Missionary profile – Jared Oginga

By Mercy Kambura

Jared Oginga, Kenya

Missionary, trainer and mobiliser in Life Challenge Africa, a ministry of SIM

I’m among the very few people who were paid to hear the gospel. I was a language instructor, teaching adults, mainly expatriates such as missionaries, to speak Swahili. I wasn’t a Christian, and I thought this was an easy way to make money.

I taught the missionaries daily for two hours. As the translating and teaching continued, I developed a deep interest in the things I was hearing. One day, I went home and told my wife, “I think I will become a Christian!”

Even after the missionaries had learned the language, they continued inviting me to ‘teach’ them and translate. They had noticed I wasn’t a believer, and they used this time to reach out to my heart. I was more than happy to go to these ‘classes,’ since they still paid me as long as I showed up.

After a while, I gave my life to Christ! Soon I got into the Scotts Theological College (Now Scotts Christian University) in Kenya. I had done so well in discipleship that I was exempted from the college’s discipleship units.

I became convinced in my heart to be a missionary, too. I wanted to train and teach others just as I had been reached and trained. I wanted to participate in translation and in reaching Muslims. The material I was helping to translate showed me the great need for training for missionaries called to reach Muslims.

After college, I requested to intern with Life Challenge Africa (LCA) to explore if the Lord would lead me into it. Within two weeks of my three-month internship, I knew I wanted to do this.

I have now worked with LCA for 20 years – teaching, training, and translating gospel material. My wife died six years ago from diabetes complications, but I continue with the ministry as a widower. My youngest child is sixteen years old. Churches are now more receptive to the training, and I’m very grateful for that.

LCA is a ministry seeking contact with all Christians who desire to obey Christ’s Great Commission and are willing to reach Muslims for Christ in a specific area. I’m now the Deputy Team Leader and Training Coordinator as well as the Public Relations Officer in LCA.

Please #Pray:

For more people to be convinced to reach the Muslims.

For financial needs — I have to raise support for my upkeep.

Learn more about Life Challenge Africa here: https://life-challenge.org/about-us/