Self-editing of creative books involves reviewing and revising your own manuscript to improve its clarity, coherence, and overall quality before submitting it for professional editing or publishing. This process is crucial for refining the content and ensuring that the book effectively communicates its message.
Self-editing requires careful attention to detail and a critical eye to spot areas for improvement. It’s often helpful to take a break between writing and self-editing to approach the manuscript with fresh eyes. While self-editing can significantly improve a manuscript, it’s usually beneficial to have a professional editor review the work for additional polish and refinement.
 
Here’s a breakdown of what self-editing typically includes:
Self-Editing Guide

What Self-Editing Typically Includes

Self-editing is more than correcting spelling and punctuation. It is a careful review of your manuscript’s message, structure, clarity, consistency and presentation before you submit it for professional editing or publishing.

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Core Review Areas

Review the Manuscript From the Big Picture to the Small Details

Begin by examining the strength and organisation of the content before concentrating on grammar, formatting and individual sentences. There is little benefit in polishing a paragraph that may later need to be removed or completely rewritten.

01
Big-Picture Review

Content Review

Accuracy

Verify facts, data, quotations and references to ensure that the information is correct and current.

Clarity

Check whether ideas are communicated clearly. Explain complex concepts in language the intended reader can understand.

Relevance

Ensure that every section and chapter supports the book’s central message. Remove material that is interesting but off-topic.

02
Manuscript Framework

Structure and Organisation

Flow

Assess the logical progression of the message and whether each chapter transitions naturally into the next.

Chapter Arrangement

Confirm that the chapters build upon one another and collectively support the book’s purpose and intended outcome.

Headings and Subheadings

Make sure headings accurately reflect the sections beneath them and help readers navigate the manuscript easily.

03
Reader Experience

Style and Tone

Consistency

Check that the voice, tone and writing style remain consistent throughout the manuscript and suit the intended reader.

Engagement

Evaluate whether the writing maintains interest. Strengthen weak openings, vague examples and sections that feel flat or overly academic.

04
Sentence-Level Review

Grammar and Syntax

Grammar

Correct grammatical mistakes, punctuation errors, awkward word usage and problems with sentence construction.

Syntax

Ensure that sentences are clear and logically arranged. Simplify sentences that are unnecessarily long or difficult to follow.

05
Presentation

Formatting

Consistency

Use consistent font sizes, paragraph spacing, indentation, heading styles, lists and chapter-opening formats.

References

Check citations, footnotes, endnotes and bibliographies against the chosen style guide and apply the same format throughout.

06
Tightening the Writing

Redundancy and Conciseness

Repetition

Identify repeated ideas, illustrations and explanations. Ensure that every section contributes something meaningful and new.

Conciseness

Remove unnecessary words, weak phrases and overly long explanations so the writing becomes clearer and more impactful.

Final Reminder

Self-Editing Strengthens the Manuscript Before Professional Editing

Self-editing does not replace a professional editor. It helps you submit a cleaner, more focused manuscript so the editor can concentrate on strengthening the book rather than correcting problems the author could reasonably have addressed beforehand.

Preparing Your Manuscript

Why Self-Edit Your Book Before Submitting It for Publishing?

A publisher will still edit your manuscript professionally, but this does not remove the author’s responsibility to review and strengthen the work before submission. Self-editing prepares the manuscript for a more productive and effective professional editing process.

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Important Benefits

Self-Editing Helps the Publisher Begin With a Stronger Manuscript

Professional editing should strengthen, refine and prepare your message for publication. It should not begin with correcting every avoidable mistake the author could have addressed before submission.

01
Author Responsibility

Shows Professionalism

A well-edited manuscript demonstrates to publishers that you are serious about your work and have taken time to polish it. It shows discipline, commitment and respect for the publishing process.

A carefully prepared submission is also more likely to stand out positively and make a strong first impression.

02
Efficient Publishing

Saves Time and Money

Although the publisher will still edit the manuscript, self-editing reduces the number of basic corrections and unnecessary revisions the professional editor must make.

This may shorten the editing process and reduce editing costs, benefiting both the author and the publisher.

