Family, friends, former students, and dignitaries gathered over the weekend in Nairobi’s Goan Gymkhana to celebrate the launch of “A Life of Service”, the powerful memoir of John Gomes, a pioneering educator, missionary, and community leader whose work has transformed lives across continents for over three decades.
The memoir chronicles Gomes’s inspiring journey from his humble beginnings in Goa, India, to his decades-long mission in Kenya, where he served as a teacher, school principal, and community builder under the Diocese of Nyeri. Through vivid personal stories, Gomes shares the values, challenges, and triumphs that shaped his life and the lives of thousands he mentored and uplifted during his years of service.
In her opening remarks during the launch, Desiree Gomes the daughter, reflected on her father’s enduring legacy: “Dad has built a legacy that deserves to be shared. His life reminds us that material wealth is not required to make a meaningful difference. What truly matters is passion, faith, an adventurous spirit, and bold dreams that can move communities forward.”
The memoir also highlights the important role Gomes played in championing girls’ education and promoting justice and equity through service.
The keynote address was delivered by Martha Karua, SC, a leading Kenyan politician and one of Gomes’s former students. She paid tribute to his influence as a teacher and mentor:
“Gomes didn’t just teach us subjects; he taught us self-worth, discipline, and courage. He believed in our potential long before we saw it in ourselves. His lessons transcended the classroom; they were lessons for life.”
The book also includes heartfelt contributions from colleagues, students, and friends, offering glimpses into Gomes’s humour, humility, and unwavering commitment to service. Even in his 90s, he still continues to support local causes, including the Mother Teresa Homes and St. Stephen’s School in Githogoro, reflecting a lifelong dedication to uplifting the vulnerable
