Discover Rev. Teresia Wairimu’s inspiring journey, her impactful ministry, and the opening of the largest church in East and Central Africa.

By Charles Wachira

Rev. Teresia Wairimu Kinyanjui, born on November 15, 1957, to Njeri Kinuthia and Kinuthia Kinyanjui, stands as one of Kenya’s most influential evangelical leaders, recognized for her powerful preaching and the significant impact of her Faith Evangelistic Ministries (FEM).

Her ascent within the evangelical community is rooted in a transformative encounter with German evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, which has been pivotal in shaping her ministry and spiritual journey.

A Royal Legacy and Early Life

Growing up in a prominent family, Rev. Wairimu is the granddaughter of Paramount Chief Kinyanjui, a Kikuyu chief during the colonial era.

 This heritage instilled in her a sense of leadership from an early age. She attended Ngiriambu Girls High School, where she shared classes with notable figures, including politician Martha Karua.

 Despite her family’s stature, Wairimu has openly discussed her struggles in academics compared to her siblings, reflecting on her father’s encouragement that her eloquence would guide her future.

Before dedicating her life to ministry, Rev. Wairimu worked as a kindergarten teacher. This experience not only honed her skills in communication and nurturing young minds but also deepened her understanding of community engagement—traits that would later prove invaluable in her ministry.

In 1977, after experiencing a spiritual awakening, she committed her life to Christ, a decision that became the cornerstone of her ministry.

 A year later, in November 1978, she married and began her family, eventually having two children, Robert and Catherine. However, her marriage would later end in divorce, a personal trial that she has navigated with a focus on her faith.

A Transformative Encounter with God

On July 21, 1985, at 3:00 a.m., Rev. Wairimu experienced a life-changing encounter that would alter the course of her ministry.

 Her room was filled with smoke, and a loud voice called her name, “Wairimu!” Despite her fear, she perceived it was the Lord speaking, conveying a message about her calling and the future impact of her ministry in the church.

 One week later, during a Sunday service, she experienced a manifestation of God’s power through the gifts of prophecy and knowledge—phenomena that were not common in Kenya at the time, and without mentors to guide her.

Rev. Wairimu’s faith was further solidified by her encounter with Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke during one of his crusades in Kenya in June 1988, which she described as an inspiring demonstration of divine power.

Faith Evangelistic Ministries and Expansion

Rev. Wairimu founded Faith Evangelistic Ministries (FEM), which has experienced significant growth, including the recent opening of an ultra-modern sanctuary in Karen, Nairobi. 

This new sanctuary, constructed at a cost of Sh1 billion, is now the largest church in Eastern and Central Africa, eclipsing the Winners Chapel auditorium.

 The construction of this multi-storey building, which can accommodate over 8,000 people and 700 vehicles, began in January 2010, following the laying of its foundation on November 15, 2009.

 Notably, no fundraisers were held to support this project, which was primarily funded by the Ezra Project, a non-profit organization based in Colorado, USA.

Zhongxing Construction Company built the sanctuary, which features facilities such as rooms for nursing mothers, a hotel, changing rooms, offices, a library, and a dispensary. Rev.

 Wairimu emphasized that the progress achieved was due to the selflessness of FEM partners and the church family, highlighting their contributions that made the project possible without external fundraising efforts.

Over the years, Rev. Wairimu has expanded her ministry beyond Kenya, establishing branches in the United States and the United Kingdom. Her ministry, now 18 years old, has become a significant spiritual force in the region.

Personal Trials and Resilience

Rev. Wairimu’s personal life, while largely private, has been marked by significant challenges. 

In 1985, she faced heartbreak as her marriage ended, a moment she described in her autobiography, A Cactus in the Desert.

 She wrote about the emotional toll this experience took on her, noting that “tears became a constant part of my makeup.” This period of grief deepened her commitment to her ministry, as she continued to lead FEM through personal adversity. Her resilience has solidified her status not only as a pastor but also as a community leader, inspiring many to embrace faith and service.

Miracle Services and Public Perception

Rev. Wairimu’s ministry is characterized by her signature “miracle services,” where she calls out individuals seeking spiritual rebirth or those facing dire situations, including terminal illnesses. 

While skeptics question the authenticity of these events, many followers attest to experiencing divine intervention in their lives.

 Despite criticism labeling her gatherings as prearranged spectacles, Rev. Wairimu and thousands who attend her meetings believe that her work is evidence of God’s power at work.

Her ability to draw large crowds rivals that of influential political figures, showcasing her substantial following. To her congregation, affectionately referring to her as “Mum,” Rev. Wairimu embodies faith and strength, contrasting sharply with the challenges she has faced throughout her life.

Conclusion

Rev. Teresia Wairimu Kinyanjui’s journey is characterized by an unwavering commitment to her faith and community. Her influence within Kenya’s evangelical movement, coupled with her outreach programs and mentorship of future leaders, underscores her legacy.

 However, her life also illustrates the complexities and challenges of spiritual leadership in contemporary Kenya, as she navigates both achievements and controversies in her mission.

Keywords:Rev. Teresia Wairimu:Faith Evangelistic Ministries:Kenya Evangelical Leader:Largest church in East Africa:Inspirational Christian leader