Joseph Kamau Kabui's story

Being a pastor for sixteen years and a Bible school teacher in Kenya
gave me a great desire to further my studies. Kenya has faced tribal
clashes for the last fourteen years. This has affected the way people
view each other’s tribe and also has led the church into thinking of ways to handle the situation.

I knew that God was leading me to further my studies so as to be one of His vessels in offering pastoral care and teaching on how Christians can live at peace with each other regardless of their diversity. But I didn’t know where I could study.

Friends of ours who were in Kenya working with Mennonite Central Committee introduced me to AMBS and my wife to Goshen College. I was attracted by the programs that AMBS offers, especially the dual degree Master of Arts in Peace Studies and Master of Social Work, and the Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Counseling.

I was amazed by the way AMBS responded to my application process and the encouragement that I received from the admissions office. I felt that I had already made friends at AMBS even before I was admitted. My application process was a great experience, such that I felt that I would not be a stranger to everyone when I got to AMBS. I was encouraged to learn that there was attractive financial aid and the fact that finances would not hinder me from preparation for ministry, especially as an international student. The financial assistance from friends in Mennonite churches here in the U.S. enabled me to attend AMBS.

For the time that I have been at AMBS, I have found out that my expectations for academic and spiritual preparation are being realized by the community activities as well as the classroom experiences. AMBS programs have proved to be internationally relevant in that what I have done so far is applicable in different situations within the church context in Kenya. I am sure that my M.Div. in pastoral care and counseling will be a benefit in my pastoral ministry and teaching when I get back in Kenya.