TT 161

TIMES TODAY TT 161 | July 19th - July 25th| 2022

The Unshakeable Destiny of a Believer

CONTENTS My Pulpit message notes: | The unshakeable destiny of a believer| 3-4 My Devotional: Greatly distressed?.| 6 My Business | Aiding the digital revolution in global financial inclusion | 7 My Inspiration: A sudden shift of passion | 8 My Entrepreneur: 2 tips to help others network | 9 My Health: Should I get a COVID-19 booster now or wait? Experts answer key questions? | 10-11 My Kitchen: Burnt ends skewers with monkey gland sauce |12 My Sports: Kenyan 3,000m steeplechase dominance faces tough test in Oregon show |13

Pulpit Message Notes The Unshakeable Destiny of a Believer

My Pulpit Message Notes are extracted from the sermon preached at the Nairobi Baptist Church (NBC) Ngong Road on Sunday 10th July 2022. Preacher: Rev. Dr. Master Obi Matlahope Scripture: Hebrews 2. Topic: The Unshakeable Destiny of a Believer

The author of Hebrews, the limit of his historical knowledge precludes positive identification i.e. we cannot positively conclude the writer of Hebrews. Some notes especially in Hebrew 5 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, 13:18 where he identifies his friends and sends greeting alluabout which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where some- sion to Timothy has led others to say it could be Paul, but other one has testified: things that this letter is characterised puts that also into question. E.g; “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him?

The Greek deployed by the writer of Hebrews is much 7 You made them a little[a] lower than the angels; superior/classic than what we find in the Pauline letters. you crowned them with glory and honor The writers use of imagery is also quite distinctive; ship 8 and put everything under their feet.”[b][c] missing the harbour, the anchor gripping the seabed are also In putting everything under them,[d] God left nothing that is not similar to the imagery found in Paul’s writings. That is why not subject to them.[e] Yet at present we do not see everything in antiquity names have been circulated as possible writers such subject to them.[f] 9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower as Barnabas, Apollos, Silvanus, Priscilla, Aquilla etc. However, than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and that is not the case. The letter of Hebrews is a masterpiece of the honor because he suffered death, New Testament. so that by the grace of God he The only authority which is over you and might taste death for everyone.

Hebrews 2:5-11

Background 10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting Him alone has the final authority in your life. You Summary of that God, for whom and through have the right to stand and declare your stand Hebrews 2:1-5 whom everything exists, should as far as any other thing is concerned. make the pioneer of their sal- In the introduction the vation perfect through what he writer projects the superiority suffered. 11 Both the one who of salvation that the believers makes people holy and those who of the New Testament (NT) have, which has been elaborated in are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed the person of Jesus Christ in Hebrews chapter one. By projectto call them brothers and sisters. ing the superiority of Jesus Christ far above angels, far above any other creature that God has ever created.

This Jesus Christ has brought salvation which is Purpose of message: not through angels, but through the Son. This contrast of the To encourage / strengthen our faith Son and the angels in chapter one have one purpose to show out the quality of the Son compared to angels, prophets, or any The letter of Hebrews invites us to the task of defining the un- other Old Testament (OT) figure and this Son is by Whom God has given us salvation and therefore, the salvation that God has defined. Some of the undefined is the identity of its writer. brought us through the Son is far superior, it has not match, it is The writer’s conceptual background is undefined, the charac- of highest and he then warned from verse one to pay the most ter and location of the community to which he was addressing attention to what we have had so that we do not drift away.

Since the message spoken through angels was bindis not specifically defined. The circumstances and the date of ing and violation and disobedience received is just punishment, composition of this letter is also undefined. The nature of the shall we escape if we ignore such great salvation. The salcrisis which the writer is addressing are scanty and not exactly how vation which was first announce by the Lord and confirmed by defined. This calls us to define the undefined. those who heard Him. Verse three we find the phrase with implication.

