Arise and Shine

By Moses Njomo

Kenyatta National Hospital’s (KNH) 17th Annual Prayer Day was held on the 14.12.2022. The open space on the second floor of the iconic Tower block hosted this year’s event.

This year’s theme was ‘ARISE AND SHINE’ drawn from Isaiah 60:1-3. Despite the challenges in our work place and in our personal lives, the commands in the verse are meant to be transformative. The downcast can become uplifted, failure can turn to success, weeping can be changed to joy and the sick can be healed. In fact, any situation that is identical to darkness can be reversed when the light of God shines through that situation.

Both these words ARISE and SHINE are indicative of positive change. They both connote improved standard of life, particularly in line with God’s plan as described in Jeremiah 29: 11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’.

HOU Chaplaincy, John Kariba in his remarks, welcomed all attendees and acknowledged the presence of the senior management representatives; he did not forget to appreciate the prayer day committee for organizing and coordinating the event.

Led by the Mr. Gyvira Odhiambo, the KNH-choir chairperson, in their melodious harmony enriched the programme by churning out beautiful tunes.

Representing Director Nursing Services, Mrs. Rose Wafubwa, reminded staff that despite of the tides and storms that have rocked the year 2022, it’s only by Gods unmerited grace and love that the hospital has withstood. She encouraged the staff to exemplify greatness in their duty as a thanksgiving to God for seeing the institution through. “Colleagues His love is 100% for us she concluded her remarks.

Representing Senior Director Clinical Services Dr. Irene Inwani, Director Health Care Quality, Dr. Lydia Okutoyi, acknowledged the role of the Chaplaincy Unit for their contribution in holistic care. She encouraged the staff to anchor their hope and trust in God. ‘It is common for health care workers to experience compassion fatigue but it is only God who can equip us with the strength to continue” she concluded by reminding the staff to reflect and acknowledge that it is indeed God who has enabled us To reach this far.

Representing the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Alfred Birichi, Director, Pharmaceutical Services reiterated the previous speakers by acknowledging that God has been the hospital’s anchor despite of the challenges. He mentioned the central role of God in our lives as he referenced the Kenyan National anthem and the Kenyan constitution which have emphasized that. He appreciated the Chaplaincy Unit for their contribution in holistic and for care and reassured them of management’s commitment in supporting such initiatives. “Despite of the advancements in medicine, God has an apex position in the healing process” he said. He concluded by reminding the audience that God works through people and that is how we can impact the love of God to those in despair.

In summary, though as a hospital we have challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic and our personal finances are strained due to the hard economic times and occasionally we experience downtime in our spiritual lives we should be reassured that God’s power supersedes all situations if only we align to his teaching.

The event culminated with a benediction from Bishop Tobias Oloo, from the book of Numbers 6:24-26

MAIN PHOTO | AARON MULAMA Representing Director Nursing Services, Mrs. Rose Wafubwa (L), Director Health Care Quality, Dr. Lydia Okutoyi (C) and Director Pharmaceutical Services Dr. Alfred Birichi (R) in attendance during the 17th KNH prayer day

Guest preacher Bishop Tobias Oloo from Bethel Ministries International

PHOTO | AARON MULAMA