Steadfast and Resolute

Much can be written about Harrison Kathumbi Mwathi’s spiritual journey in the hot and rough terrains of Kenya.

Born in 1952 to peasant farmers, Harrison didn’t have an easy childhood. Farming was difficult in the semiarid region, and the family struggled. Still, he managed to join the Kyandili School for primary education. He later transferred to Central Secondary for his high school certificate.

After high school Harrison secured employment near Nairobi City as a machine operator at a meat processing plant. He was soon appointed to a government post as an assistant chief. Because of his exemplary service as the bridge between the government and the people, he was promoted to chief of his home village, Itetani. 

Always a Seventh-day Adventist, Harrison juggled public service life and church life. It wasn’t easy for him to balance the two, but his determined spirit carried him through. He had a wife and two children to take care of, and he ensured they got the best he could afford.

Throughout his life Harrison knew he was cut out for a nobler mission—to win souls to Christ through the three angels’ messages. He became an elder in 1988 and served in a variety of roles, overseeing church plants and acting as an elected conference representative to meetings. 

Harrison retired in 2008 and dedicated his life to evangelism. His experience as a lay church leader was soon required. He was tasked to oversee the construction and inauguration of Itetani Girls’ Secondary School. The school now has 240 students, 23 of whom are Seventh-day Adventist. He collaborates with two Adventist teachers in nurturing them. He is on the board of several institutions, including the girls’ school.

As a layperson, Harrison is the contact person between members and the administrative leaders of the local conference. He helps plan evangelistic missions with church groups and institutions from the USA. Such missionary visits often bear fruit. Free medicine is distributed. People suffering from various ailments are treated. Clothes for the needy are distributed. Deserving students have their fees cleared. These endeavors aid various churches to support their evangelism work. 

In the most recent visit by a team from Houston International Adventist Church in Houston, Texas, and another by Weimar University from California, three new churches were planted and more than 200 people were baptized. Many more continue to be nurtured into the faith. The greatest need is to finalize a church structure where these new believers will be worshipping. The local churches mobilized and acquired land, and construction has begun.

Harrison’s wife has been a pillar of strength that motivates him in all his endeavors. Age is swiftly catching up with him, but he is steadfast and resolute. His vision is to see more Bible workers engaged, reaching out to the unentered zones in Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni counties. He also wants to see construction of churches in areas where new souls have been won.Now 72, Harrison challenges other lay representatives to remain faithful and committed, put God first, be positive about God’s work, lead as role models, and cultivate good relationships with other members. He cannot wait for Jesus to return.