COME & SHINE
KENYAN MISSIONARIES FOR GERMANY
In 1844, the first German missionary, Johann Ludwig Krapf, arrived in Kenya to share the Gospel. Now, more than 180 years later, a remarkable reversal is taking place: Kenyan Christian missionaries are coming to Germany to rekindle the message of Jesus in the land that once sent missionaries to them. This new initiative – “Come & Shine” – is a partnership between the Christian Mission Centre - Machakos (CMC) in Kenya and DMG interpersonal (DMG) in Germany. It carries an inspirational vision: to bring the Good News of Christ back to a secularized Germany and to strengthen German churches with fresh passion and perspective.
Starting this year, the first group of ten CMC missionaries will travel from Kenya to DMG’s base at Buchenauerhof in Germany for an intensive orientation. For two months, they will live in community with DMG staff much like other missionaries in training. During this time, they will practice the German language, learn German culture, and even lend a hand with daily work on campus. Meanwhile, CMC and DMG will work together to connect each missionary with a local German church and identify suitable job opportunities for them. The goal is to discern where each missionary can serve most effectively after the initial orientation.
YOU ARE A MISSIONARY ANYWHERE
One unique aspect of Come & Shine is that these missionaries will be bi-vocational – they plan to earn their living by working regular jobs in Germany while volunteering in local churches and communities. In other words, they won’t be salaried by DMG but will integrate into society through secular work, all the while sharing their faith through relationships and service. The churches in Kenya are fully behind them: Kenyan congregations are not only praying but have also committed to help financially support their missionaries during this venture. It’s a powerful testimony of the global Church coming full circle, with African churches now sending aid and evangelists to Europe.
Can someone with a “normal” job be a missionary? Paul Ngila, founder of CMC, passionately affirms that it’s possible – and even essential.: “It doesn't matter whether you are a truck driver, a nurse or a student. You are a missionary everywhere and can witness for Jesus with your life. No matter what your circumstances are, you can share the Good News in many ways. Get active – the Holy Spirit will help you!” says Paul. This conviction is at the heart of the Come & Shine movement: every believer’s workplace and daily environment can be a mission field. The Kenyan missionaries hope to inspire their German brothers and sisters with this same outlook, encouraging German churches to live out their faith openly and make Jesus known in Germany.
A SHARED MISSION: CMC AND DMG
The success of Come & Shine relies on close cooperation between CMC in Kenya and DMG in Germany, each contributing their strengths to this God-led mission. CMC is preparing and sending out the missionaries, and DMG is receiving them and helping them settle into ministry in Germany. Together, both organizations are pioneering a new model of mission work, united by a shared passion to see spiritual renewal in Germany.
This growing partnership between CMC and DMG is built on mutual trust, fellowship, and a common vision to spread the Gospel in Germany. The connection between our organizations has already begun to flourish through visits and joint events, building the relationships that will support effective ministry.
We believe that God is doing something new and wonderful through Come & Shine. Kenyan and German Christians are joining hands in the Gospel – will you join us in this historic endeavor? Together, let’s shine the light of Christ across Germany. Thank you for your support, your partnership, and your prayers – they are helping write a new chapter in mission history.
CMC (Christian Mission Centre in Kenya) aims to:
- Pray and Mobilize: Inspire Christians in Kenya to pray for a spiritual revival in Germany.
- Send and Support: Encourage Kenyan churches to send missionaries to Germany and to support and mentor those missionaries throughout their service.
- Prepare New Missionaries: Train and prepare the missionaries for cross-cultural ministry through German language courses and personal discipleship before they depart.
DMG (in Germany) is committed to:
- Facilitate Integration: Help the Kenyan missionaries navigate the German job market – for example, by finding employment opportunities that are near or connected to local churches.
- Connect to Community: Network with churches and Christian organizations in Germany to place the missionaries in welcoming communities and ministry roles.
- Empower Churches: Encourage churches in Germany to receive these international missionaries as partners, providing them with training opportunities and ongoing mentorship as they serve.
- Provide a Spiritual Home: Offer the CMC missionaries a spiritual home at the DMG base and within the DMG family, so they have community and pastoral care while in Germany.
- Practical Support: Assist in securing necessary residency permits and visas for the missionaries and provide scholarships for them to attend language schools and further training as needed.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT COME & SHINE
DONATE NOW:
Your financial support will directly impact this initiative. By donating "Come & Shine", you will help our Kenyan partners establish themselves as missionaries here in Germany, while enabling us at DMG to support them every step of the way. When making a donation, please include the project name “P 50721 Come & Shine”. Every gift – big or small – makes a difference!
PARTNER WITH US:
We invite German churches and organizations to partner in this mission. You can partner by welcoming a CMC missionary into your community, providing a job opportunity or accommodation, or serving as a mentor church that embraces these workers. If your church or ministry in Germany is interested in collaborating with Come & Shine, please reach out to us – together we can spread God’s love more effectively.
SUPPORT THE MISSION:
Even if you cannot give or partner formally, you can still support Come & Shine through prayer and advocacy. Pray for the missionaries as they adjust to German language and culture, for open hearts in Germany to receive the Gospel, and for unity between CMC and DMG. Share this story with others to raise awareness of how God is moving. Your encouragement and prayers are powerful contributions to this work.