The Fish Group

Are smart people ugly? The Explainer's 2011 Question of the Year. - Slate Magazine

2012-01-12T09:16:00.000+03:00

Are smart people ugly? The Explainer's 2011 Question of the Year. - Slate Magazine:

'via Blog this'

He has done it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! now we are ONNNNNNNN!!!!

2012-01-11T12:23:00.001+03:00

I got these news from one of my sons....Sylvery Sseboh, formerly of Nyalenda Fish Group....He woke me up at about 3am and I got so elated as I know you too are!!!! OK, America, here we come.................read below.......................

Cheered by a roaring crowd, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois laid claim to the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday night, taking a historic step toward his once-improbable goal of becoming the nation's first black president. Hillary Rodham Clinton maneuvered for the vice presidential spot on his fall ticket without conceding her own defeat.
"America, this is our moment," the 46-year-old senator and one-time community organizer said in his first appearance as the Democratic nominee-in-waiting. "This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past."
Clinton praised Obama warmly in an appearance before supporters in New York, although she neither acknowledged his victory in their grueling marathon nor offered a concession of any sort.
Instead, she said she was committed to a unified party, and said she would spend the next few days determining "how to move forward with the best interests of our country and our party guiding my way."
Obama's victory set up a five-month campaign with Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, a race between a first-term Senate opponent of the Iraq War and a 71-year-old Vietnam prisoner of war and staunch supporter of the current U.S. military mission.
And both men seemed eager to begin.
McCain spoke first, in New Orleans, and he accused his younger rival of voting "to deny funds to the soldiers who have done a brilliant and brave job" in Iraq." Americans, he added, should be concerned about the judgment of a presidential candidate who has not traveled to Iraq yet "says he's ready to talk, in person and without conditions, with tyrants from Havana to Pyongyang."
McCain agreed with Obama that the presidential race would focus on change. "But the choice is between the right change and the wrong change, between going forward and going backward," he said.
Obama responded quickly, pausing in his own speech long enough to praise Clinton for "her strength, her courage and her commitment to the causes that brought us here tonight."
As for his general election rival, he said, "It's not change when John McCain decided to stand with George Bush 95 percent of the time, as he did in the Senate last year. It's not change when he offers four more years of Bush economic policies that have failed to create well-paying jobs. ... And it's not change when he promises to continue a policy in Iraq that asks everything of our brave young men and women in uniform and nothing of Iraqi politicians."
In a symbolic move, Obama spoke in the same hall where McCain will accept the Republican nomination at his party's convention in September. Campaign officials, citing the local fire marshal, put the crowd at 17,000 inside the eXcel Energy Center, plus another 15,000 outside.

2012-01-11T12:23:00.000+03:00

Candle light memorial is an activity marked to remember thos who have died due to HIV. I have been participating in this activiti since 1999 when we were working with James Okal at Pandi. This idea of organizing candle light have never left me. This year I organized on at Kangundo Friends you do not know how powerful this activity is. People are touched to the core of their being.The ccildren ate the ones who realy get touched most followed by women. as fro men ....... I dont know but I know that I have so much personally. This is the group of community members I worked with. We are working on the Lords farm in a different way.

Martin Opondo

Some of the photos of FLTP Phase 1

2012-01-11T12:21:00.000+03:00

Dear friends,here are some of the photos that were taken during the FLTP Phase 1. memories are made of these?????? any familiar images??? remember those white tables within Sr. Mary Ellen's house / dining hall? ha...ha.....if you are not able to view the photos, then here are the instructions: click on them (the icon photos), right click and then click OPEN WITH........then choose to open with windows picture and fax viewer. try that and let me know!! and here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

2012-01-11T12:20:00.000+03:00

Hi. I was trying to access our fyblog but missed the spelling and instead wrote the website as fishgroup.blogspot.com and I was surprised at the contents. Listen I am running late but please could you try and access this website and find out if there is clash of interest here…………..Jere am talking to you: try

FISH GROUP 25TH ANNIEVESSARY

2012-01-11T12:19:00.001+03:00

Dear Fish Group member or friend,I just realized that time is not static. I shared with few people andwondered about what arrangements are there for silver jubilee. therehave been some communication in the past but No on has come up to rollthings up. My question to you is, Do you think this is a worthyacivity, and if given a chance what could you do to support itssuccess. I write to you because i know you have interest in yourheart. and i do believe together we can help atleast celebrate thisnoble day. what the Fish has done to each one of use can be describedin very many chapters. if we join together then there is a chance thatwe may show the way. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO RESPOND TO Me or steve,Lwanga, Ann, Kemmie. I have cc.d them in this mail as well.Thanks and may the good Loard bless you as you prepare to start a newyear. I want us to give the silver jubilee our new year resolution. Itwould be a very sad thing to come all the way to 25 years and notleave anithing to the future the social norm will judge us very bad.

Martin OpondoConcerned Member

Taize worship

2012-01-11T12:19:00.000+03:00

Happy New Year

2011-01-17T09:46:00.000+03:00

Happy New year good people!

PROPOSED NEW CONSTITUTION

2010-05-23T10:01:00.005+03:00

UNFORTUNATELY, KENYANS MIGHT DEFY OUR CHURCH LEADERS!!!!
Temperatures are rising as the campaigns are getting on top gear for the August refrendum. The proponents of the new constitution are giving everything to ensure that the document goes through at the refrendum. On the other hand the "No team" are aggressively telling Kenyans to reject the document come the refrendum because they believe there are sections that must be amended before the document can pass.

Majority of kenyans from across the board seems to give a nod to the proposed new constitution, a matter that has put the christian leadership at crossroads with their flock. The country is more than ready for the long awaited constitutional dispensation and anyone who is seen to oppose the final lap of this marathon race doesnot mean well for the country.

Following the many debates hosted by the media houses,commentaries and opinions expressed by Kenyans from all walks of life, there is a clear indicator as to which direction Kenyans want to go. The issues raised by the antagonists of the proposed new constitution are not FUNDAMENTAL to many of our people. The real issues are lying in good governance and equitable distribution of resources that would change the livelihood of many starving Kenyans.

Personally am tempted to ask some few questions that seems to bog my mind. As much as Kenya is becoming a democratic state, is it in order to allow people who looted our economy to show us direction? I feel hurt when I hear former President Moi proudly say that the proposed land reforms enshrined in the "new constitution" is not good for Rift Valley region,out of the eight provinces in this country, MUST Rift Valley be treated differntly over the rest and must be they be allowed to continue protecting the past injustices that Moi's government meted on the people of Kenya? It must be remembered that it was during Moi's tenure that every project of national standing was taken to Rift Valley. The Turkwell power project, the Eldoret international airport and many others were misdirected. Not all the residents of Rift Valley were beneficiary of these malpractices and therefore it is not in order for Moi and his cronies to purport to defend the Rift Valley region. In fact they are defending their ill acquired land in the region that has left many kenyans landless. Kenyans MUST stand firm and reject any attempts by past tyrants to reintroduce they rotten influence in these present times. Attempts to divide Kenyans along imaginary boundaries that KANU used to widen the gap between the rich and the poor must be rejected. We are tired of tribalists.

Our men of the colar, have a hard task to achieve because their concerns have been watered down by self seekers from the political divide. If they really want Kenyans to accept that they are the voice of reason then they MUST reconsider their decision to oppose this "New Constitution". Due to mismanagement of our affairs todate, more kenyans are dying of hunger than abortion or kadhis courts which have been in our constitution from independence. The poor infrastructure in this country is due to CORRUPTION and not some of the issues raised. We are at crossroads because our current constitution does not deter thieves and looters from ascending to political leadership, we have a good number of people of no integrity manning our public institutions and this culture has spread to our churches. There is no fair distribution of church resources. Some regions are more favored even with the number of clergy serving them. These are the issues that we need to address. Why should we have all the good roads in certain parts of the country and not even foot paths in the northern parts of Kenya. If the new constitution seeks to address these inequities, then even the church must support this cause. We are the church and without the believers, the clergy will be nowhere. Good leaders are the ones who listen to the led. In the year 1990 or early 90s if am not wrong, the church leadership in this country stood firm and by the truth. I still remember the episcopal letter by the catholic bishops to Moi's government which stated that the PEOPLE OF KENYA were tired of Mois rule and that mutipartism could not be stopped. Since then, Kenyans have not stopped yearning for good leadership which can only be achieved by a better constitution than what we have now.

Kenyans are God fearing, we respect our religious leaders so much and therefore they should not let us down. We can explore the other avenues like repeal or amendment of the contentious clauses but only after the new constitution has gone through because there is no reverse gear. We would do better to agitate for better legislation by the Parliament on devolved govrnance so that we get good leaders from the grassroot to transform our country.GOOD LEADERSHIP is what this country needs, Inspiring leadership that will change our attitude. Something better than what we experienced immediately NARC took over leadership of this country in the year 2002. We need to restore goodwill in public leadership and the only hope is our "NEW CONSTITUTION".VOTE YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSUUUUUUU!!!!!!!
Steve Owiti

NEW CONSTITUTION FOR KENYANS

2010-04-20T23:08:00.004+03:00

WHY THE YES VOTE WOULD BE BETTER.
The clamour and campaigns for a new constitution has been long and quite costly. Many people have lost their lives and others have been left maimed because the powers that were could not imagine a democratic country called Kenya. Our current constituion gave the the president powers to kill, grab land,reward his cronies etc etc because he could not be tried in any court of law within this country.

The presidential system has to go and a better one has been proposed. The fundemental human rights are properly enshrined in the new draft constitution. The church and many other have confirmed that the proposed new constitution is far much better compared to the current one.We must accept that a constitution is ever amended and even some parts repealed. Every year that passes new laws are enacted and therefore the few contentious areas in the new draft constitution cannot and will not deter us from getting a better document, than what we have now.

Honestly, the Kadhis courts should not be in our constitution and even our muslim brothers know that the reasons as to why these courts were sneaked into our current constitution is nolonger relevant but because they like confrontation over non issues they would carry it on.As christians we must be tolerant and pray to God that this part of the constitution be amended or even repealed at the earliest time possible once the new constitution is in place.Kenya will remain a religionless state or the church fraternity would have to propose a section to be included in the constitution to counter this Kadhis court issue, this can be done later and in a better way than stopping what has been earned in 20 good years.

The abortion clause/section/chapter is not acceptable but the money already given out to support it, needs proper strategy to counter.This calls for soberness when the political temparature is low and people are ready to reason as moral beings and not legal creatures. It looks awkward that the christian family would go out and oppose their leaders while the Muslim brothers cheers on. The church leaders MUST read the mood of their flock and know of the best ways to keep them on track. Kenyans want a constitutional dispensation NOW and not tomorrow and therefore our spiritual leaders must listen to us as we have always listened to them. This may sound a bit rebellious but it is the truth that we must preach to the whole world. Kenyans have been oppressed in many ways by the ruling clique for over four decades and anyway that would give more freedom must be supported. We shall continue to agitate for repeal and amendments of the new constitution without oppression and intimadation because the powers of the oppressors would have reduced and controlled, therefore more people will come out and support such causes.

The other issue that has come up from a group of former rulling goons, is that of the land. The issue of land since independence has been very thorny, not in the way that it is present it now but from a perspective that 10% of kenyans are the landlords and the remaining 90% are landless. From the Ndungu report and others that has come to light in the recent past,records show that a few families own large chunks of land equivalent to a province like Nyanza or some countriesof the world. Better parts of such land are lying fallow while many are living as squatters without food. The campaign that the draft constitution is restricting land ownership to certain limits is good for Yes campaign since majority of Kenyans are landless and would rejoice if they were given an equal opportunity to own some land. The land grabbers are already up in arms because they know they stand to loose their ill earned property.The former President Hon.Daniel Arap Moi and his cronies, who for many years rejected the plea for democractic space ought to be ashamed of saying NO at this time in history to a new constitution. Personally am saddened by the fact that this team has cheapened the leaders opinions. Many people would trust anybody seen to be part of a team that would not even listen to the same church from the late 80s todate.

