Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade on Sunday, December 22 visited the most senior brigade trainer in Kenya.
Evanson Thiong’o — who hails from Matathia Village in Lari Constituency, Kiambu County — has attained 99 years, which is the age limit for officers and trainers to exit the brigade.
Thiong’o, who served in the brigade since he was 24 years, was given the last chance to command the officers as the brigade commander. He was able to mingle with officers and trainers who were his recruits, who celebrated him as a hero.
Thiong’o called upon young families to embrace and allow their children to enroll in the brigade as officers. The brigade’s objective is to advance the Kingdom of Christ for young boys and girls, instill obedience to the words of God, whereas leading a disciplined, self-respect life that guard them from evil deeds.
Eva Tabitha, the Secretary of Brigade National fellowship and Waweru George the chairman of the same, both said the visit will continue promoting the four pillars of brigade; nurturing young people Spiritually, Physically, Education-wise and Socially.
The Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade was formed because of a Sunday school teacher Sir W.A Smith. The Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade is a uniform Christian organization, denominational, interdenominational, national and international.
It is built on two pillars: (Religion and Discipline) the movement later spread to other countries through the mission that were established by the Missionaries. In 1909, Dr J.W Arthur started the first PCEA Boys’ Brigade Company at Kikuyu Mission.
Since 1909 – 1965, the missionaries planted the Brigade work in the companies (congregation) and school mission area. In 1985 the Eleventh General Assembly instructed the Youth Department to start more companies in all the Presbyteries. The purpose being to curb the children who run away after church school, by creating the activities to retain them in the church. This was achieved in 1997, where the 15th General Assembly under resolution 2540 noted with appreciation, the introduction of the Brigade in all presbyteries, and considered it as a standing committee of the church.
