The origin of Maranatha Faith Assemblies dates to 1967 when two Swedish Missionary families, among them Bength Sungdh, immigrated into Kenya, invited by a local pastor, Rev. Chacha Omahe, to start a mission work at a small village known as Komotobo situated in Kuria South District, Nyanza Province, for the purpose of spiritual and social ministry. In the initial stage, a semi-permanent church and a small clinic were built. The church also served as a primary school. The mission was subsequently registered as Swedish Pentecostal Mission.
In 1970, the first missionaries returned to Sweden and another missionary, Rev. Curt Johansson, together with his family, came and took over the small mission work. He served as the first Director of Maranatha Mission of Kenya. He continued the pioneer work in Kuria and the surrounding areas i.e. Luo, Kisii and Maasai. During this time, a church, children's home, a maternity and several staff houses were built at Komotobo. Rev. Curt, together with the local leaders, changed the name to Maranatha Mission of Kenya.
In 1977, another Director by the name James Nyambuoro was appointed. Since then Joseph Seko, Patroba Mukabana and Isaac Ochieng' have served as Directors. The title "Director" was changed to "General Overseer". Maranatha Mission of Kenya started to build a mission centre in Migori. A church building, a Bible school, an office building and a Women Training Centre were constructed. Migori now serves as the headquarters of Maranatha Faith Assemblies.
Since 1970, Maranatha has expanded its ministry beyond preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and started different social projects and programs.
During a National Leaders’ seminar held at Komotobo Mission Station between 16th and 20th October 2000, the leaders resolved to change the name to MARANATHA FAITH ASSEMBLIES, and subsequently a new constitution was implemented. This change of name was necessitated by the growth and the consequent establishment of a large number of assemblies with an autonomous national body capable of developing good quality partnerships. Besides, it was deemed necessary for the -church to have a common name that expressed its inherent goal and harmonizes its unity of fellowship with other sister churches in other parts of Africa and the world.
From the humble beginning at Komotobo the Mission work grew rapidly. A number of Church buildings, nursery schools, primary schools, secondary schools and even colleges were constructed. Churches were established all over Kenya and later missions were registered in Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and even Congo.
To God be all the Glory for whatever has been accomplished.