The post election violence in some areas were triggered by land issues and in most areas the anger that had built in our people due to misrule by the previous leaders. The past regimes strived on creating the two tribes of Kenya i.e the Rich and the Poor who for along time did not get achance to confront each other. The ruling elite thought that Kenya was the same as it was at independence. During that dark period, we saw our brothers set on fire in an Eldoret church where the innocent children and women were burnt a live for reasons that could not be justified.In Naivasha people were attacked with machettes and hacked to death in the mostly beastly way that we have ever witnessed All these occurrances amongst other absurdities were as aresult of bad laws that supported RIGGING. If the constitution and other laws on electoral process were the same as in the draft document, then we would have not lost those lives. We MUST stop such killings and primitivity. Any person/s linked to those/such killings have no moral standing in our society. They cannot tell us to reject a constitution that would help us bridge the gap between us and them.

My personal appeal to all kenyans of goodwill including our spiritual leaders is that we get this 90% and struggle for the remainder. Kindly vote wisely and vote for Kenya. Vote YESSSSSSSSUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Steve Kizito Owiti

A Job Well Done Is Done How (Silver Jubilee)

2010-04-09T05:27:00.000+03:00

Dear Fish Members

I must take this opportunity to congratulate you for the job well done, this is a very big achievement given that we have done it without help from anybody else. Every since that was used in the jubilee was donated by the Fish members and we did not have to rely on a foreign donor somewhere to give the money. I have been following the contributions the members have been making both in the chain e-mail and the blog and I must say that am proud to be linked to this great group.

Now we have done this and we can look back and see our achievements and failures. The challenge now is where do we go from here? should we lie dormant only to wake up again in time to do a golden jubilee or do keep active and revive some of the projects and activities that have stalled. I must say that despite the little activities that have been going on there are a lot that the current active young Fish members have been doing for example seeing that the less privileged children are helped to go to school and make something of their lives. Thanks to Richard Obudho and co for the good work and for the many success stories that can be narrated with happy endings.

I was very happy to read that Mzee Adoyo is still very active in the Fish. He is one old man who stood by us no matter what happened. In 1985 we approached Mzee Adoyo to be our Fish guardian in Magadi Boys Fish group he agreed and worked tirelessly with us. We got into a few problems but he always stood by us and give 101% in effort and support. We needed to raise some money to buy costumes for the Traditional Dance so we brainstormed and come up with ideas that we could use to raise to money. One idea that was popular with the youth but unpopular with the elderly was to organise a disco overnight in Magadi Centre Hall we approached Mzee Adoyo being the chairman of the Magadi Small Christian Community and he gave us the authority to use the Hall for a disco. This got us all into trouble and Father Tony was summoned to the Bishop's office to explain why his youth did such a 'sucrelegius' act in the house of God where christians meet everyday to speak to their Creator. When Mzee Adoyo was approached the answer was simply "We uru nyithindo omiel hesco onge gimagitimo marach miel bende en ranyisi mar pako ruoth". Am glad he is still with us and still gives his all to the Fish.

Now guys where do we go from here? what next? from the correspondence of last year majority said that he whole year was being dedicated to the silver jubilee with activities running all year. I hope we are thinking of organising sports day in August or end of July as was suggested. If so I may be able to take part in athlete tics with my sons God willing. Also are we thinking of reviving the Fish meetings and the group actions? I know the times have evolved and also given that majority of the fish members are themselves parents and bread winners in their families it might not be possible to have weekly meetings as we use to have in the 80s and 90s but may be have them two weekly.

We need to think also of how we can have some finances for the group to be able to run the group activities, most of us will be happy to make donations every now and again to keep the group going as long as we do not turn into the Kenyan Government where few individuals view the public property as their own and misuse it.

Let us heed the Archbishop's challenge and show everyone that the Fish is alive and swimming. Let us make difference to the community the way we did all those years ago. Most of owe our success to the Fish group. We learnt a lot from the group and we made a big difference to the young peoples life. Martin Opondo and I went round the Colleges and Secondary schools within the City talking to students about HIV and AIDS, many members went round the community talking to the youth about their health and also to the mothers about nutrition and child care.

Finally let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to organise the Silver Jubilee I know that many were involved but let me just mention a few, Jubilee Chairman Cosmas Kinda, Tressurer Brenda Anne Amimo, Committee members, Charles Lwanga, Chris Akun, Gumbe Alaka, Jacob Okal, Peter Mittow Okal, Martin Opondo and everyone involved as I cannot remember everyone by name. You made us all proud Long Live Fish.

CELEBRATIONS BEFITTING THE SILVER JUBILEE

2010-04-07T18:04:00.002+03:00

All Jorech,

The preparations on sunday, the eve to the of the monday celebration was a clear manifestation of how much love the members have for Fish.

They trouped to the cathedral as early 6.00am and in different styles.It was all cheers and hugs as old friends met to celebrate an era that was considered a great success. The ladies dressing styles could easy pass for a wedding function.Accompanied by members of their families,the present old Fish members could be seen exchanging pleasantries about their families.

The younger generation were also not left out,them too had come determined to argue the point that the Fish should continue to grow as there were people to benefit from it.

Arrival and Tree planting session:-

At around 10.30am, His Grace The Arch-Bishop Zaccheus Okoth arrived at the cathedral to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Fish Youth Movement in style.The Arch-Bishop together with the Parish Priest of the cathedral Rev.Fr. Dr. Charles K'ochiel led the Fish Family with their guests to the garden for a tree planting session.Several trees(ornamentals) and fruits were planted to symbolise the rebirth(revival) of the Fish youth movement.The tree planting ceremony saw all the clergy present given a chance to plant the atleast a tree in memory of the occassion,these were Rev. Fr. Joseph Gitonga of Alendu, Sr. Mary Hellen of Chiga and the younger Deacon Hillary of Mill Hill Missionaries whose priestly ordination is set for 10th of this month at Tumsifu Center Kisumu.

The Holy Mass

After the colourful sojourn at the garden, the procession for the big event at the cathedral chapel began immediately. The fish family had a joyful procession characterized with dance and choruses under the stewardship of the seasoned Fish soloist J. Gumbe Alaka.As the procession got into church the singing was taken over by the St. Benards choir which was also conducted by one of the old Fish members - The chief celebrant was full of life and very charismatic as he delivered his sermon to fully parked church. Among the notables within the congregation were Rev.Sr. Sylvester of the Franciscan Sisters St. Joseph in Kibuye convent, old Fish youth guardians led by Mzee Adoyo of Magadi,In his sermon,the Arch-Bishop gave the history of the Fish stating how the founder had approached him with the idea of starting a youth group within the cathedral where Fr, Tony was then the assistant Parish Priest, a station he had been posted to immediately after his priestly ordination. The Arch-Bishop confessed to supporting the then young enthusiastic mill hill priest even in identification of the name FISH which he said was very relevant to the Kisumu youths and equally acceptable within the church.

Having celebrated the many anniversaries of the Fish group before, the Arch Bishop could not hide his pride as having been part of the success of the group he said had produced many succeessful personalities including the clergy, proffessionals in various fields and many lay leaders.He further emphasized that considering the fruits of Fish group,he would personally take the initiative to mobilize the all the dioceses within his province -Kisumu Arch-diocese so that they allow the Fish Groups to be started in those sees. This he said would continue to the whole nation and beyond if the Fish leaders were ready and capable of handling the awareness campaigns and trainings that go with that kind of mobilisation.

The Arch- Bishop was very emphatic that the Fish Group had a bigger role to play even on other societal matters,".... with your capacity and structures,you can even undertake the civic education successfully,more so for the constituonal review campaigns...." he challenged the Fish family to undertake the civic education aggressively to enable members of the society vote in the upcoming referundum responsibly.

During the mass, there were three infant baptism of sons of various Fish members. As the three little ones were baptised, the Arch-Bishop explained that those baptisms had been given to symbolise the rebirth of the Fish movement and challenged the present members to carryout seriouos "fishing expeditions" that the fish had been known for."......go out there and bring in more youths,all parishes must have Fish groups and remember that you are fishers of men......" After the baptisms, the fish members were called upon to renew their membership vows as a sign to recommitting themselves to the work of evangelising more youths. The session of renewing the vows relived the nostalgic enrollment ceremony that all news members had to be taken through before they could be initiated fully into the Fish family. Songs of praise and the holy spirit rented the air as the renewed spirit of FISH flowed within the church.In his closing remarks, the Arch-Bishop urged the Fish members to renew leadership trainings,various activities and group actions that had distinguised the from other youth groups.These same sentiments would be re echoed by the Fish Chaplain Fr. Kochiel and variuos speakers at the reception hall.

RECEPTION:

After the colourful holy mass that ended at around 3.30p.m, the Fish members held a procession to the grave yard to lay a wreath of flowers on late Rev. Fr. Sylvester Sulwe's tomb and conduct short prayer for his departed soul. This short ceremony was to appease the spirit of late father who was very supportive of the idea of Fish group when it was started in 1985.

The Fish family then proceeded together with all the guests to consume the delicasies that had been prepared for the occassion. The meals accompanied with soft drinks were served to all and sundry. It was real parting and feasting akin to what we see at the state house functions or the function we attended at white house to inaugrate one of sons who had worked hard to succeed George Bush Junior. Inside the hall after the meals, entertainmet was galore punctuated with numerous speeches. Speaker after speaker urged the fish members to revive te group so that the younger generations could also narrate the same sweet stories maybe at the golden jubilee.

Congratulations to the silver jubilee comittee members, all the Fish members and friends who heeded the call for support,financial and otherwise to make the celebrations such a huge success.Kudos to Cosmas for steering us to the succeessful beginning of a new era and to Brenda for being such a prudent financial manageress, all the team members for your perserverance and committent even when things looked very grim, Rev. Fr K'ochiel for the spiritual guidance and standing with us at times of difficulty.Fr.J.J, James Okal,Martin Okore,Jeremiah Ochieng and many others for the selfless contributions that set very good president for supporting the Fish in the near and far future activities.The editorial team under the leadership of Peter Mitto Okal for the lovely newsletter that gave us a wonderful reading for the day. For sure am lost for words, I dont know how best to thank everybody but kindly accept my heartfelt gratitude on my own behalf and that of the Fish Board.We appeciate all prayers,masses and devotions that were offered for the success of our Silver Jubilee.

The task ahead of us is an enormous one and it requires more concerted efforts than ever before. We cannot afford simple power struggles because I believe we have overgrown them. We must learn to listern to each other even if we feel they are not as smart as we are. The biggest diservice we can do to the group and to ourself is to fail to handover a better group than the one that was left to us. Egos aside, can we revive FLTP, sports,drama,social days,faithwalks,vocations days,Fish ma etc etc.

The Arch- Bishop agreed to be invited to give brief talks on leadership if we organise the leadership trainings,George Orido has offered to sponsor the 1st drama competition and preparatory directing and acting training preceeding the competition. Benard Ogendi agreed to coordinate various members who can initiate junior football clubs that would culminate into a senior football club from Kisumu within 4-5 yrs.Martin Okore and others have accepted to help our team organise fundraising activities for Fish activities such as Gala nites,Gospel bash,breakfast meetings and even harambees to finance the youth activities.

It is high time we thought outside the box and enlist the support of everybody even who were able to join us for the silver jubilee. Can we join our hands together for this noble task?In the Fish spirit of volunteering and sharing can we continue to offer what we have or can do in this revival exercise. Our brothers who love siasa , tuwache siase tafadhali and lets learn to build each other.May God Bless you and God bless FISH!!!!

Steve Kizito Owiti
Interim Board Chairman.

A Tribute to Kisumu Fish Group

2010-04-03T12:30:00.002+03:00

Shalom Brethren,

It is another Easter and another birthday for the Fish Group on Monday. If the FISH was any of us, then at 25th Birthday it would be a celebration of either graduation?wedding?ordination?Final vows?promotion?employment?etc,etc

The Fish celebrates this silver jubilee with gusto and pomp,the many members who passed through this group would tell you alot of success stories. We feel terrible that the young ones might miss out on some of the benefits we got during our teens. The chance to have bread, milk and mala, the Namgongo shrines visit, the Mji wa Furaha episodes,the numerous trainings that you never get anywhere - leadership,social work,healthwork, journalism, management/administration,community mobilisation,resposible adulthood etc, etc

Am not sure if we still have no reason to celebrate this Easter. The Fish has achieved so much that very few groups of her nature can manage.Let me take you down the memory lane, though we are not a seminary, we did produce many priests who did not go through the minor seminary but got their vocation to be clergy through the Fish Fr.James Juma,MHM,Fr. Josiah Okal IMC,others are Fr.Gordon IMC,Fr. Ephraim Juma MHM and many that you add to this list.

The religious sisters were also not left behind, Sr Pamella Gesimba, Sr Consolata, Sr.Emma Ganda and the others you know,kindly add these names to the list..

