Thursday afternoon saw KCM organise a special luncheon and farewell for us at the Kyampisi Church... the only problem was that they forgot to tell us about it.
We arrived a little early for the proposed soccer game at 5pm to find that the community had commenced an early Bible Study (at which I was supposed to be preaching) and had all but finished a special luncheon in honour of the Bensley family.
I happily contributed to the Bible Study (as I was expecting to be asked to do this). As I finished, Peter S called us forward as a family and lead the formalities.
Following Peter's words of affirmation, Hudson (father of Allan) and Nalongo (leader of the newly established Kyampisi Women's Ministry) each gave a testimony to our efforts and generosity.
Peter then invited us to respond, which Sonia and I did. Hannah was also keen to say a few words.
Following some words from the Bible and prayers from both Peter and I, members of the church came forward and gave us gifts and cards.
Given the lateness of the hour, many who were there needed to leave for the soccer game. We stayed back for a little while, ate the meals graciously kept for us and enjoyed fellowship with those who could stay.
It was a lovely afternoon, it was just a pity that we missed our lunch! TIA.
Friday, 4 January 2013
Soccer against Borda Borda drivers
Thursday night saw members of KCM challenge the Borda Borda drivers of Kyampisi (many of whom are Muslim) to a third soccer game. KCM won the first game and the second game ended in a draw. Our Borda Borda friends were very keen to secure a win against us this time.
As we were held up at the Kyampisi church saying farewell to friends, I missed the first half. As soon as we arrived, I was asked to replace Cockroach in defense. A little later, I was asked to move into the midfield - quite an honour in such a strong team!
To cut a long story short, our team won the game 5-2, courtesy of some great plays by members of our team. While I was happy to be a part of the celebrations, I didn't really make a big contribution - I only touched the ball a couple of times - but each time I did, there were cheers from the appreciative crowd, probably about 250 strong!
Following the game we made our way back to the Kyampisi church and then back to the Jesus House - to be honest it was quite difficult driving out to the main highway for the last time - I think it was made a little easier as it was dark and we couldn't really see the locals. We'll certainly be praying for members of our new Kyampisi family!
As we were held up at the Kyampisi church saying farewell to friends, I missed the first half. As soon as we arrived, I was asked to replace Cockroach in defense. A little later, I was asked to move into the midfield - quite an honour in such a strong team!
To cut a long story short, our team won the game 5-2, courtesy of some great plays by members of our team. While I was happy to be a part of the celebrations, I didn't really make a big contribution - I only touched the ball a couple of times - but each time I did, there were cheers from the appreciative crowd, probably about 250 strong!
Following the game we made our way back to the Kyampisi church and then back to the Jesus House - to be honest it was quite difficult driving out to the main highway for the last time - I think it was made a little easier as it was dark and we couldn't really see the locals. We'll certainly be praying for members of our new Kyampisi family!
New Year's Eve
Monday night saw Hannah and I join over 100,000 people at a Prayer Vigil and Praise Celebration at Namboli Stadium.
The evening included praise and thanksgiving (celebrating the Lord's favour throughout 2012) and prayer (seeking His blessing and protection throughput 2013). It was an amazing experience to be a part of a stadium that was absolutely packed full of people praying and worshipping.
We needed to catch a Boda Boda as the 4WD broke a fan belt and ran out of motor oil. We arrived at about 10pm and returned home a little before 2am.
What amazes me is that about 70% of the population of Kampala (nearly 3 million people) were doing the same thing across many venues across the capital. As we drove to and from the Stadium we could hear thousands of Christians celebrating in various churches.
On the strike of mid-night there were fireworks and cheers all around!
Happy New Year to all readers of my blog. May 2013 be filled with God's richest blessings and provision. Shalom.
The evening included praise and thanksgiving (celebrating the Lord's favour throughout 2012) and prayer (seeking His blessing and protection throughput 2013). It was an amazing experience to be a part of a stadium that was absolutely packed full of people praying and worshipping.
We needed to catch a Boda Boda as the 4WD broke a fan belt and ran out of motor oil. We arrived at about 10pm and returned home a little before 2am.
What amazes me is that about 70% of the population of Kampala (nearly 3 million people) were doing the same thing across many venues across the capital. As we drove to and from the Stadium we could hear thousands of Christians celebrating in various churches.
On the strike of mid-night there were fireworks and cheers all around!
Happy New Year to all readers of my blog. May 2013 be filled with God's richest blessings and provision. Shalom.
Building at Kyampisi
Our final week in Uganda saw us busy again at the building site. We finished off the brickwork around the developing foundations of the new Medical Clinic and filled it with soil (in readiness for pouring the slab next week).
Again, the whole process would have been a lot easier with a bobcat, but this isn't how things are done in Africa.
The final stages of the slab include laying stones (initially quite big and then progressively smaller) on top of the levelled soil and then boxing up and laying concrete over all this. This process will take much of next week - in readiness for the team from Bundaberg who arrive in about a month!
The other project saw us build and fill the columns for the primary classroom. There is still quite a bit of work to be done here in readiness for the erection of the elevated slab. Once this is poured a team will be able to brick the top three classrooms - very exciting!
All that's required is money! If you feel you're in a position to donate to this worthwhile project, I can assure you that it would be greatly appreciated! If you're not sure who to speak with, just call me and I'll put you in touch with the right people.
