Karatina Independent Baptist Church, established in 1983, serves the vibrant community of Karatina, with a population of 27,000. Led by Pastor  Harrison Wabiru and Samuel K. Maina (deaf church) , the church has 100 members and emphasizes evangelism and outreach to grow its congregation. Pastor Harrison is married to Lucy  Kariuki and they have three children, Esther, Priscilla, and Sam. Pastor Samuel is married to Jane Wairimu, and they have three children: Martin Maina, Joy Wanjira, and Ruth Wacera.

The church operates on land and within a building owned by the Antioch Independent Baptist Churches of Kenya (AIBCK). It has access to clean water and electricity but seeks to reduce power costs by installing a solar system and improving water access with a tank.

The pastor and his wife earn a modest combined income  from farming, which supports their family. They seek support to start a chicken project to improve their income and meet family needs.

Pastor Samuel is also actively involved in the church’s deaf ministry, striving to bring more people, including those with hearing impairments, into the church community. He requests prayers for continued grace to expand God’s Kingdom and provision for his family, particularly for his children’s education.

Karogoto Independent Baptist Church, established in 2000, serves the town of Karogoto, which has a population of approximately 5,000. Led by Pastor Charles Muita Kirathe, the church has 49 members and is focused on fostering unity, spiritual growth, and love within the congregation. Pastor Charles is married to Charity Wanjiku Muita, and they are parents to three children—Beatrice Mumbi, David Mwangi, and Gideon Nguo—as well as caretakers for their 2-year-old granddaughter.

The church operates on land owned by the Antioch Independent Baptist Churches of Kenya (AIBC) and has a building in need of renovations and enhancements. The church has access to water harvesting but lacks electricity. Plans for growth include evangelism efforts supported by public address equipment for open-air meetings.

Key needs include constructing a kitchen, painting the church building, installing electricity, and acquiring office furniture and tiling. Pastor Charles and his family also require support to relocate and renovate their house and secure a means of transport for church-related activities.

Pastor Charles expresses gratitude for the support they have received and requests prayers for provision and open doors to meet both church and family needs. He is committed to serving God with passion and dedication in the Karogoto community.

Kiamariga Independent Baptist Church, established in 2009, is located in the small town of Kiamariga, with a population of approximately 1,200. Led by Pastor David Ngatia, with support from Helper Peter Nyongesa, the church has grown significantly from just two families post-COVID-19 to its current membership of 27 people across 17 families. Pastor David is married to Irene Wanjiku, and their family includes five children: Monicah Wairimu, Emmanuel Ndung’u, Josiah Githaka, Ryan Kariuki, and Lacey Njeri, along with two dependants, Morris Bundi and Patrick Chomba.

The church is on land owned by the Antioch Independent Baptist Churches of Kenya (AIBC) and has access to power and clean water. Plans for growth include evangelism ministries and monthly home fellowships. Immediate needs for expansion include a public address  for outreach, a church van for members who walk long distances, completing the Sunday school class, and implementing a porridge program for children.

Pastor David earns a small income from farming. However, financial challenges persist, particularly in covering annual school fees  and boosting the family’s pig farming project to increase income.

The church seeks support for a feeding program, a borehole for piped water, and a projector for church services. Pastor David expresses gratitude for the opportunity to serve a community eager to hear God’s Word and requests prayers for the church's outreach and for provision to meet both spiritual and physical needs in the area.

Ihwagi Independent Baptist Church, established in 2006, serves the town of Ihwagi, home to approximately 6,000 people. Led by Pastor James Kahia Ndiritu, with the support of Helper Paul Githinji Wachira, the church currently has 40 members. Pastor James is married to Tabitha Wangu Gichuki, and their family includes four boys: Johnson Nderitu, Victor Gichuki, Chris Mwangi, and Edwin Macharia.

The church operates on land owned by the Antioch Independent Baptist Churches of Kenya (AIBC) and has access to both electricity and water from a river or well. While the church did not experience growth in membership over the past year, Pastor James remains optimistic about the future, focusing on evangelism, visitation, and using evangelism aids such as tracts, amplifiers, and a projector for films.

Key church needs include expanding the compound and completing ongoing projects. Pastor James’s work as a taxi driver. They aspire to start a better business to support their family.

Pastor James expresses gratitude for the support he has received and requests prayers for the church’s growth, the faith and future of his children, and strength to navigate life’s challenges. He is committed to serving God and the Ihwagi community with dedication and hope.

Mathaithi Independent Baptist Church is a beacon of hope and transformation, not only for its congregation but also for the vulnerable children of the community through its Youth in Training (YIT) Ministry. The church operates under the leadership of Pastor Joseph Ndegwa and Carol Ndegwa, working closely with the Antioch Baptist Churches of Kenya and  Rev. Terry and Sandra Washer.

Youth in Training Ministry

The YIT Ministry, originally called Christ Kids, began in 2007 with a focus on feeding and ministering to street children. It started by providing one meal a day and teaching God’s Word to children living on the streets of Karatina. The program reduced drug use, theft, and other negative behaviors among the children, replacing despair with faith and transformation.

To provide a safe environment for children who accepted Christ, YIT rented small rooms near the church to house and educate five needy children. Over time, the ministry expanded, changing its name to Youth in Training Ministry to reflect its broader focus on education and skill-building for future self-reliance.

In 2011, YIT was officially registered with the Kenyan Department of Children Services after meeting government requirements, including housing 21 children, establishing a governance board, and employing a social worker. Pastor Ndegwa, equipped with a Sociology degree, now leads the social services aspect of the ministry.

The ministry operates on a plot in Mathaithi, originally purchased as a burial site for  Mama and Papa Fields but now dedicated to bringing life to 10 children. The children live in temporary structures made of old iron sheets while receiving education, spiritual nurturing, and training in trade skills.

Ministry Needs

• Housing Improvements: Permanent structures to replace the temporary iron sheet buildings.
• Recreation Facilities: To provide a holistic development environment for the children.
• Educational Support: Funding for the children’s education and skill development.
• Sustainable Funding: Resources to ensure long-term operations and meet the government’s requirements.

Mathaithi Independent Baptist Church and the Youth in Training Ministry embody the spirit of transformation. From feeding street children to raising faithful, skilled, and empowered individuals, the ministry demonstrates God’s love in action.

Through faith, compassion, and dedicated service, Mathaithi Independent Baptist Church and YIT Ministry continue to bring hope and new beginnings to vulnerable children in the community.