Amongst our equals, we have senior bachelors and bachellorettes who have equally devoted their times to community service,I will not name them but kindly names yourself if belong to this group.There are many successful families who have contributed ernormously to building our local churches and communities.Our group boast of being oneof its own kind that can proudly say to have produced the highest number of lay leaders at all levels of the church hierarchy.

We are equally connected within the NGO world, visit CDC KEMRI, World Vision,FACES,Tuungane,UNIM,The child right organisation,KUAP the biggest beneficiary and partner etc etc

We have accomplished journalists like Dr. Steve Ogongo,Jim Onyango,freelancer George Orido and many others. Senior consultants like Opondo Obwar,Silvery,Ogendi,Brendaus,Alphonce Lumumba, etc etc Educationist of international standards Mwalimu Emmanuel Okwatch,Snr Headteacher George Achiando,Mwalimu Okoth Matata,Mary Amimo etc etc Accountants and finance administrators of my kind, Jacob Okal,Akun Chris,Obudho Richard, Lwanga (Multi),Bankers Mary Mugwanga,Redemptor Ochumba,International operatives like Martin Okore,Leo Akwanyetc etc

We have businessmen and women, professionals in various fields like IT, bretthrens like Jeremiah Ochieng,Nick and Jerusha,Vincent woud Guardian, Mike Ochieng, John Oduor, Tony Owiti, Cosmas KInda, James Okal, Michael Simiyu,Gumbe Alaka, Steve Sule, and many others that I cant remember now are people of no mean achievements.

Despite all this long C.V , one of biggest achievement for the FISH was the election of The Founder Fr. Tony Chantry as the superior general of the Mill Hill Missionaries.Being the first Fish he did us proud and Ipersonally believe that amongst the experiences that earned him the positon was his idea of the FISH.

We have grown old enough to do our things, now thw parents can relax as the sons and daughters struggle with setting up their homes.

I AM SO MUCH PROUD OF FISH AND I KNOW SOME KEYS POSITIONS I HAVE OCCUPIED IN LINE OF DUTY ARE DUTY THE RIGOROUS TRAINING I GOT FROM RECH. I KEEP ON PRAYING THAT THE GROUP GAINS MOMENTUM FOR OUR CHILDREN TO BENEFIT. HAPPY EASTER TO ALL AND A HAPPY SILVER JUBILEE!!!!

Steve Owiti.

Happy 25th Birthday Kisumu Fish Group

2010-04-03T03:09:00.000+03:00

Dear Fish

I am hubmled and proud to be a fish member. The acivities that Guys like Charles Lwanga, Brenda Ann Amimo, Cosmas Kinda, Chris Akun and everyone else including my two "little" brothers have been doing is enomous. The way you have lead the group make me proud. I wish everyone of you a happy time during this Holy period of the year.

It is a pity i cannot be there but I wish you a fantastic time during the Silver Jubilee Celebration on Monday . From what has been going on we have prooved that we can be self reliant and am humbled by the way people have been sending in their contibutions to ensure that the day is a success. Let us keep up this spirit and let me take this opportunity to thank you for the help that you have accorded our colleagues who have had tragedies over the course of last year and this year.

I still remember fondly my time in the Fish group I know that so many years have passed but it all just like yeasterday. I miss the fish group meetings and the Fish Action where we used to go into the community and help the less fortunate. During Easter time especially on Good Friday we would acompany the Magadi Christian Community (Duol) in matching along the street of Manyatta to visit the sick and the poor praying with them and offering them food stuffs. Thanks you guys for keeping the spirit of the Fish alive.

Could I kindly ask you guys to keep our Members who have departed this life in you prayers during the celebration. So many of the Fish members have passed on from this life please let us keep them in our prayers. I know I cannot remember everyone by name but the few I can remember are Peter Owino (Nyalenda and Fish Team), Vincent Otieno and Luke Odhiambo of Nyalenda Bungu, Francis Otieno, Tom Okumu, Johanes Midha, Pius Obiero, Nelson Otieno, James Adodi (Wendo), Amos Okal, and Johanes Adhola all of Magadi, Vincent Otieno and Yaga Of Kunya and all those whom I cannot remember by names.

Have a wonderful time and keep up the spirit.

HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY KISUMU FISH GROUP. CONTINUE THE GOOD WORK AND LET THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD SHINE IN WHATEVER YOU DO. IT IS MY PRAYER THAT THE LORD WILL GIVE US MANY MORE YEAR TO COME.

Fond Memories

James Okal

It has been 25 years!

2010-03-31T12:41:00.000+03:00

25 years has passed by with a speed of a missile! The celebration’s theme of ‘let me be your witness’, strikes me when I meet young and old fish members. We have been and continue to be witnesses of the Lord in various ways. I founded Kondele boys later known as on Nairobi area boys in 1986. Went to Consolata, Langata with Denis Odinga Okiya, Late Deacon Paul Okello and Innocent Owino Jeje. Finished Philosophy with Denis Odinga and went to Novitiate, Sagana. I left Denis with Consolata when I crossed to Mill Hill Missisonaries after being kicked out from Novitiate. Ordained in 1996, the first African Millhiller and went to Cameroon, came back to Kenya, Kilgoris then to South Africa in 2002 till today. I believe that those who continue to be witnesses of the Lord in the religious life as Fish priests like Fr Josiah Okal, Fr Gordon and others I have not mentioned besides many Fish religious sisters and brothers have many reasons to celebrate these 25 years. My wish is that this group of Fish Priest, Sisters and Brothers keep contacts and become a support group of themselves in line with the Fish aims and Objectives that in my opinion are still alive and necessary in our lives. One never stops being a Fish as long as the aims and objectives are kept alive!
Married and Single Fish members of my time continue to be witnesses of Christ in their own small ways. Older members of my time should move on and continue the witness in various ways including being resource people to our younger members. We should look back with pride and look a head with hope and enthusiasm! The pool of resources and talents that have been built within the 25 yrs in the Fish Family is breathtaking! Just to mention one, dear Fish, if you are struggling with the ‘bottle’ and your life is in danger or your relationship is under threat, please do not hesitate. All you need to do is to dial 0726249153 and Mr Ogendi will be more than ready and qualified to assist you!!! Many other talents and resources are there just waiting to be tapped. I suggest that as we rejuvenate Fish and make them Parish based, let the talents and resources within the Fish Family be tabulated and made known to the membership for others to make use.
LET US THANK THE LORD FOR PAST 25 YRS, MAY THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US REST IN PEACE AND LET US CONTINUE TO BE THE LORD’S WITNESSES IN OUR OWN SMALL WAYS.
JJ, Rustenburg, South Africa.

Lent is Here Again

2010-02-18T13:23:00.002+03:00

Lent is always a powerful period during which the church goes through a prayerful reflection and rejuvenation. Its a great time to come to terms with our humanness and also to meet our Lord in the cross of our lives.

Last year Fr. Gordon took us through lent with powerful weekly reflections and I am hoping that he will again find time to take us through the same though this time he is a student and may be too busy.

However the fish group is full of highly spiritually resourceful lay people as well such as Martin Opondo, Ann Amimo, Charles Lwanga , etc. I would like to take this opportunity to invite people who are able to take us through the period with reflections based on the Church's lenten campaign of the year. I also invite other religious people like Emma, Fr. Gordon, Fr. Okal etc to join in in feeding us with this spiritual food at this time.

FISH NEW ERA ?

2009-08-15T17:29:00.002+03:00

All brethren,
It is my sincere gratitude to all and sundry that contributed to the cause of giving the late Joanes Midha a burial befitting a real hero. The true spirit of Fish Group was renewed and everyone present confessed that the Fish Group must be accellerated to move to next phase with utmost steadiness. Kudos to everyone.

We are setting the gears of celebrating 25yrs of a great group that has produced great leaders of the church and our community. Many members are wondering what kind of a celebration would befit this MOVEMENT. A number of suggestions have been floated for the next years event but still enough is not coming out.

The Fish leadership, has taken the initiative to call all members,friends and simpathizers for an open day forum to discuss the direction the movement wants to take in the next phase.This day will be on 30th August,2009 at Fish Youth Center in Kisumu. We must create a better Kisumu through the initiatives of our movement. Our story is rich and is that of a success that the whole world must learn from, lets attend this day and focus our energies on bettering our lives and those of our neighbours.
''HELPING THE YOUTHS HELP THEMSELVES'' - THE FISH YOUTH GROUP.

Great entertainer passes on -Ojaje Midha Johanes

2009-07-16T17:50:00.003+03:00

Dear Brothre and Sisters

It is with immense grief and deep sorry that I announce the untimely death of Johaness Midha-Ojaje formely of Magadi Fish Group and Fish theater.

Midha will be remembered for his skills in attracting and entertaining crowds and leaving all craving for more with his drums during traditional dances and Dramas, especially during the Fish cultural days.

May the good Lord rest his soul in eternal peace.

fare thee well Ojaje wuod Yimbo.

Michael Jackson is Dead

2009-06-26T13:14:00.004+03:00

Do any of you remember the late 70's and early 80s and part of 90s. This man was a real model for many youths now wazee. It is a sad day!.......we have lost Whacko Jackooo....An Icon....An Artist.....A Legend - the man who changed the face of pop culture forever......

"I will remember him with that all time favorite...."Billy Jean, Thriller, Liberian girl where he put some kiswahili words, Beat it, and more so his wow!

Pole, Pole sana to all music lovers. ......I know you are all morning...AND PARTICULARLY ...... NICK MJ ONYANGO i know your are particularly devastated.....so i have attached an MJ
photo album for you)

Fr. Kizito's Case

2009-06-16T11:01:00.003+03:00

Yesterday and today morning my wife and I had a very difficult time watching the KTN news item on Fr. Kizito and the children from the slums of nairobi. I was particularly saddened since I have known Fr. Kizito through his newspaper articles in the nation in the days of Moi. He had come to endear himself to the kenyan population with his long running 'Fr. Kizitos diary' articles. This was the time we as Kenyans felt very vulnerable and needed a voice to talk for us.

KTN yesterday reported that the priest had gone further and given consolation to several children from challenged backgrounds and in return sexually molested a number of them. What is sickening if the news item is true is that he not only taped the actions but also invited some Italian friends of his to also sodomize these kids.

My wife suggested that this was the strongest justification yet for catholic priests to marry. I said no. why? Because that evil cannot be solved through marriage. In fact a wife is neither a sex toy nor a sex therapist. There is more to marriage than sex and in any case, I felt that Fr. Kizito's issue is not sexual deprivation but rather some kind of compulsion which requires psychiatric treatment. If it was sex alone, am sure the old man would have easily got a woman or even paid for the services of the thousands of sex workers who are reported to be in Nairobi. The sex workers are reported to charge anything between 20 bob and tens of thousands. The old man could afford that and it would be a lesser sin since it would not hurt so many young lives.

The moral question though is one, what of the good work the man has done for more than 20 years? That has a simple moral answer that is also in the form of a question. What is the value of the life of one boy? Someones son? Nay what is the value of your own life? What would you be paid to have someone violate it in your youth?

I wonder how the doctors of the church would treat this issue. of course judgement is left unto the Lord. But i wonder how the priests would look at this and the separation of the sinner from the sin given that this sinner is really a savior to thousands others.

I would like to hear your true comments on this issue and how we should understand it.

Ordination Photos

2009-06-03T08:27:00.004+03:00

After all was said and done, attached are the pictures from the ordination, and i do not have to rewrite the story again.

THE FISH GROUPS SILVER JUBILEE

2009-06-02T11:30:00.002+03:00

Dear Brothers and sisters,

I wish to Kindly take this opportunity to inform you that next year will be our 25 year since the Fish group was founded by Fr, Tony Chantry MHM and Sr, Mary Ellen Howard SND.

