Africa Trip Report

April 17th – 28th 2006

Bishop Stephen Kiguru (picture 1) was there to meet us and we were soon in his car, heading back out of Kenya on our way to Arusha, Tanzania.

We arrived in Arusha around 11:30am to the sounds of praise coming from the meeting room across the street.  On joining the meeting, we found about 50 gathered and singing joyfully!  Richard launched straight in to two teaching sessions and his third was only eventually drawn to a close by the arrival of a very late lunch at around 4pm!

The meeting resumed the next day until the time came for us to leave at around 1pm.  A slight shortfall of sufficient local currency to pay for our petrol meant that we had to leave our most valuable asset (Richard!) at the petrol station, while we went off to the local bureau de change.  We returned quickly to reclaim Richard, who seemed none the worse for his experience as a hostage! 

After some very good team meeting sessions in Nairobi, we quickly moved on to Uganda, where it was good to renew fellowship with Peter and Rose Kasozi.  Rose is headmistress of the school next door to their home and the children were all very excited to see us. 

About 12 pastors from all over Uganda joined us for a day of meetings.  It was particularly good to see Pastor Mark, who was still on crutches as a result of injuries sustained during the Uganda church collapse.  His testimony was moving as he told of the events as they unfolded and despite the tragic circumstances, his joy in the Lord shone through as he shared.

The next day was a time for celebration as 45 came forward for baptism in

 Lake Victoria. Most had travelled a long way to be there but one just happened to be on the beach that day.  He had been a Christian for 4 years but not yet baptised.

Uganda is a very fertile country but it clearly has its problems.  Particular challenges were the lack of any electricity or running water for both nights we were there – that and the mosquitoes!  The country is clearly struggling and needs prayer for strong leaders who will guide the nation forward, so that they can join the rest of us in the 21st Century!  Pray for Peter and Rose Kasozi as they continue to lead the local church and teach the children.

Upon our return to Nairobi, it soon became clear that Richard was not at all well.  A very uncomfortable night was followed by the appropriate treatment, no food and plenty of soft drinks!  Although challenged, Richard pressed on and, while David Eaton taught in Mathare, we went to Dandora , where about 50 gathered to hear an overview of 1 Corinthians.

The next day, we were up early for the flight to Kisumu.  Richard was feeling much better and refreshed after a good night’s sleep.  On arrival at Kisumu, we were met by James and Rose Osare and taken to our hotel.  It was not long before Richard was teaching once again – this time in a small hall, where the numbers gathered kept rising until there were more than 100 both inside and outside.  After 30 minutes, the leaders passed a note to Richard saying how much they valued his teaching and urging him to continue for another 3½ hours!  Richard managed 3 of the 3½ hours requested and, as always seemed to be the case, the teaching was very much appreciated. 

Later in the afternoon, we were special guests at a local crusade. There were between 100 and 200 gathered and Richard spoke about Zacchaeus and the way that the Lord Jesus met with him.  Drawing a parallel with those present, the subsequent appeal resulted in more than 30 souls being saved that day!

 The next day was a conference for the Living Hope team.  All were very committed and it looks promising to operate as a team in the future.  At the same time, David Eaton taught a morning session, Paul visited the orphanage with James and Rose in the afternoon and Peter Kasozi spoke at the Crusade, where another 20 responded despite heavy rain.  Peter and his family got soaked – but he said it was worth it!  We ended the day with an evening meal for the local leaders.

On our departure the next morning, there were about 15 friends who all came to the airport to say farewell. We were particularly touched by the warmth and enthusiasm of all the brothers and sisters in Kisumu.  Pray for them.  They have their problems and differences but they really are seeking to serve the Lord in the right way!

Our return to Nairobi brought another day of teaching – this time in the very poor area of Kibera, where about 70-80 gathered.  Afterwards we visited the home of Silas, his wife Priscilla (recovering from a road accident) and daughter Abigail.

That same evening, we arrived at the airport to discover that our flight home had been put back to the next day.  Almost unbelievably, we ended up in one of the top hotels in Nairobi – courtesy of the airline.  What a contrast to where we had been!