Holiday Evangelistic Work in Kenya

Dear brethren,

Know all men that we at KSOP have resumed classes as of April 8th 2024, this being the first week of our second last quarter towards graduation of the sixth class students.

We have got very serious students- for they have all reported at the right time, including David Mibei who had lately lost his biological mother and had done the burial just a few days before the school resumed. GOD willing, all the current students will go all the way to graduation day- that is on August 24th, 2024.

It is with pleasure that I share with brethren the good work the students did in their home congregations during the March holiday: 

They had served 25 congregations, helping with evangelism, edifying the saved and doing restorations. They had joined hands in gospel meetings and seminars.

They had baptized 22 souls into Christ. 25 souls had been restored as a result of their work and 2 local congregations back to sound doctrine. 

In this quarter, we have 4 African instructors: Charles, David, Phabian and Elias.

Regular courses we teach are:

Greek III, Denominational doctrines, 1&2 Timothy and Titus, Minor Prophets I and II.

Short courses are: The Scheme of Redemption and the Book of Revelation.

We love the work going on at  KSOP and pray for its continuity. We appreciate, pray for, and encourage those who are supporting this work, reminding them that it will not be in vain 1 Cor. 15:58. As Dr. Rowand used to say, and I quote, " Only eternity will reveal the quality of the work done at KSOP".. for the betterment of the church in Africa.

May the Lord bless abundantly all you who endeavor to see yo it that the work at KSOP remains intact.

HIS servant and yours,  

Elias Omollo.

Bear Valley President and Coordinator visit Kisumu

Dear brethren,

I hope this email finds everyone generally well in the Lord. We at KSOP have on this Friday 1st  of March 2024, closed the school for break. Our Bible students have left already and we pray for their journey mercies. We will begin classes again from April 8th, 2024.

This quarter had began very well with two instructors from Bear Valley Bible Institute: Dr. Denny Petrillo and Dr. Michael Reese. These two,  in the first two weeks, taught two courses in the undergraduate class and one graduate class as well. We appreciate their capability and willingness to occasionally grace this instituition with their Bible knowledge.

The local instructors we appreciate as well , Charles and Phabian, who have taught Greek II, Bible Geography and World Religions. May the Almighty God cause His face to shine on them all into eternity.

This time,  even though the school was not able send the students to help local congregations, some went to visit sister congregations and baptized 4 souls into Christ.

I have attached some pictures of the students and their teachers outside the hall, of the 4 baptisms, of students taking with themselves boxes of tracts meant for evangelism and of us all sitted together at a Chapel time, with our graduate class students and American instructors present.

May the good  Lord bless  abundantly  your efforts which you have towards the Kenya school of Preaching and elsewhere for his name's sake.

Thanks so much and be blessed forevermore, 

In His service,  

Elias Omollo.

Kenyan students spread the gospel of Christ

Dear brethren,

This marks the end of first quarter of second year of our 6th intake students at Kenya School of Preaching-Kisumu, in this year 2023. Yesterday we closed the school for December break. The students will be in their home local congregations till January 8th, 2024, when we will continue with the classes God willing. We pray for the student's safety during the entire holiday. 

We began this quarter with Mark Reynolds from Bear Valley Bible Institute, who taught World Missions (short course) from October 2nd - 6th 2023. Mark had enjoyed being with the 19 whom he described as very good and serious Bible students when he left for America. The students enjoyed being with him too. This is the students' and teachers' prayer here, "That the Lord grant to Reynolds, opportunity in every intake, to come teach at Kenya School of Preaching"! Another short course taught this quarter had been the book of James by teacher Phabian Paul who took the entire last week. May the Lord continue to bless the short course teachers so much, we appreciate their time and Bible knowledge.

Regular instructors we have had this time are Charles and Nixon who had taught the students three courses: Greek I, Intertestamental Period and Church History. Other courses had been Romans &Galatians and Wisdom Literature.