Sasa wana Samaki, Iam writing to ask your opinion about the forthcoming Silver Jubilee. As you may be aware this function is earlier scheduled for April 2010. However, because of the of pressing issues of time I wish to urge us to start planning’s early.In order to prepare for the jubilee, a one-day pre-jubilee planning and consultation roundtable is proposed for Sat August 29, 2009 9am-5pm, Kisumu, Fish Youth Centre.We are urging those who may be interested in joining the Jubilee Steering Committee to indicate their interest on the group board below (through email or messaging) by June 15. We hope the steering committee will have a good mix of people from abroad as well as at home, as well as various skills sets such as Media, Communication, Social Interaction, Hospitality, Sports, Fundraising, Liturgy and any other field you may deem important.1. Give your views on agenda below by June 15, 20092. Indicate if you are interested in volunteering in the Jubilee planning committee below –also by June 15, 2009.
Thank you,

Martin Opondo
Fish Administrator

Steve Owiti Says
May I also take this opportunity to congratulate Fr. Nyawir on his long desired ordination. I am impressed at the energy that this issue has generated. As a laity l wanna keep off this debate coz of personal reasons, if anything whatever their doctrines are they would fit me better do l say.Enough of this brethrens, next year we gotta CELEBRATE the 25years of the Fish.Can we say how,where and with whom we wanna celebrate this?FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Magazine for that celebration to be edited by Dr Ogongo Steve a seasoned journalist.
Cultural week to be organised by Poet Ambassa (Jere Maduong),Orido, Akwany,Kodhek etc
Sports week with finals on the Easter monday Old members vs the newmembers
Fundraising without involving the wazungus this time for the fete organised by Jere, Lwanga, Steve Owiti, Annes,all our clergy(Fish)and many others.
Identify the rest and say where you wanna be!My dream for that day is one that will surpass the ordination that happened last sato.Good week .

Fish Youth Group's SILVER JUBILEE - Steve Owiti

2009-06-02T08:32:00.001+03:00

Brethren, next year we gotta CELEBRATE the 25years of the Fish.Can we say how,where and with whom we wanna celebrate this?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
• Magazine for that celebration to be edited by Dr Ogongo Steve a seasoned journalist.
• Cultural week to be organised by Poet Ambassa (Jere Maduong),Orido, Akwany,Kodhek etc
• Sports week with finals on the Easter monday Old members vs the newmembers
• Fundraising without involving the wazungus this time for the fete organised by Jere, Lwanga, Steve Owiti, Annes,all our clergy(Fish)and many others.
• Identify the rest and say where you wanna be!
My dream for that day is one that will surpass the ordination that happened last sato.
Good week .

Steve

Ordination of Paul Nyawir

2009-05-30T16:11:00.000+03:00

Folks,
It is over now we have Fr. Francis Nyawir. I don't know if what I saw can change my thinking but I appreciated going there in fact He "Blessed" me. To be sincere everything was hollow......... I was happy because i met so many Fish group members all the members of all times. The ones who have their experiences with priests and the curious ones. They were all there and we enjoyed our same union. we took photos with all the big Guns who were present.

There was one thing that did not go well with all the people who attended and this was that fr. Pesa of coptic concelebrated the Eucharist. this and that everybody was allowed to recieve "holy communion" Jothurwa Komnio Mtakatifu onge ikruok ne. I do not attach any true value to this but I think we need to give these people some time as there could be more that we have not seen.

after the service the Fr. Shihundu told us to join the Change otherwise we will find ourselves on the wrong side when the change is inevitable. Good quote though maturity state that watch before you leap.

All the people who said they will be there were missing in action. these include but not limited to Ann, Vincent wuod Guardian, Hellen Gamba, i wish to ask you to be serious with your messages when you are to be there please be there and give feed back.

Oritiuru Jorech wetena Sammy will upload the photos.

Martin Opondo

Another priest for renegade church - Jacob Okal

2009-05-29T11:01:00.001+03:00

All of you must have met Francis Nyawir in one forum of the other. I don’t blame him for crossing over to the reformed catholic, I think he got the worst frustration one can get when he was aspiring to be a catholic priest. This must have been his true calling. I congratulate him and wish him well.
For those who will be in Kisumu, please give Francis your support by attending the event.

Mr Francis Nyawir of the Reformed Catholic Church who will be ordained priest this weekend at the Social Centre in Kisumu.

A rebel wing of the Catholic church is set to ruffle feathers again by ordaining a priest, to be followed by the ordination of the group’s local leader as a full-fledged bishop.
Mr Francis Nyawir will on Saturday be ordained as priest of the Reformed Catholic Church at the Kisumu Social Centre.
It has been a long walk to the pulpit for Mr Nyawir, who studied long and hard to be a Catholic priest, but dropped out along the way, was ex-communicated, and now finds his calling in the controversial splinter group.
From a strict Roman Catholic upbringing — his four brothers all went through seminary — he became an altar boy at his local church.
In 1982 the strapping 20-year-old joined the Apostles of Jesus Seminary in Nairobi for a one-year course, and then returned to the Kisumu Diocese for pastoral work.
About two years later, he went to St Augustine’s Senior Seminary in Bungoma for a diploma in philosophy.
On graduation, he joined St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi for a degree in theological studies.
It is here that he encountered an obstacle. Towards the end of his studies, he got into trouble with the college administration. He says simply that he returned late from a break.
Expelled and with no hope of becoming a priest, he decided to get married as he did not need to be celibate any more.
Several years later, he enrolled at the Apostles of Jesus Scholasticate in Nairobi to complete his education and was awarded a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree by the institution that is affiliated to the Rome-based Pontifical Urbanian University.
Then he set upon picking the pieces of his life, going to South Africa for pastoral work for a year as he soul-searched. When he returned, he had nothing else to do, so he turned to the classroom.
He was employed at Mbeji Academy in Siaya as a Humanities teacher before he moved to Kibos Secondary School.
Religious studies
While at it, Mr Nyawir studied for a Masters of Arts in Religious Studies from Catholic University of East Africa.
In 2005, he moved to Uganda where he landed a teaching job. It is around this time that he heard of the Reformed Catholic Church when he read a newspaper report about Father Gabriel Shiundu, the leader of the Kenyan chapter, who was getting married.
“I wrote to him, called him and eventually visited him,” he recalls.
He was put on probation by the church leadership and asked to form a small Christian community. If successful, he was told, he would be ordained as a priest in the church.
This he did and presently, the community has a membership of 30. This is despite the fact they did not have a priest to dispense Eucharistic celebrations and celebrate Mass.

FR. TONNY PASSES BY KIBUYE - Matayo Wangalwa

2009-04-27T09:38:00.002+03:00

Nachukua fursa hii kuwashukuru nyote kwa mawaitha yenu ya mara kwa mara. Ningalipenda kuwaarifu kwa Padre Tonny alipita Kibuye kanisani katika misa ya pili ikielekea ukingoni na akawaamkuwa wakristu wote. Baadaye tuliarifiwa kwamba ataongoza misa ya tatu.
Salam aleiku wana samaki.

Wanachama waliokuwa katika misa ya kwa kama kawaida walielekea kwa mkutano. Bunda si farasi, baada ya misa ya tatu tulimpata mgeni. Alisema itakuwa furaha kwa mwaka kesho tukipanga kuadhimisha miaka ishirini na tano tangu kikundi kianzishwe(SILVER JUBILEE). Aliomba hii kuwa juhudi ya wanasamaki wote, waiotangulia na wa leo. TAFADHALI TUANZENI MIKAKATI MAPEMA.

Wenye hamu ya picha yake padri ya hivi punde, niliweze kuzipata tu hizi mbili nilizozishikanisha hapa. Asanteni.

Ni mimi wenu samaki ndogo,

LENT ’09: 5th Sunday – By Fr. Gordon, imc.

2009-04-01T07:45:00.000+03:00

John 12:20-33
Some Greeks who had come to worship at the Passover Feast came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.
"I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it and will glorify it again." The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.

Time has come brothers and sister in Christ to summarize these reflections we have been sharing during this lent period. Next Sunday will be the Palm Sunday introducing us to the Holy Week through Easter. A lot has to be discovered in the Lord, in our talents and in our Christian commitments as baptized children of God.

This Sunday, Jesus speaks of losing to win, giving in order to receive, dying so as to live. It is just too difficult to understand this from the logic of the world and the society in which we live. However, looking at Jesus (announce his imminent death), we find the final gesture of everyday life offered for a more humane world for all; a world that finds its salvation in a loving God.

Probably we begin to really know Jesus when we are attracted by his total dedication to God and his passion for a happier life for others. Let’s hear his call, however faintly it may be: “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be". It all starts from a desire to 'serve' Jesus, to collaborate in His work, to live only for His project, to follow in his footsteps, to express in many simple ways and gestures how God loves us all. It is here then that we start to become his true followers. To be that means sharing his life and his destiny, "where I am, there also will my servant be". This is what it means to be a Christian: to be where Jesus was, take care of what he was dealing with; have the goals he had, be on the cross as he was, and finally one day to be at the right hand of the Father where he is.

For Personal reflection:

1. Are we really mediators for others to know Jesus through our life example (actions)?
2. Evaluate the goals you made at the beginning of Lent. Achievements? Something to improve in?

Wishing each one of you a happy end of Lent, an intensive Holy Week and a Happy Easter!

LENT ’09: 4th Sunday – By Fr. Gordon, imc.

2009-03-25T07:35:00.000+03:00

John 3:14-21
Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
Brothers and sister in Christ, I would entitle this Sunday as the Sunday of Love… A Sunday of Joy and Trust for God is LOVE, and this is the underlying message of the Gospel of John.
When John presents us with the idea that God loves us SO MUCH… I was thinking of a situation of deep love, a love we can describe as “mad”. Let’s think of common expressions like, “I love you madly...” “I love you like crazy” etc. Or better, we can think of a young person lost in love that despite what the parents, the friends and so on may say, he/she sees nothing but the absolute person loved and he/she is ready to do whatever it costs to win the situation. This is the kind of love our God has for us, not that we are the best, not that we are perfect, no; He simply loves us without conditions, despite what others may say about us or how we may see ourselves, he loves us. Is this not crazy?
Well, what is funny in this Gospel is how John challenges us… That this love is shown in His son who died for us, that we know this and thus our condemnation is not anything strange but rather a personal conscious option… that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. Hey, halt a bit, did you get that right? That people preferred darkness to light? Why? What is disturbing them when they are in the light? What is it that I have that I fear to be discovered when I’m in the Light (of the Lord)? Should we continue hiding in darkness even when we have been found as today? (If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart. Heb. 3:15).
Beloved brothers and sisters, we sometimes think that God has abandoned us. We sometimes think that if we sin again, somehow we are no good. Instead, today God invites us over and over again to turn to Him. God knows that we are human and that in our struggles with sin, we will continue to fail and to fall. However, God is still with us and God still invites us to live in Him for He loves us.
This is the love we are called to share with others. Not actually to judge and condemn as we often do, but to be charitable to one another in the Lord and walk in His light. Love means, above all, interest for the other, participation in their reality, search and concern in their needs, bet all and stand by them. Love always wants the good of the beloved and tries to favour the other in every possible way. For those who love, the way and the fate of the loved one are not things of indifference; instead, they apply all possible forces to enable the other live with joy and fulfillment. May we be enlightened enough to put that in practice because GOD IS LOVE.

LENT ’09: 3rd Sunday – By Fr. Gordon, imc.

2009-03-19T08:51:00.001+03:00

John 2:13-25
Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, "Take these out of here, and stop making my Father's house a marketplace."
His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me.
At this the Jews answered and said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?"
Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up."
The Jews said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking about the temple of his body.
Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken…

The temple for the Jews was more than just a building. It was the visible sign of God in the midst of them and they were proud of their temple. It took them many years to construct it thus when Jesus talked of raising “it” up in three days, they surely thought He had gone nuts.
What Jesus meant was so hard to conceive that the evangelist explains that He was not just talking of the rocks one over the other but of his body. This way, he totally changed the connotation of the temple (house of God, visible presence of God as the Jews had it). Jesus thus becomes now the new Temple, the visible presence of God in their midst. Let’s not forget he is the EMMANUEL, which means, God-with-us. Contemplate the face of Jesus is therefore contemplate the face of God. A personal encounter with Christ is thus an encounter with God.
As brothers and sister in Christ, created in the image and likeness of our God, we are therefore manifestation of God. This Gospel presents us with a new face of God, God-made-man, Jesus Christ our savior, the same who lived on this earth doing good to all. The same they despised, the same they tortured, the same who suffered, the same who was dispossessed of all, the same who told the apostles to feed the crowd, the same we contemplate on the cross (way of the cross in lent time is a common practice). This is the same Christ whose face we contemplate in that brother or sister of ours in need, in the sick, in the street children, in the dying in the hungry, in the poor, in the lonely… Surely, if Jesus was moved with all that oppressed others, we have no other option as Christians but to feel just what he felt and act just as he did.

