environment that one is brought up in is the primary determinant In this case individual perspective plays a role as well as parental ships. canon Joshua Omunga’s spiritual journey begins from ‘Eastleigh, section 3 in Nairobi.
Canon Joshua Omunga was born and raised in Eastleigh section 3 in Nairobi. he grew up in mlango mkubwa and Pangani with his six siblings. He was the third born of three boys and four girls. His mother was a domestic employee of the Goan family which made him exposed to the English language.
Life is full of ups and downs simultaneously Canon Joshua was not exempt in his childhood there were several difficulties instance he encountered. His father was an alcoholic and Joshua recalls seeing his father fighting one of the nights. other times he would tell them to close the door at night, on several time they could sleep in the street because of the lack of rent. An issue that is rampant in our society especially. He started to hustle at an early age when he was in form one, he got his first job clearing and gardening twice a week. The money he got used to pay fare and buy books. These experiences made him desire a better life for himself and to help her mother and excel.
Joshua was born again into an Anglican family attending ACK St, JOHNS Pumwani from his formative years in Sunday school up to his youth. Only mountains that never close the path, Joshua was confirmed by his class four teacher who was the wife of canon John Mbugua. his family relocated to Juja Road estate making him change church from ACK St JOHN TO ACK St, Polycary where he became a Sunday school teacher and youth choir. He mentioned attending an expo in 1985 where Christian fathers, Billy Graham and Louis Palau were ministering. After the meeting, he got enlightened committed his life to Christ, and began his journey of salvation.
In what he terms a “divine connection,” Canon Joshua’s mother crossed paths with Caucasian missionaries who initiated a community-based Sunday school in their neighborhood. These missionaries made substantial contributions toward their rent at a certain point in time. Drawing upon his familiarity with the English language, gained during his interactions with Goan children, Canon became instrumental in translating English to Kiswahili for these missionaries. On one occasion, he vividly recalls them asking him to translate the word “cheese,” to which he responded with “nyama,” unaware of what cheese truly meant. This involvement marked the beginning of his journey into teaching at the Sunday school and ignited his calling for ministry. He found his faith during his high school years and participated in the “I Found It” evangelical training. Later on, he further sharpened his skills by undergoing evangelism training with Life Ministry.
Every journey starts with a single step, education has been a tool of enlightenment and self-discovery and equipment that impacts knowledge, and critical- thinking. Canon Joshua’s education journey started at Pumwani Primary School after THE COMPLETION and he later moved to Highway Secondary School. At that time secondary schools were under the 8-4-4. He then gained admission to the University of Nairobi, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Economics, completing it in 1992. During those times, universities typically offered students various amenities, including accommodation, stipends, and meals contrary to how things are run in the majority of universities, where students pay for everything. Following his graduation, he entered the workforce for two years. Simultaneously, he enrolled at the Kenya Institute of Management to undertake a postgraduate diploma in Management.
In 1994, he made the significant decision to resign from his job and embark on a journey to earn a Master of Divinity degree at the International Leadership University. It was during this pursuit that he crossed paths with his future wife, who was also pursuing a Master’s degree, but in Counseling. Their union was sealed at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in 1998. Additionally, he shared his knowledge and expertise through teaching roles at institutions like Bethany Christian College and the Centre for Urban Ministry and Youth Programs at Carlile College.
Togetherness makes us strong and in the process, we get to learn from each other, and at some point in our lives we do need a community and group to belong to since we aren’t islands. Similarly, canon Joshua worked together with Rev Dr. Njoroge, Rev Cyrus Manje, Rev. Abraham Fiodembo, Rev. Dr. Humphrey Muraguri, and Rev. Joel Waweru now Bishop. These men of God influenced and mentored him in different ways and he appreciates their involvement in his life. Canon initiated his career in ministry in the year 2000 when he assumed the role of a deacon, a decision influenced by the endorsement of Rt. Rev. Bishop Joel Waweru, who was then serving as the Vicar at St. Polycarp Juja Road Estate. What sets this experience apart is the remarkable fact that in under six months following his recommendation, he was ordained as a priest his hard work and devotion paid off. This rapid progression is unusual, as the typical process extends over a year.
His initial assignment was at St. Francis Karen, where he served as a curate. Subsequently, he was reassigned to the Diocesan office, taking on the role of the Diocesan Youth Organizer He oversaw the coordination of youth activities for the broader Nairobi area at that time. In 2004, the Anglican Church seconded him to assume the role of a senior minister at Lavington United Church. Lavington United Church is an inclusive religious institution that unites Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian congregants. His tenure at this church spanned eight years, during which he served a diverse group of parishioners, including prominent figures like Chief Justice Martha Koome, Lt. General Francis Ogolla, former police commissioner Shadrack Kiruki, and former GSU commandant Erastus Mbijiwe. Additionally, he provided spiritual guidance to notable church leaders, including Bishop Dadala, the General Secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches, and Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, a period that provided him with substantial exposure and experience.
