Stephen Nyakairu was born in Uganda under the dictatorship of Idi Amin. He lost both of his parents as a child. Growing up he was surrounded by death as Amin tried to turn the country to an Islamic state. Christians and missionaries were punished or deported, and many citizens were killed.
But Stephen was raised as a Christian. He held steadfast that God was the only one that could help carry the load that had become too heavy to bear alone.
Orphaned, he traveled with the African Children’s Choir, founded by a Washington-based organization. Later, Sandy and Gary Vandergriend, of Lynden, Washington adopted him.
Stephen first attended Shoreline Community college and later transferred to Seattle Pacific University where he earned his bachelor of arts degree in religious studies.
Sandy once suggested that he consider preaching. Stephen wasn’t immediately convinced that being a pastor was his calling.
Then he heard a sermon by Dr. Haddon Robinson. “His explanation and application of the bible was so convicting that it was like lighting a fire in my bones,” Stephen says. “I’ve never heard anyone apply the Scriptures like he did.”
Although Stephen had been exposed to ministry work his entire life, his attendance at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, which has two Massachusetts campuses, solidified his interest in preaching and teaching the Bible. While finishing seminary, he met Dr. Scott Gibson who committed to mentoring Stephen throughout his seminary training. Dr. Gibson's love for preaching and commitment to his students made a difference in sharpening Stephen's ministry skills. Stephen is indebted to Dr. Robinson and Dr. Gibson for helping him discover his God-given potential, to teach and preach God's Message.
Stephen has received a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Theology in Preaching from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary while working as part-time pastor for the United Church.
Preaching is his passion. His aim with every sermon is to apply the ancient text of the Bible to the modern world. He’s always working to find a better way to word his sermons and make them relevant today without changing the Bible’s message.
Stephen loves people and loves to hear their God stories.
You can email Stephen at stephennyakairu@gmail.com