For Personal reflection:
1. Lets sing: Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers; That you do unto me.
- When I was hungry, you gave me to eat; When I was thirsty, you gave me to drink.
Now enter into the home of My Father.
- When I was homeless, you opened your door; When I was naked, you gave me your coat.
Now enter into the home of My Father.
- When I was weary, you helped me find rest. When I was anxious, you calmed all my fears.
Now enter into the home of My Father.
2. Does the content of this song say anything to you? How much have you done this lent?

LENT ’09: 2nd Sunday – By Fr. Gordon, imc

2009-03-10T08:01:00.000+03:00

Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18;
… Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw behind his back a ram, amongst the briers, sticking fast by the horns, which he took and offered for a holocaust instead of his son…
Mark 9:1- 9

And Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." For he did not know what to say, for they were exceedingly afraid. And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him."

Our God is a God of life and not of death… This is how I would present the theme of this Sunday’s readings. He is a God who is not happy to see his creation die. He wants us to live fully and thus the lesson we learn from the book of Genesis whereby Abraham is tempted to sacrifice his son but the Lord of life comes in his rescue. This is the same God who is calling us in this lent, to get out wholeheartedly to “rescue” those who need us. He is the same God calling us through the Voice of our leaders, and in a special way through the voice of some of our Fish members (Richard Obudho, Anna Amimo etc etc) who are inviting us to an action that leads to joyful life of sons and daughters of God. Listen to these voices and act!
Yes, that was the call of the Lord for the apostles, (Peter, James and John); to listen to what Jesus would tell them. And this is the same voice speaking to us. Unfortunately more than once, consciously or unconsciously, we do not pay attention to this voice. Many a times, we, like the apostles, would rather prefer to enjoy the “good moment” and not to think of any other thing. But the message is clear for us all in this time of lent as it was for the apostles then: we must not stay static here; we must not stay up there alone (in the mountain). We must come down to (Jerusalem) where many things are waiting for us. We must go down there, full of joy (of having been with Him) to transmit the same to those who badly need just a moment of joy in their lives. We must be messengers of justice, love and reconciliation.
Therefore brothers and sisters, on this Second Sunday of lent, as we reflect on the Transfiguration of Jesus, let us enter more deeply into the mystery of faith by living in the Transfiguration now. It is a time for our transformation/change/conversion too. It is truly good for us to be here, yes. As we progress through our Lenten pilgrimage together, let us draw encouragement from the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ and experience the grace of these forty days so that we might greet the coming Easter, reflecting more fully the Image and likeness of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord who lived here on earth doing good to others.

For Personal reflection:
1. Do I need a stop in my life – like that which Jesus gave his three disciples on Mt. Tabor, in order to see him transfigured and thus also transform my life?
2. We walk through life with hope to reach the glorious encounter with the Risen Christ. Am I ready to accept that the final victory comes only through the cross, for the service to others, through life dedicated to brothers and sisters? Or prefer to stay comfortably in Mt. Tabor (make three tents) without coming down to the Calvary and the Resurrection?

LENT ’09: 1st Sunday – By Fr. Gordon, imc.

2009-03-04T11:14:00.001+03:00

Mark 1:12-15
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."

Maybe our minds could be running into the imagination of what a desert would be like… Mentally going to Sahara etc, not actually to contemplate the sand dunes but rather to situate ourselves next to what Jesus would have experienced on this occasion. And something comes to my mind, the first monks who would withdraw themselves to the caves and to the desert to be alone with non but God… A different experience… I will mention it again.
A desert is terrible place to be in. It is a place of nothing. It is a place of death. It is a place of danger and fear. No wonder, the Gospel of Mark presents us with these images like Satan, wild beasts… These are nothing good as far as human integrity is concerned. But, we have to discover the secret here. Jesus did not go in search for these dangerous moments but rather driven by the spirit – to be with non but His Father (alone with non but thee my God). Consequently, we can say that we as Christians we are called during this Lenten period to let ourselves be guided by the Spirit of God to be where He wants us to be; to listen to Him and to trust in Him as our ALL (in thee I trust).
In this situation, Mark puts Jesus in the midst of two extremes: With wild beasts and Angels. Wild beast we can say are the most dangerous beings created by God – representing the difficulties Jesus would face in his mission as messiah as compared to the angels which are on the other hand, the most friendly beings amongst the creatures – sign of the closeness of God who takes care of Jesus and his mission. And to us Christians? This means that in the journey of our faith, we may meet many dangers but we have to be convinced and trust always in our God who will always send us His Angels to make our mission/journey a success. These angels maybe you and me… Sent to rescue that needy son or daughter of God in danger, in pain, in suffering, in fear, in solitude, in want. Look around, you have a lot to do as an angel sent by God… And to the needy, in whichever way they maybe in, let them have courage because the Lord will not leave them alone without sending His Angels at an appropriate time – Fish Action!
Lent is a time of grace, appropriate time to return to the Lord, to renew our Christian commitments and to offer the best of ourselves as we prepare for the great Feast of our Lord – Easter. This journey must begin immediately in each one of us. All our Lenten intentions must be set rolling now for the message of the Lord is clear to us as it was then… “This is the time of fulfillment… Repent and believe in the Gospel”.

For Personal reflection:
1. As we begin this new Lenten season, what are the new things starting to flourish in me? What are my temptations and in what areas am I failing?
2. What can I do this lent to increase my trust in God and my readiness to help others?

Happy new year

2008-12-31T10:46:00.002+03:00

The year that started with the greatest fraud in our country namely the stealing of elections by Kibaki has now come to and end. But that was not the only thing that pained us Kenyans. Many people are still in IDP camps, many still cannot find acceptance or forgiveness in their hearts. However many other great things have happened in this year that have made us happy as a people. For me the very first one is Charles Lwangas efforts to unite the long lost brothers and sisters of Christ through his many emails and even through this blog. the man worked hard to get email addresses of many people and bring us together. but Lwanga never stopped there, he also has coordinated another forum to unite alumni of Kisumu Boys at least those who were in the years '88 to '92. Whats more, through the forum, people have been able to send each other updates on job vacancies, personal developments and so on.

Obama's win in November probably also gave Kenya quite a good reason to feel proud but for me the moment i relieved over and over was that of a-non-smiling Pamela Jelimo giving her competitors a wide range on her way to become not only a millionaire in dollar terms but also living legend of our time.

I would like to Wish all of you a brilliant year 2009 and to bless all those you meet and all those you love.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-12-25T03:24:00.002+03:00

Brothers and Sisters let me take this opportunity to wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. I hope the new year will be full of promises and blessings in big and small ways. Looking back in the year now ending it has been full of blessings and a mixture of misfortunes. The year started by our beloved country almost drowning in anarchy. For the first time we witnessed Neighbours who had lived for decades in peace and as brothers and sisters turning against each other and killing each other in the name of Politics??? am happy to see that the Kivuitu's team are sent parking I hope the almighty God will make them pay for the sins our brothers did to each other. Many lost their livelihood, most lost their life time investments and they have been enjoying themselves, many are still homeless. The food prices have hiked that ordinary wanainchi cannot afford food prices. Many of us might not understand how it feels like to be unable to put food on the table to feed your children.

On the international scene things have not been rosy either, the financial crisis has seen a lot of changes in the financial institutions this has made the hunger in Kenya worse as the main source of Kenyan economy over the past few years has been the support from the Kenyans in the diaspora. The crisis has affected most people making this form of support go down. Most of the Western Economy is in recession and as most people might not be aware the international market is all connected and the countries rely on each other. Let us pray that things will get better in the new year. Hopefully with peace in the country and God willing with rains the country will be able to farm and make good harvest that will encourage the prices of food to come down. May the Almighty God bless you all. James Okal.

2008-09-07T16:10:00.001+03:00

Dear All I got this mail from Patrick K'Onyino and I wonder what yur contributions can be.

Martin Opondo

Hi, I am about 40 yrs old, am i still elligible to join Kisumu town youth group? When i was a member of the same group about 15 - 20 years ago, the group was simply known as FISH GROUP. Has the group evolved hence the current name or are the objects the same, if it has not, dont you think it needs to take another shape with a new name while leaving the old name to the youth who will fit within the objects, ARE WE "TAKING AWAY" WITH US A DREAM THAT THE CURRENT YOUTH NEED TODAY, LIKE WE DID YESTERDAY? FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

K'ONYINO PARTICK

thank you charles

2008-08-15T16:13:00.002+03:00

This blog has been rather quiet after the initial euphoria of getting in touch with each other died down. however, one man Charles Lwanga has refused to die like the proverbial energizer battery, which has more than 9 lives, has kept us updated and informed. thank you man and thank you for the support you keep on giving to Boniface Oriaro as well.
kudos for keeping the wheel moving

I also got Vincent's (san gadi) photo from Fr. Gordon

Boniface Oriaro, the University lecturer is wedding on 13th sept 2008 at kibuye Catholic church

2008-07-09T13:11:00.001+03:00

Hey wonderful people,

Boniface Otieno Oriaro, the fish member, the University Lecturer, living in Obunga, is solemnizing his marriage in church. The date is 13th September 2008. venue: Kibuye Catholic Church. Reception: St. Teressa’s Girls’ sec school. No kidding.
And of course in the spirit of Fish fraternity, we appeal to you for your support in any form. Materials, finances, physique etc…members can decide to undertake a few responsibilities like serving, decorations, chairs and tables. One can also contribute particular foodstuffs, cars, or video coverage.

With this email, you are kindly invited to participate in this nyasi with all the necessary zest and gusto!!!!! How about it gentlemen and ladies? Move it!!
Committee meetings are taking place through the student body here in Kisumu. We shall divulge the information detailing to what extent they've reached and how best we could get involved.

Lwanga

Ps: in December 08, Boniface will officially get recognition of his work within Obunga. He will recive the HSC- “head of state commendation” and the President is expected to grace the occasion. In attendance will be PC, DC, PPOs and some 4 ambassadors – who (among others) funded his journey abroad. So again, you are all welcome to this wonderful occasion. More information later – and as it comes.

By the way, have you visited obunga of late? Strange I tell you. Boniface invited me to this –once- a no go zone- and I was impressed!! All the youth are engaged!!! Ngware/ boda boda / peng/ bicycle repairs/ peng repairs/ kinyozi/ shoe repairs/ butchery/tailors/ kiosks for foodstuffs and of course there is a police post but it’s hardly operational!! No crime!!! Everyone is engaged. The work is so impressive that I told him, he needed a digital camera to corroborate his work. Do you know he is the brain behind community policing? Mambo bado!!! Anyone out there with a digital camera?

Joseph Randi Olwero

2008-07-03T07:39:00.002+03:00

Hey guys do you remember one Joseph Noah Randi Olwero, formerly of Pandi fish group? well, this character is another pride of the fish group, currently an international figure, running children's orphanage in Sweden and engaged in various community work and moving across the continents. I shared with him about the obunga slums and he's more than willing to lend a hand the same way he's been doing to Nyalenda slums - his roots. currently he has been residing in Netherlands, but he's moving (tomorrow) to his home in Sweden with his family for the summer holidays. Then he shall be coming over to Kenya for a 3 week community work. GREAT!!! Just great!!
and he's also willing to contribute to any kind of fish wedding. so people, get in touch and FAST!! Good day

Another wedding in the offing?

2008-07-02T07:56:00.004+03:00

my dear friends, Have you heard of the great news? That the said Lecturer who lives in a slum - our pride, our very own fish member, our family, our hero - is soon solemnizing his marriage in the church - a holy matrimony!!!!! Did you hear this? If you didn't, then get it from me, there will be a wedding. More detail / information later but sooner. We shall keep you updated!!
Right now, even as we speak, Bon Oriaro, the fish member, the University Lecturer, is flying outside the country on a 4 day mission for information exchange and how to transform the Obunga slums. Hope this mission turns out successfully. cross your fingers and pray

Be inspired

2008-06-19T16:58:00.000+03:00

I have been following two great stories of human triumph over difficulties. Two great stories of sons of Lwala from Kenya and another of Kamkwamba from Malawi . Its just amazing what we humans are capable of!

America here we come............................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-04T08:44:00.004+03:00

Today at about 3am, I woke up to a shrilling noise.........only to realize, it was from my phone. On Checking, I realize it was one of my sons, Sylvery Sseboh calling to tell me: "Baba pod inindo to Obama oyombo Mama cha.!!" so I became all awake and as I listened it became more and more interesting..............guys, This african blood has made it!! OK, America, here we come....................................................................... read below.........

