Recognising, Celebrating & Promoting Quality in Christian Authorship in Africa
In the quiet of the morning , she heard a voice that changed everything, was it a dream or a neighbor at the door step. It was however seeming hard , the eyes could not open and the body was heavy , she could clearly realise a sharp white beam of illumination emanating from the ceiling. And the the instructions were, “I will be with you” in the engagement you have chosen , because you will be a way to many sons and daughters.
-Dominick Gitonga
They say that small coffins are the heaviest. This experience led me to author my first book, Hope for a Grieving Heart, after going through the excruciating pain of child loss. My name is Mercy. I’m Kenyan, a wife, and a mum. I first discovered my love for writing in…
In the wilderness of life, we often face challenges that test our resolve, faith, and commitment to righteousness. For me, that wilderness was a driving school—a place where I encountered more than just road signs and traffic rules. It was a season of intense testing, not only of my driving…
My name is David Noti Kombe, a born-again Christian holding a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Liverpool, UK. Currently, I am in the final stage of an MBA degree in Corporate Management at KCA University, Nairobi, Kenya. Over the years, I have worked in both the public…
oh. we discuss coping with the grief
The doctor spoke with a shaky voice. He looked straight into Mrs. Thompson’s eyes, perhaps to confirm if she was ready to receive the news. ‘The doctors’ team has tried all we could’ , he paused for a few minutes. ‘ But unfortunately, we have lost David!’ He said tearfully.
Amidst the chaos of the hospital, Mrs. Thompson felt the pang of fear and uncertainty, but her friends’ steadfast support was a gift of comfort. As she paced the waiting area, she kept hearing in her mind the reassuring promise from that early morning vision: “I will be with you.” Each step she took, she felt the presence of that promise more strongly, providing a fragile yet resilient hope.
The hours seemed to stretch endlessly as she waited for news about David. Every tick of the clock was a reminder of the gravity of the situation, but also of the unwavering faith she had vowed to uphold. She whispered prayers softly, finding solace in the familiar rhythm of her devotion. The promises she had written in her journal echoed in her thoughts, helping her remain anchored.
When the doctor finally approached, his demeanor calm yet serious, Mrs. Thompson’s heart raced. But as he spoke, she recalled the prayer circle with her friends and felt a renewed sense of peace. Despite the uncertainties, she held onto the faith that had guided her thus far. “Lord, let Your will be done,” she prayed silently, ready to face whatever the outcome might be, knowing she was not alone.
In the intensive care room, her son was on a life support, his body was wired all over to the biggest syringes and he could not even see his mom or even hear her voice. The Doctors and consultants were busy examining him and they seemed restless . As the mom drew near the doctors told her that her son had the first surgery on his head but it seems not right and they are taking him back in the theatre, open the wound and do it against. At this moment the mother lost even the small faith she had but the friends held her tightly and said…it’s for his own good… Let us believe God for the best. They took Mrs Thompson outside the hospital, they engaged her in many things and guess what, Mrs Thompson found herself busy taking pictures and when she went to the toilet in that hospital, as she was looking for the button to press and flush, the toilet flushed itself..hmm it was automatic but to her it was her first time to see it. As they entered the intensive care again their faces were glowing, they were smiling because of what Mrs Thompson had just experienced
‘Hello,Madam,are you related to David?’ a tall lanky doctor asked. ‘Yes I am David’s mother,’ Mrs Thompson answered.’How is he doing ‘she asked ,her brow creased with worry and her heart skipping a beat. She looked at the doctor’s face intently and at the back of her mind, thought he looked too young. ‘I am Dr Manasseh and I am sorry to say that David is critical and we need to move him to the ICU in the next hour and monitor his progress. The next 24 hours will be crucial. ‘
Mrs Thompson sighed and said a feint ‘Okay’ ,do everything you can to save my son’s life son.’
She went into a trance of beautiful memories she had shared with her son. Remembering his gift to her last Christmas, the amulet of hearts, that loosely hung on her neck, she grabbed it. And for a moment, she felt a surge of peace sweep through her head and heart. With a sigh, she was ready to face whatever they would say.
As Mrs. Thompson gathered herself, she felt a flicker of hope amidst the turmoil. The presence of Mr. and Mrs. Majani was a reminder that she wasn’t alone in this fight. Their unwavering support anchored her heart, grounding her in the moment just as her faith had always guided her.
“Let’s go, we’re with you,” Mr. Majani said firmly, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. The warmth of his touch ignited a sense of unity among them, dispelling some of the dread that had threatened to engulf her.
“Thank you,” she managed to say, her voice a fragile whisper as they hurried to gather their things. Her best friend clasped her hand tightly, a reminder that love would accompany her to the hospital.