Apart from weekly services/helps the students offer at Tieng're congregation, they had as well been invited to attend two gospel meetings at Kakamega and Langi congregations. First, we sent 4 of them to Kakamega gospel meeting as per the request. Second, on November 10th-12th, 2023 all the students went to Langi gospel meeting and spent two days there from that Friday morning till Sunday evening. They were divided into teams and in two days, evangelized the community. They had a chance, in the seminar, to listen to and learn how other mature and experienced preachers from different congregations, answered difficult questions. Four of the students had opportunity and participated in the seminar as well - they gave lessons, helped with language translation and co-ordination. All the work which they had done this quarter had resulted in 9 baptisms and restoration of one whole family of wife husband/children who had skipped assembling with the Langi congregation for 5 years. It was a great pleasure with the students at the meetings!

Below are photo samples of baptisms, students standing with the baptized, students' two trips to gospel meeting by church Van, the gathering under the tents at the meeting place, students with Mark Reynolds and students with local instructors.

Thanks to each and every one who takes his/her time and effort, in one way or another, to support the great spiritual work going on at this preaching school. May the Lord richly bless you all and your loved ones, may the Lord bless K.S.O.P. and the church in Africa, may the Lord bless His work in the entire world!

Your brother and servant, 

Elias Omollo.

Kenya students do great work while on break

Dear brethren

This marks the beginning of first quarter of second year of the Kenya school of preaching sixth intake students. 

The number of students has decreased to 19 due to dismissal of one called Jared Odhiambo for having committed an infraction. So the report that we give now concerns the work done by the 19 who maintain their commitment to study the Bible.

Mark Reynolds from America, is the instructor who is now in class with the students, teaching Foundation of Missions as a short course. Other teachers in this quarter are Charles, Nixon and Elias. Other courses to be taught are: Greek 1, Wisdom Literature II, Romans and Galatians, church history, The book of James and the Intertestamental Period.

When we closed for September holiday, two students from bordering regions- (Richard from Eastern and Kadzitu from Coastal) had organized gospel campaigns and invited Francis from Mombasa to help them and as a result they baptized 4 and 6 respectively. Among the ones baptized by Richard were 2 denominational preachers and his own wife. Kadzitu on the other hand used the 6 he baptized to begin a new sound congregation since his former church which sent him to school has been liberal all the years and has refused to change her denominational worship.

Another two students from the western region of Kenya - Patrick and Jimmy, also conducted gospel campaigns in their area and baptized 7 souls into Christ and restored 2 back to Lukhuna congregation. Still others reached for lost people, edified and did restoration: Alex one baptisms, Jason three baptisms, Daniel one baptism, David 3 baptisms, Dominick one baptism and others. All the total number of baptisms conducted in the last holiday are 28 while those restored backsliders are 16. They did plant 2 new congregations.

We still hope and request that brethren will continue to pray and support the work at K.S.O.P which is for the Lord's glory. Thanks to each one of you and may the Lord Almighty bless you all.

Your brother and His servant,

Elias Omollo

Entire congregations restored in Kenya

Dear Brethren,

We have resumed classes from July 3rd to  August 25th, 2023. The teachers we have are 6 in number, three regular ones: (Charles, Nixon and Elias) and three American short course instructors (Rowand, Ray and Dr. Reese). These teach 7 courses: (1 Samuel -2 Chronicles, Church Planting, The Gospel of Luke, Ezra -Esther, Leadership, Marriage and the Gospel of John). Students are twenty in number.

This is  K.S.O.P current students  report for June holiday. We rejoice to inform the brethren of good news about 4 local congregations that have been restored by our current students during the holiday. In June 16-18 this year, six students namely Caleb, Nicholas, Dominic, Daniel, David and Emmanuel attended a gospel meeting in response to an invitation extended them by the host congregation in Kericho county. This meeting included 5 different churches that had turned unsound for many years more so because of lack of knowledgeable preachers and elders. The six were given a chance to teach and answer questions in the areas where these congregations had difficulties, which problems revolved around  worship and leadership: hand clapping, use of instruments of music in praising God (drums specifically), solos and choirs and women teaching or preaching in the churches. The students out of love, taught and answered the questions given them in a very clear and understandable style that most of those who were present were convinced and challenged. Preachers and elders from four out of the five congregations that attended the meeting responded positively, confessed to have led many astray. To the student's surprise, one elderly man from the host church brought out two drums which he himself had introduced and used in the church. On that Sunday of June 18th, all  hand clapping and drums were done away with and worship was done in spirit and in truth.