03
Editorial Workflow

Reduces Overwhelm

Publishers and editors often work with many manuscripts at the same time. A manuscript filled with basic errors, repetition and structural problems can be difficult and time-consuming to assess.

Self-editing helps streamline the process so the editor can focus on the manuscript’s more substantial needs.

04
Editorial Quality

Improves Manuscript Quality

Self-editing gives you an opportunity to address problems with clarity, structure, organisation, consistency and style before professional editing begins.

The publisher can then refine and strengthen the manuscript rather than spending most of the process rebuilding it.

05
Message and Purpose

Clarifies Your Vision

Reviewing your manuscript helps you confirm that the book communicates the intended message and remains faithful to its central purpose.

It also helps you maintain a consistent voice, tone and style, making it easier for the professional editor to understand and enhance your vision.

06
Reader Experience

Enhances Readability

Correcting problems with grammar, punctuation, sentence construction and organisation makes the manuscript easier to read and understand.

The professional editor can then concentrate on higher-level improvements instead of being distracted by avoidable errors.

07
Publishing Submission

Strengthens Your Submission

A carefully edited manuscript makes a stronger impression on publishers, literary agents and manuscript reviewers.

It may help the reviewer understand the book more quickly, reduce unnecessary delays and increase the likelihood of the manuscript being considered seriously.

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Author Development

Increases Confidence

Self-editing helps you become more familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript. You submit the work knowing that you have made a genuine effort to prepare it well.

This confidence can also help you receive professional feedback and revisions with greater openness and maturity.

Important Distinction

Self-Editing and Professional Editing Serve Different Purposes

Self-Editing

The author reviews the manuscript for obvious weaknesses, unnecessary repetition, unclear ideas, grammatical errors, inconsistencies and structural problems.

Professional Editing

The editor brings an independent and trained perspective, strengthens the manuscript, identifies issues the author may not recognise and prepares the work for publication.

Final Reminder

Submit the Strongest Manuscript You Can Produce

Do not submit a careless manuscript simply because the publisher will edit it again. The publisher’s editing process is most effective when it begins with an author who has already taken responsibility for reviewing, refining and strengthening the work.

Manuscript Preparation

Formatting Guidelines

Formatting your manuscript correctly before submitting it to a publisher is essential. It presents your work professionally, improves readability and helps ensure that the manuscript meets the publisher’s submission standards.

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Formatting Areas

Prepare a Clean, Consistent and Editor-Friendly Manuscript

Your manuscript does not need to look like a finished book at the submission stage. It should, however, be clean, readable and consistently formatted so the editor can review it without being distracted by unnecessary design elements or formatting errors.

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Document Foundation

General Formatting

Font

Use a standard, readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Avoid decorative fonts in the main manuscript.

Font Size

Set the main body text to 12-point unless the publisher gives different instructions.

Line Spacing

Use 1.5 line spacing throughout the manuscript. This makes the text easier for editors to read, comment on and mark up.

Margins

Set the top, bottom, left and right margins to one inch, which is approximately 2.54 centimetres.

Alignment

Justify the main body text so it aligns evenly along both the left and right margins.

Page Numbers

Include page numbers in the header or footer of every page. Page numbers are commonly placed in the top-right corner.

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Opening Page

Title Page

Title

Centre the book title in the upper half of the title page. The title should be clearly visible without excessive decoration.

Subtitle

Where applicable, place the subtitle directly beneath the main title.

Author Name

Centre the author’s name beneath the title or subtitle.

Contact Information

Include your name, postal or physical address, telephone number and email address near the bottom of the title page.

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Manuscript Structure

Chapter Headings

Chapter Openings

Begin every chapter on a new page. Use a page break rather than repeatedly pressing the Enter key.

Chapter Titles

Centre the chapter number or title near the top of the page. You may use bold text or a slightly larger font size, provided the same style is used throughout the manuscript.

Subheadings

Use subheadings to divide longer chapters into clear sections. Format all subheadings consistently and make them easy to distinguish from the main body text.

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Body Text

Text Formatting

Paragraphs

Do not indent the first line of each paragraph. Do not add extra blank lines or additional spacing between ordinary paragraphs unless the publisher requests a different style.

