Before coming to the United Kingdom (UK), Rev Edwin Kibathi pursued theological studies at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Pastoral Institute, now the Presbyterian Uninversity of East Africa (PUEA), and St Paul’s United Theological College, and was ordained as a minister of the PCEA in 1990.
Since then, Edwin has served in a number of parishes in the central and coastal regions of Kenya. His wife, Anne, has trained and gained wide experience as a nurse, specialising in diabetes. Edwin and Anne have three children, Ben, Sam and Joy.
Edwin and Anne have had links with Ireland stretching back to the mid 1980’s when they not only got to know PCI mission personnel serving in Kenya, but both were members of the PCEA Youth Team that visited Ireland in 1989.
Earlier this decade, prior to coming to serve in London, Edwin had the opportunity to pass through the city on a number of occasions. While in transit from visits to the USA, he became aware that there are well over 200,000 Kenyans living and working in the UK today. In addition to a concentration in South and East London, many are to be found in other major cities of England and Scotland.
God placed on Edwin’s heart a growing concern for the struggles of many Kenyans to cope with the very stressful changes and challenges of life, study and work in the UK. The PCEA General Assembly shared his vision for mission and ministry in this context, and in April 2006 commissioned Edwin, together with Anne, to a church planting ministry amongst the East African diaspora in the UK, known as PCEA UK Outreach.
Since May 2006 encouraged by the pastoral oversight of Plaistow Christian Centre, a United Reformed Church congregation, the Kibathis have planted a growing and vibrant church of Kenyan expatriates, mainly former members of the PCEA who have come to study or work in London.
At present there are some 50 adults, 20 teenagers and 15 children on the membership role of the PCEA UK Outreach congregation in London, and there are also two home groups meeting regularly.
The work has many challenges, and pastoral duties extend to:
There has also been opportunity to participate in some national events organised by the Office of the Kenya High Commission, London.
Plans for the future include the possibility of a Youth Exchange Programme for the young people from PCI and PCEA UK Outreach.
General Prayer Points
Our weekly Overseas Prayerline bulletin contains up-to-date information and prayer requests from our mission personnel and partners overseas.
Events | News & Information | Give | Go | Pray | Deputation
