Testimony of Redemption and Calling: The Story of Jeremiah Kimosop

Rev. Jeremiah Kipkosgei Kimosop is the pastor of Kitengela church. His journey is a living testimony of God’s power to redeem, restore, and repurpose a broken life. Born in 1968 as the first-born son of Rev. Abraham and Roseline Chebiego, Jeremiah’s early life followed a promising path — good schools, a career as a radio technician, and thriving business ventures. But by 2008, it all came crashing down. Businesses collapsed, debts mounted into millions, and the once-respected businessman found himself running away — first to Mombasa, then to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

In a small church in Sinza, a choir sang from Matthew 6:33 — “Seek first the Kingdom of God…” It pierced his heart. Answering the altar call, Jeremiah surrendered his life to Jesus. What followed was a 14-month “wilderness” in Mombasa under Chemichemi Ministries, where God stripped away the old self and shaped a servant’s heart.

From that refining fire came a missionary calling; first serving in Sunday school in Nairobi, then venturing to Maasai land in 2017. Today, the Kitengela church has birthed new congregations in Namelok and Ngelani, and a preaching post in Kithiani. His story is proof that God can turn ruins into revival.

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Early Life and Education

“I was born on July 15th 1968,” recalls Jeremiah Kipkosgei Kimosop, “the firstborn son of Rev. Abraham K. Chebiego and Roseline Chebiego.” The Chebiego family had four children in total — two sons and two daughters. Today, Jeremiah is married to Rose, and they are blessed with two sons, Kelvin and Emmanuel.

Jeremiah’s early years followed his father’s ministry postings. He began his schooling at St. Paul’s Primary School in Limuru from 1974 to 1976 while his father attended theological training at St. Paul’s United College, now St. Paul’s University. He later completed his primary education at Sosiani Primary School in Eldoret, before joining Kaiboi Technical Institute from 1982 to 1985 for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. He then attended Uasin Gishu High School for A Level studies from 1986 to 1987.

A Career in Telecommunications

His career began with Kenya Posts and Telecommunication. “I joined as a radio technician,” he says. “After three years of training at KCCT Mbagathi, I graduated in 1991 and was posted to Eldoret.” In 1996, Jeremiah ventured into business, running a telecommunication firm, buying and selling cereals from farmers, operating taxi services, selling computers and offering training, and later managing a car wash and vehicle sales company. All these were based in Eldoret.

But success turned into struggle. “In all my endeavors, I did badly,” he admits. By mid-2008, the debts had piled into the millions. Unable to account for clients’ funds, he fled to Mombasa, then to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with the intention of travelling on to South Africa.

The Turning Point

It was in Dar es Salaam that a moment of divine intervention changed his life. While attending a Sunday service at Christian Mission Fellowship in Sinza, Jeremiah heard the choir sing a song based on Matthew 6:33 — Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “That song touched my heart in a special way,” he remembers. “When the altar call was made, I was among the first to respond.”

A visiting pastor from the Island of Fiji prayed for him, asking, “Do you believe that God can turn your situation around?” Jeremiah said yes. “Right there, I surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and laid down my heavy financial, relational, and social burdens.”

Wilderness Lessons

Two weeks later, Jeremiah returned to Kenya and settled in Mombasa for fourteen months until late November 2009. There, under the pastoral care of the late Pastor Douureen Mwatembo of Chemichemi Ministries, Jeremiah underwent what he calls “my wilderness training.” He learned to live without employment, survive on help from well-wishers like his friend Mathenge, endure obscurity, and wait on God’s timing. “Waiting is frustrating and painful,” he says, “but never wasteful.”

Equipped for Ministry

In December 2009, Jeremiah returned to Eldoret and shared his testimony with family. Together with student pastor Robinson Kibet, he served Koitoror Parish for six months. In August 2010, he joined St. Paul’s University for a degree in Divinity, graduating in 2013. Soon after, he pursued a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Daystar University, completing it in 2016.

During his studies, Jeremiah served as a Sunday school teacher at RCEA Kawangware from 2010 to 2013, growing the ministry from nine children to over one hundred, and later at RCEA Kayole for two years.

A Call to Maasai Land

In December 2016, his father gave him a prophetic message: “It is time for you to venture out as a missionary to Maasai land and beyond.” In January 2017, Jeremiah held the first service of RCEA Kitengela alone in a rented property. The next Sunday, Elder Moses Cherop, his wife Ann, and a young girl named Rahab joined him. From those small beginnings, the Kitengela congregation has grown, planting churches in Namelok and Ngelani, and establishing a preaching post in Kithiani.

