Mr Painito Nixon Ambuka is a final year extension student in the Eldoret Cohort, pursuing a master’s in biblical studies. He is actively involved in missionary work in Burundi.

Ambuka, how can you study in Eldoret in Kenya, and your ministry is all the way in Burundi?
The reason I chose the Eldoret cohort is because my family is situated in Bungoma, which is about a two hour drive away, making it easier for me to keep in touch with them. I joined the International Christian Ministry in 2002, working in Tanzania in the refugee camps for the Burundi people. In 2007, I moved to Burundi, with the mission of training pastors and church leaders in Burundi. For now, I keep up with the work by travelling back and forth between my classes at NEGST.

What happened to your hand? Why do you call it the “Golden hand”?
The president of Burundi had donated some land to our ministry. I had travelled to Burundi for the ceremony to lay a foundation stone and to dedicate the land to God. After the ceremony, while traveling back to Kenya, I had a road accident in Uganda. I was hospitalized. During the operation, my heart failed for thirty minutes. But on the thirty-first minute, my heart started working again. The doctors decided to amputate my arm and later operate on my stomach to save my life. I was hospitalized in Uganda for one month and in Kenya for another month.

The doctors were amazed by my survival. That is why I call my arm the “Golden Hand”, since it saved my life.

Nixon, how did you cope with all this?
What keeps me going is accepting that this was God’s purpose. I have had a lot of encouragement from the NEGST community, especially from Rev. Grace Itegi, who coordinates the extension programme.

What are the challenges that you face in your day to day life?

I cannot do the things I used to do. If I can do them, it takes twice the amount of time–like taking a shower, tying my shoe laces and carrying a bag. The other challenge I face is compensation, in terms of the accident. I don’t know who ask about compensation for what happened.

Nixon, what has been your motivation in your ministry work?
What motivates me is the call of God. God has called me to minister to the people in Burundi. And the fact is that Burundi does need theological schools.

What future plans do you have for your ministry?
We have already registered International Christian Ministries (ICM) Theological University, and we are looking forward to fill with buildings and students the 25 acres that were given to the ministry.

Any parting shot or word of advice for the members of the NEGST community?
“But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:  “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:1-2.