Cheered by a roaring crowd, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois laid claim to the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday night, taking a historic step toward his once-improbable goal of becoming the nation's first black president. Hillary Rodham Clinton maneuvered for the vice presidential spot on his fall ticket without conceding her own defeat.
"America, this is our moment," the 46-year-old senator and one-time community organizer said in his first appearance as the Democratic nominee-in-waiting. "This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past."
Clinton praised Obama warmly in an appearance before supporters in New York, although she neither acknowledged his victory in their grueling marathon nor offered a concession of any sort.
Instead, she said she was committed to a unified party, and said she would spend the next few days determining "how to move forward with the best interests of our country and our party guiding my way."
Obama's victory set up a five-month campaign with Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, a race between a first-term Senate opponent of the Iraq War and a 71-year-old Vietnam prisoner of war and staunch supporter of the current U.S. military mission.
And both men seemed eager to begin.
McCain spoke first, in New Orleans, and he accused his younger rival of voting "to deny funds to the soldiers who have done a brilliant and brave job" in Iraq." Americans, he added, should be concerned about the judgment of a presidential candidate who has not traveled to Iraq yet "says he's ready to talk, in person and without conditions, with tyrants from Havana to Pyongyang."
McCain agreed with Obama that the presidential race would focus on change. "But the choice is between the right change and the wrong change, between going forward and going backward," he said.
Obama responded quickly, pausing in his own speech long enough to praise Clinton for "her strength, her courage and her commitment to the causes that brought us here tonight."
As for his general election rival, he said, "It's not change when John McCain decided to stand with George Bush 95 percent of the time, as he did in the Senate last year. It's not change when he offers four more years of Bush economic policies that have failed to create well-paying jobs. ... And it's not change when he promises to continue a policy in Iraq that asks everything of our brave young men and women in uniform and nothing of Iraqi politicians."
In a symbolic move, Obama spoke in the same hall where McCain will accept the Republican nomination at his party's convention in September. Campaign officials, citing the local fire marshal, put the crowd at 17,000 inside the eXcel Energy Center, plus another 15,000 outside.

The Fish Profile

2008-06-04T08:38:00.003+03:00

Steve Owiti ja buoye has compiled a very good and summarized profile of the Fish group including the aims, duties , activities and prayer.

Steve this is priceless, it has given me great memories. The cooking stones and all. I have put that profile on the side-bar of the blog so that anyone can read it at any time.

BIRTHDAY

2008-05-28T18:58:00.002+03:00

Kindly join me in celebrating my 35th birthday with lots of prayers, today is the day.

now you heard it

2008-05-28T07:42:00.002+03:00

You heard it yourselves and probably also saw it on TV, the leading mobile service provider Safaricom, broke its own profit record to post 19.945 billion in earnings before tax. this is the highest in the region and this was in the face of all those challenges in the beginning of the year. With revenues crossing 61 billion Kshs, Safaricom is arguably the only billion dollar company according to the CEO MJ.

Now think about it, this is the same company someone wanted you to boycott! hey we need to be a bit smarter. I am happy for those who made a good decision and partook of this huge pie. from the momentum the only way is up.

John Oduor Onyang'

2008-05-25T15:56:00.000+03:00

Dear Bros and Sis,
I was reading some article where one of you Mentioned John Oduor and I have remembered that I was informed that John Oduor is in the hospital. He was Hospitalized on Friday at AGA Kgan Kisumu said to be suffering from Leukemia. Dear Brother and Sisters This is a very rear Kind of desease lets all Pray fro John and His family. for those in Kisumu Kindly visit him and pray with him.

Martin Opondo

2008-05-25T14:57:00.000+03:00

People are unreasonable, illogical and self centered-

Love them any way!

If you do well, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives—

Do good any way!

If you are successful you will win false friends and true enemies-

Succeed anyway!

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow-

Do good anyway!

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable-

Be honest and frank anyway!

The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the

Smallest people with the smallest minds- think big anyway!

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs

Fight for some Underdog anyway!

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight-

Build anyway!

Give the world the best you’ve got and you’ll get kicked in the teeth-give the world the best you’ve got anyway!

Let them, it........ GO!

2008-05-25T14:15:00.000+03:00

Brenda Sent me tis and Iam touched by it. Please just read.

Martin

This is beautiful. Read it to the end...the message is awesome!!!

Let it go for 2008..

By T. D. Jakes

There are people who can walk away from you.

And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk.
I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.

The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for
us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]

People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you can't make them stay.

Let them go.

And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got
to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead.
You've got to know when it's dead.

You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay.

Let them go!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life,

then you need to......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ......

LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and
see your worth.....

LET IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you .

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents

LET IT GO!!!

If you! u have a bad attitude.......

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......

LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him........

LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship.......

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves......

LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed ..........

LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying 'take your hands off of it,' then you need to......

LET IT GO!!!

Let the past be the past. Forget the former things. GOD is doing a new thing for 2008!!!

LET IT GO!!!

Get Right or Get Left .. think about it, and then .

LET IT GO!!!

'The Battle is the Lord's!'

During the next 60 seconds, Stop whatever you are doing, and take this opportunity.

(Literally it is only ONE minute!)

All you have to do is the following:

You simply say 'The Lords Prayer' for the person that sent you this message:

The Lords Prayer

Our Father, who are in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever.

Amen.

Next, send this message to everyone you know. In a while, more people will have prayed for you and you would have obtained a lot of people praying for others!

Next, stop and think and appreciate God's power in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to Him.

If you are not ashamed to do this, follow the instructions!

Jesus said, If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before My Father'

If you are not ashamed, send this message... only if you believe.

'Yes, I love my God. He is my fountain of Life and My Savior.

He Keeps me going day and night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do everything,

Christ is my strength.' This is a simple test.

If you love God and you are not ashamed of all the great things that He has done for you, send this to everyone you know, and the person that sent it to you!

God loves you and watches over you everyday.

Misrule and tyranny to blame

2008-05-24T20:42:00.000+03:00

Shalom Brothers/Sisters,
It is quite absurd to see the direction our continent is taking. We cannot stop pointing fingers coz some people are really to blame. We must stop the African leaders from looting and mismanaging our economies. These actions we see today are clear manifestations of a frustrated lot of Africans who would wish to vent their anger somewhere but cannot reach the right people. Our brothers in South Africa must be told that the people they are killing are innocent Africans who did not in any way deny them their survival life lines.
These out bursts just like the kenyan situation, if not handled with care would not achieve much but indeed just legitimise the wayward actions of the political elites. My take on this wave of South African violence against other Africans is, let it be treated as a wake up call for the whole continent to unite against bad laedership, build an economic block that would rival the U.S.A,the eastern block and even allow people to start building their own countries so the opportunities would be everywhere. I quite agree that HOME IS BEST but also the plight of the native southerners MUST be given a hearing. Let the Emminent African leaders take charge so that we take our rightful position in global setup. Best of luck to Barrack Obama as struggles with the intricates of racism!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

HOME IS EVER BEST

2008-05-24T20:05:00.000+03:00

Dear Gordon,

Its a shame to us Africans, where shall we go?

Just a minute, yes I do agree with you, racism is bad in spain. Which part of spain are you? I was once there and I experienced part of it. There is a hotel in this city i have forgoten the name, the city of swords the one you cross the rock bridge as you enter..Toledo...the owner of the hotel refused me to use the hotel toilet because I was black. Then in a supermarket in Madrid a child was crying to his dad having seen a negro that is me at the supermarket. In Avila they thought since I am kenyan I should be tall black with a tail and running in the olympics. In Madrid in one of the restaurants one guy walked out when I ordered for a choritho, the equivalent of mutura in Kenya simply because I was black.

At the barajas airport I was delayed for one hour more than the rest for my bag to be searched since I was african. Africans we have a lot to prove to the world, in running business, in academia, as missionaries, as authors, in engineering others do not have to prove anything but africans have. With all these in our hands Africans must love each other and move forward to prove to the world that we were created in God's own image just like others.

Thank you,
Emmanuel Okwach

Yes Emmanuel,
Sorry for this experience. Many negros (blacks) suffer it everyday... Once Eto'o, the Senegal player at Barcelona Football club was asked in a TV interview how he feels to be black and famous among the whites and he said, what is sad for him is that people like him for what he is doing and not for what he is, a human being... He said many people stop him just for a signature wherever he goes and when he enter a shop he is treated with respect and dignity, a thing that can't be done to any other black man, perhaps they would block him or her from entering such enterprises thinking he/she might loot or something of the sort (while spaniards themselves do the looting...).

Your experience is not unique. I always like going without any distinction as a priest. This is normally to make myself be treated as a person and not because I am a priest or so. Once I was studying in Colombia and one of the professors said, a black priest, a black taxi driver is not the same as any black... That was so true. It was terrible to see people not ready to sit next to you in a bus simply because you are black... A thing they don't do with blacks of "class". I hate this!

It has happened to me several times the same things you have said. Many think all kenyans are Maasai-Samburu type and we must be in Akala and the coloured shukas etc. That all Kenyans must be great athletes, thin and tall. Anyway, it is lack of knowledge in their education system which ignores Africa totally. By the way, Africa is conceived as a country thus one (an African) should know it like his own palm. The desert in Africa is famous....

I have these cases to share perhaps to show you that what you lived is a common daily life challenges here. Once I went to Madrid from Alicante beach where I live with a high speed train. When we reached Atocha Station (where there was the Alcaida blast attack to Spain that killed many), we were getting out hundreds and thousands of people. Three policemen just gathered courage to approach me and tell me "Senyor, permitenos un minuto... ie Sir, allow us one minute...". I felt bad. How could these people stop me in the middle of so many people rushing out of the train to search my bag??? I refused and I said, sorry sir, do I wear a face of a terrorist or something of the kind? I'm in a hurry and I have no time. They told me the law forces them to search whoever. I insisted they can't seach me unless it is a common routine and there must be others undergoing the same routine and not only I unless I'm having a face of a criminal they were suspecting. So they stopped another guy (white) and they searched us. They asked my documents and I produced not the ID but rather the Religious Document showing I'm a priest. Oops, they really apologised for searching a priest, put my bag in order and escorted me out begging me to forgive them... That was a case not to be forgotten.

In the same Madrid, around puerta del Sol, the Centre of Madrid, we had gone with another Kenyan Consolata collegue for an evening walk after a meeting we had in Madrid. We decided to go into a bar and have some bite. We met with a rude shock, no senyore, solo socios... that is: Not sirs, members only. It is a private club. We then decided to go away knowing what it was all about: Blacks not allowed in.... Fortunately or unfortunately, we met a Spanish friend who told us, hey guys let's go to such and such place to have some jamon (pork) and a drink. We looked at each other and told him, that bar is only for members and we are not. He insisted that it was not. And took us back there. When we went, he entered first and the waiter tried to stop us (the two blacks). He came back and said, they are with me. We were allowed in... Gosh, what is it to be black. We could not stay there. We told the man that we move to another place where we can be treated equally but not give even a single cent to racists.... We moved.

In Valencia, the capital of our Community (call it province - Kenyan system), two times I have clashed with police. Once they were chasing the black street sellers and I was just passing by. Seeing I was not running away, one came to me and said, what are you carrying in that hand bag? CDs? DVDs? or Drugs? I got mad.... "Do you think Valencia is heaven? Do you think any black carrying a handbag is an illegal seller/hawker? or what a hell is this?". The other police detected I was not the ordinary type of inmigrants and told the other, let's go... They never cheked my bag... But that was not all. I went to see the Cathedral of Valencia where they have the Chalice believed to be the same Chalice our Lord used in the Last Supper. Then I was touring the old town when a patrol police car cameby and asked, hola negrito, que vendes ie, hey blacky, what are you selling? I could not swallow it. I vomitted everything to them. So one came out and told me, catch the wall, police search. I refused. Then he became violent and told me, your documents? I produced the priestly ID and he shouted with shock to his comrade "es cura - he is a priest" the other said "Que - What?". He is a priest... Vamonos - Let's go...

So you can see how things are. I'm sure if I would be going with my roman collar on or cassock, the treat would be different and people would be leaving the seats in buses for me to sit. I refuse such kind of treats simply because of what I do (a priest) and not because of what I am, a human being.

Peace to Africa.

Fr. Gordon, IMC.

FOREIGNERS OUT - FUERA INMIGRANTES...