We take solace in the fact that like all other historical letters / The OT folks heard the message of the angel sand when they writings we are often called to reconstruct the history of such heard the message of the angels, those who did not obey this literature and have to use historical methodology to bring this message received just recompense and then he moves and says, together. to those of us who have received the message of the Son, how much more shall we receive a more just recompense. superintends you is the authority of Christ and

TT 161 | July 19th - July 25th| 2022

Pulpit Message Notes The Basis of the New Believer From verse five going down to verse 11, the writer endeavours now to break down the ground / basis of the new believer. The excesses that we find in the faith of the new believer. “ It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking.” Here the writer is definitely thinking of the text in Deuteronomy 32:8 where in the old original translation, the Scripture there says, “When the Most High God gave the nations the inheritance, when He separated the sons of Adam, He established boundaries for the nations according to the number of angels.”

By implication, when the writer of Hebrews brings this out, he is saying, when God demarcated the nations, as it were, the demarcations were based on the number of angels and those angels which were allocated each nation, were given jurisdiction over those nations. So the nations of the world past, (cause he is about to focus on the world to come) was subjected to angels. Each nation had an angel.

But the writer is saying in the world to come, God had not subjected it to any of the angels. This world to come He has subjected it only to His Son and this is our ground as believers. That is where we come in and that is the basis of our life.

The Resurrection | The World To Come

This world to come is subjected to Jesus Christ when He was coronated the Son of God and given authority of rulership.

We believe the coronation of the Son which was pronounced in chapter one came about when He was resurrected and He was given the name above every name and was lifted high above every power and principality. He was crowned the Son of God and made the Ruler of the world to come.

This is the force / power of resurrection.

No wonder, about resurrection, how the NT devotes a good amount of its part to the resurrection. Acts 1:3, the Bible says, He showed Himself with indisputable proofs after His resurrection to many withnesses. 1 Corinthians 15, gives us the people whom He showed Himself, to His disciples, the inner circle, then to five hundred, then Paul says lastly to myself just to emphasise and underscore resurrection.

Therefore resurrection of Jesus Christ is consequential, it is a mantra, it is the basis of the NT believer because it inaugurated the world to come. Resurrection gave birth to the world to come. Resurrection gave birth to the new beginning. Resurrection gave birth to a new platform of a believer.

When you hear the gospel you receive the power of resurrection in you. The Spirit that enters you and occupies and lives inside of you is the Spirit of resurrection. He becomes resident in you. By extension, you then become a citizen of the world to come. You become part of that world to come as a new believer. This is critical for our identity as believers for us knowing ourselves.

The Believer’s Identity

It is important as believers to know who we are, know where we stand, know the implication of our faith.

The best weapon the enemy can use against a new testament believer is your limitation of understanding who you are. But if you know who you are and where you belong, the writer of Hebrews had quoted Psalm 8:4-8 where the Bible makes reference of man, “What is man that you are so mindful of him. You made him a little lower than angels and you subjected everything under him.

In Psalm 8 he emanciates the things that were put under man. The writer of Hebrews used the same text of Psalm 8 and here we see a locution because he gives Psalm 8 new nuances. In Psalm 8 it seems the text refers to humanity in general and now he quotes the same text in Hebrews and here he gives it a new nuance, a Christological meaning. He

associates Christ with Psalm 8:4-8. That Psalm becomes Christological in Hebrews.

The reason it is a locution is because in Psalm it refers to humanity in general, but in Hebrews it refers to Christ.

This is not a contradiction because the writer of Hebrews by giving Psalm 8 Christological meaning he is to associate Christ with humanity. Was Christ human? Yes. Is He therefore part of Psalm 8? Yes He qualifies.

Jesus is associated with humanity. Jesus like all humanity was made a little lower than angels, but the other differentiation that we see in Hebrews, is that he now inserts a temporariness in that Psalm 8.

In Hebrews 2, the writer says, ‘He was made a little lower than angels just for a time.’ So he gives it a new nuance, qualifying Jesus as part of humanity, but now giving Psalm 8 an extended meaning, and the implication that comes by that extended meaning. ‘He was made a little lower than angels. He was made part of humanity and that way He became part of you and me. A human being, a little lower than angels, but for a time.

When was that time? When He became flesh, and when between His flesh and death on the cross. And then He rose from the dead, now inaugurating the world to come, by which the author of Hebrews is talking about.

To us who believe in Him, He is not afraid to call us His brothers and sisters. He identifies with us.

In identifying with us, we are one with Him. We are a family and He calls us brothers and sisters.

