Why it’s bad manners to have more clothes than books. And how a Bible reading journey reshaped our faith and family.
“It’s Bad Manners to Have More Clothes Than Books!” That was the bold, brilliant rallying cry at the 2025 Readership Challenge hosted by Timazi Africa.
Honestly, it needs to go on a T-shirt, wristband or wall clock!
About 600+ sharp minds from 20+ Kenyan high schools came together. Not to scroll or snap selfies. They gathered to talk about reading. Why it matters. What it changes.
And how it’s quietly shaping destinies.
I had the joy of being invited as a panelist. Sharing how our family’s Bible-in-a-Year journey has become more than a checklist. It’s become a compass.
I tagged along my 12-year-old son.
Guess what caught his attention in Scripture? 👉🏽 The diversity of women and the complexity of emotions (including anger!) Only kids can put it that way. 😄
The keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Peterson Rukenya, lit up the room with a sermon titled: “Read Wide; Pray Deep.”
He took us back to Nehemiah 9:3 and the days of King Josiah. When Scripture was rediscovered, read for 3 hours, and followed by another 3 of repentance. 📖⏳
His message? 👉🏽 Reading should inform your heart, and transform your mind.
I tucked away two power-packed reminders:
- ✨ Books open minds, hearts, and doors.
- ✨ Reading steers your prayers and shapes your future.
I also got real about my struggles with reading consistently. I dropped my own quote (yes, I quoted myself 😎):
“Reading the Bible isn’t like TikTok. There are no likes, views, shares, or comments. It won’t go viral… but has eternal value.”
Many thanks to Maggie and John Gathuku for inviting us. You are building Good Manners into the next generation. One chapter, one verse, one bold reader at a time. 📖🔥
I’d love to be part of more reading experiences like this. Where Scripture meets culture, and stories shape souls.
Joseph Ngaara is inspired by people’s life experiences. Do you have an intriguing life story and need to share your triumph or tragedy? Email: j.mungai@hotmail.co.uk
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