Reflecting on his journey, Jeremiah says, “From a man running away from debt to a missionary planting churches — that is what happens when you truly seek first the Kingdom of God. Everything else will follow.”

From Ruin to Revival: The Story of Jeremiah Kipkosgei Kimosop

Rev. Jeremiah Kipkosgei Kimosop is the current pastor of the Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA) Kitengela in Nairobi Presbytery, a vibrant congregation that marks a bold new frontier for RCEA which has long operated primarily in Western Kenya. Since pioneering the Kitengela mission in January 2017, starting with a handful of worshippers in a rented room, Rev. Kimosop has led the church to grow both in numbers and depth, planting daughter congregations in Namelok and Ngelani, and establishing a preaching post in Kithiani. His ministry combines a passion for evangelism, community building, and cross-cultural outreach, extending the RCEA’s presence into the fast-growing urban and peri-urban areas of Kajiado County. Here, he shares his testimony.

Early Life and Education

“I was born on July 15th 1968,” recalls Jeremiah Kipkosgei Kimosop, “the firstborn son of Rev. Abraham K. Chebiego and Roseline Chebiego.” The family had four children — two sons and two daughters. Today, Jeremiah is married to Rose, and they are blessed with two sons, Kelvin and Emmanuel.

Jeremiah’s childhood followed the movements of his father’s ministry. He began his schooling at St. Paul’s Primary School in Limuru from 1974 to 1976 while his father trained at St. Paul’s United College, now St. Paul’s University. He later completed his primary education at Sosiani Primary School in Eldoret.

From 1982 to 1985, he studied at Kaiboi Technical Institute for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, and then attended Uasin Gishu High School for A Level studies from 1986 to 1987.

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“When the altar call was made, I was among the first to respond… I surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.”

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A Career in Telecommunications

Jeremiah began his professional life at Kenya Posts and Telecommunication. “I joined as a radio technician, trained for three years at KCCT Mbagathi, graduated in 1991, and was posted to Eldoret,” he explains.

By 1996, he had ventured into private business — operating a telecommunication firm, buying and selling cereals from farmers, running taxi services, selling and training in computers, and later managing a car wash and vehicle sales company. All were based in Eldoret.

However, things did not go as planned. “In all my endeavors, I did badly,” he admits. By mid-2008, he had accumulated debts running into millions. Unable to account for clients’ funds, he fled Eldoret for Mombasa, and then Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with plans to head to South Africa.

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The Turning Point

While in Dar es Salaam, Jeremiah attended a Sunday service at Christian Mission Fellowship in Sinza. The choir sang a song based on Matthew 6:33 — Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“That song touched my heart in a special way,” he remembers. “When the altar call was made, I was among the first to go forward. A visiting pastor from the Island of Fiji prayed for me and asked, ‘Do you believe God can turn around your situation?’ I said yes, and right there, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ.”

Two weeks later, Jeremiah returned to Kenya and settled in Mombasa for fourteen months until late November 2009. He joined Chemichemi Ministries under Pastor Douureen Mwatembo, now deceased. “That was my wilderness training,” he says.

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“Waiting is frustrating and painful, but never wasteful.”

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Wilderness Lessons

In Mombasa, Jeremiah learned to live without employment, survive on the generosity of well-wishers like his friend Mathenge, endure obscurity and loneliness, and wait on God’s timing. “God stripped away my pride and the old self, and shaped me into a new creation,” he shares.

In December 2009, Jeremiah returned to Eldoret and shared his testimony with his family. Together with student pastor Robinson Kibet, he served Koitoror Parish for six months.

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Equipped for Ministry

In August 2010, Jeremiah enrolled in St. Paul’s University for a degree in Divinity, graduating in 2013. He immediately pursued a Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Daystar University, graduating in 2016.

While studying, he served as a Sunday school teacher at RCEA Kawangware from 2010 to 2013, growing the ministry from nine children to over one hundred. He later served at RCEA Kayole for two years.

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The Call to Maasai Land

In December 2016, his father gave him a prophetic message: “It is time for you to venture out as a missionary to Maasai land and beyond.” Jeremiah obeyed the call.

“In January 2017, I held my first service alone in a rented property in Kitengela,” he recalls. The following Sunday, Elder Moses Cherop, his wife Ann, and a young girl named Rahab joined him. From those humble beginnings, the Kitengela congregation has grown, planting churches in Namelok and Ngelani, and establishing a preaching post in Kithiani.

