Kabarak University today marked the spiritual beginning of the new semester with a meaningful Wednesday Welcome Chapel Service held at the Kabarak Community Chapel. The service was organized by the Chaplaincy Department and brought together students, faculty, and staff for a time of worship, reflection, and encouragement as the academic journey for the semester unfolds.
The congregation gathered in an atmosphere of reverence and expectancy, united by prayer and praise as the University community reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence founded on biblical Christian values. The chapel service served as a reminder that at Kabarak University, spiritual formation remains central to holistic education.
The sermon was delivered by Rev. Justus Mutuku, Ag. University Provost, who also led the congregation in the benediction. Drawing from Acts 27:21–25, Rev. Mutuku challenged the congregation to reflect on the theme “The Promise of Hope.”
Using both biblical exposition and historical illustration, the sermon emphasized that hope is not the absence of difficulty, but the confident assurance of God’s presence and promises even in the midst of storms.
Rev. Mutuku recounted the story of three young missionaries, Walter Gowans, Rowland Bingham, and Thomas Kent, who in 1893 set out to evangelize the heart of Africa under what later became Serving In Mission (SIM). Though their initial journey was marked by loss, illness, and apparent failure, perseverance anchored in hope eventually birthed one of the most influential mission movements across Africa and beyond.
This narrative seamlessly connected with the Apostle Paul’s perilous journey in Acts 27, where a violent storm caused seasoned sailors and passengers alike to abandon hope. Yet, Paul stood before the 276 passengers and declared courage rooted not in calm seas, but in a divine assurance received from God.
“Keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost…” (Acts 27:22–23)
Rev. Mutuku reminded the congregation that biblical hope is not wishful thinking or mere optimism. Rather, it is a settled trust in God’s character and promises—confidence that God is at work for good even when circumstances remain uncertain, difficult, or unresolved.
He highlighted how the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys were characterized by numerous challenges, including imprisonment, threats, shipwrecks, and physical hardship. Yet through every interruption and setback, Paul remained anchored by the promise of hope found in God.
The sermon outlined four key ways in which God enables hope in the believer’s journey:
- Presence – God assures His people that they are never alone, even in the darkest moments.
- Promise – Hope is anchored in God’s spoken word, not in favorable circumstances.
- Providence – God works through people, systems, and situations to accomplish His purposes.
- Power – God’s sustaining power enables perseverance beyond human strength.
In closing, Rev. Mutuku drew from the reflections of Augustine of Hippo, reminding the congregation that true rest and fulfillment are found only in God. As students begin a new semester filled with expectations, challenges, and aspirations, they were encouraged to anchor their lives and studies in the unwavering promise of hope.
The service concluded with a benediction by Rev. Justus Mutuku, commissioning the University community to move forward with courage, faith, and hope, trusting God to guide every step of the academic and spiritual journey ahead.
As Kabarak University continues its pursuit of excellence, the Wednesday Welcome Chapel Service stood as a powerful reminder that hope, grounded in God, remains the foundation upon which true success is built.
