Asbury Theological Seminary congratulates alum Dr. James Karanja on the commendation of “Bundesverdienstkreuz” or Federal Cross of Merit from the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Karanja received this commendation for his work with Home Care International, a Kenyan-German organization that provides accommodations, education, and health care to orphans in Africa. He also works with refugees, serves in Christian youth ministry and works for the eradication of poverty in East Africa.

“Asbury Seminary congratulates Dr. James Karanja on receipt of this prestigious award,” Dr. Timothy C. Tennent, President of Asbury Seminary, said. “As Asbury Seminary approaches its 100th anniversary in 2023, we are delighted to see the many ways God is using our more than 11,000 alumni in every time zone around the world through social justice initiatives, government, art, mission organizations, education and the church.”

Karanja received a M.A. in Theological Studies from the Seminary in 2004 and returned to the Seminary while working on research for his Ph.D. at Philipps University Marburg.

“Asbury Seminary has shaped my thinking, ministry and serving the poor in one way or another, and I am grateful for my time of study there and for the many ways God has chosen to use me,” Karanja said.

Asbury Theological Seminary is a multi-denominational graduate school committed to teaching the unchanging truth of orthodox Christianity. Traditionally Wesleyan, Asbury Seminary welcomes more than 1,800 students from 84 denominations and 50 countries. The Seminary’s locations in Memphis, Colorado Springs, Tulsa, Kentucky, Orlando and online afford students the ability to pursue their degrees in a residential, cohort or online class that incorporates residential intensives.