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“From a man running away from debt to a missionary planting churches — that is what happens when you truly seek first the Kingdom of God.”

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Evangelist Moses Cherop: A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Leadership

 “Looking back,” Evangelist Moses Cherop says with a warm smile, “I can only thank God for the journey. I never imagined that a boy from Kimwarer would serve the church in so many ways.”

Few leaders in Kenya’s Christian history have left as wide and lasting a mark as Moses Cherop. As the first African Youth Secretary for the Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA) (1968–1971), succeeding Rev. William Bouw, he steered the youth department during a critical transition from missionary to African leadership. Under his watch, the vision for a permanent Conference and Training Center (CTC) became reality—today’s RCEA Guest House in Eldoret. He has since gone on to shape church growth, plant congregations, and mentor generations of youth leaders. Even in formal retirement, he and his wife, Ann, remain deeply involved in planting churches in Nairobi Parish and Presbytery.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1945 in Kimwarer, Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Cherop grew up in a rural setting, beginning his education at Muskut Primary School in 1958 before moving to Laikipia, where he completed the Kenya Advanced Primary Education (KAPE) examination in 1964. In the same year, his family settled in Tendwo, part of the Kaptagat Settlement Scheme, former settler farmland now given to African smallholders.

“I was employed by the Kaptagat Cooperative Society,” he recalls, “but my heart was slowly being drawn into youth ministry.”

Moses Cherop and his wife Ann in Nairobi recently. Photo by William Kiptoo

Call to Ministry and Theological Formation

At Kaptagat, Cherop became active in the Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA) youth ministry. His dedication caught the attention of Rev. William Bouw, then RCEA Youth Pastor and missionary. “Rev. Bouw was more than a mentor,” Cherop says. “He saw potential in me that I had not yet seen.”

Bouw encouraged him to join the Reformed Bible School in Eldoret (now RITT), where he completed a certificate in evangelism in 1968. He was posted to Plateau Parish while serving as Assistant Youth Secretary. In 1969, a scholarship from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) took him to Zambia’s Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation for nine months of intensive youth and social work training—a life-changing experience.

National Youth Leadership and RCEA Growth

Returning to Kenya in 1970, Cherop was appointed National Youth Secretary, becoming the first African to hold the position. “It was exciting and daunting,” he admits. “We had no camping facilities, so we held youth camps in boarding schools. The energy was unbelievable—youth from all over Kenya learning, praying, and leading.”

That same year, a visiting Dutch youth team was so inspired by the ministry that they raised KES 480,000—far beyond their initial goal. “That gift,” Cherop recalls, “is what built the RCEA Conference and Training Center. God provided through friends we had only just met.”

Later in 1970, Cherop traveled to London for an international Boys’ Brigade training, representing RCEA alongside Boys Brigade Organization in Kenya.

Service at NCCK and National Impact

In 1972, Cherop joined the NCCK as Regional Youth Secretary for the Rift Valley, focusing on leadership and development training. In 1974, he moved to the Limuru Conference and Training Center, working with the Mindolo Foundation before being appointed Director in 1977. He briefly travelled to attend Birmingham to study Christian Education at the Westhill College of Education courtesy of the World council of churches scholarship in 1975.

By 1980, he was at NCCK’s national office, serving in the Youth Department until 1983. “It was about shaping leaders,” he reflects. “Thousands of young people passed through our programs. Some are now national leaders, pastors, and community builders.”

Church Planting and Continued Ministry

In the 1990s, as RCEA extended into Nairobi, a congregation began at Church House under Dr. Peter Bisem. Eventually, it moved to Cherop’s home on Jogoo Road—becoming the foundation for today’s Kayole RCEA Church.

After ministry years in Eldoret, he returned to Nairobi, becoming a pioneer at Kitengela RCEA Church. As Parish Secretary, he helped expand into Eastern Kenya and Maasai regions—planting churches in Nameelok, Ngelani, Kithiani, Kola, and beyond.

“At Kola,” he says, “we’ve partnered with the family of Musa Amalemba, a pioneer elder from Kapkoi Parish. We hope to plant a new congregation there soon. And just last month, we began a new RCEA church in Nakuru with Mau Narok Parish.”