On July 6th, a group of eight older men, all the way from the 4 restored congregations in Kericho county, visited KSOP.  They said that they have heard for the first, about Kenya School of Preaching from these current students. They came to see if surely such a school exists and the  teachers. The delegates were grateful for the training that goes on here. They themselves declared to us how the six students had spoken graciously and convincingly to them in the meeting. They also requested that the school spare them a chance in next intake, for their 3 or 4 approved and recommended preachers from the restored churches. 

They were thankful to have met the very students as well. They wondered at what makes the difference between KSOP and other preaching schools in Kenya. Charles and I took a picture with the eight as is shown in a photo of ten above. 

Without doubt, if there is any community of people with many established congregations of the Lord in Kenya, it is the Kalenjin community (in the former Rift Valley Province). The problem is that there are some, not all, unsound churches. Our prayer and effort is for their restoration and these students have begun it even before they are through with their studies here. This encourages us greatly.

Other students in other communities also gave good reports from their work in 20 congregations where they served during the holiday.  They baptized 11 people into Christ and restored 9 individual backsliders to church fellowship. Below are sample of pictures  of baptisms by the students and that of the visiting brethren from the 4 restored congregations in Kericho county.

 May all be blessed!

Your brother, Elias Omollo.

Kenya students lead door knocking campaign

Dear brethren

Thanks again to God the Almighty to have given us opportunity to update you with student's report for this 3rd quarter of their first year- sixth intake at the Kenya School of Preaching Kisumu.

In order for the students to prove that they love and appreciate the training here, they have maintained their number 20- no one wants to lose his chance. The current students have been very instrumental to the Tieng're congregation that meets close to the school. We had a gospel meeting at this congregation in the first week of May, 2023 where the students were the team leaders in the groups of preachers who went to knock doors in the community around the church and helped baptize those who believed. On two occasions, a group of four students went on their own to visit a local congregation called Wang' Arot where they edified, evangelized and baptized new converts. On Saturdays they would help the Tieng're local church preacher Nixon to evangelize while on Sundays they would aid in church services. The total number of baptisms they had conducted are 12, both at Tieng're and other churches. 

The school has closed today June 2nd for June holidays till July 3rd, 2023 when we will again carry on with the classes. This time, teachers we have had are: Charles, David, John Paul and Elias. They are the ones who have taught 7 courses of this quarter. 

We ask for prayers on behalf of the students that they may reach home safely. Again we ask prayers for the work ahead of them in their home local congregations. We really appreciate the brethren and congregations that stand with us in supporting the work which goes on at this school. We pray for you just as you pray for us. We ask that our God will not forget your tireless efforts directed to K.S.O.P for his name's sake. 

Below are some baptism pictures that the students took and the other which we took together when we had visitors in the school.

Thanks very much and may the Lord bless you all.

Elias Omollo

Evangelism producing results in Kenya

Dear brethren

This is to let you know that we have closed for March holidays till we will resume classes in April. This marks the end of second quarter of first year of the sixth in take students.

We still maintain the 20 students as we selected. Almost all the students are very good and active in class work with exception of one.

This time, we have had one American short course teacher - Dr. Mike Reese and three African teachers - Charles, Paul and Elias.

The number of courses had been 7: Godhead, Christian Evidences, the Gospel according to Matthew, Introduction to Hermeneutics, Pentateuch II, Homiletics II (Expository Preaching) and Writing skills (English II).

The students had done a tremendous job both in their home local congregations and at Tieng're - the congregation near the school. During weekends, they would help evangelize the lost, teach in youth meetings conducted by local churches, edify the saved and participate in all church services. 

This has resulted in 33  baptisms and restoration of 17 individual backsliders.

One of these current students went back to his community and on his evangelistic efforts, found and helped a preacher of the gospel who had planted two congregations but had insisted that those churches be called churches of God in Christ. Richard showed him from Scriptures that there is no difference between the church of God in Christ and the church of Christ as long as the doctrine of Christ is followed. He even added him other biblical names by which the believers are called ( the temple, household of faith, the bride, Christians, vineyard of the Lord and on and on). Good news is that the man took Richard to these congregations to help them correct few of the things not in line with the doctrine of Christ and in that fashion, Richard helped to restore two whole congregations to worship according to the New Testament pattern. 

