CITAM Karen was a flurry of activity from 6th to 9th June 2024 demonstrating the true meaning of a business conference and expo. When opening the conference, which had attracted participants and exhibitors from not only Kenya but beyond,  Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade & Industry was elated by what CITAM was doing in promoting business and trade. “Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises are a key pillar of Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda” CS Miano reiterated. “My Ministry’s goal is to double the export contribution to GDP to 20% by 2027 and boost domestic trade’s GDP contribution by 5%.” She expressed her joy of joining the CITAM fraternity at the 5th Business Conference and Expo that supports regional entrepreneurs to scale up their business and encourage local production.”  The CS encouraged the participants to leverage on Kenya’s bilateral engagements led by H.E. President William Ruto that had unlocked new market opportunities, introduced new export product lines and reduced tariff and non-tariff barriers. Speaking during the conference, Rev. Calisto Odede, the Presiding Bishop, welcomed the participants to the 5th CBF conference whose theme was, “Breaking the Limits.”  The Bishop noted, “This conference is more than an event, it is a divine appointment where we align our businesses with God’s purpose and power.” He urged the attendees to embrace the season of breaking the limits with faith and determination. “Let us commit to seeking God’s wisdom, building strong networks, and supporting one another in our endeavours,” Bishop Odede reiterated. David Tanki, the Chairman of CBF was joyful for what God had done in the last 4 years. “The future is incredibly promising for CBF as we continue to solidify our operations and expand our reach,” Elder Tanki was glad to observe. Rev. Dr. Jacob Kimathi, the CBF Patron was elated by the support they received from sponsors and partners. He thanked all the people and companies that participated. “With more than 300 exhibitors, thousands of delegates from the region and beyond, with more and more corporates competing for visibility and a faculty of great preachers and movers in the marketplace shows how big CBF has become,” Rev. Kimathi said. The delegates left the conference poised to break their limits in the marketplace for the glory of God.

There was joy and jubilation when Rev. Justus Mugambi, the Deputy Bishop, on Saturday, 25th May 2024, formally commissioned the new borehole at Olturot Mission Centre. The residents of Olturot celebrated as they watched water gush through the big pipe, lapping their hands and feet. “We praise God for His provision for CITAM to drill this borehole,” Rev. Mugambi elatedly said, flanked by Rev. Elias Githuka, Head of Missions. The solar-powered water pump will supply water to the community, with the borehole capable of producing 19,000 litres per hour. This borehole is an answered prayer for the women and children of Olturot who previously walked long distances in the scorching sun to fetch water. “I would leave at dawn and walk for many kilometres to the water point,” one woman said, smiling with joy. “We would wait for many hours for the camels, cows, sheep, and goats to quench their thirst first.” In the Samburu culture, livestock are given priority over humans for water. After the long wait, women would fetch water and begin their trek back, often arriving home late in the afternoon, exhausted but still needing to care for their children. The long trips to fetch water had caused numerous challenges for the women, including increased miscarriages from carrying heavy water containers over long distances in the extreme heat. Pastor Terry Wangui Lessir, the missionary pastor at Olturot, was overjoyed at the sight of what the Lord had done. “Many women would come to Sunday services late or even miss out due to the burdensome task of looking for water for their families,” Pastor Terry said. The mission station plans to initiate an income-generating project by selling the water at a subsidized cost to help the station become self-sustaining. This project is also expected to create employment opportunities. Additionally, the water will support farming, kitchen gardening, and tree planting initiatives. Praise the Lord! Olturot Mission Station Impacting the Local Community When CITAM opened the Olturot Mission Station, which is 157 Kms West of Marsabit town, it was not easy to envisage the transformation that would take place in the community. By God’s provision and enablement, the mission station has become a beacon of hope to the community. The station which lies in the southern part of the famous Chalbi Desert is led by Pastor Teresa Lesiir and her husband Stanley Lesiir. The hot and rugged terrain with little vegetation lucidly tells you about the harsh weather conditions. The region experiences little or no rainfall throughout the year. Despite the tough challenges, our missionaries have continued to reach the community with the love of Christ and deliver them from ungodly bondages. Arial Redille, who are a resultant of intermarriages between the Samburu and the Redille, practice both cultures but are majorly influenced by Samburu cultural practices hence speakers of the Samburu language. African Traditional Religion is common with the worship of the moon being a common religious practice. The station has ministry programs to reach the community that include Children’s ministry, teens’ ministry, women’s ministry, men’s ministry, primary and secondary school outreaches, sports ministry, fora ministry, weekly fellowships, overnight prayer meetings and evangelism. CITAM’s Missions department, led by Rev. Elias Githuka, is committed to fulfill the Great Commission through making Christ known and spirit filled believers’ worship in spirit and in truth among the unreached people’s groups, seeing children grounded and rooted in the word.

We thank God for CITAM Athi River’s successful 10th anniversary celebration service held on 12th May 2024.  Rev. Ken Thiong’o, Senior Pastor and the assembly’s leadership and members were overjoyed to welcome the guests who included Rev. Calisto Odede (Presiding Bishop), Rev. Justus Mugambi (the Deputy Bishop), Rev. Isige ( DFA), Rev. Jotham Munene ( Southern Region Overseer), Rev. Juliet Mahugu ( Regional Overseer Northern Region and the 1st Lead Pastor of CITAM Athi River),members of Council of Elders and the Deacon Board, some other Senior Pastors and some Head Office managers.  The celebration marked a key a milestone as the assembly began with a small congregation which has grown tremendously including successfully setting up CITAM Schools Athi River and the Catering Unit. Bishop Odede shared an impactful sermon from Acts 19:8-20.