Legacy and Family

Though formally retired, Cherop remains a pillar of ministry. “Ann and I still serve together,” he says with a gentle laugh. “The work of the Gospel does not retire.” His decades-long ministry spans evangelism, youth development, church planting, and institutional leadership—leaving a living legacy in the RCEA and across Kenya’s Christian landscape.

“I have seen God’s faithfulness,” Cherop concludes. “And if there is one thing I would tell the next generation—it is this: Serve where you are, and God will take you where you need to be.”

Evangelist Moses Cherop: A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Leadership

In the story of the Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA), few names shine as brightly as that of Evangelist Moses Cherop. His journey—rooted in humble beginnings, strengthened by a deep call to ministry, and marked by decades of faithful service—continues to inspire generations of leaders and believers across Kenya.

A Humble Beginning and a Growing Vision
Born in 1945 in Kimwarer, Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Moses Cherop began life in a rural village before moving to Laikipia. There, in 1965, he completed his Kenya Advanced Primary Education (KAPE). The following year, his family settled in Tendwo, part of the Kaptagat Settlement Scheme—a former settler farm now owned by African smallholders. Young Moses found work at the Kaptagat Cooperative Society, unaware that God was already preparing him for a much greater mission.

Answering the Call
While serving in Kaptagat, Cherop became deeply involved with the RCEA youth ministry. His commitment caught the attention of Rev. William Bouew, then RCEA Youth Pastor and missionary, who saw in him a leader for the future. Guided by this mentorship, Moses enrolled at the Reformed Bible School in Eldoret (now the Reformed Institute for Theological Training—RITT), where he earned a certificate in evangelism in 1968.

Upon graduation, he served at Plateau Parish while assisting Rev. Bouew as Assistant Youth Secretary. A year later, in 1969, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) awarded him a scholarship to study Youth and Social Work at the Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation in Zambia—a transformative nine-month program that broadened his vision for ministry and leadership.

Pioneering National Youth Leadership
In 1970, Cherop returned to Kenya and stepped into history as the first African National Youth Secretary of the RCEA, succeeding Rev. Bouew. His leadership brought new energy to the department, with annual youth camps held in boarding schools across Kenya. These gatherings, despite the absence of RCEA-owned facilities, became hubs of discipleship, leadership training, and fellowship for young believers from multiple parishes.

That same year, a visiting youth team from the Netherlands, inspired by the passion and vision of RCEA youth, raised KES 480,000—far exceeding their initial goal. This generosity enabled the construction of the RCEA Conference and Training Center in Eldoret, today known as the Reformed Guest House. Later in 1970, Cherop represented the RCEA internationally in a Boys’ Brigade training course in London, working alongside the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) and Africa Inland Church (AIC).

Service Beyond RCEA
In 1972, Cherop transitioned to the NCCK as Regional Youth Secretary for the Rift Valley, focusing on leadership development among young people. By 1974, he was at the Limuru Conference and Training Center, a national hub for youth and vocational training run in partnership with Mindolo Foundation. His leadership there culminated in his appointment as Director in 1977.

From 1980 to 1983, he served at the NCCK National Office in the Youth Department, shaping policy, mentoring young leaders, and advancing interchurch cooperation. His work influenced thousands of youth nationwide, leaving an indelible mark on Kenya’s Christian leadership landscape.

Church Planting and Ongoing Ministry
The 1990s brought a new chapter. As RCEA expanded into Nairobi, a congregation began at Church House under Dr. Peter Bisem, then NCCK Deputy General Secretary. When the fellowship needed a home, Cherop opened his residence on Jogoo Road, which became the seedbed for the Kayole RCEA Church.

After years of ministry in Eldoret, he returned to Nairobi, helping to pioneer the Kitengela RCEA Church and later the Kawangware congregation under Nairobi Presbytery. As Parish Secretary at Kitengela, he worked tirelessly to extend the church’s reach into Eastern Kenya and the Maasai regions—establishing congregations in Nameelok, Ngelani, Kithiani, Kola, and more.

At Kola, he helped forge ties with the family of the late Musa Amalemba, a pioneer elder of Kapkoi Parish, with plans now underway to plant a new church there. In addition, he is partnering with Mau Narok Parish to establish an RCEA congregation in Nakuru, a mission that began just weeks ago.

A Lasting Legacy
Though officially retired, Evangelist Cherop shows no signs of slowing down. Alongside his wife, Ann, he continues to plant churches, mentor leaders, and encourage the next generation. His life’s work—spanning evangelism, youth development, church planting, and institutional leadership—stands as a testament to unwavering faith, servant leadership, and a vision for a vibrant, Christ-centered church in Kenya.