He did this through His blood, cleansing us from our sins and giving us the His Spirit so that we are in solidarity with Him. Cleansed from all defilement which is tantamount to sanctification. We get cleansed for the service of our God. We are therefore then, in solidarity with the transcendent Son of God, Christ and our solidarity with Him is established.

He who sanctifies and them that are sanctified are one. Only He alone is able to sanctify us completely to a point where we can become His brothers and sisters.

When He cleanses you, you are clean, unlike the OT folks. It is for this that He doesn’t hesitate to call us His brothers and sisters.

I submit to you that you are in the world to come by your faith in Christ Jesus.

You are a citizen of the world to come. The end has begun from the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The end is a process which has begun. His resurrection began the end times and when you step in by faith, you step in as an end time personality. You belong now to the world that is anew, part of the new creation and by implication you are not under the authority of any angel whether it is territorial, or arch demonic angel, you are not under that angel by your faith and your identity with Christ.

What does this mean? It takes away every fear from the forces and the powers of darkness and it enforces your authority as a NT believer in the now, who you are and how you relate to such forces because, the end has begun, but it has not ended, we are in the process.

We are participants of the end times benefits which has eternal values and consequences to us as NT believers.

Encouragement As you walk your walk of faith, know that without any variation you are one with Christ. You are part of the end-time world of which was not delegated to any angel. The only authority which is over you and superintends you is the authority of Christ and Him alone has the final authority in your life. You have the right to stand and declare your stand as far as any other thing is concerned. Know your identity and your authority.

TT 161 | July 19th - July 25th| 2022

My Life How to get saved and spend eternity with God His Love “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (NASB) My response that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

Romans 10:9-10 (NASB)

My prayer Lord God Almighty, thank You for Your love for me. Thank You that You sent Your Son Jesus Christ to die for my sins. Please forgive me for all the sins I have committed against You. I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He died on the cross and You raised Him from the dead on the third day. Please write my name in the Lamb’s book of life. Help me to live a life that is holy and pleasing unto You. In Jesus’ Name I pray and believe. Amen

TT 161 | July 19th - July 25th| 2022

My Devotional Greatly distressed?

By Liz Omondi | Email: timestodayke@gmail.com | Image credit: vectorstock.com

16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.

Acts 17:16-17 NIV

can murmur in my closet?

What Paul did in Acts 17 challenges me to act when I see evil around me. Keeping quite does not help anyone, or make things better. God has put me in a position as a believer to seize every opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

A few verses down the line, Paul uses this same opportunity as an entry point to preach about Jesus Christ. Acts 17:22-23 says, “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People What is does it mean to be distressed? The Oxford Advanced Learn- of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as er’s dictionary defines distress as a feeling of great worry or unhappi- I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you ness; great suffering. are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am This definition already uses the adjective ‘great’. Now, add the adjec- going to proclaim to you.” tive ‘great’ to an already highly distressing situation. That is how Paul I am also reminded of a Scripture where Jesus was not happy with felt when he stepped into Athens. what was happening in the temple courts. He did not keep quiet Are there things that greatly distress you as a believer or have we ac- about it, or wish it away. He acted swiftly. Mark 11:15-17 says, “On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began drivclimatised to all the evil around us? ing out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the The sight of idols in Athens was enough to greatly distress Paul and tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, so he did something about it. He went to the churches of those days 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the as well as the marketplace everyday and reasoned with those who temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you happened to be there. have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

I consider myself young, but when I see my peers doing things in my view that are contrary to the Word of God, because they are con- Father forgive my inertness with regard to highly distressing issues sidered fashionable, I get very uncomfortable. When I hear politi- around me. Please give me the courage to act when I need to and the cians use uncouth or demeaning language, I get very jittery. When wisdom to know when to keep quiet. Help me to seize the opportuI read, or hear, manifestos with extremely cockeyed ideas, worries nity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the spaces you have placed me in. In Jesus’ Name, Amen start sprouting.

Do I in a respectful manner address, or speak out against the things I see perhaps on social media, or physically as Paul did, or am I stunned into silence by the evils in society that silent prayers are all I

TT 161 | July 19th - July 25th| 2022

My Business

Aiding the digital revolution in global financial inclusion https://blogs.worldbank.org/voices |By DAVID MALPASS | JULY 12, 2022 | Image credit: World Bank

Expanding people’s access to finance, reducing the cost of digital transactions, and channeling wage payments and social transfers through financial accounts will be vital to mitigating recent economic setbacks in developing countries. Governments and the private sector can help further this transformation in several ways.”

