- Kenya, despite its technically secular status, is profoundly steeped in spirituality, with religion intricately woven into the fabric of its society.
- From shaping political stances to influencing educational paradigms and societal norms, religion exerts a significant sway over the collective consciousness.
Image: COURTESY
Televangelist and Christian healing luminary Benny Hinn's recent visit resonated deeply with Kenya’s spiritual landscape.
Humility, reverence for God, and the incorporation of technology emerged as the focal points of his visit.
Commencing my analysis a fortnight ago, I embarked upon an exploration of life's quintessential dimensions. Yet, within our societal tapestry, there exists a faction neglectful of the spiritual realm's significance.
Several years prior, my discourse delved into the intersection of spiritual altars and Kenyan politics, elucidating how electoral outcomes often bore the imprint of the spiritual domain.
In recent days, the eminent televangelist and healing luminary, Benny Hinn, concluded his sojourn in Kenya, returning to his homeland, the United States. Hinn's visit, rife with multifaceted implications, garnered diverse interpretations hinged upon individual Christian convictions and worldviews. However, rooted in its foundational purpose, the encounter proved profoundly impactful.
Critics said the visit on presidential invitation violated the principle of the separation of Church and State in a true democracy.
Foremost among the reasons behind Benny Hinn's invitation to Kenya was the imperative for Hinn to extend forgiveness and blessings unto Kenya. This act of contrition was necessitated by the regrettable mistreatment suffered by numerous visiting preachers over the years.
This need for forgiveness was articulated by Rev Davis Kisotu of the Redeemed Church during a session with pastors convened on the third day of Hinn's visit.
Reflecting on Hinn's previous visit in 2002, a lamentable narrative unfolds: a local preacher, having secured the Uhuru Park grounds, obstinately refused to yield, thereby thwarting Hinn's intended crusade venue.
Relocating to the University of Nairobi grounds, Hinn encountered further adversity with the distribution of defamatory pamphlets amongst the attendees and departed the country disheartened.
"Our bad treatment of visitors caused us to get a curse. None of our own churches grow to become mega churches. Preachers fight their own who appear to be succeeding in their intent to take them down", explained Rev Kisotu on Monday, February 26. He set the stage for Benny Hinn to speak to pastors.
Therefore, as thousands of pastors congregated, they were led in a solemn prayer of repentance by Rev Kisotu. Benny Hinn's message, resonating profoundly in Kennya’s spiritual milieu, addressed the scourge of counterfeit miracles and the temptation to abandon one's divine calling.
"You cannot give up and leave ministry if you are truly called," proclaimed Hinn, underscoring indispensable scriptural anchorage. He urged pastors to engage with the sacred text comprehensively, viewing it as a cohesive narrative rather than disjointed verses.
Expounding upon theological tenets such as predestination and perseverance, Hinn urged believers to recognise the sanctity of their divine summons, exhorting them to embody righteousness and resilience.
"By grace we are saved, but let us not receive the grace of God in vain," cautioned Pastor Benny, admonishing against complacency.
Furthermore, Hinn delineated the journey of spiritual transformation, distinguishing believers by their abhorrence of sin from non-believers ensnared by its allure. "The message of the false church today is false hope," he highlighted, underscoring the imperative of humility and surrender to God.
Hinn's ministry, spanning decades and continents, provided a reservoir of wisdom for pastors, politicians, and all who serve the divine calling.
"Set your affections on things above, live for the next life not this one," urged Benny Hinn, advocating the manifestation of celestial virtues in earthly endeavours.
The event was spearheaded by Bishop Harrison Ng'ang'a of the Christian Foundation Fellowship, alongside Ugandan luminaries Apostle Martin Ssuna and Subbi, who shepherd pentecostal congregations in Kenya.
Participants included esteemed Christian leaders, fostering unprecedented ecclesiastical unity. "The call of God is unto death," echoed Pastor Benny.
President Ruto's attendance, marked by humility and reverence for God, underscored the national significance of the occasion. "...a contrite heart God will not forsake," reminded Benny Hinn.
Because of maltreatment of God’s messengers sent to Kenya, the country is believed to have taken a hit so that even prayers for the nation could not go through the skies and blood has been shed at elections and other political events.
This mistreatment included one healing preacher who was bundled into a casket and sent out of the country [only] because he was ostensibly doing God’s work.
This is believed to have been settled because Benny Hinn, on behalf of all mistreated international ministers, forgave Kenya and prayed for the church.
Kenya, despite its technically secular status, is profoundly steeped in spirituality, with religion intricately woven into the fabric of its society. From shaping political stances to influencing educational paradigms and societal norms, religion exerts a significant sway over the collective consciousness of the nation.
Thus, the arrival of seasoned preacher Benny Hinn held particular significance, offering a platform for Christians to engage deeply with their faith and refine their perspectives.
Rather than casting aspersions upon Kenyan pastors embroiled in controversies such as staging fake miracles, Benny Hinn opted to guide them towards the path of truth and righteousness. Drawing from his own life experiences, Hinn illuminated the arduous journey inherent in answering God's call, emphasising the necessity of steadfast perseverance in navigating the challenges of spiritual leadership.
This resonated profoundly in a context where some adhere to the notion of predestination, contending that one's faith is predetermined, irrespective of personal agency.
During the inaugural session, a compelling demonstration of divine power unfolded, exemplified by an incident in which Benny Hinn, despite his lack of proficiency in Kiswahili, discerned the struggles of his interpreter in conveying his intended message.
Over the subsequent two days, numerous individuals experienced profound healing, attesting to the palpable manifestation of God's grace. Culminating in a session of impartation on the third day, Hinn's visit left an indelible imprint on the collective spiritual consciousness of the nation.
First Lady Rachel Ruto responded to the call extended by Kenyan preachers to extend an invitation and apology to Benny Hinn. Her presence may have wielded a profound spiritual influence, symbolising an alignment of earthly and divine intentions. In her gesture, the heavens seemed to open up for Kenyans, offering a glimmer of hope and redemption.
Furthermore, the attendance of the President underscored not only his personal reverence for God but also his unwavering commitment to championing the Christian cause within the nation. His presence lent credence to the significance of the event, affirming the importance of spiritual rejuvenation and unity in fostering societal harmony and progress.
On the last day Benny Hinn introduced a technology called Illuminae, which is being worked on for future use in spreading the gospel. It provides a virtual Bible reading experience in which the reader ‘visits’ scriptural scenes and places to enhance believability greatly.