Evangelist Moses Cherop’s story reminds us that true leadership is not about titles or positions—it’s about faithful service, enduring vision, and the willingness to invest in others for the glory of God. His legacy is one the RCEA will carry forward for generations to come.

Evangelist Moses Cherop: RCEA First African Youth Secretary

 Evangelist Moses Cherop was the first RCEA youth Secretary (1968-1971).

Moses Cherop and his wife Ann in Nairobi recently. Photo by William Kiptoo

Early Life and Education

Evangelist Moses Cherop was born in 1945 in Kimwarer, Keiyo South, within Elgeyo Marakwet County. He began his education in his rural village before relocating to Laikipia, where he sat for the Kenya Advanced Primary Education (KAPE) examination in 1965. In 1966, his family moved to Tendwo in the Kaptagat Settlement Scheme, a former settler farm that had been acquired by African smallholders. There, he was employed by the Kaptagat Cooperative Society.

Call to Ministry and Theological Formation

During his time in Kaptagat, Cherop became deeply involved with the Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA) youth ministry. His dedication caught the attention of Rev. William Bouew, the then RCEA Youth Pastor and missionary. Under Bouew’s mentorship, Moses enrolled at the Reformed Bible School in Eldoret (now Reformed Institute for Theological Training RITT) and completed a certificate in evangelism in 1968.

After his graduation, he was posted to serve at Plateau Parish while also assisting Rev. Bouew as Assistant Youth Secretary. In 1969, recognizing the need for further professional development, Cherop was awarded a scholarship by the National Council of Churches of Kenya NCCK to study Youth and Social Work at the Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation in Zambia, a 9 month transformative course.

 National Youth Leadership and RCEA Growth

Returning to Kenya in 1970, Cherop was appointed as the National Youth Secretary of RCEA, succeeding Rev. Bouew. Under his leadership, the youth ministry became a vibrant national department. He organized annual youth camps across Kenya, hosted in boarding schools due to the lack of RCEA camping facilities. These camps brought together youth from various parishes, cultivating leadership and spiritual growth.

That same year, a visiting youth team from the Netherlands, moved by the Kenyan youth ministry’s spirit and vision, raised KES 480000 well above their initial target leading to the construction of the RCEA Conference and Training Center in Eldoret, now known as the Reformed Guest House.

 Later in 1970, Cherop participated in an international Boys’ Brigade training course in London, representing RCEA in partnership with ACK and AIC.

 Service at NCCK and National Impact

In 1972, Cherop transitioned to the NCCK, beginning as the Regional Youth Secretary for the Rift Valley, where he focused on training youth in leadership and development. In 1974, he was transferred to the Limuru Conference and Training Center, a hub for youth leadership and vocational training in collaboration with Mindolo Foundation. He was appointed as its Director in 1977.

 In 1980, Cherop joined the NCCK National Office, serving in the Youth Department until 1983. Throughout his time at NCCK, he nurtured thousands of young leaders across the country and contributed to shaping national conversations on youth development and interchurch cooperation.

 Church Planting and Continued Ministry

In the 1990s, as RCEA expanded into Nairobi, a congregation was formed at Church House under Dr. Peter Bisem, then NCCK Deputy General Secretary. Eventually, the congregation moved to Cherop’s home on Jogoo Road, a nurturing space that later gave birth to the Kayole RCEA Church.

 Following years of ministry in Eldoret, Cherop moved back to Nairobi and became a pioneer member of the Kitengela RCEA Church and later helped establish the Kawangware congregation under Nairobi Presbytery. As Parish Secretary at Kitengela, he has worked tirelessly to expand the church’s reach into Eastern Kenya and the Maasai regions, with active congregations in Nameelok, Ngelani, Kithiani, Kola, and others.

 At Kola, together with the parish leadership, he has established ties with the family of the late Musa Amalemba, pioneer elder of Kapkoi Parish. Plans are underway to start a new church in this area. Cherop is also collaborating with Mau Narok Parish to establish a new RCEA congregation in Nakuru, which began less than a month ago.

 Legacy and Family

Although formally retired, Evangelist Moses Cherop remains an active and passionate servant in the ministry. Alongside his wife, Ann Cherop, he continues to contribute to church growth, youth mentorship, and leadership development across Kenya. His legacy of service, spanning evangelism, youth development, church planting, and institutional leadership, continues to inspire new generations of believers and leaders in the RCEA and beyond.