Dialogue

In fiction and narrative non-fiction, begin a new paragraph whenever the speaker changes. Use standard double quotation marks around spoken words.

Emphasis

Use italics for emphasis rather than underlining. Reserve bold text mainly for headings or occasional situations where stronger emphasis is necessary.

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Biblical Content

Formatting Scripture

Standalone Verses

Verses Presented Separately From the Paragraph

  • Copy and paste the verse from a reliable online Bible source instead of typing it manually.
  • Confirm the wording, punctuation and spelling against the Bible translation being cited.
  • Place the Scripture in a separate paragraph.
  • Centre and italicise the verse.
  • Place the Bible reference at the end of the verse or on the following line.
  • Identify the Bible translation where required by the publisher.
Example
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19
In-Text Verses

Verses Included Within a Sentence or Paragraph

  • Introduce the Scripture naturally within the author’s sentence.
  • Use appropriate punctuation before the Scripture quotation.
  • Enclose the quoted Scripture in double quotation marks.
  • Begin the quoted Scripture with a capital letter where grammatically appropriate.
  • Italicise the Scripture text.
  • Place the Scripture reference in parentheses after the quotation.
Example

Paul assured the Philippian church, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Bible Translation and Permissions

Use one Bible translation consistently unless there is a clear reason to use several. Record the translation abbreviation and confirm whether copyright acknowledgement or permission is required for the number of verses quoted.

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Supporting Material

Special Elements

Footnotes and Endnotes

Use superscript numbers in the body text. Place footnotes at the bottom of the relevant page or endnotes in a clearly labelled section at the end of the chapter or manuscript.

Tables and Figures

Position tables and figures as close as possible to the section where they are mentioned. Number, label and caption each item clearly.

References in the Text

Refer to every table, chart, photograph or figure within the manuscript so the editor understands where it belongs.

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Sending Your Work

Submission Requirements

File Format

Save and submit the manuscript as a Microsoft Word document, normally using the .docx file format.

Email Submission

Attach the Word document to your submission email unless the publisher provides a website portal or another submission method.

Cover Letter

Include a professional cover letter introducing the book, its intended readership and any other information requested by the publisher.

File Name

Give the document a clear file name containing the book title and the author’s name rather than using a vague name such as “manuscript final”.

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Final Review

Proofreading Before Submission

Proofread Carefully

Read through the complete manuscript before submission and correct typographical, grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors.

Check Consistency

Confirm that headings, fonts, line spacing, paragraph spacing, references and chapter openings follow the same format throughout.

Review the File

Open the saved document and check that no text, tables, page breaks or special elements shifted during saving.

Read the Publisher’s Guidelines

Review the publisher’s submission requirements carefully. Where their instructions differ from these general guidelines, follow the publisher’s specific requirements.

Final Reminder

Consistency Is More Important Than Decorative Formatting

Avoid designing the manuscript as though it were already a printed book. Do not add elaborate borders, decorative fonts, complicated page layouts or unnecessary colours. Submit a simple and consistently formatted manuscript that allows the publisher and editor to focus on the strength of your message.

Practical Self-Editing Example

Edit in Layers: From Rough Draft to First Draft Manuscript

This practical exercise uses the introduction and opening section of Jesus Killed My Business to demonstrate how a manuscript can be strengthened through four separate editing rounds. Each round addresses a different level of the manuscript so that the author does not attempt to correct everything at once.

D
Starting Point

The Rough Draft

The draft contains useful material, but it also includes tracked notes, repetition, inconsistent capitalisation, punctuation problems, awkward wording, duplicated headings and formatting issues.

Unedited Draft

Introduction

I have added new content here. It’s tracked.

“I want you to close your business and join your husband in ministry work.” God’s voice said.

I have added more content.

“But Lord, you gave me this business, and you, you Lord, have made me successful in it.” I countered.

“Besides, the provision in it releases my husband to serve you wholly without worrying about his family,” I continued in my counter-argument.

