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A case for Women in Ministry

Rev. (Dr) Judy Mbugua

“Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden, untie and bring it here. If anyone asks you “why are you doing this?” Tell him “the lord need it and will send it back shortly” Mark11:2-3

Reverend Mbugua is a big campaigner for the Women’s Ministry. In one of her speeches, Judy likened Women’s Ministry to that of the colt that carried Jesus in his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Jesus told his disciples "You will find a colt tied there... untie it and bring it here" (Mark 11:2).When the disciples arrived in the village they found the colt still tied, as Jesus had said, yet it was ready for service. Immediately it was released, it did the very important task of carrying the Master. Women therefore need to be released from all kinds of cultural and social restrictions that bind them so that they can serve the Lord. If Jesus chooses to use women, often seen as lowly and humble as a colt, no one should continue to tie them and force them to be unproductive. He needs every available resource to be released to serve Him.

Judy also compares the women’s ministry with the challenge faced by Queen Esther who had to face the King to plead the case for her people in a way that was not culturally acceptable. She realized that her actions could cost her life.  "If I perish, I perish." she said courageously. Women who are called should therefore courageously take up the mantle rest people perish when they could have passed to them the living message of Christ.

Rev. Judy Mbugua is also a big crusader for the family unit. Judy feels that there is no relationship as good, as fulfilling and complete as that of husband and wife, when all is as it should be. She has supported African women across the continent to strengthen belief in Biblical marriage. She advocates that polygamy is wrong — not because it differs from Western traditions but because “God’s design for marriage is monogamy.”

Judy also advocates that wherever possible children should grow up with both parents. She quotes Proverbs 17:6 – “The glory of children is their father” and maintains that families should do all they can to stay together. Since the institution is under attack from various influences, her mission is to inspire lasting and meaningful companionship for wives and husbands and their commitment in bringing up godly children.

Reverend (Dr) Judy Mbugua was called to full-time ministry in 1980 and was ordained in 1991 by Bishop Kitonga. She is most widely known for her headship of Ladies Home Care Fellowship (LCHF) which she co-founded. LHCF was registered in 1985 with its main focus being the transformation of families through prayer, evangelism and social activities. The organization has many members spread through many branches in different parts of Kenya. Judy is also the coordinator of the Pan African Christian Women’s Alliance, which tackles other tough issues including female genital mutilation, domestic violence, rape, wife inheritance and the AIDS epidemic. Rev (Dr) Mbugua has also held many other international positions and spoken at numerous national and international Christian conferences.

Rev.(Dr) Mbugua has also recently started a TV programme called Families United which is aired by Family Television

This article first appeared in Woman of Faith Magazine, March-April 2010.