PCEA Education at 133
A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step and in likeness, the journey of 133 years of PCEA Education started in 1891 and the torch has kept shining bright. Through this fruitful mission work, various learning institutions including the famous Alliance High School and Alliance Girls High School were established. This journey of Education which now is one of the church’s major pillars, has seen the growth of East African societies in both Christian and formal education.
The PCEA Christian Education Department led the marking of this great milestone with a celebration-themed ‘Retrace, Retell, Rekindle’ from the 22nd of February to the 3rd of March 2024. The successful event saw a 50-member team comprising 13 cyclists, a school mission team and other leaders journey across 620km to celebrate education in retracing the journey, retelling the story, and rekindling the fire. This was in line with the Christian Education Theme 2024; “Remember the days of long ago; think about the generations past. Ask your father, and he will inform you. Inquire of your elders, and they will tell you” Deuteronomy 32:7.
A caravan made its way remembering the journey. It was hosted in various mission areas from Chogoria and across to Tumutumu, Thogoto (Church of the Torch), St Andrews Nairobi, Kambui, Ng’enda, Kihumbuini, back to St Andrews Nairobi, and Kibwezi. On Sunday 3rd March, the journey came to a close with a celebration at the Presbyterian University of East Africa. According to the department, bicycles were key for the mission because they were used until very recent times as the means of transport for ministers, evangelists, and elders doing mission work. “It is important to be intentional in mentoring young people to have a clear vision of their calling,” said Rev. Lucy Waweru, the current PCEA Christian Education director.
The ‘Tour de Kirk’ brand by the Christian Education Department was established in 2019. This year, the journey was a great way to appreciate Kenya’s heritage and a time to learn about the great Kenyan and mission history. However, it came with few challenges with the major being illnesses by a few team members due to the constant change of geographical areas that had varying hot and cold weather.
Going forward the phase to rekindle which is currently underway is about taking the education torch to the Regions, Presbyteries, Parishes, and eventually to schools with the hope of creating awareness, initiating meaningful conversations around education as well as raising support.
