“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4: 4-5 (NIV)
Christianity.com tells us that in the year 1900, less than one-quarter of one percent (0.2%) of the population of Kenya identified as followers of Christ. By the year 2000, the number of believers has soared. Today, roughly 80 percent of all Kenyans call themselves children of God. It is fantastic news that the passion to feel the presence of God is not only limited to Kenya; it is thriving across Africa.
The training, community, guidance, and support that we offer as Nehemiah Project International Ministries (NPIM) have been embraced, absorbed, and consumed by passionate followers of Christ across the world. The nations within the continent of Africa in particular have been keen and firm supporters of Biblical Entrepreneurship.
We are so grateful that you, our Nehemiah family of donors and prayer partners, are walking alongside us. We invite you to rejoice with us as Biblical Entrepreneurs in Africa continue to build Kingdom businesses for the glory of God and the wellbeing of His people.
Africa has a Servant’s Heart for Jesus
God has led amazing servant leaders to be part of NPIM and the Nehemiah E-Community. Pastor Gabriel Oleko is the Country Director of DR Congo, an E-Community Center Director, and the Nehemiah Regional Director of Africa. Frank Kitonga, a Certified Biblical Entrepreneurship Trainer and Coach, E-Community Center Director, and Country Director of Kenya, is the Assistant Regional Director of Africa.
Joining Frank and Pastor Gabriel are Lorna Mutegi, Marie Noel Azeufack, Zamana Kinkela, and Karl Mutombo, along with many other valued NPIM team members who are helping to drive dynamic spiritual and entrepreneurial growth in Cameroon, DR Congo, Kenya, and other parts of Africa.
These NPIM team members have obediently answered God’s call to serve. Blessed by your prayers and faithfulness, they work together as part of the body of Christ.
Victory Through Our Lord Jesus Christ
Dominic Gitau, the founder of JoyFresh Produce, represented Africa in this year’s Nehemiah Project International Business Plan Competition. Dominic made history for his coach, Frank Kitonga, and all of Africa when he claimed the victory as the first-place winner.
Dominic’s success marked three consecutive years that the winning business plan was submitted not only by the winner of the Africa Regional Business Plan Competition but specifically by a Biblical Entrepreneur from Kenya.
Frank smiled when he acknowledged the pressure on Dominic, who followed in the footsteps of Rina Hicks, Operations Director of Faida Investment Bank and the 2021 Business Plan Competition Winner, and Nina Mutegi, CEO of Mirema School and the 2020 winner.
“First, I have Nina and Rina,” said Frank, “as my perfect Nairobi winners, and today we have three winners back-to-back. There was pressure on Dominic to do as well as Nina and Rina, ladies who had represented and won before him.”
“As a coach, you know that you can do as much as you want, but if you don’t have someone committed to you to put in the work, winning is not possible. Dominic was successful because he matched pound for pound everything the Nehemiah team was doing to help him. And Dominic is a man who came from the slums of Kenya, yet today he is the international winner. I say it is because this man has the favor of God in his life.”
“I also felt the Lord sees that this is my calling. Yes, my job is to find these people of God and bring them up. And so, for me, I also felt the Lord really made there be no competition in that sense. I just felt that what we are doing, what Dominic has done, like Nina and Rina before him, and all of what is happening in Kenya, is really very special.”
As joyful as Frank and his team are in celebrating their historic accomplishment, they are fully humble. Reflectively, Frank added, “And when it’s all done, it really doesn’t matter if we win or not. I left the field for this one. I left everything in the field, everything I was ready for because I know my reality. What matters is that a human being that belongs to the Lord is in my care, and I am called to do my best.”
Prayers for Biblical Entrepreneurs in Africa
The NPIM team is working passionately and fervently to serve Africa. Please keep them in your prayers as we strive to be ready and equipped to serve the growing number of believers in Kenya, across the continent of Africa, and wherever believers seek to align their faith and their calling in service of our Lord Jesus.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. …Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:7, 9-10 (NIV)