George Okoth, a Kenyan priest stationed in the United States, has always had an unusual story to tell about how he got hired 30 minutes after submitting his online application.
Okoth, who was born in Kenya, began his theological career as a seminary teacher while still living there.
Teaching in the seminary prepared him to serve as a priest in the United States.
“Through that, I got a chance to get what is called sabbatical, to go to the states to help in a diocese,” he narrated.
Okoth went on to say that while he was serving, the Bishop and other members were amazed by his dedication.
“The Bishop and the diocese were impressed with my services, and my Bishop was requested to let me serve in the diocese. That was the beginning of the journey,” he stated.
Okoth further stated that while working as a priest, some soldiers would come to the diocese and inform him that they needed priests in the army.
He continued to converse with the troops as they arrived at the church, eventually deciding to go online and apply for the role of army pastor.
“I went online, filled in my name and in 30 minutes, someone called me from the army asking me if I was a priest,” he shared.
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Okoth added that following the call, the man would frequently contact him to discuss how he could begin his career in the army.
The following day, the pastor was called and informed that he had been hired and could begin ministering immediately.
“Many people tried to discourage me, but I was focused. I sent in my resignation to the parish and they accepted it,” he stated.
Okoth claims to have served in the United States Army for 15 years, but he feels as if he just started working.
He went on to say how much he enjoys his profession and how serving in the army allows him to travel to Africa on a regular basis, making him feel at home.
“What has really kept me going is that my time in the army has brought me to Africa. I have been to Liberia and whenever I see African people, I remember my family, and that gives me the strength to keep going,” he stated.