His spiritual journey of evangelism and shepherd had not yet reached the climax as he later was appointed as the provost of ACK St STEPHENS Cathedral Jogoo Road. Here he served for five years until 2018 when he assumed the position of vicar at St. Mark’s church Westlands. Humans perceive differently in new ecosystems and the feelings are mutual. Canon Joshua encountered a different scene after his appointment. He wondered whether he would manage that enormous church that also contributed to his fears was the fierce love that the congregation shared with the former provost and now the late, canon ending, his worry was whether he would fit into the big shoes that had been left behind. To understand his congregationhe did this thing; Tried to understand the bishop’s agenda to fulfill the mandate required of him second realized and accepted that he was a unique individual with different gifts so he allowed God to use him, Involved the congregation by asking them to fill out a questionnaire on what changes they wanted to see physically and spiritually. This was used to guide the church’s strategic plan.
Through the response to questionaries, the congregants wanted a perimeter wall and an improvement of the church environment. later on, the attitude of congregants shifted and the church became attractive. He also introduced a new tithing system to replace the tonge system. The offerings and giving tripled thereby enabling the church to hire more clergy and staff to facilitate ministry. The church purchased a generator to help with the problem of power shortage. Through his leadership, there was development and spiritual growth in the church.
“I fondly recall the many aspects of St. Stephen’s that I miss,” Canon shares with nostalgia. His yearning extends to the Swahili service, with a special fondness for the 1662 prayer book. He also longs for the choir, particularly their performances during Easter and Christmas carols. He expresses a desire for pastoral work, such as visiting homes in the community and sharing prayers with people on various occasions. Additionally, he cherishes the congregation at St. Stephen’s, both for their appreciation of significant achievements and the celebration of seemingly small moments. He derived great satisfaction from his role at the Cathedral.
Canon recounts a series of memorable moments he experienced at St. Stephen’s. One notable instance was hosting former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his family, as well as leading the memorial service of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta alongside Bishop Waweru. This was a significant occasion as it marked the first time Mzee’s memorial service was conducted outside the Catholic church. He also vividly remembers a maize seller outside the church who offered him a free cob of maize in recognition of the work he was involved in at the Cathedral. He views this gesture as a testament to the impact the church was making, with outsiders taking notice of the positive activities happening within.
Through my journey of ministering, there are lessons that I learned,
1. Learnt to work with and embrace everyone no matter class or status. 2. Time management. The Cathedral was very busy! 3. It is okay not to be loved. You need to grow out of praise and accept that criticism is part of life. Part of the call is to go through betrayal, hate, rejection, and misunderstanding. 4. Be close to your spouse so the enemy does not find a foothold in your home.
5. Spiritual awareness is key to counter spiritual warfare. Apply Ephesians 6:10-17.
6. Be bold. To inspire and cause change.
7. A father’s heart is accommodative and it embraces people. He grew in spirit as a father to many.
8. From his mentor, the late Canon Ndungu, he learned to preach brief and concise sermons that can be easily understood by everyone, children included.
The most difficult thing was the leadership balance between him and the late Canon Ndungu at the beginning was not competing with Canon but rather, building on what he had already done at St, Stephen’s”. When asked what people say about him he says that some say he is a visionary, aggressive, and loves order. He also adds, “most likely, many may not have understood me. It is probably today that they may understand a little about me. Jesus also was not understood.”
I have learned many things from the people and as well people have gained insight from my teachings. Mostly from his bishops – Bishop Peter Njoka, Bishop Joel Waweru, Canon John Ndungu, and Myles Munroe as some of his mentors. He has several books written by Myles Munroe in his office which he refers to. Aside from those he says he observes his seniors to learn as well.
In his parting shot, he emphasizes the challenges of working for the church, acknowledging that there are moments when one may feel isolated and unsure about the future, burdened by heavy responsibilities. However, he firmly believes that God always finds a way to resolve these concerns, leaving you to wonder why you ever worried in the first place. Before his move to St. Mark’s, he had reservations about it, even sharing his concerns with his wife. He now looks back with a smile, recognizing that this is where God led him. He stresses the importance of following God’s guidance, asserting that when God calls, He also provides the necessary wisdom.
My fathers once said to me Son in my hand I have a fly can you tell me if it is alive or dead, I was in dilemma on what to answer him, and he explained to me that it was upon me to let the fly live or I kill it. Their life is about choice it may be good or bad but you are the master of your own life. canon Joshua Omunga chose to follow Jesus and teach the word of GOD. There were many difficult situations and problems he faced but in the end, he overcame them all. let where you came from be a motivation for your greatness. put GOD fast in everything thing you do and all will be well with you.
Article by Alex Ngengi
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