SDA Church Kizingo

In 1983, a small seed of faith was planted in Mombasa. The SDA Church Kizingo’s journey began, not in a grand edifice, but in a humble classroom at Mbaraki Primary School. This was an extension of Ziwani SDA Church, aiming to spread its message further into Tudor and Kizingo. Elder Manuel Raposo, a guiding force in the church’s early days, led the Sabbath school. The initial joy was short-lived. By year’s end, the congregation was asked to leave. Undeterred, Elder Raposo found a new home for the growing flock. Mrs. Fernandes, a Valentine High School proprietor, opened her doors to the SDA Church Kizingo, despite being Catholic herself. This act of interfaith kindness allowed the church to continue its services. By 1985, unforeseen circumstances forced another move, this time to St. Anne’s Secondary School. This transition tested the faith of many, leading some to drift away. Yet, a dedicated core remained, following Mrs. Fernandes and the SDA Church Kizingo to Ganjoni. This period was a trial, a wandering in the wilderness. The church, once vibrant, dwindled. But Elder Raposo, with unwavering conviction, shepherded the remaining members. He reminded them of the biblical promise: a faithful remnant would endure. This small group found temporary refuge at Valentine Primary School in Ganjoni. In 1991, the youth of Ziwani SDA Church ignited a spark. An evangelistic effort at Tom Mboya Primary School led to a call for a dedicated English-speaking church. The Kenya Coast Field responded, granting Kizingo Sabbath school its own church status. This recognition breathed new life into the struggling congregation. Elder Raposo’s search for a permanent home intensified. His persistence paid off when a compassionate CEO offered the use of a government hall. The SDA Church Kizingo celebrated its first official Sabbath service in the hall on January 4, 1992. The congregation swelled to over sixty members by mid-1992. God’s blessings continued. The SDA Church Kizingo finally received its own plot of land, the very site where it stands today. Interruptions from social functions at the hall spurred the church to action. In 1993, construction began on a temporary structure on their newly acquired land. Members rallied together, men clearing the land while women provided sustenance. The move to the temporary structure on September 26, 1993, was a moment of triumph. It coincided with the start of the “Great Builders” quarterly, a fitting symbol of the church’s own rebuilding. The spirit of the SDA Church Kizingo soared. The “Gloryland train,” as their visitation group was known, spread love and comfort throughout the community. Their actions, not just words, testified to their faith. In 1998, under Pr. Japheth Kazungu, the foundation for the current sanctuary was laid. The completed building was dedicated in December 2011 by Pr. Zecharia Marwa. The SDA Church Kizingo’s journey, from a single classroom to its present home, is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and community.