Leadership

ECHA MAJALIWA EKELA,  

Mawakili Founder

Born in 1975 in Eastern DRC, Echa Majaliwa gave his life to Jesus Christ in 1986 and was baptized two years later. Since that time Echa got emersed himself into ministry. From being a local church choir, he became the secretary of the Church conference of the Free Methodist Church. Due to war in his home country, Echa Majaliwa Ekela fled to Kenya. In the country of his exile, he stated attending Discipleship church in Nairobi. Due to his consistency and involvement in church activities and leadership skills, he was appointed as church elder, then promoted and ordained as the pastor of Kawangware branch. In the community,, Echa Majaliwa Ekela worked with Humanity and inclusion; an organization that works with persons with mental and physical disabilities. He was also key and one of the founding members of L'AFRIKANA, ( a Refugee led Community Organization). it is from this love and dedication to the lordship of Jesus Christ that  Echa Majaliwa Ekela  got the vision to start Mawakili wa Neno la Mungu as a choir and evangelistic ministry to reach out to the lost in North America and beyond. Echa Majaliwa Ekela is married to Esther Jaliwa and together have been blessed with one daughter and five sons.

Rev. DIEUDONNE EKELA  ANYOKWA

BAPTIST PENUEL SENIOR PASTOR

I am a servant of God, saved by grace, and Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. My pastoral journey began in the Free Methodist Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Later, the Baptist Church recognized my calling and sent me to pursue theological studies at RWANGUBA Campus For Christ, where I was further equipped for ministry. When we experienced a civil war I decided to relocate in Kenya where I have planted a church named Kabiria Baptist Church.  In addition to pastoral ministry, God has also called me to serve through community development. I founded an orphanage and a tailoring organization, which continue to operate to this day.  

Upon arriving in the United States, God placed a vision on my heart to establish a church grounded in His Word and prayer. This led to the founding of Penuel Baptist Church.

The name Penuel holds deep spiritual significance. It refers to the place where Jacob wrestled with an angel and declared, "I will not let you go unless you bless me" (Genesis 32:30). Penuel is a place of transformation, encounter, and blessing—reflecting our desire for every believer to experience a life-changing meeting with God.

Penuel Baptist Church is a vibrant and growing community. We are blessed with:

• Two dynamic choirs: Penuel Choir and Mawakili Choir
   
• A team of dedicated evangelists
   
• Active Mother’s Department and Youth Department
   

Our church stands firmly on the foundation of God’s Word and prayer.
Our mission is clear: To lead people to Jesus Christ and offer them the hope of eternal life.

We invite you to join us in worship and experience the transforming power of God's presence.

ESTHER JALIWA EKELA A 

Mawakili CO-Founder

JALIWA was born in 1984 in the Eastern DRC Congo. She was raised in a Christian family and accepted Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior in 1999 and got baptized in 2001. Her faith has been the foundation of  life through every season especially during the 12 years her family and her spent living in a refugee camp. Despite the challenges, God remained faithful, and she continued to serve Him with all her heart. Jaliwa is a parent to six wonderful children, five sons and one daughter. Her journey has deepened her calling to serve others and share the hope of Christ. Today, She remain committed to ministry and helping others grow in faith, no matter where they come from or what they’ve been through.  She is passionate gospel minister whose heart beats for spreading the message of Jesus Christ through the powerful gift of music. With a voice anointed to heal, inspire, and uplift, she uses every opportunity to share the good news of salvation through song. Her ministry is rooted in deep faith, a life of prayer, and a desire to see lives transformed by the love of God. 

  ZAWADI MAJALIWA 

Baptist Penuel / Mawakili Secretary

Zawadi plays a vital administrative role in the daily operations of Baptist Penuel Church and Mawakili wa Neno la Mungu Ministry . She supports the pastoral staff, manages church communications, and ensures smooth organizational functioning for both Mawakili wa Neno la Mungu and Baptist Penuel church. She was baptized in 2013 at First Baptist Church. She works together with Safinasi Ekela to make sure Mawakili wa Neno la Mungu Ministry responsibilities are met.

SAFINASI EKELA   

Assistant Secretary

Safinasi was born on June 2005. She was baptized in 2023 at Penuel Baptist church where she received Jesus Christ as savior. She joined Mawakili wa Nelo la Mungu as team member, but now serving as the ministry Assistant-secretary. She supports the smooth operation of the ministry, She works together with Zawadi as an Administrative Support, Scheduling & Communication, Meeting Coordination, Record Keeping, Event Coordination Support and team support.

SAMSONI KIZA

Treasurer 

Manages the finances of the ministry. He ensures that all financial activities are handled with integrity, transparency, and accountability. He does Financial Record Keeping, Budget Management, Reporting.