In the mid-late 90s the CMF Kenya/Maasai team experienced a good bit of attrition. The need to disengage responsibly so the Maasai could carry on the work without CMF was seriously explored. It was a challenging time that was further complicated by the arrival of several competing churches in Maasailand that introduced different theologies and methodologies, sometimes in a way that confused and hurt, church leaders and their flocks. Several Maasai left the church. By late 1998, both mission and church were very discouraged.
Starting in 1999, however, several things happened that brought about the resurgence of the Maasai church and the CMF Kenya/Maasai team. Spiritual warfare was taught and experienced. A new style of worship emerged in several of the churches. The first of several village ordinations of church elders and pastors took place. A committee of Maasai church leaders was formed to advise the missionaries. The number of church buildings being constructed began to increase, the construction of our largest medical facility was started. And a network of communications by two-way radio was in place so bush churches and clinics could have daily communication with one another.
Over the next few years, the work of the
CMF Kenya/Maasai team was expanded on many fronts. The number of
churches grew to 75 with over 4,000 weekly attendance. Over 100 pastors
and church elders were ordained, overseeing all the daily work of the
local churches. The seven medical clinics and two health centers, all
with Kenyan staff, focused more attention on HIV/AIDS. Three new
ministries were started, all run by Maasai: Maasai Youth, Discipleship
Training School, and Narok Bible Training Institute.
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