As part of their cross-Canada tour in August, Swahili Gospel singer Mary Atieno Ominde and her husband Alex Ominde will perform at the annual CNIS African Market, held in Kitsilano on Saturday August 25.
Born blind, Mrs. Ominde excelled in school and joined the teaching profession at Buruburu High School in 1981, where she still teaches today.
She began her musical career in 1979, singing gospel music as a way of giving thanks. Her music comes from scriptures, inspirational sermons, and through listening to gospel music that inspires her to write her own songs. “In the song kama si yesu’, I tell God thanks for everything, for healing me and seeing me through all the challenges in life that I face as a blind person” she says.
She calls upon other physically challenged people that feel discouraged in life to learn from her story and realize that disability is not inability. “If you are disabled like me, you should not give up. God has given everyone a potential, ability and gift and it’s up to you to discover what it is that you can do and do it, so don’t ever feel discouraged,” she says.
CNIS is most grateful to Pastor Alex and Mary Atieno Ominde for their gracious support of our African celebration!
In addition to the African Market, Mr and Mrs. Ominde will also preform for the International Gospel Centre Ministries on August 11 at 2 pm. Click here for more information.