Below are photos of Kenya School of Preaching students and their teachers in uniform- including Mike Reese, and baptismal photos by students. We pray that they continue with the same zeal and love of the lost during this March holiday. Thanks to all people who work hard to see that these preachers be trained here at KSOP- God bless you!

In His service, 

Elias Omollo.

Students help to revive a congregation in Kenya

We have this day of May 20th, 2022 closed the school for a two week holiday till July 6th this year when we will resume classes for the third quarter of second year of fifth intake students at Kenya School of Preaching, Kisumu Kenya. We have fifteen students in this intake. Instructors have been four- three local Africans (Charles David Elias) and one American, Dr Michael Reese.

Apart from class work, the students have participated in evangelistic efforts conducted by two local congregations namely Tieng're and Ragengni. While at Tieng're, the local church near the school, the preacher assigned the students to be team leaders to direct members and guest preachers to villages around the school. This resulted in baptizing (8) souls in Christ. At Ragengni, the students also helped knock doors and two souls were restored.

Four students together with a local preacher Michael Boy, have also directed their evangelistic efforts toward an almost dead congregation by the name Ogwedhi Kambare in order to revive her. This they have done within the last four consecutive Sundays during which period they have managed to assemble with 6 and baptized two into Christ. Now that we have closed the school for a break, Ronald, who has been among the four, will continue to edify them till we open again. The number of baptisms are ten. Four backsliders have been restored.

I have attached some pictures of students in their school uniform, the local teachers with them and of some baptisms performed at Tieng're and Ogwedhi congregations.

Thanks for your continued prayers on behalf of K.S.O.P and more so for the students as they near their graduation day. Thanks again for your continued support towards the Lord's work here. Whatever you do only eternity will reveal. May the Lord bless all abundantly in spiritual and physical matters.

In his service, Elias Omollo

Classes resume in Kenya

We at KSOP have resumed classes for the fourth quarter as from 25th of October 2021. The number of students as at now is 16 including Kefa Guto who didn't get to finish the last intake but came back to take the courses he skipped and also replaces Gerald whom we dismissed due to misconduct.

This time round we have 4 local teachers who'll teach 7 courses in total. Joining Charles and Elias will be Nixon Ochieng and John Paul. Courses to be taught are: Old Testament Four (study of the historical books), I Samuel - II Chronicles, Church planting, I & II Peter and Jude, Life Of Christ Four (The Gospel According to Luke), Old Testament Five (Study of Historical Books, Ezra - Esther), World Religions, and Church History. During the holidays our current students served 15 local Congregations, went to 12 evangelical trips, attended 7 Gospel Meetings organized by local Churches, restored 11 individuals, helped plant one new local congregation and baptized 18 new converts.

This time we pray, that despite the Covid-19 effects in the whole world, that God will still open doors and bless us with funds to send the students to the local Congregations for the service of the Lord. More so, we pray that if possible, we may get funds to conduct at least one gospel meeting every quarter, where all students can be involved in evangelizing, and teach in the seminars. This will help them to put into practice what they have been learning in class hence promoting their spiritual growth. We give thanks to God almighty who has been our stronghold up to this far, and all the brethren who have contributed generously to this endeavor. God bless you all!

Your Brother, Elias Owana Omollo

More resources in Kenya

Brethren,

We thank God for His love and goodness to us at KSOP. It has been a very difficult time throughout the world but we are conquering the monster. We have not had any faculty member, students, their family members with Covid despite many cases and deaths. Despite the pandemic, we have been having classes with strict adherence to government rules and regulations on Covid 19.

We received another container full of Bible materials, New commentaries from Truth for the World, used Library books, tracts, ESVs from WBS and correspondence courses. The students were very useful in offloading the container and excited to receive more materials.

We have received many preachers coming for tracts and books for their congregations while others coming for their assigned boxes. We thank brother Richard Renfro and Mission Printing for the container and all who made it a success.

