Comboni Lay Missionaries

The importance of communication

LMC Kenia

We are grateful for the wonderful meeting we had together as CLM members, we had an amazing and fruitful weekend together.

We interacted, bonded and shared responsibilities together creating one community

Our formation sessions were based on the topic of communication.

Communication is a vital component of our living as missionaries for in this we are able to reach those we are called to serve

We learn from our Lord Jesus how He communicated the message of the Kingdom of God.

With his messages he spoke to the hearts of people bringing them close to God, He spoke the truth without fear even of death, John 5:18-47

Christ knew and understood his audience he used different strategies to pass on his messages to people and separately to his disciples

He used parables, stories silence etc. to pass on information.

Many instances he gave people chance to express their perspective, Mark 10:51

As we read the letters, articles and magazine written by saint Daniel Comboni we understand his passion for the mission.

This encourages us to use the tool of communication appropriately in our missionary lives to spread the gospel to far ends and to coming generations

With effective communication we bridge the human connection creating healthy relationships and building our communities and also the local communities that we serve.

Belinda Awino CLM

Empty yourself before the Lord

LMC Kenia

Belinda, CLM Kenya, shares with us her reflections after the spiritual exercises she has done in her preparation for the mission.

Empty yourself of all your responsibilities, thoughts and burdens that may cause disruption, create space in you for concentration in the things of God (reading of the word, prayer).

Listen attentively to the Holy Spirit (his guidance, teaching and direction)

Allow the Lord to be in control of everything, surrender yourself fully to Him.

Quite your spirit and your soul becoming aware that you are placing yourself in the presence of God in a special way.

Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you closer to the Father.

Be open to receive his graces, do not figure out things for yourself let the Holy Spirit pray through you.

Be patient, be still and know that he is God and He makes things beautiful at His own time.

Be obedient to his will so that he may bestow his graces upon you. As Christ was obedient to the will of our Father in heaven unto death and was glorified.

Let the Holy Spirit immerse you in the love of Christ and show you His mercies that know no bound, His forgiveness, His power and majesty and His kingdom that is forever and ever. Psalms 103

The Good Shepherd – John 10:1-42

The Lord desires to have an intimate relationship with all his children. He reminded me that He is the good shepherd those who belong to his flock know Him and can distinguish between His voice and the voice of the enemy (false teachings, doctrines and compromise).

Christ is the good shepherd, He Lays down His life for our salvation, He will not allow us to go astray, but brings those who are lost back to God our Father.

He knows our sinful nature and calls us to repentance in order to be renewed and returned back to His flock.

Heaven rejoices whenever we are reconciled to Christ through repentance. Luke 15:1-7

Christ The True Vine-John 15:1-17

As lay missionaries our source of life is Christ. He nourishes our spirits and we are able to bear good fruits amongst those He sends us to serve.

If we forget He who sent us, forsake him and drift away from Him, we have no life and we can never bear good fruits, no amount of effort or resources we give to others without Christ is empty.

John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches, whoever remains in me and i in him will bear much fruits because without me you can do nothing”.

Christ reminds us that those who love Him truly are obedient and keeps His commandments.

He loves us dearly, He instruct us to remain in His love.

Love one another for it is in love that we are able to serve others.

Christ is the one who chooses us, He sends us to spread his love to his people and in love whatever we ask in his name we shall be given

Serve One Another -John 13 :1-15

With humility Christ being the son of God washed his disciples’ feet, He taught us that nobody is greater or lesser than the other, we ought to serve one another.

Philippians 2:2-3

Do not do anything in pride or jealousy, be one in love, mind and heart with humility of Christ value others above yourself.

Christ has forgiven us we ought to do the same to others, put on love peace of Christ.

Always be thankful.

In God’s company there is no fear

As Comboni Lay Missionaries we are called to serve God’s people, He who called us is the one who sends us and is the one who goes before us and is the one who goes with us, when we fix our eyes on him, we don’t lose direction.