Oftentimes, when God gives man instructions to guide him through his life on earth, man counter-argues because we are in a constant battle for control. This was my situation in my early thirties. Looking back, I see my life’s pattern in the life of Jacob.

Jacob, too, wrestled with God for control and tried to manipulate his circumstances. He struggled with surrendering his own plans and desires to fully trust in God’s guidance. Just like Jacob, I had to learn the hard way that true success and fulfilment come from aligning my life with God’s purpose rather than relying on my own understanding.

I wrote this book to encourage believers to let go of their need for control and surrender to God’s plan. Through personal anecdotes and Biblical teachings, I hope to show readers the freedom and peace that come from trusting in God’s guidance.

Chapter One: Anointed From Birth

God’s hand is upon every one of us from the very beginning, shaping and moulding us for His purpose. From the moment of birth, everyone is meant for something greater.

The younger shall rule the older

Now these are the records of the descendants of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham was the father of Isaac…

My PastMy prophecy

In the 1960s and 1970s’, there was a Pentecostal explosion in Kenya, which reached its climax in 1980s…

Editing Principle

Do Not Try to Correct Everything at Once

Begin with the message, then examine the structure, improve the language and finish with presentation. Editing in layers makes the process more manageable and helps the author give proper attention to every level of the manuscript.

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Round 1: Message

Accuracy, Clarity and Relevance

In this round, the author examines the substance of the writing. The question is not yet whether every comma is correct, but whether the material is true, understandable and necessary.

Accuracy

Verify Historical and Biblical Claims

Draft

In the 1960s and 1970s’, there was a Pentecostal explosion in Kenya, which reached its climax in 1980s.

Editing Action

Confirm the dates, terminology and historical sources. Add citations where necessary and remove unsupported claims.

Check: Are the historical names, dates and denominational descriptions accurate?
Clarity

Simplify Confusing Sentences

Draft

Oftentimes, when God gives man instructions to guide him through his life on earth, man counter-argues because we are in a constant battle for control.

Clearer Direction

Often, when God gives us instructions, we resist because we want to remain in control.

Check: Can the reader understand the main point immediately?
Relevance

Keep Material Connected to the Chapter

Chapter Focus

The chapter introduces Jacob’s calling, the prophecy over his birth and the author’s own early spiritual background.

Editing Decision

Retain historical background only where it helps explain the author’s family, church formation and understanding of divine calling.

Check: Does this paragraph move the reader towards the chapter’s main message?
Result of Round 1

The Message Becomes Focused

Editorial notes are removed, unverifiable statements are flagged, complex sentences are simplified and material that does not support the central message is shortened or deleted.

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Round 2: Structure

Flow, Chapter Order and Headings

This round examines how the manuscript is organised. The author checks whether ideas appear in the right order and whether headings guide the reader through the argument.

Draft Structure
Introduction Conversation With God
Introduction Jacob and the Struggle for Control
Introduction Purpose of the Book
Chapter One Anointed From Birth
Subheading Error My PastMy prophecy
Improved Structure
Introduction The Call to Surrender
Development Jacob as the Biblical Parallel
Purpose Why This Book Was Written
Chapter One Anointed From Birth
Subheading My Prophecy
Flow

The introduction now progresses from the defining conversation, to the struggle for control, to the purpose of the book and finally to an invitation to the reader.

Chapter Opening

Chapter One begins with a concise statement about divine purpose before moving into the Genesis passage and the author’s personal history.

Headings

Capitalisation is standardised and the duplicated heading “My PastMy prophecy” is corrected to “My Prophecy”.

Result of Round 2

The Reader Can Follow the Journey

The material now appears in a logical order, transitions are clearer and headings accurately describe the content that follows.

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Round 3: Language

Voice, Grammar and Repetition

With the message and structure settled, the author can now work at sentence level. This round strengthens grammar, punctuation, clarity, consistency and conciseness while preserving the author’s natural voice.

Dialogue Punctuation
Before

“I want you to close your business and join your husband in ministry work.” God’s voice said.

After

“I want you to close your business and join your husband in ministry work,” God’s voice said.

Repetition
Before

“But Lord, you gave me this business, and you, you Lord, have made me successful in it.”

