Just as Jesus spoke of the mustard seed—the smallest of all seeds that grows into a mighty tree where birds make their nests—so too began the story of St. Andrew's Church English Service in Ndenderu.

In November 1991, Rev. Canon David Nyoro planted a tiny seed of faith when he launched the morning English Service. Like the mustard seed in the parable, its beginnings were humble: just 29 members and an offering of Kenya Shillings 45.50 cents. Yet, God had greater plans for this small congregation.

The early pioneers—Dr. Cyrus Githunguri, Moses Nganga Thariki, Mr. and Mrs. Ng’ang’a Chege and others—nurtured this seedling with dedication. As the years passed, more faithful servants like Charles Thairu, Waweru Ndungi, Janet Githinji, Rachel Karanja, and Jenifer Mungai joined, each adding their own measure of faith and service.

By 1999, under Rev. Canon Juliet Bundi's leadership, the first shoots of organized growth emerged with the formation of the English Service committee. Like skilled gardeners, leaders such as Sammy Njenga, Winnie Njeri Ndara, Henry Mwangi, Grace Muthoni Njenga, John Mugo Wagacha, Kelvin Mwangi, Christine Nyambura Mwaura, Thomas Njoroge Kariuki and the current chairperson Anthony Mwaura, understood that young saplings need special care. They brought in musical instruments, knowing that vibrant worship would draw young people to the church.

The church blossomed through carefully cultivated strategies. Like a gardener who knows exactly what each plant needs to thrive, Rev. Titus Mburu Mwangi and the English Service committee implemented a rich variety of programs that would make the church a spiritual home for all:

Rev. Titus Mburu Mwangi

The roots of worship grew deep through vibrant praise and worship that became renowned throughout the diocese. The praise team's excellence drew other churches from across the province to benchmark their practices, spreading their influence like branches reaching far and wide.

praise team's

Small groups flourished like new shoots: cell groups divided into eight teams between the English and Kikuyu services, each growing stronger by the day. The fellowship branches spread wide to nurture every age and stage: young men found brotherhood in Kama, ladies grew in faith through the Mother's Union, and the Seekers Fellowship provided a unique space for those between youth and adulthood, led by accomplished professionals like Jerioth Wakarima, Julia Wanjiru, Thomas Njoroge Kariuki, and Edward Njiru (Senator).

The church's outreach extended like spreading branches:

• Annual retreats in August brought the entire congregation together for spiritual renewal

• Regular seminars fostered a sense of ownership and belonging
• Medical camps, staffed by healthcare professionals from within the congregation, served the community's physical needs
• The Reformers group offered hope and healing to those struggling with addiction
• Inter-group tournaments built fellowship through friendly competition

• A partnership with Citizen TV's Kubamba Live broadcast their vibrant worship to the nation

• Special services celebrated their diversity, from African Sunday with traditional attire to youth-led "Seekers" services
• Gospel musicians were invited for special events that drew crowds from far and wide

Even the young saplings were tended with care. The Sunday School grew so large it outnumbered the English Service, with dedicated Biblical learning materials nurturing young faith. The church's Karate club achieved national and African recognition, even earning an invitation to compete in Canada.

The co-workers ministry acted like the root system, connecting all department leaders and committee members. Here, they shared concerns, celebrated milestones, supported each other through weddings and bereavements, and grew together as one body serving the Lord. This unity strengthened the entire church, creating a vibrant community that attracted more and more people to its branches.

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