2008-05-24T16:23:00.001+03:00

Dear Friends,

Just the other day Kenyans were busy killing one another because of elections, then followed the Zimbabweans, now South Africans are chasing away fellow africans who hosted them when they were fighting apatheid. The kenyans who were forced to contribute a portion of their salaries during Moi era to support our brothers in the south are now being targeted by the south africans. Where are we heading my friends? Does it mean the sudanesse, the congolese, ugandans, ethiopians and somalis whom we are currently hosting shall turn against us soon?
Already the citizens of the New Sudan whose capital is Juba are grumbling, many of them say its the cowards and foreigners who are enjoying their independence. What should be done to avoid a confrontation similar to the one in south africa?

Your Brother,
Emmanuel Okwach

Hi Emanuel,
Thanks for this. The truth is that I have suffered this in my own skin... The fact is that I have been criticising radically the way the African immigrants were being treated here in Spain. Now I have an a shaming reality, Africans chasing away fellow africans in a terribly violent way. Many come to me to tell me; Father, did you see the news last time??? Just to tell me in other words, what do you say about AFRICANS agains AFRICANS? Or rather, can you see it is not only us but also you people... It is a shame and I have no words. I'm still working my head out.... Peace to Mama Africa.
Fr. Gordon Okoth,
Consolata Missionaries - Spain.

IT IS REVIVAL TIME!!!!!!!!

2008-05-23T19:34:00.000+03:00

It is quite interesting reading all the contributions and exchanges that goes on in the emails.
One thing that is so apparent is the fact that "ONCE A FISH MEMBER ALWAYS A FISH MEMBER"When I go through those mails,I get so nostalgic and relive the good old times when many Fish members would visit the city for the first time and take only milk and mala.I miss too the hot meetings of akina Veve,Joshua Ogango,Ignatius of Nyalenda and John Oduor with his 'famous' quote of We are not cows to eat grass.
Our young members are missing out on this kind of interaction and nolonger enjoy being Fish members.It is time to give back and revive that spirit of youthfullness.Where is the Sadamic fever dance,the chini kwa chini jigs,the sibuor stories,sports days,cultural days,FLTPs,vocations days,etc
My own judgement is that we stopped producing/formating youth leaders to organise these events.My main appeal to everyone is that we can become the guardians now and sponsor those numerous trainings and events, YES!! WE CAN!
As we plan to get together to celebrate our history,let us also take the challenge to share the future with our young ones who might miss out completely.GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!

Is another Fish Group existing without our knowlege ladies and gentlemen

2008-05-22T19:09:00.000+03:00

changes changes

2008-05-21T15:03:00.000+03:00

As you will notice, our blog has acquired a brand new look. this is to take care of the growing readership and many other items we would like to post like our vision , mission etc. By the way, can you remember the fish aims, objectives and the like? i want to include them in the blog. Please update.

and Steve Owiti wrote wondering why i had gone silent. truth is, am not silent only that i seldom reply to the group emails since i put all my thoughts in the blog. i love it, its fun. i invite more people to blog their thoughts as well. we are still waiting for the blog on FLTP to be done by Lwanga and Martin Opondo.

I hope it comes soon

interesting stats

2008-05-19T16:25:00.000+03:00

So far our blog has received 1700 hits since its 'launch' late April. Kenya still leads in the hits but USA is following very closely.

of the posts that have been made so far the preference is as follows:

1. A post on the university Lecturer who lives in a slum - posted by Fr. Gordon
2. a Post on Leo Akwany - by odegle
3. a post Hey Wonderful people - posted by Lwanga

As you can see , Leo Akwany seems to be a very popular Fish member. hits on that link shot up immediately and is rising. On may 8 we got the highest number of hits at 201. May 4 we got only 4 hits. i wonder why. Nigeria is now number 3 and Netherlands has overtaken Italy on the hits.

on another note visit odegle's blog and read this post

Fish strategy and presentation

2008-05-13T14:53:00.000+03:00

Martin has sent me this presentation. I will place it here and also provide a link in the interesting links place for your reference any time you feel like:

Leo Akwany

2008-05-13T11:05:00.000+03:00

I got hold of Leonard Akwany. Formerly of Nyalenda 1 group. He was also son of Gaurdian like our own Vincent 'San gadi' Leo is currently finishing his masters in the UK . am not sure if its masters or PhD. He sounded very excited at our Blog. Leo Karibu sana tena sana! his email is ecofinder@yahoo.com. i have also invited him to be an author in the blog. Other open invitations are 52. only 11 people have accepted the invites and out of those 11 , 3 have posted at least one article!

CDF and Obunga-Kisumu

2008-05-12T10:46:00.000+03:00

This is a responce to Boniface Oriaro's e-mail telling me how he has tried in vein to receive help from the CDF. It is just unfortunate. Wish people could be sensitive to true situations where help should go and promote the work of God given guys like Boniface... Read:
---------------------------
Dear fr Gordon thank you very much for reply about the work am doing in the community but let me assure you that the cdf has not helped us since 2003 to date so am very sorry to tell you that i have really filled forms for the cdf but no response has been made. all that i have done is through well wishers from asian community some i go for their help and friends. my friends all you have seen sometimes come from my pocket. that is why if there are friends who are willing to help, the door is open for him or her. God bless u asante fr.
Bonface, kisumu kenya.
----------------------------
Dear Boniface,
Don't worry. Don't be afraid. Continue insisting because that cdf money is for the poor needy children of God. And I repeat, continue insisting without getting tired. The Lord will see you succeed. We are with you.

Listen to this true story:

Once Mother Teresa of Calcuta went to a very rich man to beg for the needy poor people and it is said that when Mother Teresa extended her hand to beg, that man spat on her hand and Mother Teresa simply with a smile on her face closed her hand, put it into her pocket, wiped it there and extended it again saying: THANK YOU SIR, THAT WAS MINE. NOW GIVE ME SOMETHING FOR MY CHILDREN.... and the man was perplexed, donated what he could and is said to have become one of the best benefactors of the work of Mother Teresa and even one of her great friends...

This is great, this is extraordinary, this is a Saint; Mother Teresa. That's what you are called to be. Work tirelessly knowing that it is not for you but for these people God has put on your way. It is your vocation, it is your call. Do not fear. All will be ok. Do what you can and leave the rest to Him.

We are united and just know you are not alone.
Blessings.
Fr. Gordon - Consolata Missionaries.

Happy Pentecost!

2008-05-11T17:33:00.000+03:00

These 50 days after the 'dum' I wish you all the great blessings of the LORD and the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. May He fill the earth , bring it to birth and blow where He wills. Just like we sung for those many years.

In other news , our blog is being actively accessed in these following countries. Kenya of course has the most hits followed by USA and Nigeria! I will try and see if i can get more details. Happy blogging.

Kenya
United States
Nigeria
Spain
United Kingdom
Colombia
Egypt
Lithuania
Netherlands
Indonesia
Tanzania
Philippines
Norway
Switzerland
Malaysia
Austria
Romania
Turkey

A Response to Fr. Hans Burgman MHM, Phd

2008-05-09T11:13:00.000+03:00

I was reading Fr. Hans Burgman's article here in response to an earlier article on the violence in Kenya early this year penned by another Mill Hill missionary called Dr. Mark Faulkner. i found it quite interesting in the beginning. Fr. Hans MHM, PhD is very well known to many fish members having been a key financier of the health program which collapsed the other year. but another thing I knew him about him was his peculiar choices when it came to appointing leaders and managers in his projects. in fact he quotes one of them whom he calls his old friend , Mr. Paul Olaka.

Fr. Hans has been in Kisumu or around Kisumu for over 50 years and so one supposes that he understands the plight and struggles of the people of the region fairly well. He has heard our confessions, married our couples, buried our dead, baptized our children and so on.

Its therefore with utter shock and disappointment that i read his comments on the violence which i quote verbatim here below:

"... the church can be a good nation builder. Our parish of St. Joseph is an example. Every Sunday morning we have three Masses: the first in dholuo, the second in English, the third in Kiswahili. All of them are full, in all of them the Luo, the Luya, the Teso, the Kisii, the Nandi, the Kikuyu and the Kamba mix, singing each others’ songs, and having their children dance together in the processions. Or, that is how it was. Now the “strangers” have been chased away with extreme violence. Not because of a pernicious colonial legacy, but because the strangers were better traders, or because they occupied “our” land..."

to say i find that statement unfortunate is to understate my utter disgust. Fr. Hans by my estimation has grossly trivialized the issues at hand. terming them simply as mere jealousy of a people inferior to others in trade. he ignores the glaring anomalies in the vote counting. the historical injustices of land occupation, the tribalism in places of work and even in the church itself. I feel bad that a man who has aged gracefully among the people has failed to grasp such simple and direct issues. in fact its disturbing that the priest feels that tribal cohesion can be brought about by simply singing and dancing in church. he does not take into consideration what those choir members feel when they see their bright sons and daughters who fail to get employment due to their tribe. does Fr. Hans think we dont see it when people who were academic dwarfs pass us by ,get the jobs and the strategic courses just because of their tribe or does he think we are all so blind. But maybe Fr. Hans choice of friends can explain it. maybe he doesn't meet people who tell him the truth or who challenge his ideas. I have missed severally opportunities just because my name suggested i was Luo. some of the people who denied me these chances were my colleagues in that same church that Fr. Hans mentions, i was with them in the church prayer groups, reflections and so on. i also sung and danced with them.

I feel bad about this statement in the MHM website and I wish I could comment on it so that Hans gets to know what i feel about it.

I strongly feel that we all need to live and let live in Kenya but we wont be able to do it if some people feel that they are hard-wired to succeed while others are genetically inferior.

FR. ANTHONY CHANTRY, MHM - Our Founder

2008-05-08T11:53:00.000+03:00

You are the people of God. God loved you and chose you. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. And to all these qualities add love which binds all things together in perfect unity. The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make, for it is to this peace that God has called you together in one body. Always be thankful. (Col. 3: 12, 14-15).

Fr. Anthony Chantry, a Mill Hill Missionary (Presntly the Father General Superior of all the Mill Hill Missionaries in the world), was the man inspired and sent by God to start the Fish Youth Group in Kisumu together with Sr. Mary Hellen of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Their presence amidst us gave us a big push to leap into life without fear. They continue to inspire us though not present physically since as missionaries, they had planted the "tree" and this tree (Fish Group) must grow taken care of by others while they go to plant other "trees" in other parts. We dedicate these few lines and this space to them...

By Fr. Gordon Okoth, Consolata Missionaries.

Fish Re-Union

2008-05-08T11:19:00.000+03:00

A lot has been said (and a lot of water has passed under River Ndhoya bridge he he) about the grand party, grand expense, grand get together or whatever fancy or unfancy name you may want to call it. the suggestions have been varied and I in particular together with Mike Ochieng have been challenged by Charles Lwanga to comment. My friend Mike has commented and here is what i think:

firstly, fish members lets not feel guilty or cause anyone else to feel guilty for any suggestion at all. secondly i feel the get together is a great idea. as you can see from the emails and the blog, fish members are very diverse. we have people in almost every sphere of human life. we have priests (and somehow this is what excites me most) nuns, IT guys, social workers, pick your poison! its so rich. We need to celebrate that diversity . by the way do we have any doctors? i know Eliza margi Edith is a nurse.

further i feel that the suggestion by Silvery is super. we already have a budget, lets sponsor the party according to our ability. I propose Lwanga and Mike to be custodians of the money. (though be warned that one is the god-father of the other!)
Since we will have the party in Kisumu, the guys in kisumu should advice on the best location for this. Midha will perform live so no need for Tony Nyadundo!

I have added 3 more people in the fish album. by the way if you have forgotten the names of the people then you can go to this link and watch the slide show which also has names of the guys . The Fish Album

All in All those cords... those cords bwana ...

May they keep on binding us together!

Am Inspired by "RECH"

2008-05-06T20:49:00.000+03:00

Jowadwa reading the East African Standard on line today (eastandard.net) I felt really inspired by another fish member who was supported by Fr. Tony and is currently teaching in Nairobi University Kisumu Campus. Reading "University Lecturer who Lives in the Slum"has made me very proud of our humble begginings and we should not forget where we came from. I have fond memories of the days I used to do Home Visits in Kisumu starting from Obunga, Nyawita, Manyatta Flamingo and Gonda, Nyalenda Kachok, Bungu, Kite, Bala, Pandipieri, Nanga, and Dunga I do not call them Slums they are homes to us. Right now there are fish group members scattered all over the World and I believe we all belive home is best am proud to identify myself with Kisumu and the so called "slums". We should not forget home, in the case of Borniface Otieno Oriaro he says that Obunga is his home and obunga people are his people being a University lecturer does not mean that he abondons where he was brought up. I know most of us remain in our homes and are not afraid to identify with our so called slums.

