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Bishop Elect Margaret Tanui’s Journey
Bishop Elect-Margaret Jeptui Tanui was born in Baringo county, Eldama Ravine , Saos Kibias sublocation , in Kenya 58 years ago to a family of Paulo Samoei and Evelyn Teriki Tanui as the first born of Ten (10) siblings. She grew and was raised up under the faith of a Christian mother who taught her children the word of God and enable them survive the harsh living conditions of poverty, traditions and customs and empowered them to the level of attaining good Education and having attained a life of freedom and independence. Family Life
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Bishop Elect was once Married but unfortunately the marriage encountered turbulences and irreconcilable challenges . The marriage was blessed with three (3) wonderful lovely children, Billy kiprop , Melody Jemutai and Kevin Kipchumba who are now grown ups and two(2) grandchildren. As a Christian and mother Bishop Elect choose to take care of her children and serve God with all her heart turning the new challenge into an opportunity to improve her career and to realize the calling of God in her life
Education and career
She attended Saos Primary, Kapropita girls Secondary, Egerton University, Larenstein University Netherlands and Reading University UK. Earlier in her career and profession after graduating from Egerton university in 1986, she joined the Government of Kenya as a civil servant and became a senior Livestock production officer before moving to UK after securing a scholarship to Reading University for master’s programme in social development and sustainable Livelihoods. While in UK Bishop Elect has worked in the Healthcare sector.
Statement of faith and Ministry
In August 1978 while in her 1st year in form one in Kapropita girls Bishop Elect gave her life to Jesus Christ as Lord and savior. Salvation has exposed her to a greater experience of overwhelming Joy and peace in her journey of her Christian faith. She believes in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory. No matter the challenges she has faced in her life which are so many, she has grown in her faith and known God deeper as a Father, a shepherd, a teacher , a comforter, healer, restorer and, forgiver of sins amongst all of his attributes. Bishop Elect has served God in many levels of her spiritual growth in the Church. While in Kenya she became a Sunday school teacher from the age of 18years in her local church. While in Nairobi in 1986 under African in Land Church. She joined Ngong Chrisco Church, a fivefold ministry under then Apostle Harry Das. Joining this church made her grow both in word and leadership from being a Sunday school teacher to becoming youth leader, Church Elder, Church treasurer, Women Leader and later a deaconess. Bishop Elect enjoyed these positions tremendously giving her exposure in training, networking and opportunities to preach God’s word in the church and other forums invited.
She begun to slowly identify her calling and purpose and she kept nurturing and allowing mentees to mentor her. She engaged herself in intercessory Ministry, preaching and evangelism that transformed lives including members of her family. Her father who was alcoholic for 52 years gave his life to Christ and now serves as a church Elder in his local Church of Saos Anglican Church. In 1994 for example she organized a massive crusade in her home town that attracted over 2000 people in 1994. A crusade that left a mark to this day and many people gave their lives to Christ. While in UK, Bishop Elect flourished in her ministry and was evident in that she volunteered to serve the community of Kenyans and other Black minority. She organizes prayer meetings tailor-made to meet the needs of individuals and Nations. She visits and prays for families in need amongst other community engagements.
w v She served in the church (Reading Evangelical Christian Church International) under Bishop Dr.Julius & Apostle Dr.Joyce Muiruri, through various ministries. As a result of her commitment and dedication, she was elevated to serve as an elder between 2005 and 2012 and she did well.
Sometimes in 2011 the Lord spoke to Bishop Jackson Kosgei who is Bishop Elect’s spiritual Father, to encourage her start a Ministry after seeing great potential in her. Bishop Elect took the challenge seriously and she founded Valley of praise Ministries International (Beracah) with its presences both in UK & Kenya. Bishop Elect was ordained on the 3rd of November 2012 as a Reverend /Pastor. Through her ministry she has proven to be a bold leader, our community recognizable, highly charismatic and accomplished public speaker and preacher of God’s word. Through her commitment, plenty of testimonies of family restorations, emotional healing and hope are shared amongst community people out there. The objectives and Aims of Valley of praise are to preach Gods word through teaching, prayers and intercession, winning souls for Jesus, Transforming lives and making disciples of all Nations and race. It aims to grow as a Ministry worldwide and see Gods word reach everyone according to Jesus’ Mission statement in Mathew 28:1819 “ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen”. Its Monthly prayer meetings and conferences Bishop Elect has served the Reading community with dedication and love and proven to have the following qualities; Philanthropist , selfless, transparent, Kind, humble, Wise , loving, honest, holy and fear of God, Servant Leader willing to sacrifice all , Willing to make tough choices at all times and Patient with long suffering. She is also a counselor, advocate for women against domestic violence, a mentor, community mobilizer and an intercessor. Bishop Elect played a major role during this time of Covid 19. With other leaders in the Reading community, she participated in sharing, distributing food to vulnerable families. She also supported families who lost their loved ones by visiting, phone calls and virtually through zoom Through Valley of Praise Bishop Elect has been able to Educate needy children in her village, build descent homes for vulnerable homeless people , support Pastors in rural villages physically and financially, provide food staff to families in need. Bishop Elect is also one of the founding members of a charitable organization called EMO, a social organization whose strategic objectives is to assist people in distress in order to alleviate their suffering and enable them enjoy dignified lives through capacity development, advocacy for social justice, assisting needy patients requiring urgent medical attention and advocate for conservation of the environment among others. On 13th March 2021 she was presented with a well deserving Award , The 16th Wise women in the Community award from Wisdom for Women International in London UK. This Award was given to her to honor and recognize her tireless contributions to the Church, humanity and community. To sum it up Bishop Elect can be described as a confident and highly motivated individual who derives satisfaction through hard work and creative thinking. She is multilayered in her roles and always seen to multitask. Very resourceful and rich with wisdom, knowledge and information which she shares generously to everyone without discrimination. She is able to influence and motivate others through role modeling. Through effective communication skills, she has been able to enhance work performance, always encouraging a high standard of service while earning respect. She is quick to learn, open, adaptable and flexible to changes. She works well with people at all levels, countries and I have tremendous will-power to achieve results through good management and organizational skills. The elevation to the office of Bishop will enable her with the help of Christ to govern, teach, and sanctify the Body of Christ. Will help her expand Gods Kingdom through confirming, ordaining and supervise members of the clergy for Valley of Praise Ministries International UK and beyond.