Around the world, high inflation, slow economic growth, and food shortages are hurting the poor the most. Coming on top of the unequal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, today’s multiple crises have already caused dramatic reversals in development and led to a substantial increase in global poverty.

On the positive side, the COVID-19 crisis spurred unprecedented change, especially in industries with a large digital component . This digital revolution has catalyzed increases in access to and use of financial services in developing economies, transforming how people make and receive payments, borrow, and save.

These changes are strikingly evident in the latest edition of the Global Findex database, compiled from a survey of more than 125,000 adults in 123 economies, covering use of financial services throughout 2021. The survey found that 71% of adults in developing economies now have a formal financial account – whether with a bank, another regulated institution such as a credit union or microfinance lender, or a mobile money service provider – compared to 42% when the first edition of the database was published a decade ago. In addition, the difference in the share of men and women in developing economies who own an account has fallen for the first time, from nine percentage points to six.

This digital transformation makes it easier, cheaper, and safer for people to receive wages from employers, send remittances to family members, and pay for goods and services. Mobile money accounts can better handle high-volume, small-denomination transactions, which help users to access financial services and save in order to cope better with crises. Individual accounts also give women more privacy, security, and control over their money.

The share of adults in developing economies who make or receive digital payments grew from 35% in 2014 to 57% in 2021 . In Sub-Saharan Africa, 39% of mobile money account holders now use their accounts to save. And more than one-third of people in low- and middle-income countries who paid a utility bill from an account did so for the first time after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Importantly, the digital revolution also serves as a powerful anti-corruption tool, because it helps to increase transparency as money flows from a government’s budget to public agencies to citizens . Government social programs can now reduce delays and leakage by channeling transfers directly to their beneficiaries’ mobile phones. Millions of people in developing countries received payments in this way during the pandemic, helping to cushion the impact of COVID-19 on livelihoods.

Building on these encouraging trends is crucial, especially given the current economic headwinds. Expanding people’s access to finance, reducing the cost of digital transactions, and channeling wage payments and social transfers through financial accounts will be vital to mitigating development setbacks resulting from the ongoing turbulence.

Governments and the private sector can help further this transformation in several critical areas. First, they need to create a favorable operating and policy environment. For example, enabling the interoperability of systems allows for payments across different types of financial institutions and between mobile money service providers. Improving access to finance depends much more on the mobile-phone system than on the physical banking system. Cheap and functional mobile phones and affordable internet access are prerequisites for expanding digital finance. Consumer protections and stable regulations are also needed to foster safe and fair practices that bolster trust in the financial system.

Establishing digital-identification systems also is essential, because lack of verifiable identity is one of the main reasons why some adults remain excluded from financial services . We know from the experiences of countries such as India and the Philippines that government identification programs and financial-inclusion programs can work in tandem to equip hard-to-reach populations with official identification documents and financial accounts. India, for example, has pioneered a successful accessible digital ID system that pays due attention to safety and privacy.

Another high priority should be to promote the digitalization of payments. The Global Findex data for 2021 show that 865 million account owners in developing economies opened their first account at a bank or similar institution in order to receive money from the government. This helped households directly and also helped build the digital financial ecosystem, because people who received payments into an account were more likely to use their account to make payments and access other services. Digital payments by governments thus serve as a foundation for assembling credible social registers and identifying gaps and overlaps.

As digital payments become more widespread and less costly, many private businesses will be able to pay their workers and suppliers electronically – and should. The digital revolution offers a chance to increase formal-sector employment without making compliance excessively burdensome. At a time of tighter government budget constraints, digital payments can help broaden the revenue base by reducing tax avoidance and evasion.

Finally, policymakers will need to make additional efforts to include underserved groups. The gender gap in financial access has narrowed, but it still exists. Women, along with the poor, are more likely to lack a form of personal identification or a mobile phone, to live far from a bank branch , and to need support to open and use a financial account. Financial-education programs, especially those that involve peer-to-peer learning (such as through women’s self-help groups) are essential as well.

