Church Raises Ksh800,000 in Fundraiser to Revive Stalled Building Project

Faithful of Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) St Thomas Amagoro Church have stepped up efforts to complete their stalled church building project after raising Ksh800,000 during an impromptu Harambee held on Sunday.

The fundraiser brought together members of the church under the ACK Katakwa Diocese as well as local leaders and well-wishers determined to see the project completed.

The event was presided over by Malaba Central Ward MCA and Busia County Assembly Deputy Speaker Ronald Ochalu.

Paul Otuoma, the Governor of Busia County, sent a contribution of Ksh100,000 delivered by County Executive Committee Member for Lands and Urban Development Douglas Okiring.

Okiring also personally donated Ksh20,000, while Ochalu contributed Ksh10,000. Chief Officer for Lands Ounoi Faustin gave Ksh5,000.

Oku Kaunya, the MP for Teso North Constituency, sent Ksh20,000 through Ochalu. Lay Canon Eng. Vincent Sidai contributed Ksh10,000 through Malaba Central MCA aspirant Edwin Enarach.

Teso North MP aspirant Humphrey Ekirapa also sent Ksh4,000 through former Malaba Central Ward Manager Frank Wangula.

Among the church groups, St Paul’s led in contributions with Ksh110,000. St Luke, St Mark and St Stephen groups each raised Ksh100,000.

Other contributions came from St Matthew’s with Ksh55,400 and St John’s with Ksh40,100.

St Thomas Amagoro Archdeacon Isabella Inyele Imo said the church requires about Ksh28 million to complete the one-storeyed building.

She said the congregation plans to organise monthly Harambees to mobilise the remaining funds before construction resumes.

“We are appealing to well-wishers and members of the community to support this initiative so that the church can be completed soon to serve the growing Christian community in Amagoro,” she said.

Rev. Imo also announced that the church will hold a “Firstborn Week” beginning Sunday to thank God and reflect on responsibility, leadership and dedication among Christians.

Quoting the Bible, she cited Deuteronomy 21:17, which instructs that a father must acknowledge the firstborn son by giving him a double portion of inheritance.

“Look for blessings by force, by fire. We shall have a whole week focusing on the firstborn,” she said.

She also referenced the biblical story of Esau and Jacob in the Book of Genesis, where Esau sold his birthright to his brother Jacob for a meal of stew.

During his sermon, Rev. Capt Duncan Ikaal urged Christians to observe four important principles in any project they undertake, including the church building still under construction.

He said success in projects depends on the hand of God, support from outsiders, people who believe in the project, and opposition, which he said should be used as motivation.

“Opposition should encourage you to prove doubting Thomas wrong and succeed,” he said.

Among those present were Bishop Emeritus Zakayo Epus, Beatrice Okiring—the widow of the first Bishop of Katakwa Diocese, the late Eliud Okiring—Chief Officer Ounoi Faustin and former MCA Ishmael Orodi.