Tulsa International Fellowship is a “God-chosen” family
Tulsa International Fellowship (TIF), a ministry of First Church Tulsa, celebrated our 15 year anniversary on the weekend of July 12-14, 2024. As pastor Rev. Wambugu Gachungi says, “We are in our teenage years!”
Looking back to humble beginnings in June 2009 when the fellowship began, a few members would meet on Sunday afternoons for prayers and fellowship at Pastor Wambugu’s house. The fellowship later moved to the Great Hall of The Bernsen Community Life Center in Downtown Tulsa , and has remained there ever since. Today, TIF draws over 100 immigrants from all over the world to come together for worship, fellowship and faith gathering.
This would not have been possible without the leadership of Rev. Dr. Jim Miller, who built a friendship with Rev. Wambugu and shepherded him on his journey through the church’s process to become an associate pastor at First Church Tulsa.
It is in the spirit of the words in Leviticus 19:34; “The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” It is First Church’s practice of the word that has raised a congregation that loves, cares and walks with each other in times of joy and tribulation. This is a congregation whose spiritual growth is led by an extremely capable and anointed team of pastors, teaching and ruling elders.
The ministry of TIF carries forth First Church Tulsa’s mission statement: “Called to make fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ–inwardly strong and outwardly focused.” It goes further and specifically but not limited to walking hand in hand in faith and life with newly emigrated families in the greater Tulsa area.
The congregation has grown out of its commitment to being a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds, cultures and walks of life who find themselves in a new city and in need of a place of worship. Immigrants all over the world find themselves in foreign countries, in search of better education, economic freedom and independence, political stability and social mobility among other reasons. In most cases, they end up separated from their God-given families and sometimes are obligated to shoulder educational and financial responsibilities of those left behind.
Having a God-chosen family such as TIF/FPC helps not only in spiritual growth, but also in creating an environment and networks that help with daily immigrant struggles as well as creating an avenue for assimilating into their present culture and society. TIF is home away from home for many immigrants.
The growth of TIF's ministry, and the church as a whole, is reflected not only in the addition of new families but also in the active participation of existing members. These families are involved in various church activities, such as worship, media, shepherding, and outreach programs.
Following are heartfelt testimonies from TIF members and attendees, sharing how the church has impacted and transformed their lives.
“TIF has taught me a sense of community and being there for one another. It has taught me that we are stronger together. My family and I are very grateful to be part of this wonderful community that has loved us and been there for us. We love serving in the church, too. Our kids have also grown to love everyone in this community. We thank God for TIF/FPC!”
– Eva W., member since 2010
“TIF has been a unique place and home to many foreigners from different nationalities. For me, it's been an enriching community of faith that feels like family. I’ve had opportunities to serve, and as a result, I have grown in faith and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. It's been a place where I have built meaningful connections and have learned a lot from other people's talents, gifts, and life experiences as they have graciously shared them with others. I have admired the integration of cultures with a common goal to reflect God's Kingdom in the community of Tulsa, thus advancing the gospel of good news.”
– James M., member since 2012
“I came to TIF at the lowest point of my life; I needed a shoulder to cry on, a hug and a place to call home. I was looking for someone to hold me tight, cry with me and most importantly pray with me. It had become harder for me to do it on my own. Pastor Wambugu and Pastor Faith, together with many TIF members, held me, they embraced me, welcomed me, loved me, cried with me and prayed with me. Thirteen years have long come and gone; I still remember that very first afternoon worship I attended. I am forever grateful and will continue praising God for He answered our prayers on healing me.”
– Purity K., member since 2012
“TIF has deepened my faith as I’ve experienced both the heartache of hearing doctors’ news no parent wants to hear and the joy of seeing healing take place. Through it all, strong prayer warriors in our community have prayed with me, even when I had no words myself. I continue to grow and cherish being a member of TIF/FPC.”
– Lea M., member since 2017
“The church has loved on our family. The pastors are wonderful. The fellowship is awesome. There has always been something to look forward to. Our children have had an amazing experience and growth.”
– Femi A., member since 2017
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
– 1 John 4:7-8