Again, the whole process would have been a lot easier with a bobcat, but this isn't how things are done in Africa.
The final stages of the slab include laying stones (initially quite big and then progressively smaller) on top of the levelled soil and then boxing up and laying concrete over all this. This process will take much of next week - in readiness for the team from Bundaberg who arrive in about a month!
The other project saw us build and fill the columns for the primary classroom. There is still quite a bit of work to be done here in readiness for the erection of the elevated slab. Once this is poured a team will be able to brick the top three classrooms - very exciting!
All that's required is money! If you feel you're in a position to donate to this worthwhile project, I can assure you that it would be greatly appreciated! If you're not sure who to speak with, just call me and I'll put you in touch with the right people.
Preaching on Kalyambuzi Island
Last Saturday saw Hannah and I (together with 3 members of the KCM team) travel by motor-powered canoe to Kalyambuzi Island on Lake Victoria.
The journey 'across the waves' took us a little over 2 hours. Although at first it was quite overcast, about half-way across, the clouds cleared and the sun broke through! The water was very still and we felt very safe as we travelled together.
On arrival we walked straight to the local Community Centre where I preached.
Following this we went for a walk through the village and met many of the locals - most of whom were fishermen. I was particularly moved by their friendliness and genuine welcome. Although the community is very poor, the views from the island are picture perfect (not that different from Fiji as I remember).
We saw the partly completed church and the proposed site for the new Christian School - which will be heavily supported by KCM when it is finally built (once the Kyampisi Christian School is nearing completion).
After lunch we returned to our boat and made our way home - nearly a 3 hour ride as the motor kept stalling.
The journey 'across the waves' took us a little over 2 hours. Although at first it was quite overcast, about half-way across, the clouds cleared and the sun broke through! The water was very still and we felt very safe as we travelled together.
On arrival we walked straight to the local Community Centre where I preached.
Following this we went for a walk through the village and met many of the locals - most of whom were fishermen. I was particularly moved by their friendliness and genuine welcome. Although the community is very poor, the views from the island are picture perfect (not that different from Fiji as I remember).
We saw the partly completed church and the proposed site for the new Christian School - which will be heavily supported by KCM when it is finally built (once the Kyampisi Christian School is nearing completion).
After lunch we returned to our boat and made our way home - nearly a 3 hour ride as the motor kept stalling.
Jubilee Grace Cafe
Wednesday evening saw us enjoy a meal with Jonathan, Lukia, Lucky, Hufusa (our Watoto sponsor child) and Eddie at their new venture, Jubilee Grace Cafe. We also invited Mel, Jeremy and Peter S as they had shown an interest in Hafusa when she stayed at the Jesus House a few weeks ago (and Peter went to University with
Jonathan).
Jonathan and Lukia had gone to a lot of trouble to provide a quality meal for us all. In the words of Hannah 'these chips are the best we've had in Uganda' and she was right. In the words of Eli and Lydia 'this rice is the bomb' and they were right also.
The cafe is just up the road from where Jonathan works at UWESO and is basically a renovated garage. They've painted the internal walls and added inspirational posters and pictures throughout. They had appropriate background music playing and the lighting added an ambience. To be honest, Jeremy commented that it was a little bit like a popular restaurant at West End in Brisbane.
The name 'Jubilee Grace Cafe' was chosen as 2012 saw Uganda celebrate 50 years of Independence and both Jonathan and Lukia want it to be known as a place where God's grace abounds. I'm sure this will become a reality!
After enjoying some fellowship, we prayed with everyone and returned to the Jesus House.
What a lovely night and what a lovely family to have an association with! God has certainly blessed them and us.
Jonathan).
Jonathan and Lukia had gone to a lot of trouble to provide a quality meal for us all. In the words of Hannah 'these chips are the best we've had in Uganda' and she was right. In the words of Eli and Lydia 'this rice is the bomb' and they were right also.
The cafe is just up the road from where Jonathan works at UWESO and is basically a renovated garage. They've painted the internal walls and added inspirational posters and pictures throughout. They had appropriate background music playing and the lighting added an ambience. To be honest, Jeremy commented that it was a little bit like a popular restaurant at West End in Brisbane.
The name 'Jubilee Grace Cafe' was chosen as 2012 saw Uganda celebrate 50 years of Independence and both Jonathan and Lukia want it to be known as a place where God's grace abounds. I'm sure this will become a reality!
After enjoying some fellowship, we prayed with everyone and returned to the Jesus House.
What a lovely night and what a lovely family to have an association with! God has certainly blessed them and us.
Ndere Cultural Centre
Sunday night saw us join Peter S for an evening of culture at the local Ndere Centre. The presentation ran for about 3 hours.
The program included dances from across Uganda. One of my personal highlights was a visiting drumming troupe from Burindi.
There were about 10 men, each dressed in a traditional costume and each playing a drum. The various drums were painted in vibrant colours (from their national flag) and looked absolutely amazing!
The strength of their playing lifted the hairs on my arms - it was loud but it sounded terrific!
The program included dances from across Uganda. One of my personal highlights was a visiting drumming troupe from Burindi.
There were about 10 men, each dressed in a traditional costume and each playing a drum. The various drums were painted in vibrant colours (from their national flag) and looked absolutely amazing!
The strength of their playing lifted the hairs on my arms - it was loud but it sounded terrific!
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