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.
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