The second quarter, first year is over, our students are home for a two weeks break. During the quarter they studied Pentateuch II, Homiletics II, Hermeneutics I, Matthew, Marriage and Family, Godhead and the book of Job. We thank our foreign teachers, Dr. Michael Reese and Peter Ray for coming to teach two short courses and also working with different congregations.

Because of the restrictions, the students did not go out to evangelize while in school and that is likely to change by next quarter which begins on Aug 20.

KSOP water continues to serve the community during the long drought that we had. It was/is the source of water for all their domestic use.

God bless you brethren, God bless KSOP.

His servant and yours,

Charles Ogutu

A new class in Kenya

This is KSOP'S 5th in take student's report for quarter one year one, 2021. We had began this intake with 18 students- 16 of them are new ones while the other two have been back to finish up the courses they had missed under the 4th intake, for they were one quarter late when they initially joined KSOP. These two are Duop john Yat and David Okinyi Mwai. Duop has now completed all the courses. Mwai will come once again for first and second Thessalonians.

The African instructors who had taught in this quarter are CharlesOgutu, Nixon Ochieng and Elias Omollo.

Regular courses taught; Genesis, Acts of the Apostles, English Skills, Homiletics I and the Fourfold Gospel

Short courses had been; The one true church and Personal Evangelism

We have closed the school for two weeks as from 28th May and the students will resume the classes as from 14th June, 2021.

While in School we had involved half of the students participate for 2 and a half days in evangelism outreach another county which resulted in planting one new local congregation- called Nyandiwa church of Christ. One had attended the gospel meeting at Ragengni where one was immersed in Christ also.

Again, on 22nd of May, we involved all the students to go help Ebuyangu congregation evangelize their community. one of our current students called Geoffrey Sang had been going back to strengthen his home local congregation called Kipseonoi and had baptized 3 souls in Christ. So in general the students have Baptist 7 souls, restored 14 individuals and planted one new congregation.

It is out prayer that Covid 19 will go down and we continue serve the lord. Be blessed.

In his service,

Elias

Student evangelism in Kenya

Dear brethren,

This is to let brethren know that we at Kenya School of Preaching have, on January 18th 202, opened the school again for the last quarter of the second year of the fourth intake students. This marks the last quarter to graduation day. The current students are seventeen in number. Local African teachers are three; Charles, David and Elias. American short course teachers will be two-Dr. Michael Reese and Peter Ray. Bible courses that are being taught now are seven: Christian Ethics which is taught by Charles Ogutu. Greek IV which is taught by Charles as well. Preacher and his work, David Wasonga teaches. World Religions is taught by Elias Omollo as well as Jeremiah and Lamentations.

Foundation of Missions will be taught by Peter Ray, while Dr. Michael Reese will teach Congregational Development.

During the holiday of December 4th,2020__January 15th 2021, much good had been done at home congregations. 29 local congregations have been served , 9 Gospel campaigns had been attended. The number of individual backsliders who had been restored are 27 while number of congregations restored and new ones planted are three ( 3) each. Number of baptisms that had been conducted totaled 47 which number includes 13 baptisms done as a result of World Bible School courses that had been distributed by Moses, Odawa and Atema - current students from Western Kenya.

Our prayers concern the graduation day which, God willing, will be on March 13th, 202. We need your prayers and on that day, if possible, your presence.

May He bless you all,

Your brother, Elias Omollo

Success and sadness in Kenya

This is KSOP students report for the month of November and early December. This marks the third quarter of the second year of KSOP fourth intake students. We have closed the school on 4th of December, 2020 for the months' holiday.

We had began with 19 students at first, but towards the end of October, one student by the name Kefah Guto had left the school without giving any information as to where he was going. So we have to guess that may be the class has turned to be tough for him or has gone for some work/ business best known to him.

On 30th of Nov.2020, another student by the name Jonathan Asembu died at his home after ailing for some two weeks. He had been the student's' leader for almost two years now. The body will be buried on Tuesday 8th December 2020. His death has surprised us and we ask for prayers. We now have 17 current students.