As they all piled into the Majani’s car, the bustling sounds of laughter and joy from the outside world contrasted starkly with the heaviness in Mrs. Thompson’s heart. Each passing moment felt like an eternity, the anticipation gnawing at her resolve.
“Let’s pray,” Mrs. Majani suggested as they pulled out. The group bowed their heads together, their souls entwined in a circle of hope. “Lord, we come to you in this time of need. Please watch over David, guide the doctors, and give strength to Mrs. Thompson. Let her feel Your love and presence in this storm.”
As they drove, the sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange glow that seeped through the window, warming Mrs. Thompson’s skin. It was a gentle reminder that even clouds could have silver linings.
Upon arriving at the hospital, the stark white walls and the clinical smell of antiseptic hit them like a cold wave. Panic surged through her, but she took a deep breath, recalling the verse that had offered her solace earlier. Fear had a way of creeping in, but she needed to hold onto hope……
The courage Mrs Thompson once had rushed back at her. She was in the company of friends and God – lovers. In an instant, she remembered the first day she shared her faith with her neighbors wife. Like a thirsty soul in search of water in a dry land, Mrs Mijani accepted Christ and had grown through the years in leaps and bounds.
Mr Mijani walked across to Mrs Thompson, “fear not, all will be well.” She bobbed her head to suppress the sharp pain buried within her soul.
In an instant the door flew open…”let’s go!” A voice boomed. It Majani was her next door neighbor. His wife was tagging along. Everyone froze. The silent was so loud that it was heard miles away. Mrs Majani scanned the room & started walking stealthily across the room.
These words always remind us to be strong. “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me”. It is difficult to understand the meaning of these words but The Living God is my protector and provider
But then, her phone rang, shattering the tranquility. The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number. With a sense of foreboding, she answered.
“Hello?” she said, her voice tinged with curiosity.
“Is this Mrs. Thompson?” a frantic voice on the other end asked.
“Yes, speaking.”
“I’m so sorry to call you with such terrible news,” the voice continued, trembling with urgency. “Your son, David… he’s been in an accident. He was hit by a car.”
Her breath caught in her throat. “What? Is he okay? Where is he?”
“He’s in the hospital, but he’s in critical condition. They’ve stabilized him for now, but he’s fighting for his life.”
The room seemed to close in around her. “What happened? How… how is he?”
“They’re doing everything they can, but the next few hours are crucial. You need to come to the hospital right away.”
She could barely process the words, her mind racing as she gripped the phone tightly. “Yes, of course. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
The call ended, and she stared at the phone, her heart pounding. The serene space that had felt so secure moments before was now filled with a deep, overwhelming fear. Desperation and confusion surged through her as she struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
Her best friend, sensing the shift in her demeanor, rushed to her side. “What’s wrong? What happened?”
Her voice trembled as she relayed the devastating news. “David’s been in an accident. He’s in critical condition. We need to go to the hospital.”
Tears streamed down her face as they prepared to leave. The journey of faith they had embraced now seemed overshadowed by the uncertainty of her son’s fate. In that moment, the path ahead felt daunting and unclear, but she knew she had to face it with courage, even amid the storm of fear and worry.
As she breathed in the beauty surrounding her, the weight of the moment wrapped around her like a warm embrace. The lyrics of the song echoed in her heart, intertwining with her thoughts.
She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the melodies wash over her. Each note felt like a reminder that she wasn’t alone in this journey. The call she had just received held the promise of new beginnings—new opportunities to walk in faith and purpose.
With renewed determination, she picked up her pen again, the ink flowing effortlessly as she poured out her heart onto the pages. Each promise from God, every whispered assurance, took shape in her journal. Her words became a map, charting the course of her hopes and dreams.
Suddenly, a soft knock at the door brought her back. She opened it to find her best friend standing there, a bright smile on her face. “I was just thinking about you!” she exclaimed, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring them together at just the right moment. They shared an unspoken understanding, knowing that today was special.
“Come in! You won’t believe what just happened,” she said, pulling her friend into the cozy living room. They settled down with steaming cups of tea, and she began to recount the magical phone call, the song, the revelations. Her friend listened intently, the excitement mirrored in her eyes.
As they talked, laughter filled the room, mingling with the sweet scent of the tea brewing. The worries of yesterday started to fade away, replaced by the warmth of companionship and shared dreams. “You know, I really believe this is just the beginning for you,” her friend said gently. “With your faith and that song, you’re destined for something beautiful.”
Every word resonated deep within, reinforcing the message God had been instilling in her heart. The song, the call, her friend—everything seemed to align. She felt a wave of gratitude, realizing how blessed she was.
