28/09/2025
In a powerful sermon delivered during a church fundraising event, Diocese of Embu Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u challenged all Kenyans—regardless of status—to serve those around them with the same care and respect they expect in return.
Speaking at Our Lady of Assumption, Kathambaiconi Prayer House in Nthagaiya Parish during a harambee to raise funds for the completion of the church, Bishop Kimani emphasized that service is not only a call for leaders but for every individual in their various roles—be it a husband, wife, child, or colleague.
“We always think about people in power when we talk about service, but the truth is, each one of us has a responsibility,” the bishop said.
“As a father, how do you serve your children? As a colleague, how do you treat your workmates?”
He stressed that serving others begins at home, and fulfilling responsibilities such as paying school fees is not only a parental duty but a spiritual one.
“We will be answerable in the afterlife if we fail to do what is expected of us,” he warned.
Bishop Kimani further called out misuse of positions, cautioning church leaders and individuals in small leadership roles to reflect on whether their influence empowers or burdens others.
Quoting the biblical story of Lazarus and the rich man, he highlighted the importance of being sensitive to the needs of those nearby.
“Even if you're eating githeri at home, think of your neighbour who may have nothing. Sometimes, we don’t even know what’s happening around us,” he urged.
On the political front, the bishop challenged national leaders to serve their constituents responsibly, warning that failure to do so contributes to unrest, referencing recent Gen Z-led demonstrations in Kenya and abroad.
“When we don't change, God brings a revolution. When we do nothing to address the challenges of the needy, that’s where our problem as Christians begins,” he said.
He called on all people to act on collective decisions and to let their goodness be seen in their actions, noting that God blesses individuals so they can be a blessing to others.
“It's an opportunity to serve,” he said.
Also speaking during the event, Rev. Fr. John Macharia, the parish priest of St. Francis of Assisi Nthagaiya Parish, commended Christians for their contributions to building the Kathambaiconi prayer house.
He reminded them to not only build the physical church with stones but also cultivate a spiritual one in their hearts.
“Let us also build the living church within us,” he said.
The harambee was held as part of ongoing efforts to complete construction of the prayer house, which falls under Nthagaiya Parish in the Diocese of Embu.
Story by Muriithi Triple M