O.E. and Mariam Joseph
When O.E. and Mariam were first appointed as missionaries to Kenya by World Gospel Mission, O.E. said they knew nothing about that country. Although O.E. and Mariam had planned to serve in their native India, they were ready for the “new venture” God had prepared for them in Kenya.
Both were excited by the opportunity to serve God and work with WGM, and they were appointed to Kenya in 1977, arriving in the country on December 31, 1978.
At KHBC, O.E. taught Bible, evangelism, and theology courses while also serving, over the course of his time in Kenya, as acting principal, dean of students, and vice principal. Many of his students became pastors and missionaries throughout central and eastern Africa. O.E. also helped local pastors obtain resources for teaching and ministry, since their access to books and other materials was limited.
Mariam’s initial four years in Kenya were difficult. She wondered whether she should return to the U.S. or to India, particularly because the family had struggled to raise enough financial support for their ministry. Not having been trained in seminary, Mariam often prayed, “What am I going to do in Kenya? Lord, if it’s just going to be a housewife, then why do I have to go all the way to Kenya to do it?”
O.E. and Mariam officially retired from WGM on January 1, 2004, but they continue to return to SIBS periodically to assist with projects, administration, mentoring, and teaching.