Dear Friends,
This week, please join us in prayer for Dr. George Mbithi Mutuku in Kenya.
An equatorial country known for its savannahs, wildlife, and prehistoric sites in the Great Rift Valley, the Republic of Kenya is home to nearly 55 million people (86% Christian and 11% Muslim) from over 120 ethnic groups. Despite the country’s relatively stable government and competitive economy, 16% of Kenyans live in extreme poverty (on less than 1.90 USD per day). The capital of Nairobi is a commercial and cultural center, with its own national park, but it is also home to Kibera, Africa’s largest urban slum.
George works with DOOR International, a Christian organization that reaches Deaf communities through Bible translation, church planting, and outreach. According to the 2014 Kenya National Special Needs Education Survey, one in ten Kenyans have a hearing impairment. Although Kenya’s constitution prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, access to healthcare, education, employment, and news media remains limited for Kenyans with impaired hearing.
ScholarLeaders supported George for his PhD in Old Testament at Africa International University. For his dissertation, George investigated the cross-cultural meanings of qetsef, translated as “anger” or “wrath,” in the Hebrew Bible and of ngoὸ in Kikamba, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and elsewhere. George and his wife Ruth have a son, fourteen-year-old Solomon, and two daughters, seven-year-old Patience and four-year-old Waridi.
George shares the following message:
My name is George Mbithi Mutuku. I graduated with my PhD in 2018 from Africa International University in Kenya. I was honored to study here in Kenya, since this is my country of origin and the context of my ministry.
The Lord has blessed me with a family that includes my wife Ruth, son Solomon, and daughters Patience and Waridi. My wife is a marketing trainer working with one of the telecommunication companies here in Kenya. Our three children are in school, and we are enjoying this season in which we all leave the house in the morning and convene in the evening. Everyone is busy in their own way!
Previously, I was one of the pastors at Africa Inland Church, Ngong Road Church, and a part-time lecturer at Africa International University, Pan Africa Christian University, and Scott Christian University.
Currently, I am working with DOOR International, an organization that translates Scripture for the Deaf, as a trainer and a consultant-in-training. This is an exciting field of ministry, which I dearly love and in which I can apply the knowledge I gained in my PhD studies. Due to the ministry demands of my current assignment, I resigned from pastoral work and also took a break from teaching.
Regarding research and writing, I have co-authored a book, titled The Discipler’s Toolkit, with my former lecturer, Dr. Mark Olander. The manuscript is currently with the publisher, and we expect copies to be ready for shipping around October or November this year.
My dissertation was also peer-reviewed and accepted for publication last year. I hope the publisher will release copies this year or early next year.
Prayer Requests
(1) Pray for my family. Pray for my wife who is interested in transitioning from her current position at work. She is a trainer in the marketing department of her company, but she wants a different experience. Pray also for my son, who will be taking his Grade 8 final exam in October.
(2) Pray for my work. Pray that my service with and alongside the Deaf will bear much fruit.
(3) Pray for Kenya. My country will have general elections (six elections in one day) on August 9, 2022. Pray that the elections will be peaceful and the transitions seamless.
I am always grateful to God for the support I received and continue to receive from ScholarLeaders International.
George Mbithi Mutuku