The World Bank is firmly committed to expanding financial inclusion through digitalization. We will continue to support countries as they enhance mobile-phone networks, rework regulations to foster access to finance, adopt e-government platforms, and modernize social-protection systems. For the many millions of people who still lack an account, we need to redouble our efforts and find creative ways to connect them to the financial system, build economic resilience, and reap the benefits of inclusion.

TT 161 | July 19th - July 25th| 2022

My Inspiration A sudden shift of passion

By William King | Email: kingwilliam189@gmail.com | image courtesy: flexjobs.com

We all have dreams and goals that we want to accomplish.

We know God has put in your heart to start a business, to help build an orphanage or to send our children to college but we don’t have the resources, position or the influence to do it. It seems as though we’re limited. The Scripture says, “The wealth of the ungodly is laid up for the righteous” (Proverbs 13:22).

Other versions say that it will be given or transferred to the righteous. You may not be able to accomplish your dreams on your own. What’s in your heart is too big for your bank account. You have the vision, want to leave your family better off, but you don’t have the position. The good news is that a transfer is coming.

God didn’t give you the vision without having provisions.

He’s already lined up transfers. Because you’re the righteous, you keep God first place, faithful, generous and good to others, God says He’s going to take from those who are not using their resources in a positive way. They’re not using their influence.

It’s going to be out of the ordinary, where you have the means to accomplish things you’ve never dreamed. You can leave an inheritance to your children’s children, expand your business, support a girls’ home or move into a nice neighbourhood. Here’s the key: You don’t have to chase the blessing.

When you chase after God, the blessing will chase after you.

These transfers will track you down. The Scripture says that when you honour God, His blessings will overtake you. One version says they will catch you by surprise. You won’t see it coming. You never dreamed you could pay off your house, then suddenly a transfer comes.

God took you from the back to the front, from renting to owning, from not having enough to more than enough.

This transfer is not just material things, it’s also influence and prestige. People who didn’t give you credit or value your ideas will see you in a new light. Just keep doing the right thing.

TT 161 | July 19th - July 25th| 2022

Every Good G S ift

ells

Entrepreneur

2 tips to help others network

By Ben Stapley |www.biblicalleadership.com | image credit: istock

I gave you nine tips on how to help yourself network. Now let me give you two tips on how to help others network.

1. Pay it forward.

a2. Enhance someone else’s networking skills.

Author of Hero Maker, Warren Bird, once explained that he never goes anywhere alone. Whenever he speaks at conferences or consults If you’ve asked to learn from others then you need to do the same for with organizations he always invites someone to join him. others. You might not be at the point in your career where others are approaching you. Don’t let this stop you.

He brings someone along to learn from the experience, connect with others and enhance their networking skills. Warren is my hero. He Reach out and give back. One way is to identify someone outside doesn’t just worry about advancing himself, he actively looks to adof your organization and pour into them. It might come off a little vance others by living out the title of his book. insulting and prideful to approach someone with “I think you need help, and I think I’m the person best equipped to give it.”

There will always be someone less experienced than you. Figure out who that is and how to help them along.

Another way to give back is to join a professional group on Facebook and LinkedIn and then start dispensing wisdom like your Pez ma- Networking is a valuable tool for continual professional developchine. ment. When done poorly, it comes off as self-centered. When done well, it adds value to yourself and the person you are networking with.

TT 160 | July 12th - July 18th| 2022

My Health

Should I get a COVID-19 booster now or wait?

Experts answer key questions

www.medicalnewstoday.com |Written by Annie Lennon on July 14, 2022

COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of infection, hospitalization, and death caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While mRNA vaccines continue to provide durable protection against severe outcomes from all COVID-19 variants, data shows that immunity against emerging variants can wane over time.

perhaps should not wait,” noted Dr. Fady Youssef, a board certified pulmonologist, internist, and critical care specialist at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, California. “With the current variant gaining dominance and showing its high transmissibility now may be the best time to get a second booster.”

Recent research found that the current dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants, BA.4 and BA.5, are significantly more resistant to current mRNA vaccines than the Nicola Stonehouse, Ph.D. FRSB FRSA, Professor in Molecular Virology at the previous BA.2 Omicron subvariant.

