Annual Family Connection Conference 2025 by Umoja Presbyterian Church, USA
Ambassador Ann Wanjohi of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs presided over the official opening of the first-ever Annual Family Connection Conference 2025 at Milele Hotel, Nairobi. From 7th to 9th August, a unique blend of faith, networking, and vision united for a warm and interactive conference aired live on Kirk TV and attended by PCEA General Assembly Officials: Secretary General Rev. Dr. Robert Waihenya and Deputy Secretary General Rev. John Mbae. The conference sought to connect families geographically separated by migration, with particular attention to children in Kenya whose parents reside overseas.
The conference, which is the brainchild of Rev. Joseph Kisang’a, the Minister at Umoja Presbyterian Church USA (Washington State) and through the sponsorship by the same church, saw different children and family members across the nation having relatives residing in the USA come together for a three-days conference. Driven by a deep concern for the physical distance among families, Rev. Kisang’a envisioned a platform that would connect families, provide spiritual support, and address the realities of migration.
In today’s constant search for greener pastures, many people migrate to different parts of the world in pursuit for better opportunities. However, strict migration laws often limit the number of family members who can relocate, leaving many nuclear families separated with most instances seeing parents living abroad while their children remain in their home country. This results to missing out on significant milestones in their children’s lives, a sad and tough reality which many families learn to navigate.
Guided by the theme “Reconnect With Reality”, the conference explored topics such as the realities of migration and responsible stewardship. Ambassador Ann Wanjohi commended the initiative and promised future collaboration with the church to address the challenges faced by families separated by migration. She praised the program as a timely and necessary intervention. The Deputy Secretary General led the devotion and brought the message of encouragement drawing lessons from the biblical story of Joseph’s separation from his brothers – a guiding text throughout the conference. The Secretary General also motivated the attendees, highlighting that Joseph did not dwell on feelings of abandonment and encouraged them to adopt the same mindset.
Rev. Paul Kariuki, former PCEA DSG also shared an inspiring testimony. He recounted how he was twice denied a visa to study in the USA, and even when he finally secured one, the reality he encountered was far from his expectations. Culture shock and the financial struggles of earning a living abroad were eye-opening experiences. He urged those in Kenya to be faithful stewards of the resources sent to them, reminding them that many migrants work tirelessly to support themselves and their loved one’s back home.
Other notable guests included NCCK Chair Rev. Dr. Elias Agola, Rev. Henry Kaira, Rev Anthony Miring’u Elder Alex Munyiri, and Pastor Charity.
While this first conference mainly involved members from one congregation, Rev. Kisang’a expressed hope that in the future, this initiative could expand to benefit families separated by migration across the globe.