My name is Edward Munene, and I am privileged to serve as a Pastor at International Christian Centre Mombasa. I am a published author of seven books, and I am currently on the journey of writing my eighth. When I tell my writing story, I refer to myself as the “unlikely author” because I never set out to write a book—it was something I stumbled upon. Here’s my story.
My Writing Journey
I never planned to write a book when I first began. My goal was simply to disciple people, to teach and share a few things I thought would be beneficial to others. At the time, I was a Pastor at ICC Nairobi and was in charge of IT, among many other responsibilities. I used to write devotionals for the church website and had a fairly decent readership.
One day, I invited my readers to join me in a more interactive journey. I promised them weekly lessons via email, along with assignments designed to equip and strengthen them in their walk with God. All I asked in return was their commitment to read through the material, complete the assignments, and put into practice what they had learned.
To my surprise, about 300 people signed up for what I affectionately call the “Unnamed Class.” Each week, I wrote and emailed out the lessons, and participants would respond with their assignments and reflections.
However, by the fourth week, I started feeling discouraged. The number of people responding had dwindled, and I began to wonder if it was worth continuing. I was on the verge of ending the class when something incredible happened. A colleague came into my office and asked what I was teaching people. He had met a bank manager who was rushing off to the gym with a bag in hand, eager to keep up with a life-changing program he was doing via email with “Pastor Munene.”
This feedback revived my spirit. It was the shot in the arm I needed to keep going. Ten weeks later, I had a complete 10-week program written out. Despite the positive stories and many people asking to join the class, I still didn’t see the material as a potential book—just a life-changing discipleship program.
It wasn’t until nine years later, after many more people had gone through the class, that it became a book. The turning point came when I found out that someone had taken part of my material, bound it, and was ready to publish it. The publisher, who had gone through my class, encouraged me to take my work seriously and publish it.
Today, that initial class has evolved into Anchor: An Adventure of Faith, one of four books nominated for the Africa Christian Authors Book Awards (ACABA). More than 5,000 people have gone through the Anchor class, which we now refer to as the Anchor Journey.
The Story Behind My Books
Each of my books—Anchor, Walking in Financial Freedom, Intentional Parenting, and Carte Blanche—represents a piece of this journey. They were all born out of a desire to teach, equip, and inspire people to live their lives fully for God.
Anchor: An Adventure of Faith
Anchor is more than just a book—it’s a tool for life change. It begins by helping the reader evaluate their life and then builds from there, with a study of physical health, the importance of healthy relationships, and personal growth and development. The book also dives into God’s Word, helping readers understand who God is and challenging them to live for Him, work on their finances, and pursue a life of purpose.
Walking in Financial Freedom
Walking in Financial Freedom was an unplanned project, just like Anchor. Bishop Philip Kitoto, then Senior Pastor at ICC Nairobi, called me one day asking for my sermon notes from a series I had taught at ICC Mombasa. He wanted to teach the same series in Nairobi. Two weeks after I sent him the notes, he returned a draft of a book. He had handed the material to a publisher, and they compiled it into a book.
After the book was published and used in Nairobi, I began receiving calls and emails from people who had read it, thanking me for writing it. I later edited it, published a second edition, and began teaching a 10-week class based on the book. The class has been life-changing for many, including a man who had been contemplating suicide due to financial struggles. His friend signed him up for the class, and by the end of the 10 weeks, he was on the path to being debt-free and excited about life again.
Intentional Parenting
Intentional Parenting is my third book, inspired by my two daughters. As teenagers, they encouraged me to write a book to help other parents raise their children with intentionality, as I had done with them. The book focuses on guiding children to become responsible adults through loving parenting, setting standards, teaching decision-making, and instilling stewardship mindsets.
Carte Blanche: Writing Your Freedom Story
Carte Blanche came from a sermon series I taught on mental health, discipleship, and living a life of freedom in Christ. Based on Galatians 5:1, the book emphasizes that Christ has set us free and encourages readers to live victoriously in that freedom. It covers overcoming habits, addictions, and mental challenges, while renewing the mind by the Word of God.
Final Thoughts
I never imagined myself becoming an author, but I’m grateful that God has taken the things I have written and taught, turning them into books that impact lives. Each testimony—from a bank manager dashing to the gym to someone saved from suicide—reminds me of the importance of obedience and perseverance. As I continue on this journey, my hope is that the lessons I’ve shared will continue to inspire and transform lives for God’s glory.