University of Leeds, told MNT:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a “If eligible, it is always a good idea to take the opportunity of an additional vacbooster shot for everyone over 5 years old to overcome waning protection. The cine dose. It is especially important for older people and those who are clinically agency also recommends a second booster shot for immunocompromised indi- vulnerable.” viduals over 12 years old and those over 50.

“Although SARS-CoV2 is not my direct area of research, I personally got a However, current booster shots use the same formulations as the original booster because of the rise of the variants,” said Brian J. Akerley, Ph.D., AssociCOVID-19 vaccines for the alpha variant. ate Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at the Center for Immunology and Microbial Research at the University of Mississippi. “Basic principles of immuThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently recommended including a nology would indicate that boosting can increase antibody and T-cell responses SARS-CoV-2 Omicron component in COVID-19 booster vaccines for the 2022 against parts of the spike protein that are similar in multiple variants.” fall and winter seasons.

“I would have preferred a booster corresponding to the most prevalent variant, Pfizer and Moderna have announced the development of new vaccines targeting but prevention only works if done in advance. Given persistently high transmisBA.4 and BA.5 to be ready for distribution by fall. sion rates and the growing evidence of long-term health effects even after the resolution of COVID, I think it is common sense to get some protection before Some may wonder whether to get a booster shot this summer or wait for the one gets infected, rather than gambling on avoiding exposure while waiting for updated shots. To help answer some of the key questions, Medical News Today an improved vaccine,” Prof. Akerley added. spoke with six experts across multiple medical fields, including immunology, microbiology, and critical care.

“If people haven’t been vaccinated yet, they should go ahead and get the immunization,” John Bates, Ph.D., Scientific Director at the Human Immunology and Inflammation Biomarker Core Laboratory at the University of Mississippi told MNT, “If a person has been vaccinated, to include the recommended booster dose(s), then they should wait.”

Should people get another vaccine shot now or wait?

“Those who have medical conditions that predispose them to severe COVID

TT 161 | July 19th - July 25th| 2022

My Health What if someone already had a shot or infection 3-6 months ago?

How would the advice differ for people in various age groups or with underlying health conditions?

MNT spoke with Dr. Dana Hawkinson, infectious diseases and medical director of infection prevention and control at the University of Kansas Health System.

“The clinical data show that the elderly have a much higher risk of severe illness and death,” said Dr. Bates, “It’s particularly important that older individuals be “If you have had an infection, you likely have gained what many call ‘hybrid vaccinated to prevent the likelihood of severe illness or death following SARSimmunity,’ which includes vaccination and infection. Infection also helps you CoV-2 infection. Similarly, if a person is immune compromised, vaccination garner immunity to other parts of the virus, not just spike, which is the compo- will maximize the body’s ability to fight infection should that person become infected.” nent of the vaccines,” Dr. Hawkinson said.

“Nonetheless, the recommendation is that if it has been more than 4 months “If someone works in a high risk industry or a high exposure industry, I would from your last vaccine dose/booster, you should get the second booster if you are say to check with their primary care physician about when is the right time for them to get a booster,” added Dr. Youssef. over 50 years old or immunocompromised,” he explained.

Should anybody not get a booster vaccine?

“If you have had the infection, there is still a recommendation to get a booster if you fall into the category of requiring a booster. You may get the vaccine dose as soon as your isolation ends from the acute infection; however, waiting 2-3 “People that had severe side effects or negative reactions upon vaccination with months is reasonable too,” Dr. Hawkinson added.

COVID-19 vaccines should discuss options with their healthcare providers, but Dr. Bates explained that waiting for the updated shots may be a good idea for everyone else is recommended to get the booster shot,” said Dr. Fritz. certain individuals with recent vaccination or natural infection. However, unvaccinated individuals, whether they had previously contracted the SARS-CoV-2 “No boosters are recommended for those under 5,” noted Dr. Hawkinson. virus or not, are recommended to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

What is your advice for those who are reluctant to get vaccinated or a booster?

“If someone is 3-6 months out from the last recommended dose of vaccine, then they don’t need another vaccination,” explained Dr. Bates, “However, even if an unvaccinated person was previously infected, it would be best for them to get the vaccine now.”

