Sunday 2nd December 2018 marked another milestone for the Kenyan Community in Massachusetts. It was in a colorful, well attended event at the Kenyan Community Presbyterian Church (Ushindi) where the Rev. Dr. Joseph Kimatu launched his much anticipated book, Groping for Support.

The book is solution based targeting the vast majority of immigrants who loose their loved ones in their home country yet they do not have the legal status to enable themtravel home and bury their loved ones. As such, most of these remain in the US and after a few days of friends mourning with them are left alone without closure, Groping for Support. Most of this support is not forthcoming hence Dr. Kimatu’s inspiration to write on the subject.

This book is one of it’s kind. It is both academic and inspirational. The author, who took years researching and working on the book exclaimed his joy and satisfaction at the launching of the book. He narrated how the process unfolded. He and a group of dedicated doctoral students had researched and labored together tirelessly to work on the material which was his doctoral thesis. His Professors had been greatly pleased by this work which was part of the requirements towards the acquisition of his Doctoral Degree in Theology.

This successful book launching event was organized by a group of dedicated friends from the community let by Ven. Samuel Kimohu and Rev. Dr. John Nyagah. The MC in the event that was attended by over a dozen Christian Ministers and leaders was led by Bishop Carl Phillip Kihato. The actual official launching was done by Rev. David Ndung’u of CCF Church, Nashua, NH. Gracing the event also were a number of Gospel artists among them Alan Aaron, a popular singer visiting from Kenya, who energized the audience with very lively kigooco

The Chief Guest was Dr. Monicah Kang’ethe, of the Queens Night Ministry, who had flown from Kansas to Boston for the event with her husband Rev. Ben Kang’ethe. In her maiden speech, Dr. Kang’ethe, who is also a counselling expert, applauded Dr. Kimani for a job well done. She talked about the book at length and used her experience to support the content of the book. Many were touched by the way the book explores this subject as brought to life by the dynamic speaker in her

memorable remarks. There was a book signing by the author after the event.

This book is the first by Dr. Kimatu. However, he is a man of many spheres and has under his wings 3 Kikuyu Gospel albums. He was an ordained by the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in the 1990’s and currently serves as the Pastor of the Kenyan Community Presbyterian Church (Ushindi) in Lowell, MA. He is also a licensed Real Estate Agent in the State of MA. He holds 2 Doctoral Degrees, a Dual Masters Degree, a Bachelors degree and a host of other credentials. His main concentration is Psychology of Religion Pastoral Care and Counseling. He has 5 Units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and is a certified Chaplain. He runs a program on Jambo Radio Network called “Menyerera” which translated loosely means “Watch Over” or “Take Care” which airs for 90 minutes on Thursdays from 10 to 11.30 AM (EST).