Colossians 3:11 Christ is all and in all

Through his persecution, death and resurrection.

In Him we have strength to face death, temptations, persecution and all the troubles that life in the mission may offer for he will always be with us.

Isaiah 43:1

Fear not for I have redeemed you I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the water, I will be with you.

In the rivers you shall not drawn.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned the flames shall not consume you.

TAKE LORD

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. All I have and call my own, You have given all to me. To, you, Lord, i return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me. Amen

Belinda Awino, CLM Kenya

Finding Myself in Mission: My Enneagram Journey with the Comboni Lay Missionaries

LMC Kenia

I had the privilege of attending an enriching Enneagram workshop organized by the Comboni Lay Missionaries in Nairobi. The Enneagram is a system of classifying personality type, which can help someone better understand themselves and how to relate to others. The workshop brought together around 20 vibrant and diverse participants, both CLM members and candidates. All eager to grow in self-awareness and community spirit.

Our sessions were animated by the ever-energetic Lorna Tumbo, whose warmth and enthusiasm lit up every moment. Her passion and deep understanding of the Enneagram created an engaging, reflective, and at times, emotional learning environment. Everyone was truly impressed and inspired by her facilitation.

We shared stories, laughed together, reflected deeply, and built meaningful connections. It was not just a workshop, it was a heartfelt journey of transformation and discovery.

I joined the Comboni Lay Missionaries in February, and so far, my experience has been incredibly fulfilling. I feel part of a mission-driven family that values faith, service, and personal growth.

One of the highlights for me was discovering my Enneagram personality type. I came to know myself as a Type 6 – The Loyalist. This insight helped me understand my core motivations, fears, and how I respond to the world. It’s a discovery that is already helping me become more intentional in how I live, serve, and relate with others.

This workshop reminded me that mission starts within, with knowing and loving ourselves. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I look forward to continuing this journey of faith and transformation.

By Michaela Cheptoo

Iza from Poland Arrives in Kenya to Begin Mission.

Iza Kenya

Kenya warmly welcomes Iza from Poland, who arrived on 6th May to begin her mission here in Kenya. Her arrival is a significant moment, and she was greeted with enthusiasm by a group of Comboni Lay Missionary Kenya who went to the airport to welcome her. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and heartfelt greetings.

As Iza stepped out, she was met with smiles and warm embraces. We are incredibly excited to have Iza with us. We look forward to supporting her in her mission. Iza expressed her gratitude, stating, ‘I’m so grateful to be here and eager to start working with the community.

CLM Kenya

Easter celebration CLM Kenya

LMC Kenia Pascua

Our Easter celebration was amazing. The celebration was held in Kitelakapel international community. We were joined by other CLM members and candidates from Nairobi

On Holy Thursday

The day was started by welcoming our CLM members and candidates from Nairobi to Kitelakapel community, it was a moment of community building amongst us by sharing responsibilities

In the afternoon we had the privilege of showing our appreciation and gratitude by celebrating our assessor Fr Maciej on priest day

During the afternoon in Holy Triduum, we had moments of sharing our testimonies and vocations with the local community

On Good Friday

We joined the local community in prayer and singing during the way of the cross.

After which we continued building and engaging ourselves in our community by sharing of chores, eating together and praying together

On Holy Saturday

We had Bible catechesis with Fr Maciej, a short retreat where we reflected on the Word of God and prayer and later, we shared our individual reflections.

In the afternoon we joined the local community in celebrating Holy Saturday where we participated in the liturgy

We also took that moment to welcome two of our new members to the group, Gabriel and Anastasia

Resurrection Sunday

It was a day filled with joy and hope for our Lord Jesus Christ had resurrected from the dead. We joined the local community during mass where we participated in the liturgy and Sunday school with the children.

On Monday our dearest pope Francis passed away. We pray for his eternal rest and for all our Catholic church. Let’s be united in prayer.

Belinda Awino, CLM Kenya