After

“But Lord, You gave me this business, and You made me successful in it.”

Pronoun Consistency
Before

When God gives man instructions to guide him through his life, man counter-argues because we are in a constant battle for control.

After

Often, when God gives us instructions to guide us through life, we resist because we are in a constant battle for control.

Natural Expression
Before

Looking back, I see my life’s pattern in the life of Jacob.

After

Looking back, I see my life’s pattern reflected in the life of Jacob.

Wordiness
Before

He struggled with surrendering his own plans and desires to fully trust in God’s guidance.

After

He struggled to surrender his plans and desires and fully trust God’s guidance.

Conciseness
Before

Through personal anecdotes and Biblical teachings, I hope to show readers the freedom and peace that come from trusting in God’s guidance.

After

Through personal anecdotes and biblical teachings, I hope to show readers the freedom and peace that come from trusting God’s guidance.

British English
Check Throughout

Use forms such as fulfilment, moulding, organisation and emphasise consistently.

Editing Action

Set the manuscript language to British English and check that American and British spelling have not been mixed.

Capitalisation
Before

Through personal anecdotes and Biblical teachings…

After

Through personal anecdotes and biblical teachings…

Apostrophes
Before

In the 1960s and 1970s’, there was a Pentecostal explosion in Kenya.

After

In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a Pentecostal explosion in Kenya.

Dashes and Spacing
Before

Their respective roles in history-Esau became a wandering hunter, while Jacob was a shepherd.

After

Their respective roles in history—Esau became a wandering hunter, while Jacob was a shepherd.

Language Review Checklist

✓ Correct dialogue punctuation.

✓ Remove unnecessary repetition.

✓ Keep pronouns and point of view consistent.

✓ Simplify awkward or overly long sentences.

✓ Apply British English consistently.

✓ Correct apostrophes, dashes and capitalisation.

Result of Round 3

The Writing Becomes Clearer and More Natural

Grammar, punctuation and syntax are corrected. Repetition and unnecessary words are removed, awkward expressions are refined and the author’s voice remains consistent throughout the manuscript.

Editing Principle

Polish the Language After the Message and Structure Are Settled

Sentence-level editing becomes more effective once you know that the material belongs in the manuscript and appears in the correct place. This prevents you from spending valuable time perfecting paragraphs that may later need to be moved, rewritten or removed.

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Round 4: Presentation

Formatting and Consistency

The final editing round prepares the manuscript for professional review, layout or publication. The focus is now on how the document looks, how its parts are presented and whether the same formatting decisions have been applied throughout.

01

Chapter Titles

Apply one consistent style to chapter numbers, chapter titles and introduction headings.

02

Subheadings

Standardise capitalisation so headings such as “The Younger Shall Rule the Older” and “My Prophecy” follow the same style.

03

Scripture Presentation

Separate the Scripture passage visually, identify the Bible version and format the reference consistently.

04

Paragraphs

Check paragraph spacing, indentation, alignment and page breaks so the manuscript remains easy to read.

05

References

Confirm footnotes, historical references and source details, including the note attached to the Pentecostal history section.

06

Consistency

Check British English, divine-pronoun capitalisation, biblical terminology, punctuation and spelling throughout the manuscript.

Before Formatting

Chapter One: Anointed From Birth

The younger shall rule the older

Genesis 25:19-26

My PastMy prophecy
After Formatting CHAPTER ONE

Anointed From Birth

The Younger Shall Rule the Older

Genesis 25:19–26

My Prophecy
Result of Round 4

The Manuscript Looks Consistent and Professional

The document now uses a clear hierarchy of headings, consistent references, standard punctuation, uniform spacing and a coherent presentation throughout.

Finish: Final Manuscript

Clean and Publication-Ready

The final manuscript combines the improvements made during all four rounds: a focused message, logical structure, polished language and consistent professional formatting.

INTRODUCTION

“I want you to close your business and join your husband in ministry work.” God’s voice said.

“But Lord, you gave me this business, and you, you Lord, have made me successful in it.” I countered.