“Let’s write down our dreams together,” she suggested, a spark of inspiration lighting up her face. “We can both step into the future, hand in hand, trusting His plan for us.”
With that, they pulled out their journals, side by side, hearts open to the possibilities ahead. The sun continued to shine bright outside, and with each moment, life felt more vibrant, filled with hope and promises of tomorrow
In that cozy space, surrounded by love and inspiration, they knew that they were exactly where they needed to be. The journey of faith had just begun, and it was beautiful.
Turn of events happened when she got some news that the only son she had had just been hit by a car, and was struggling for his life…not knowing what to do..
She moved closer to the window and looked over to the green sceneries. The sun shone bright. Cows, goats and sheep grazed calmly. Birds of the air flew and chirped in happiness. She wiped the tears with the back of her left hand. Coupled with inner conviction and God’s creation, she uttered softly “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”.
And suddenly it hit her, this is the book written of her, all this has been predistined. As she was writting her mind reminiscing of her younger days, her grandmothers words, “God leads our paths to righteousness”. Tears ran down as she whispers, ‘ The way of the Lord’.
She didn’t want to ever forget the moment she just had. After she finished the phone call, She took out her journal and wrote every promise and committed her her heart to trust and follow Him…
She had listened to this song many times in the past. And on this day, it was repeatedly playing. She paid attention. Listened keenly. Every word in that song made sense. For the first time, it became crystal clear. The message was loud, repeatedly loud. She now could tell what her purpose was. That song, did magic
Little did she know that her strength is made perfect in weakness and the song that was repeatedly lingering in her mind was to remind her that God’s grace is sufficient for every step and she has a helper who will guide her in every way
From her dining table, the phone rang, she walked slowly, but cautiously, wondering out of coincidence , the song from the phone ring call , is the song she was playing in her mind, what would this be, such an indication for a beautiful , big day , surely the Lord had taken control , she paused before having a glimpse of who was calling.
Her thoughts stood still. She had let Him take charge, and all that could come into mind was a rhythm. A song of praise. She started humming, little by little the words started coming out. Effortlessly, she let the music flow. “This day must be a beautiful one.” She thought aloud, dragging herself from her closet.
became clearer. She heard a clear, soft voice whisper to her, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Carry on my child, Carry on ….
Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized the truth in those words. All her life, she had been trying to map out every detail, every twist, every turn. She had wanted to control the outcome. But now, she was being called to trust—to release her need for control and to surrender to the One who knew the end from the beginning.
“I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west,” the voice said again, more powerfully this time. “Your legacy will not be lost. The sons and daughters you will lead are many. You are not just navigating your own path; you are paving the way for generations.”
Her heart quickened. This journey wasn’t just about her. It was about others—about those who would come after her, those who would follow her example, her faith. She wasn’t lost; she was being prepared.
Suddenly, the heavy weight on her body began to lift. Her eyes, once so difficult to open, fluttered, and she saw more clearly the source of the bright light. It was not just from the ceiling but seemed to surround her entirely, bathing her in warmth and reassurance. She was in the presence of something holy—something far greater than she had ever imagined.
With renewed strength, she whispered, “Lord, I will follow You.”
The voice responded, “I have already gone before you. You will not fail, for I am your shield and your great reward. Be strong and courageous; the journey is long, but you are not alone.”
As the light began to fade, she sat up, feeling a deep resolve settling in her spirit. The maze before her no longer felt intimidating—it felt like an opportunity. She didn’t have to see every step; she only needed to take the next one. And with each step, the path…
She trembled, feeling the weight of the unknown pressing upon her. Her mind raced, grasping for clarity in the midst of the haze. Yet, the voice persisted, unwavering, as if the fog that surrounded her was nothing more than a temporary veil.
“I will make a way where there seems to be no way,” the voice whispered with gentle authority. “Your steps are ordered, even in this maze. I am the light that will guide you, and I will not leave you.”
She drew in a deep breath, feeling an unfamiliar peace begin to stir within her, though the chaos still loomed. It wasn’t a loud, triumphant peace, but a quiet assurance—like a still stream running beneath the noise of her thoughts. How would she stay focused? How could she move forward when every direction seemed like a gamble?
“Your focus is not on the maze,” the voice reminded her, “it is on Me. Fix your eyes on Me, and the path will unfold. Do not be consumed by what you see; walk by faith, not by sight.”
Full of dark clouds. But the voice insisted, ” do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring forth your children from the east and gather you from the west”.
Trust me as GOD of Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the process
But how would she stay focused? There was so much in her life that did not seem like a path. In fact her’s was a maze in which any route was either full of….
Proceed ….” I am here to help you through the journey that is set before you. Don’t be distracted. Stay focussed and you will come through.”