We praise God for a refreshing iServe Africa Graduation ceremony held on 23 August 2009 at the Nairobi All Saints Cathedral... This was indeed a truly great occasion as we joined the first batch of 10 iServe Africa apprentices who had come to the end of their one year of ministry service. Special thanks to the over 120 people - friends, family members, supporters, mentors, hosts and others - who attended the ceremony. During the occasion we also introduced part of the second team of iServe Africa apprentices.

All who spoke during the occasion reiterated the unique significance of iServe Africa programme in addressing the twin needs of how to harness the huge potential of Africa's youth and how to produce more gospel workers. The Keynote Speaker of the day, Wanyeki Mahiaini (Associate Minister at All Souls Church, Langham Place), shared very valuable reflections from the book of Mark on Jesus' style of mentoring.

It was indeed symbolic that we returned to Nairobi All Saints Cathedral where a year ago (07 September 2008) iServe Africa had been launched. It has been a great year seeing God at work transforming the iServe Africa idea from a dream into such a reality. Over the past year it has been humbling to see the amazing transformation in the lives of these apprentices. We have also seen God graciously provide for the programme.

Congratulations to the graduating team of the following 10  iServe Africa apprentices:

• Benson Ngetha - served at Deliverance Church Kahawa Sukari, Nairobi

• Elizabeth Anyango - served at Carlile College, Nairobi

• Jackson Waweru - served at Karen Community Church, Nairobi

• Jacob Owuor - served at The Sheepfold Ministry

• Joel Mutea - served at Carlile College, Nairobi

• Julius Sawe - served at our office (iServe Africa/Mission Together Africa)

• Lydia Gathoni - served at Karura Community Chapel, Nairobi

• Mark Maingi - served at Karen Community Church, Nairobi

• Samuel Maina - served at Carlile College, Nairobi

• Silas Owiti - served at Deliverance Church Kahawa Sukari, Nairobi

Special thanks to all the churches and organizations which hosted this first batch of iServe Africa apprentices. Thank you ever so much for agreeing to "test-drive" this programme. Special thanks too to all the individuals, churches, organizations, Trusts and other groups which supported iServe Africa programme through prayers, finances, donations in kind and moral support. We are truly grateful and believe that it in eternity is when you will be able to see the eternal impact of your support.

We praise God for his continued leading upon the lives of these 10 iServe Africa apprentices into the following areas of ministry:

• Benson Ngetha will continue serving at Deliverance Church Kahawa Sukari but not under the iServe Africa programme

• Elizabeth Anyango is trusting God to go to Mozambique for ministry service through Life Ministry Kenya

• Jackson Waweru will be joining Careforce volunteer programme (from 06 September 2009) for a one-year service at the OS2 Project, Prescott Merseyside, UK

• Jacob Owuor will continue as a second-year iServe Africa apprentice serving at The Sheepfold Ministry

• Joel Mutea will continue serving at Carlile College but not under the iServe Africa programme

• Julius Sawe will continue as a second-year iServe Africa apprentice serving at City Harvest Church, Nairobi

• Lydia Gathoni will be joining Careforce volunteer programme (from 06 September 2009) for a one-year service at St Luke's Church, Canning Town, UK

• Mark Maingi will be joining Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology for further theological training

• Samuel Maina is trusting God for a visa soon in order to join the Cornhill Training Course, UK for further ministry training

• Silas Owiti will be joining Careforce volunteer programme (from 06 September 2009) for a one-year service at Wesley Hall Methodist Church, Sheffield, UK