10/08/2021
Life and Times of Bishop Alice Ngetsa
Early Life…
The Late, Bishop Alice Ngetsa, hails from Kilifi County. Her native home over-looks the Kilifi creek, near the old ferry, on the Kenyan Coast. Born twins (with Lennox Mzerera) to the late Moses Kahindi Mzerera and Mrs. Nzingo wa Mweni in 1961, her early life in Kilifi would pretty much shape her future experiences. Living in a polygamous and extended family set up, Alice and siblings would share the much that was available around the family home with contentment. It did not matter whose son or daughter you were. It was all for one & one for all.
Seeds of Compassion…
For a household of over 20 siblings, living together, sharing meals and other necessities, significant life-long lessons were learnt on the value of looking after the interests of others, and selflessness. Perhaps it was during that phase in life, that the seeds of compassion were sown. So too perhaps, was the seed of evangelism, going by stories about her early church life.
From a very young age, the spirit of togetherness would see cousins going together to their nearby Anglican Church for choir practice, sometimes playing in the upper chamber (bell tower). On one occasion after choir practice, the older siblings went home in the evening only to realize one of them was missing! They would search all over the place and trace their steps back to the church. And voila, little Alice was found asleep in the church!
Like most of us, Bishop Ngetsa’s journey to conversion reads like us all. Years of wandering in the wilderness, followed by the saving grace of our Lord and saviour Jesus, Christ.
Vocation & Entrepreneurship…
An entrepreneur by vocation & secretary by training; Bishop Ngetsa’ spent her career life working for various organisations including co-operatives & various advocates firms before venturing into entrepreneurship. Her business insight and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, made her businesses to thrive, opening several shops, including boutiques & restaurants in Kilifi & Mombasa.
Hook in Jaw…
But when the Lord puts a hook in your jaw, you can’t escape. Somehow, her skill deserted her, and all businesses went down. Being the fighter that she was, she put up a spirited fight to survive the turbulent times to no avail. It was misfortune after the other! [Mum] needed solace and only one place could provide that – the cross of calvary. Dejected, broke and a wretched sinner; she followed her sister Christine to Soul Harvest Ministries International, Kisauni, to seek the Lord. Time permitting, I’d have told you how Bishop Alice once dragged Christine out of an overnight prayer meeting (Kesha)! The rest as they say is history.
Like the early church, a young ministry would follow, born from a home-fellowship in a Swahili house in Jomvu - Mikanjuni, and with the Lord’s hand, blossoming to the over 400-member church that is JILAM (Jesus is Lord Anointed Ministry) today, with a number of branches across the Country.
Sending Portions unto whom none is prepared…
Amidst all this, in 1998 after prayer and fasting, she sheltered 3 orphaned children to live in her home. Over the next few years, she took in others and in 2002, Birali Children's Home was born, that would go on to shelter over 35 kids.
Well, for all the tittles & commitments, you are just ‘Mum’ and grandma. Like all mums, firm, Caring, compassionate and always affectionate. We’ll sorely miss your debates with your twin (Lennox) with whom you couldn’t agree on your date of birth! Somehow one was always younger 😊….
Your siblings, Uncle W***y (Canada) still calls…he wants us all vaccinated (we should) and Billy and Naomi have the next big idea, as always. Madaraka is short of words, tall as he is and aunt Christine, still has her dimples. I will not include Tony coz he calls you mum! Anyway, aunt Betty is our prayer warrior and Linnah still wants that family meeting/fellowship 😊… W***y (Jeshi) is still soldiering on & Tobby follows online – people still confuse Mzesh & W***y (Junior), while Jumwa’s golden touch is still on, she just did Betty’s hair. They all miss you dearly.
Your grandkids – Lindsey, Allan, Alice, Sam & Nate pray for you. Thanks for everything mum.
Fare thee well bishop, mum, sister, aunt and friend to many. Rest well.
