The once sleepy Mavueni area in Kilifi County is now bustling and busy after the relocation of the New Life Centre and Church from Mombasa two years ago.
The church nestled in a 60-acre land along the Mavueni-Kaloleni road gave the area a new lease on life as worshippers from all nooks and crannies thronged the church for services under the leadership of Pastor Ezekiel Odero.
Apart from evangelism, Pastor Odero has initiated several income-generating ventures, including an International School and a business centre, to create employment and support the country’s economic growth.
Pastor Ezekiel Odero stated on Sunday, during the commissioning of the business centre christened Eden, comprising of a filling station, a service centre, a restaurant, a supermarket, and a hotel, that the investments aim to assist the locals, not for personal aggrandisement.
Boda Boda operators said the filling station will boost their businesses as it will reduce the distance to look for fuel. 1000 motorcycles were filled with Sh200 fuel at New Life International Energies.
“When we came here, it was a deserted bush; even finding an eatery was not easy, but because of the needs of worshippers and locals, we had to initiate projects that will improve the economy of Mavueni and Kilifi,” said Pastor Odero.
He added that many people are employed in business ventures, and if they do not invest, they will be preaching to hunger-stricken people.
“As we deliver sermons, we must find a way for our congregants to make a living, which is our objective,” said the pastor.
The church, he noted, can also play a pivotal role in the economic growth of a nation, not for worshippers to go hungry and rely on the government.
“The role of the government is to create business opportunities; we all have a role in the growth of our country’s economy,” he said, adding, that the church land was once a hunting place and locals are awestruck by the developments they didn’t envision.
Pastor Odero said some women working in business ventures informed him that they thank God they no longer face food and school fee challenges for their children.
“My aim is that in my country and the area where New Life has set foot, no one should sleep hungry,” stated Pastor Odero.
He urged other churches to borrow a leaf by creating job opportunities for people to earn a living too. Odero emphasised that the projects are not for his benefit but for worshippers who have contributed.
“The profit from the business will be ploughed back to the community to alleviate the suffering of floods and drought victims,” he said.
According to Pastor Odero, the government’s economic policies are beneficial to the country. He is optimistic that the economy will improve.
Speaking at the same event, Pastor Pius Muiru of the Maximum Miracle Centre appealed to Kenyans to change their attitudes on church investment as churches in countries like Nigeria have invested in income-generating projects.
“When such projects happen in other countries, we commend them, but when they happen in our own country, we start to lament,” said Pastor Muiru. “If you’ll be happy for someone’s growth, God will also uplift you.”
The Eden Business Centre, he said, will employ many people who will pay taxes for the development of the country. He lauded Pastor Odero for single-handedly transforming Mavueni.
“It is not right for a person to be disillusioned when starting a project. When we came here, it was bush, but we have seen the development of this area,” said Pastor Muiru, adding that the growth of the area is a testament to Pastor Odero’s dedication to empowering the local community.
On the Finance Bill, Pastor Muiru said the taxes on bread are a proposal that has not been implemented. He urged Kenyans to give their views in public participation forums that will be incorporated into the final report to be tabled in the National Assembly.
“The President is not an enemy of the country; he is there to steer the country to prosperity. Indeed, the economy is not that good, but he has told us to be patient and reap benefits later. The country will tower above the neighbouring countries economically,” said Pastor Muiru.
By Sadik Hassan
