There is an opportunity to build on a legacy of nearly a century of service in an area that desperately needs the good news of Jesus.

Crosslinks have been privileged to have a ministry presence in Marsabit, north Kenya, for nearly 100 years. Since 1929, many men and women have served in different roles and capacities, offering their gifts as Bible teachers, ministry trainers, church leaders, schoolteachers and doctors, and leaving behind comfort and familiarity to come alongside local Christians.

And there is a new opportunity to serve the church in Marsabit today.

The Bishop of Marsabit, Daniel Qampicha, works tirelessly to support and resource the church under his care and encourages it to proclaim the gospel to those who aren’t Christian. The church is in good heart but, numerically speaking, it is tiny for that region. Until recently, Bishop Qampicha was supported for many years by an Australian missionary who acted as his Director of Mission, supporting not only Bishop Qampicha personally but the clergy and churches across the diocese.

Now before you switch off, thinking that this is a clergy position – that’s not the case. A mature, godly Christian with some Bible training is more than able to take this on – and that might be you, or someone you know. Crosslinks is committed to supporting Bishop Qampicha and we want to find someone to take on this role. But first some background.

We tend to think of Kenya as a ‘Christian’ country, but the Diocese of Marsabit, in the far north of Kenya is very much an isolated outpost, both physically and spiritually. There wasn’t even a paved road that reached as far north as Marsabit until 2015; and it is the North of Kenya that is considered ‘Muslim’, while the South is where the majority of Kenya’s evangelical population live.

Marsabit, geographically the size of England with 64 churches scattered across the arid desert, is closer to just 5% Christian, with 60% Muslim and 35% African Traditional Religions. While Islamic-Christian tensions, tribal conflict, drought and famine all present significant challenges – by God’s grace, amid struggle, trials and weakness, the church in Marsabit is growing.

Half of the population are under 20 years of age. This represents a huge opportunity for evangelism and discipleship and Crosslinks is also committed to supporting the Diocesan Youth Department which works to secure young Christians in their faith and reach out to those who don’t know Jesus as Lord.

So, the Bishop of Marsabit is seeking a new Director of Mission. This position has incredible strategic value for the region. It comes with considerable influence to secure the theological beliefs and practices of the Diocese. The person to take this on will be both humble, servant-hearted and able to adapt to circumstances, but steadfast in their Christian doctrine and convictions.

The Director of Mission has the authority to hold pastors to account, to guard their church families and to grow the gospel outreach to non-Christians from the mature, discipled local believers. In short, to protect and enable the small but steadfast Christian witness to grow for God’s glory.

Could you answer the call of your brothers and sisters in Marsabit? Or could you send this article to someone else who could?

Email contact@crosslinks.org to find out more.

To explore more of the exciting ministry potential in the Diocese of Marsabit, read our Link publication: 95 years in Marsabit, Kenya