“New variants are still arising, and the length of protection is not as long as we’d like, but vaccination is the reason that the pandemic didn’t claim more lives,” “Viruses have evolved ways to evade the immune response, and respiratory vi- said Dr. Stonehouse, “COVID-19 infection can still be very serious, especially ruses, in particular, have long been known to re-infect previously infected indi- in pregnancy.” viduals. Vaccines, by contrast, are designed to elicit strong immune responses to provide (hopefully) longer-lasting immunity,” he noted.

“During the Omicron wave, vaccines did a great job of preventing severe illness and death despite significant changes in the Omicron variant relative to the vacDr. Youssef agrees that the advice differs for people who have yet to receive their cine strain, so even with changes in the virus, the vaccines are effective,” said Dr. first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Bates.

“People who get COVID and are unvaccinated have a higher likelihood of getting COVID again when compared to those who had COVID and got vaccinated,” said Dr. Youssef, “In addition, it seems this current variant evades the immunity that many have had from the prior infections. The CDC recommends waiting 3 months after an infection.”

“Most of the published data have examined the effects of changes in the virus on the efficacy of the antibody response to vaccination. However, T cells are also important in responding to infection and likely account for the reduced severity of illness in vaccinated individuals who are infected with one of the newer variants.”

What are the pros and cons to consider?

– John Bates, Ph.D.

“If your last shot was more than 6 months ago and you are 60+ or immunocom“We know that [currently available COVID vaccines are] suboptimal against promised, it is strongly recommended to get the booster shot now,” concluded the currently circulating Omicron variants, however, protection against severe Dr. Fritz, “The booster still protects from severe disease.” disease is still achieved. As such, booster immunization is recommended,” Jorg Fritz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Immunology at McGill University, told MNT. “It feels like it is never-ending,” said Dr. Youssef, “But the only thing within our control is how to protect ourselves and our loved ones. I would adhere to the Other experts MNT spoke with agree.

CDC guidelines, and if one is eligible for a booster now they should get it.”

“The vaccines are safe and effective, so I think the pros greatly outweigh the cons,” noted Dr. Bates, “During the Omicron wave early this year, the vast majority of individuals who died from infection or who became severely ill were unvaccinated. Vaccination greatly reduces the likelihood for a negative outcome following infection.”

“The safety of the vaccines is well documented. There are very few cons associated with the vaccines. The pros, especially those for over 60 and/or with chronic illnesses, are great. Being up-to-date with your vaccines will offer you the best chance at preventing hospitalization and severe disease.”

– Dr. Dana Hawkinson

TT 161 | July 19th - July 25th| 2022

My Kitchen Burnt ends skewers with monkey gland sauce

BY WARREN MENDES | https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes

“Monkey gland sauce, of course, contains no monkey. This term for barbecue sauce is firmly embedded in South African food culture.”

INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tbs chopped ginger 2 tbs tomato paste 1/2 cup (160g) fruit chutney (we used Mrs Balls brand) 2 tomatoes, chopped 2 tbs Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce 2 tbs brown sugar 1/2 tsp chilli powder (or to taste) 1kg beef fillet or rump steak, cut into 3cm pieces 2 onions, quartered, separated into petals 2 lemons, halved Flat-leaf parsley sprigs, to serve METHOD

with salt flakes and lots of freshly ground black pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger and cook for a further 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add chutney, tomato, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, sugar, chilli and 1/3 cup (80ml) water. Cook for 6-8 minutes until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from the heat and blitz with a stick blender until smooth. Adjust with a little water if required. Cool completely, then chill.

2.Place beef and 1/2 cup sauce in a large bowl and marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.

3.Heat a chargrill or barbecue to medium-high heat. Thread alternating pieces of beef and onion onto metal skewers. Grill for 5-6 minutes, turning, basting often with remaining sauce, until meat is cooked through and starts to catch and char all over. Grill lemon, cut side down, for 1-2 minutes, until lightly charred. Scatter skewers with parsley and serve with grilled lemon and remaining sauce alongside.

1.Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, season

TT 161 | July 19th - July 25th| 2022

My Sports Kenyan 3,000m steeplechase dominance faces tough test in Oregon show A Kenya team member takes a picture of teammates Leonard Bett, (left) Conseslus Kipruto (centre) and Abraham Kibiwotin Oregon on Thursday. [AP]

| https://www.standardmedia.co.ke By Jonathan Komen and Dennis Okeyo | Jul 18th 2022 Defending champion Conseslus Kipruto will shoulder Kenya’s hope of protecting men’s 3,000m steeplechase turf at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA, tomorrow at 5:20am.

