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ATTLEBORO - Good News Bible Chapel has been the home of the All Saints African Anglican Church for the past three years.

The Rev. Paul Mwaniki is the pastor of All Saints African Anglican Church. Mwaniki, 35, who was ordained in Kenya, founded the church in 2005 with five members. The church now has between 80 and 120 members.

Mwaniki feels the urgent need to save the African people from self-destruction and despair.

"People are dying," Mwaniki said. "Eighty percent of the deaths we have are from young people. I feel I have an obligation to young people so my ministry is directed toward young people.

Drug abuse and alcoholism were common among the people whom Mwaniki met in Kenya. Mwaniki hoped to reach people by reciting the gospel to anyone he encountered. "I was preaching on the street," Mwaniki recalled.

"Door-to-door evangelism, taking my Bible and going to every room, shopping center, telling people to repent for their sins," he recalled of his days in Kenya.

Mwaniki said he is searching for a permanent location for All Saints. There was a building in Taunton, which the church had hoped to buy, but the deal fell through.

All Saints African Church is a multi-denominational church. There are Catholics, Pentecostals and Episcopalians who are members.

Mwaniki considers the church's inclusiveness as a virtue. "It is a missionary church. We are open to everyone," Mwaniki added.

JOSEPH S. SIEGEL is a free-lance writer. He can be reached at joesiegel@cox.net.