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The Fourth
General Assembly: Nairobi, Kenya
Theme: Following in the
Light of Jesus Christ
John 8:12
31 July – 12 August
1981
Opening Ceremonies
Rev. John Gatu began the Assembly in his home country,
addressing the problems of Africa and the hope available in
Jesus. He made a connection between advances in solar power
and Jesus as the light of the world, the latter being far more
powerful than any earthly energy source. Gatu referred to the
recent meeting of the Organisation of African Unity in Nairobi
and asked that delegates work to solve the systemic problems
causing 5 million refugees to be displaced in Africa. Quoting
Revelation, Rev. Gatu said Jesus’ light can lead us to the
water of life, available to all, even in the middle of the
city. 15 Following the precedent set by President Kenneth
Kaunda in Zambia, the Nairobi Assembly was officially opened
by Kenya’s President Daniel Arap Moi. President Moi said the
church must increase its credibility; it must know as much
about social issues as politicians do. He called faith “an
enduring instrument of human fulfillment” (Utuk, 1997, 138),
particularly necessary given human frailty. He supported
attempts to make Africa financially independent, but warned
that the church should not become overly-involved in politics.
After these two speeches, the 4th General Assembly was
officially under way.
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