Before we closed, the students had evangelized the school area and served other local congregations. They had served 14 congregations at the request of local preachers. They made 20 evangelistic trips and as a result had restored 22 individuals back to fellowship with the Lord. They had restored one local church and baptized 21 persons into Christ.

We are looking forward to graduating the 17 students in case they finish up the remaining courses that they will do next year. The graduation day will be March 13th 2021.

We ask for your prayers as we near the end with these students. We also ask for the brethren's prayers for Corona Virus to go down. Thanks to all who have participated in one way or another in supporting KSOP. May the Lord bless you all.

In His service, Elias Omollo

School resumes in Kenya

This is KSOP students' report as from March__ October 2020, during Corona Virus Pandemic. We are back to the school with nineteen students who have reported already. This is second year, quarter 3 of 4th intake students 2019__ 2021. Only one quarter remains after this to their graduation, for they could have graduated this August of 2020, had it not been for the Covid 19 infection. Prayers on their behalf as they strive to complete the remaining required training.

This time, local instructors will both teach regular and short courses. These facilitators are Charles, Elias, David and Nixon. Charles is teaching Greek III and Denominational Doctrines. Elias is teaching Minor Prophets I, Minor Prophets II, and the book of Revelation while Nixon the Scheme of Redemption. David will teach, in the last week of the quarter, 1&2Timothy and Titus.

Even though Covid 19 has made it difficult at times to perform church and school activities, much good has been done by the current students at their home congregations and beyond. They had preached at local and sister congregations, had evangelized in gospel campaigns, had converted believers, edified the saved, restored many souls/congregations back to Christ and planted new churches as well. 49 souls have been baptized, 4 new local churches planted, two congregations restored  to the sound doctrine of Christ and 31 individuals restored to fellowship with the Lord and the churches.

Three current students have been involved especially in the said restoration, Koskey, Korir and Atema. Koskey had invited Atema to go help him teach, for 5 days, in his home congregation. After he had finished his given theme John4:23-24, some few members who clung to hand clapping and women leading prayers in the assemblies stopped.

Korir being affected badly by tribal land clashes, had escaped with his family to a safer place far away from the fights and rented a house close to a church building of a liberal congregation. He attended that church, introduced himself and family and later was allowed to teach and preach, which he did patiently for Sundays, correcting the errors he saw (2Tim.2:24-26). They accepted the sound teachings. Now, the members have allowed him to live in a house within the church compound instead of renting one outside. Atema from Western Kenya, had visited with Korir and had witnessed the restoration of this congregation. They had stopped partaking Lord's Supper, claiming that it had ended with the cross.  Thanks to Dr. Michael Reese for the monetary support he has  been giving to Korir and his family which has enabled him to move for his safety from Nakuru county to Kericho. Korir is both relieved and  encouraged by his (Reese) help.

Former students work:

We would like to bring also to your attention reports of labor of some KSOP former students, especially those in Bomet, Kericho and Nakuru counties (regions). These graduands have restored 6 liberal congregations to sound ones as from March to October this year 2020. These are; Jeremiah Bor, Philip Langat, Tonui William, Bett Simon, and Sammy Langat. Two instances of such work happened when two preachers from liberal congregations invited these former students to go speak in their seminars. They went and spoke in such a manner that the host preachers were convinced and refused apostasy that was evident in their assemblies. But this did not please all members. Majority opposed the host preachers and disfellowshipped them disfellowshipped for their stand against liberalism. Therefore the host preachers together with their respective minority members who responded positively,  had to plant 2 (two) new sound congregations. One of them being Michira Central Church of Christ and Kipseonoi congregation. In these two new congregations 17 (seventeen) souls had been baptised and added to them. (The two host preachers will join KSOP in next intake). In this manner, 4 other new churches have been planted by these sound active KSOP former students totaling 6. It is good to remind you brethren that in these regions from where these former students come, are very many unsound churches(of Christ) and much effort should be employed here for restoration of some. Other former students in Western Kenya (Joseph Omondi and John Paul) had as well conducted 5 (five) baptisms. In summary, work by former students had been 6 restored churches, 22 baptisms and 6 newly planted congregations!

Thanks for your continued prayers and support for the Lord's work in Kenya Africa. May He bless you all,

Your brother and fellow worker,

Elias