Did I ever tell you how I got hired on a flight journey. Yes, I am international, baby! For the longest time, I dreamt of a quiet, behind-the-scenes life. I wanted to be the kingmaker, the strategic mind behind great movements, the unseen force shaping destinies—without ever stepping into the spotlight. But as it turns out, God has a great sense of humour.
I call this one: Growth Requires Embracing the Unfamiliar
One fine day, my husband, Patrick Omukhango, the then National Director at Christian Literature Communications – CLC Kenya and his then immediate boss, Liz at CLC Africa office, jetted off for a work conference in Chicago. They were gone for a whole week. Back in those pre-WhatsApp calls days, communication was a costly affair—Kes 1,000 airtime could vanish into thin air faster than a milkshake through a big-fat straw.
Still, we talked every day.
Me: Sweetie, where are you?
Patrick: In my room.
Me: Where are the other delegates?
Patrick: They went out for coffee. I didn’t feel like having coffee.
Me: Oh, dear Patrick. They are not just taking coffee; they are networking and exploring partnerships.
Patrick: Sigh! I know. I’ve done my fair share of talking about our work.
I gave up on him.
Little did I know, Patrick had already given up in the networking department. Somewhere between the skyscrapers of Chicago and the busy streets of Nairobi, he wrote to his boss declaring, with deep conviction, that he was not the man for the networking phase of our ministry at that time. Instead, he volunteered me for the job—the non-stop talking role I now proudly own.
So, when I asked God how He wished to use me, He did not sit me down for a heart-to-heart conversation. Oh no, He simply sent me to Facebook, YouTube et al.
At the time, I had 250 friends on Facebook—real friends. Friends whose spouses, children, and family trees I could name from memory. And then God said, “Start a public ministry.”
Wait… what?
I was perfectly okay stepping into Patrick’s shoes, but my lifelong desire for a behind-the-scenes life? Completely ignored.
Now, I had fought God before (feel free to read my book Jesus Killed My Business for the full drama). I had wasted time, emotions, and energy on resisting His will. This time, I decided to be wiser. I was not going to fight God.
I embraced public ministry, but there was one small problem—I had no idea how to navigate social media, websites, or any form of digital evangelism. God was asking me to start at point K when I hadn’t even figured out where point A was located.
Cue crash courses on social media, website development, and technology. It was a wild ride. Some days, I felt like an old cassette player in a world of Spotify. But thanks to amazing mentors like:
Donna Partow and her 7-Day Online Influence Challenge that taught me what I know today!
And Tom from Mafreelancer Digital who introduced me to WordPress and everything websites.
And friends who encouraged me. I remember my beta 10 subscribers on YouTube. Abiah Omukhango, Purity Kariuki and others… Thank you for the moral support.
Years later, I’m still figuring some things out, but one thing is certain—I am tech-savvy!
I have made peace with the fact that technology is here to stay, and I’m using every necessary platform to preach the Gospel, inspire lives, and contribute value to my generation.
So here I am, not behind the scenes, but fully out in the open—sharing my life’s journey, networking, talking, and leading. Not at all what I imagined, but exactly what God planned.
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Lessons from My Unexpected Journey into Public Ministry
1. God’s Plans Override Our Preferences
I had my own vision—a quiet, behind-the-scenes life—but God had other plans. His purpose will always take precedence over our comfort zones.
Lesson: Be open to divine detours. What you think you’re meant to do might just be the stepping stone to what God actually wants you to do.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
2. Your Weakness Might Be Someone Else’s Strength—and Vice Versa
Patrick knew he wasn’t wired for networking, and rather than force himself into a role he wasn’t suited for, he handed it over to me. Sometimes, we struggle because we’re trying to fit into roles meant for someone else.
Lesson: Recognize when it’s time to step aside and allow the right person to take over. Strengths are meant to be complementary, not competitive.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” (1 Corinthians 12:4).
3. Resisting God Wastes Time and Energy
I had fought God before—and lost, of course. When I finally embraced His call, I realized how much time I had wasted in unnecessary battles. Learning to surrender early saves a lot of struggle.
Lesson: Don’t wrestle with God; you’ll always lose. Instead, submit early and save yourself unnecessary frustration.
“Who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me like this?’” (Romans 9:20).
4. Growth Requires Embracing the Unfamiliar
I knew nothing about social media, websites, or digital evangelism, but God wasn’t going to let my ignorance be an excuse. I had to learn, adapt, and grow. Now, I’m tech-savvy and using digital platforms to fulfill my assignment.
Lesson: If God calls you to something, He will equip you for it. Be willing to learn, stretch, and grow into the role He has given you.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
At the end of the day, God’s plan will always prevail, even when it takes us out of our comfort zones. The best thing we can do? Embrace it, grow through it, and trust that He knows what He’s doing. His blessings make rich and add no sorrow!
So, What Book Is in My Hands Today?
The Promises of God Never Fail by Beatrice Saina Ongeri
As I reflect on my journey of embracing the unfamiliar, I can’t help but think about how much it has required me to trust in God’s promises—especially in seasons of uncertainty. Beatrice Saina’s book, The Promises of God Never Fail, beautifully captures this truth.
Just as I had to step into a role I never imagined, Beatrice shares her testimony of holding onto God’s promises in different areas of life—her health, employment, marriage, children, and provision. She reminds us that in every challenge, God’s Word remains steadfast, and His promises are never in vain.
I, too, have seen this in my own journey. When I resisted stepping into public ministry, I was clinging to my own plans, not fully trusting that God’s direction was far greater than my own fears. But when I surrendered, I saw doors open, divine opportunities arise, and provision come in ways I never expected.
This book is for anyone trusting God for a breakthrough. It is a powerful reminder that, no matter how unfamiliar the path ahead may seem, God is already there. He is faithful. His Word will not return void. And when we trust in Him, He does exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
So, as I continue learning, growing, and stepping out in faith, The Promises of God Never Fail serves as both a confirmation and a challenge—an invitation to keep believing, keep moving, and keep testifying of God’s faithfulness in the land of the living.
May we all be found holding onto His promises, walking boldly into the unknown, knowing that our God never fails.
Meet the Author
Beatrice Ongeri is a born-again Christian, a passionate teacher, trainer, coach, praise and worship leader, and church leader under Apostle Joseph Likavo of International Vision Center (IVC). With a heart for ministry and a deep commitment to serving both God and humanity, she believes in equipping others for spiritual and professional growth.
A seasoned Human Resource professional, Beatrice holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Kenya Methodist University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Moi University. Her professional journey includes a decade at World Vision Kenya (2005-2015), where she served as a Regional People and Culture (HR) and Administrative Officer, contributing to the growth and development of teams across the organization.
Currently, she imparts knowledge as a part-time lecturer at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), shaping future professionals with both skill and wisdom.
In preparation for ministry, Beatrice recently earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Heart Bible International University (HBIU) and has progressed to a Master’s in Divinity, Chaplaincy, and Christian Counseling at the same institution. She sees her journey as one of refinement and preparation, believing that God is leading her into greater ministry impact by reaching a hurting world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Beatrice is joyfully married to Martin Ongeri Otiso, and together, they are blessed with two wonderful children, Blessings and Destiny. She remains steadfast in her faith, knowing that God’s plans for her are unfolding in powerful ways.
With Christian Literature Communications – CLC Kenya
With Christian Literature Communications – CLC Kenya
African Christian Authors Book Award – ACABA
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