About the get together am happy that you guys are thinking of these kind of Activities. I can see one of the young Okals has pledged some funds and I'll proud to help in anyway I can I will not make any pledges yet but be assured that I will chip in. Am also honoured to see my descendants or rather my Trainees in the Community Health making changes in the society wherever they are, I will not mention names but you guys know yourselfs. Am proud of you My former Fish Youth Community Health Workers. I pioneered the Fish Youth Community Health workers and was the first Fish Youth Co-ordinator. Nyasaye mondo Ogwedhu duto am proud to be Fish.

James Okal

University lecturer who lives in a slum (Obunga - Kisumu)

2008-05-06T11:03:00.000+03:00

Dear brothers and sisters. This article in the Standard today (By Jane Akinyi) struck my attention. Guys like this (Boniface Otieno Oriaro) are rare to get. In fact they are the species in the process of extinction as some would put it. His simplicity is exemplary. Above all, his desire to transform the society where he was brought up without leaving them. Moreover, his face is just so familiar that I wonder whether he was a fish member of Obunga or not? Does anyone know him? He quotes Fr. Tony Chantry as his mentor. His example is worth emulating... Read here for your information: http://eastandard.net/news/?id=1143986094&cid=4
Fr. Gordon, imc.

" POD ANGIMA" - I'M STILL ALIVE

2008-05-02T12:15:00.000+03:00

EROKAMANO AHINYA to Rev Tonny & Sr. Omiele for coming up with fish group. alot of thanks alot goes to the founder fish team members for giving much support to Tonny and Omiele mondo rech odhi nyime, again to the present Parish priests ma support fish movement, present team members and jorech kamoro amora magintiere.

Dear brothers and sisters, we've come along way cannot just sit back and watch fish getting out of the water. allow me to say that I'm happy to be who I am because of the fish. {FISH EMA OLOKA MABEDO DHANO. HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE FISH DIKORO OBAYO JII GI KITE EKOR NDARA}

The idea of grand party / get together is is very good but how part of it might be challenging. I've been following the proposals from different pple and I think everybody is for the success of the fish.

I respect what has been said by people. When it comes to the get together party I feel that we should talk about minimal contribution to allow " those with" and "those wothout" .

In the movement some people {few individuals} have categorically selected the people whom they can relete well to and it is happening. These " few individuals" can earsily identify "those with" and "those without". It is a negative attitude which has also contributed to the dropping of fish activities at the centre level, groups and spreading some parishes around. Alphoce wuod Omollo in kanye? Akun ka Goro, Denice Okiya, wuod Obwar, Lwanga father, Okal's family, Jerusa Deya, Orido, Rich, Nick T.M + JORECH madongo kod matindo {MBUTNI GI OMENDNI un KURE to fish wang????????????

I'm very much AWARE ni unyalo loso kod chunyu dutotee ka uyudo thuolo kendo ka uhero timo mano, please wachunguru malo and bring the fish back.

Lets not come to pointing fingers, accusation and counter-accusations will lead us nowhere.

JOSEPH ALAKA (GUMBE).

Hey wonderful people

2008-04-29T09:53:00.000+03:00

How are you all............I made all the efforts and now able to communicate with you - through the support of one dangerous character by the name Jere....thanks Jere. I followed your instructions and got further instructions from the comp / internet and voila............here I am!! doesn't it feel great?? it does and i invite all of you wonderful people to subscribe / communicate in this forum.our ultimate plan is to come up with a website and this is a great start. we are still compiling the report of the FLTP phase 1 that ended on sunday - AND it was full of many blessings!! I shall get to you

Greetings to you all the fish Group Members

2008-04-28T21:12:00.000+03:00

Let me take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to you all. Am so much honoured to be part of this great group with these great people. I was enrolled a fish member and leader on 10/08/85. Maurice Okumu and I started Magadi boys fish group on the 11/08/85. In my opinion as someone who grew up in Kisumu Fish group is one of the best things ever to happen to the Kisumu youth. The fish group has been important in my family and personal life. When I joined nurse training in 1990 the fish and the Pandipieri Community Health workers gave me a wonderful send off. When my brother Josiah was ordained the Fish played a very important part in 1997. During my wedding on 16/12/2000 the Fish group did all the organisations and arrangements that made it all possible. When we lost our mum in 2002 the fish were there and gave her a very good send off, even during mum's illness several fish member supported us as a family in various ways. Recently when we lost our elder brother the fish were there and helped in various ways and gave him a very good send off given that he was a fish member as well. Am truly grateful for the group and cannot express my gratitude enough.

Thanks for this site as it will help us all keep in touch with each other and know how everyone is doing. I hope we will all contribute to the site and keep it alive. For those who do not know me I currently reside and work in the United Kingdom, two of my younger brothers are still current members of the Fish Group.

Vocations from the Fish Group

2008-04-28T21:04:00.000+03:00

As we continue to go SIGALA GALA, SIGWEYA and PAKRUOK for the birth of the son of "wuod Guardian", Vincent Omondi, we thank the Lord for the life of each one of us and for the christian growth we have achieved as fish members which make us be different wherever we may be.

We pray for our beloved brothers and sister who shared life with us as fish members: the married, the religious (Sisters, brothers and priests). In a special way, we pray for the last fish member (the one I know) who joined the novitiate in Mozambique (Consolata Missionaries). I mean, Joseph Omollo of Manyatta. We pray for young men and women who are descerning their vocations (married or consacrated) that the Lord may give them the wisdom to respond to this call. We hope more young people will follow us to serve the people of God as men and women consacreted to love and serve. Pray for us...

It will not be good to forget to pray also for our leaders (Church, government and Fish) that with wisdom they may know how to guide the people of God.

I conclude this note by inviting more Fish members to participate in the forums and keep us all informed of their whereabouts.

Blessings to all.

Fr. Gordon,
Consolata Missionaries - Spain.

great news………….

2008-04-28T14:43:00.000+03:00

Vincent Omondi Were has a big smile playing over his lips……..literally……. ladies and gentlemen. His wife has just landed him a bouncing baby boy!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations Wuod Guardian. Here is another fish member that will take after the footsteps of his father and perhaps the grandfather??!!!! Bravo!!! Hey guys join me in welcoming the new life into our midst. Sigalagala…….ululations………..

Posted by Charles Lwanga

UPDATE APRIL 2008: WORKING WITH STREET CHILDREN AT MKOMBOZI IN TANZANIA

2008-04-28T09:18:00.000+03:00

Introduction: The purpose of this brief document is to update you with information regarding my employment and work experience with street and vulnerable children and youth and their families in Northern Tanzania. Though I got appointment letter to work at Mkombozi in September 2007, I reported in mid January 2008 after a delay of two weeks due to post election violence in Kenya. The organization was started in 1997 Kate McAlpine, a British volunteer. Physical location of Mkombozi’s main activities and offices are in Arusha (street based) and Moshi (residential and street based work).

Mission: Mkombozi works with about 1,000 street and vulnerable children and youth, their families and communities in Northern Tanzania. It seeks to help them grow in mind, body and spirit as well as build a more caring society for all supported by the rule of law. It challenges the status quo and acts as a catalyst for civil society organizations in developing relevant and sustainable programs that ensures their participation while facilitating human processes that seek to improve lives of street and vulnerable children and youth in Tanzania.

Programming Summary: Children’s Program: Street work (mobile school, street banking tool kit, legal aid, health), education for street and vulnerable children and youth (non-formal, primary, secondary, vocational and university), family reintegration (home visits, follow ups), self-actualization (recreation, sports, leisure), self-reliance (group housing, small business skills training, employment linking, small loans and grants), temporary shelter (food, medical, clothing, accommodation), fostering, psychosocial support (counseling, mental health) and mentoring.
Community Engagement (local authority, ‘budget trucking’, schools, communities), Advocacy & Research (litigation, 50% campaign, street census, resilience research), ACTT (Affordable Computer Technology in Tanzania – refurbishment, maintenance & sale, creating IT centers in schools, computer training), Governance, Management and Administration (Board of Trustees, Senior Management Team, Human Resource and Finance).

Mkombozi’s Transition & my Role: The current Director/founder (Kate McAlpine) leaves the organization in December 19th to start up a consultancy (Roho) in Arusha. Since the beginning of 2008, new systems and structures have been put in place to accommodate this change. Initially, I was employed as Children’s Program Coordinator based in Moshi which later changed to cover both Arusha and Moshi. Meanwhile, my role has been adjusted to a new position of Programs Manager and a member of Senior Management Team (SMT) which is led by the Director who reports to the Board of Trustees. I supervise Children’s Program Coordinators (Senior Social Workers, Street Educators, Day Supervisor, Night Supervisor), Community Engagement Coordinator (Fostering, Safe School, Giving Home & Livelihood Officers), Quality Assurance Coordinator (M & E, Research & Child Protection Officers).
Other members of the SMT are the Finance Manager, Human Resource Manager, ACTT Manager and External Relations Manager. Mkombozi’s staff capacity is 70 people and includes 3 Kenyans, 1 Indian, 1 British, 1 Danish and 1 Canadian. In addition, there are 2 short term (6 months) & 2 longer term (1 year) volunteers from USA & Canada working in the organization.

Plans: I currently work for 3 days in Moshi and 2 days in Arusha (1½ hours drive apart). Immediate plan is to settle with family in Arusha. Future projection is to undertake Doctoral Research after finalizing my contract with Mkombozi depending on the availability of funds and acceptance by a relevant University.

Collaboration: The level of professional and practice commitment of Mkombozi is a primary motivation for me to work in the organization. It is also on this basis that I would like to invite and encourage your friendship and partnership in our work: professional, ideological, information & resource exchange or any other forms of collaboration that befits your current undertakings. Please be encouraged to visit our very extensive website at www.mkombozi.org as well as our offices in Arusha and Moshi in Tanzania.

posted by Jeremiah on behalf of Alphonse Omolo

National Healing

2008-04-25T09:36:00.000+03:00

finally The president and the Prime minister have embarked on a heal the nation tour. I know there are many thorny issues to iron out. but all in all i wish them every success and every wisdom. I hope they will find back that energy with which they criss crossed the nation seeking out voters. I hope they will be as energetic and enthusiastic and that they will give us a new reason to see each other as one people. All the best our dear Principals!

...prayers of my kids ...

...Lord help those mungiki who are angry so that they cannot be angry ...
...Lord help those children who are just outside
...and father bless those people who were crying so that they are quiet
... saint Mary ... pray for us
...saint John ... pray for us
...saint Dad ... Pray for us
...saint mum ... pray for us
...saint aunty ...pray for us

So you see am already a saint way before my death!

FLTP

2008-04-24T14:39:00.000+03:00

Last Week Lwanga mentioned that the FLTP would be starting this friday. With the new blog now in place, it will be interesting to get to know how that went. I hope Lwanga will update the blog with stories from the training and maybe a few photos.

Fr. Gordon helped me yesterday to get all the email addresses of all members in the mail string so all of you are able to log in and post articles on any topic.

Last Friday we were with Martin Opondo, Steve Owiti (he has ballooned!) and Silvery Otieno. it was really a great get together. Steve was in town to do some gumbaru. But Silvery and Opondo are these sides and we are always meeting. I also got hold of Argwrings Kodhek he wanted some insights into the safaricom IPO. We agreed on a conservative figure he could invest in. Argwings is still as deep and as wise as ever. His plays have gone a notch higher and now he has produced a short film on a VCD. Am happy to be associated with him.

Jeremiah

Those cords ...

2008-04-23T13:32:00.000+03:00

Lwanga Charles , the former Manyata 3 team leader and my mdosi at Kisumu Boys French club started it all. He co-ordinated, emailed, called and made us get in touch, but i strongly feel that those cords for which we prayed in that melodious song many years back are mostly to blame or praise. Those cords made us who we are. We laughed, we joked, quarreled, played and prayed together got married and got children. The Lord has been great to all of us.

I would like to invite you to send me your email addresses so that i can add you as authors of this blog. that will make everyone of us be able to post on this blog

...and may the spirit of God in the clear running water blow till we be!

Jeremiah Ochieng