“Besides, the provision in it releases my husband to serve you wholly without worrying about his family,” I continued in my counter-argument.

Oftentimes, when God gives man instructions to guide him through his life on earth, man counter-argues because we are in a constant battle for control. This was my situation in my early thirties. Looking back, I see my life’s pattern in the life of Jacob.

Jacob, too, wrestled with God for control and tried to manipulate his circumstances. He struggled with surrendering his own plans and desires to fully trust in God’s guidance. Just like Jacob, I had to learn the hard way that true success and fulfilment come from aligning my life with God’s purpose rather than relying on my own understanding.

In my years as a business consultant, working with business owners, and as a publisher working with hundreds of Christian authors and ministers of the Gospel, I reckon the struggle cuts across all children of God. We want more control over our lives.

I wrote this book to encourage believers to let go of their need for control and surrender to God’s plan. Through personal

xi

anecdotes and Biblical teachings, I hope to show readers the freedom and peace that come from trusting in God’s guidance. By sharing my own journey of surrender, I aim to inspire others to release their own plans and desires, allowing God to lead them towards true success and fulfilment.

Join me on this journey as you and I surrender to God’s path and discover the abundant blessings that await us. Together, we can experience the joy and fulfilment that come from aligning our lives with God’s perfect will. Let us embark on this transformative journey of surrender, knowing that in letting go, we gain so much more than we could ever imagine.

Dr. Muthoni Omukhango, Missionary National Director, Christian Literature Communications (CLC) Kenya Convener, African Christian Authors Book Award
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CHAPTER ONE

Anointed From
Birth

God’s hand is upon every one of us from the very beginning, shaping and moulding us for His purpose. From the moment of birth, everyone is meant for something greater. Each of us has a special calling from God and a divine purpose in store for us. As we surrender to His will, we can step into our true identity and experience the fulfilment that comes from living out our purpose.

The Younger Shall Rule the Older

Now these are the records of the descendants of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean (Syrian) of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean. Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was unable to conceive children; and the Lord granted his prayer and Rebekah his wife conceived [twins]. But the children struggled together within her [kicking and shoving one another]; and she said, “If it is so [that the Lord has heard our prayer], why then am I this way?” So she went to inquire of the Lord [praying for an answer]. The Lord said to her,

“[The founders of] two nations are in your womb;
And the separation of two nations has begun in your body;
The one people shall be stronger than the other;
And the older shall serve the younger.”

1
Jesus Killed My Business

When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. The first came out reddish all over like a hairy garment; and they named him Esau (hairy). Afterward his brother came out, and his hand grasped Esau’s heel, so he was named Jacob (one who grabs by the heel, supplanter). Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them.

Genesis 25:19–26

This passage from Genesis describes the prophecy given to Rebekah about her twin sons, Esau and Jacob. It foretells that the two nations will come from her descendants and that the older brother will serve the younger.

Rebekah eventually gives birth to the twins, with Esau being born first, followed by Jacob who is holding onto Esau’s heel. This prophecy foreshadows the conflict between the descendants of Esau and Jacob, who would become the nations of Edom and Israel respectively.

Despite being twins, they were already displaying distinct characteristics at birth. Esau was born with a reddish complexion and was hairy, while Jacob was born holding onto Esau’s heel.

These physical traits would later symbolise their respective roles in history—Esau became a wandering hunter, while Jacob was a shepherd.

My Prophecy

In the 1960s and 1970s’, there was a Pentecostal explosion in Kenya, which reached its climax in 1980s, and the nine protestant missionary societies that were operating in the colonial Kenya (1887–1963) and post-colonial Kenya (1963–2021),

2
But Gave Me His

like modern African Pentecostalism, attempted to display some elements of evangelical Christianity.

Although Billy Graham (an American Baptist) and TL Osborn were not necessarily the founders of Pentecostalism in Kenya, their elaborate activities, especially the healing rallies, had huge impacts that largely overshadowed the previous ones and eventually fuelled African Pentecostalism as we know it today. Additionally, the fact that the duo received elaborate press coverage, hitherto unknown in Kenya’s Pentecostal historiography, was an added advantage in this endeavour.1

My parents, John and Jane Munene, attended the Full Gospel Church. The term Full Gospel or Fourfold Gospel was coined by the Canadian pastor Albert Benjamin Simpson, founder of the Alliance World Fellowship, a denomination that teaches a form of Keswickian theology.

