PASTOR GATENDE THE BIBLE SCHOOL SPIRITUAL DAD

It is my first day in class. I am meeting for the first time people who knew each other well as they had met in an earlier module that I missed. I am slightly late to enter the class and the thing I do when I enter is to look for the only available empty seat. He stands up when I point at a seat between him and another Student. He greets me with strong English. "Hello Brother My name is Pastor Stephen Gatende, welcome!" His smile is contagious. The other two brethren are engrossed in a conversation and they don't even notice my presence.

I have a friend I say. Though looking at his stature, well groomed, healthy and shiny and those a round, the way they are speaking, they look people who matter in the city of Nairobi and its environs. I am wondering if his friendship is genuine. The environment has just shocked me. I joined a college I had no any Idea of but I thank God for being among  such people.

Pastor Gatende Keeps on looking at me and smiles, maybe to ease my tension that was evident all over my face. I was right I had a friend, during short breaks, Pastor Gatende engages me in conversation. The first person to seem concerned. He introduces me Later to Pastor Kamau.

Pastor Gatende turns our to be the first person I am able to peep through his notes when I miss a word during the dictation in class. He is very keen to ensure I am comfortable.

This man will eventually turn out to be like "my father" during all my stay at the bible school. Because of his caring attitude, I felt free to share with him many of my stories.

I remember this particular period when I was totally broke. I could sit in class and at times on forced fasting because I did not have money for lunch. I was late on payment of my rent. I thank God because of Pst. Gatende. He was concerned and asked why he goes for lunch leaves me seated there and comes back still finds me there. I shared my story. The following day he took me to his car in the basement, read to me all the best verses I had ever heard in the bible a bout abundance. While seated in His car we held hands and prayed. God came through in the same week and was able to pay all my bills.

I am now totally convinced in my spirit this is a good man. God has sent him my way to make my stay in this strange environment comfortable, so that I can finish my preparation time at the college.

This man bought me lunch. Yes, so many times that at times I could dodge him and go sit on my motorbike on ground floor to avoid his "... twende lunch pastor". I was afraid what if he reaches there and I am to pay for myself You know he could take me to places where he could spend like four times of what I could spend the days I had some money for lunch. My lunch base was in those wayward vendors who sell food to the construction workers in the suburbs of Westlands. This meant that in case anything happened and I was to pay, then I would be forced to "chonga viazi". But God is good, he always paid. He would tell me eat anything you want, when am busy looking for a cheaper food on the menu. God bless you pastor Gatende.

The Holy spirit class came and I said this is my time. I must speak in other language too. I have really marveled as others pray in tongues during morning devotions. By  Thursday Holy spirit Class is about to end and I am worried I will  miss out. During one of our lunches out. He tells me that he will help me understand something before we go home. After classes in the evening he took me by hand to the basement in his car. He opened my eyes to see the words... "they spoke, were heard speaking" from the verses in the book of acts. Just like no time he lays hands on me and poop!! There I was  speaking strange things. He had to stop me for I was enjoying it. After being in salvation for over 18 years I have experienced the power of God for the first time. My live changed for good. My bible reading and study  changed to better, my understanding of lass lessons changed to sparkish. I was now like others. So this thing was hurting me, how can I be here and I cant speak in tongues.It made at time doubt even my salvation.

During Nguni mission, he bought me water when I depleted the the ration we were given. He worked so hard in arrangement of crusade instruments and I learned a lot by watching him do it as I supported a little.

You may know or you dont know pastor Gatende. But your consistent, help and encouragement helped me keep going. There are days I left home without even taking breakfast, your lunches helped me concentrate in class. Your encouragements, especially in Holy spirit class changed me forever. Maybe I would have not completed the the college if I could not have been filled. For by infilling of the Holy Ghost my life perspective totally changed.

So what can I say? other than to pray that the good Lord who sent you my way, to bless you as you listened to the prompts of the spirit. Today I am here helping others too to receive the Holy spirit. Because of you I was able to adapt in my new environment, the class, and here I am today impacting people's lives positively. May the good Lord bless you. You saw me, you welcomed me, you endured my inferiority complex. You made me feel home. Thank you!!