Soufiane El Bakkali and Ethiopia’s silver medalist Lamecha Girma, who ended Kenya’s 52 years of dominance in the race at the Tokyo Olympic Games. There is also America’s 2016 Olympic silver medalist Evan Jager.

Kipruto, two-time world champion, will marshal forces with Commonwealth Games silver medalist Abraham Kibiwott and 2018 World Under 20 silver medalist Leonard Bett in bid to stop Morocco’s Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali and silver medalist Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia.

But a closer look at the 2022 best times gives El Bakkali, Girma and Hailemariyam Tegegn, another Ethiopian, a leg up in the quest for glory.

Kenyan men have won 12 world titles, only missing out in four editions. That was in 1983 Helsinki, 1987 Rome, 2003 Saint-Denis and 2005 Helsinki, where Kenyan-born Saif Saaeed Shaheen of Qatar won. He holds the men’s world record in the event.

Ezekiel Kemboi won four world titles (2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015) while Moses Kiptanui wore three crowns in 1991, 1993 and 1995. Kemboi has two Olympic titles while Kiptanui basks in a silver medal from the 1996 Olympics.

Kenya recorded three podium sweeps in 1997, 2007 and 2015 as well as striking the 12th gold medal in 2019 in the history of the World Athletics Championships.

Kipruto’s composure in yesterday’s qualifying round ignited a river of hope among Kenyans as he settled for 8:20.12, finishing second behind Girma who returned 8:19.64.

America’s Hillary Bor finished third in 8:20.18.

Bett (8:16.94) and Kibiwott (8:17.04) finished second and third respectively in heat one that featured Bakkali who won in 8:16.65 with Ethiopia’s Getne Wale finishing fourth in 8:17.49.

Bakkali basks in an impressive 7:58.28 best mark set at the Diamond League meeting Rabat, where he beat Girma (7:58.68). Tegegn boasts of 8:06.29 while Kibiwott has 8:06.73.

Kipruto is on the comeback trail and there would be a nerve wrecking battle similar to the 2019 World Championships in Doha, where Kipruto beat Girma by the thickness of vest.

Bakkali and Girma announced their bid for honours this season as they led 1-2 respectively at the Diamond League meetings in Doha and Rabat.

But Kenyans have vowed to upset the form book. Kipruto said: “We have a strong team.

We will beat Bakkali and I am sure of that. Kenyans should not worry at all. I am prepared to represent the nation and bring back our 3,000m steeplechase glory. It is great to be back to form.

Kipruto ran 8:32 to finish fifth at the national championships but he has made impressive strides so far, having posted 8:12 in Rabat and 8:08 in Rome Diamond League meetings. He finished third at the national trials last month.

Before Tokyo Olympic Games, Kenya had won nine straight Olympic gold medals in the water and barriers race.

Kenyan men have won 12 world titles, only missing out in four editions. That was in 1983 Helsinki, 1987 Rome, 2003 Saint-Denis and 2005 Helsinki, where Kenyan-born Saif Saaeed Shaheen of Qatar won. He holds the men’s world record in the event.

The three Kenyans have a mountain to climb as they seek to reclaim the Kenyan traditional race.

Ezekiel Kemboi won four world titles (2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015) while Moses Kiptanui wore three crowns in 1991, 1993 and 1995. Kemboi has two Olympic titles.

It’s a tough duel given there has been a steady invasion from Americans, French, Ethiopians and Moroccans in the event often billed as a race ‘Made in Kenya for Kenyans.’

Kenya recorded three podium sweeps in 1997, 2007 and 2015 as well as striking the 12th gold medal in 2019 in the history of World Athletics Championships.

Kenyan men squad in defending champion Conseslus Kipruto, Commonwealth Games silver medalist Abraham Kibiwott, Olympic bronze medalist Benjamin Kigen and Olympian Leornard Bett will be seeking to dethrone Morocco’s Olympic champion

TT 161 | July 19th - July 25th| 2022 The Times Today is a publication of Elizabeth Omondi Consultancy. P.O. Box 833-00100 GPO Nairobi. Tel: 0722 927792. www.elizabethomondiconsultancy.com