According to him, this concept represents the four aspects of the ministry of Jesus Christ; Christ the Saviour, Sanctifier, Healer, and King who will soon return (that is, the four Gospel aspects of salvation, sanctification, faith healing and Second Coming of Christ). It has been used in various Christian traditions, including Keswickian, Pentecostal, Anabaptist, and Baptist denominations.

Full Gospel Churches of Kenya was founded in 1949 in Kisumu District by missionaries from Finland. The Church’s membership is estimated at slightly over a million members’ country wide. The church is divided into 12 administrative units called Regions.

1

The shifting landscape of African-Pentecostalism in Kenya. Julius M. Gathogo. Published: 13 January 2022.

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Final Result
Message

The theme of surrendering control to God is clear and focused.

Structure

The introduction and chapter follow a logical progression.

Language

Grammar, dialogue, repetition and awkward wording have been reviewed.

Presentation

Headings, page numbers, Scripture passages and references are consistently formatted.

Editing Principle

The Finished Manuscript Reflects Every Editing Layer

A publication-ready manuscript is not produced by correcting spelling alone. Its message has been tested, its structure organised, its language refined and its presentation made consistent before it reaches the reader.

Manuscript Editing Exercise Hover over highlighted text to review the error and correction.
Error requiring attention Suggested correction Editorial or production note

Introduction

Production note: The sentences below appear to be tracked-content notes and should normally be removed before publication.

I have added new content here. Its tracked. It’s tracked.

“I want you to close your business and join your husband in ministry work .” ,” God’s voice said.

I have added more content.

“But Lord , you gave me this business, and you, you Lord , have made me successful in it .” ,” I countered.

“Besides , the provision in it releases my husband to serve you You wholly , without worrying about his family ”, ,” I continued in my counter argument counter-argument .

Often times Oftentimes , when God gives man instructions to guide him through his life on earth , man counter argues counter-argues because we are in a constant battle for control. This was my situation , in my early thirty’s thirties .

Looking back , I see my lifes life’s pattern in the life of Jacob. Jacob too , too, wrestled with God for control , and tried to manipulate his circumstances. He struggled with surrendering his own plans and desires to fully trusting fully trust in Gods God’s guidance.

Just like Jacob , I had to learn the hard way , that true success and fulfillment fulfilment comes come from aligning my life with Gods God’s purpose rather then rather than relying on my own understanding.

In my years as a business consultant working with business owners and as a publisher , working with hundreds of Christian authors and ministers of the gospel Gospel . I reckon , I reckon the struggle cut cuts across all children of God. We want more control over our lifes lives .

I wrote this book to encourage believers to let go off of their need for control , and surrender to Gods God’s plan. Through personal antidotes anecdotes and Biblical biblical teachings , I hope to show readers , the freedom and peace that comes come from trusting in God’s guidance.

By sharing my own journey of surrender, I aim to inspire others to release there their own plans and desires , allowing God to lead them towards true success and fulfilment.

Join me on this journey , as you and I surrenders surrender to God’s path and discover the abundant blessings which awaits that await us. Together , we can experience the joy and fulfilment that comes come from aligning our lives with Gods God’s perfect will.

Let us embark on this transformative journey of surrender . Knowing , knowing that in letting go , we gain so much more then than we could of ever imagined could ever have imagined .

Chapter One: Anointed from birth Anointed from Birth

Gods God’s hand is upon everyone every one of us from the very begining beginning , shaping and moulding us for His purposes purpose . From the moment of birth , everyone are is meant for something greater.

Each of us have has a special calling from God , and a divine purpose in store for us. As we surrender to his His will, we can step into our true identity and experiences experience the fulfilment that come comes from living out our purpose.

The Younger Shall Rules Rule the Older

Now these are the records of the descendants of Isaac , Abraham’s son , : Abraham was the father of Isaac.

Isaac was forty-years-old forty years old when he married Rebekah , the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean , Syrian, (Syrian) of Paddan aram Paddan-aram , the sister of Laban the Aramean.

Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife because she was unable to conceive children and ; the Lord granted his prayer , and Rebekah his wife conceived twins.

But the children struggled together within her kicking and shoving one another and [kicking and shoving one another]; and she said, “If it is so , that the Lord has heard our prayer [that the Lord has heard our prayer] , why then am I this way ”. ?”

So she went to enquire inquire of the Lord , praying for an answer [praying for an answer] .

The Lord said to her ; ,

“[The founders of] two nations is are in your womb;
And the separation of two nations have has begun in your body;
The one people shall be stronger then than the other;
And the older shall serve the younger.”

When her days to be delivered was were fulfilled , behold , there were twins in her womb.

The first came out reddish all over , like a hairy garment and ; and they named him Esau , hairy (hairy) . Afterwards Afterward his brother came out , and his hand grasped Esau’s heal heel , so he was named Jacob , one who grabs by the heel, supplanter (one who grabs by the heel, supplanter) .

Isaac was sixty years old , when Rebekah gave birth to them.

Genesis 25:19–26

This passage from Genesis describe describes the prophecy given to Rebekah about her twin son’s sons, Esau and Jacob. It foretells that the two nation’s two nations will come from her descendants , and that the older brother will serve the younger.

Rebekah eventually give gave birth to the twins , with Esau being born first , followed by Jacob , who is holding was holding onto Esau Esau’s heel. This prophecy forshadows foreshadows the conflicts conflict between the descendants of Esau and Jacob, who would become the nations of Edom and Israel respectfully respectively .

Despite being twins , they was were already displaying distinct characteristics at birth. Esau was born with a reddish complexion and was hairy , while Jacob , was born holding onto Esau’s heel.

These physical traits would later symbolize symbolise their respective roles in history Esau became a wondering wandering hunter, while Jacob was a shepherd.

My PastMy Prophecy My Past, My Prophecy

In the 1960’s 1960s and 1970s , there was a Pentecostal explosion in Kenya , which reached it’s its climax in 1980s the 1980s . And the The nine Protestant missionary society’s societies that was were operating in the colonial Kenya colonial Kenya (1887–1963) and post colonial post-colonial Kenya (1963–2021), like modern African pentecostalism Pentecostalism , attempted to display some elements of Evangelical Christianity evangelical Christianity .

Although Billy Graham , an American baptist (an American Baptist) and TL Osborn T. L. Osborn was were not necessarily the founder’s founders of Pentecostalism in Kenya, their elaborate activities , especially the healing rally’s rallies , had huge impact a huge impact that largely overshadowed the previous ones , and eventually fuelled African Pentecostalism as we know them it today.

Additionally , the fact that the duo recieved received elaborate press coverage , hitherto unknown in Kenya’s Pentecostal historiography , was an added advantage , in this endevour endeavour .

My parents , John and Jane Munene , attended the Full Gospel church Church .

The term Full Gospel or Four Fold Fourfold Gospel were was coined by the Canadian Pastor pastor Albert Benjamin Simpson , founder of the Alliance World Fellowship . A , a denomination that teaches a form of Keswickian Theology theology .

According to him , this concept represent represents the four aspects of the ministry of Jesus Christ , : Christ the saviour Saviour , Sanctifier , healer Healer and King who will soon return. That is, (That is, the four gospel Gospel aspects of salvation , sanctification, faith healing , and second coming the Second Coming of Christ . ).

It have has been used in various Christian traditions , including Keswickian, Pentecostal, Anabaptist and baptist Baptist denomination’s denominations .

Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango
Training by

Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango

Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango is a Christian publisher, author, trainer, and marketplace minister. She serves as National Director of CLC Kenya, Authors’ Manager at the African Christian Authors Book Award, Convener of Mama Africa Book Box, and Patron of CLC Kids and Teens.

Through the Publishing in Africa Series, she equips authors, publishers, and literary entrepreneurs with practical strategies for developing, publishing, distributing, and growing African-authored literature.

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