Thursday evening saw Sam and I catch a Boda Boda to Sam's church (God's Ark Worship Centre) - located right in the heart of Kisenyi slum.
Sam's pastor invited me to preach at one of their Sunday morning services, but as I've been fully committed elsewhere, I agreed to lead their mid week Bible Study.
The church was probably at half capacity - about 35-40 people. The service began with singing and prayer and then Pastor Fred invited me to speak "for about 40 minutes". The service concluded in prayer.
Everyone seemed to appreciate the message - which I made deeply Christ-focussed and highly practical!
Following the service the leadership team asked Sam and I to join them for a light meal - buttered bread and ginger tea.
After walking back to the Boda Boda stage we drove home. Interestingly the ride to Kisenyi slum cost 15,000 shillings but the ride home only cost 10,000 shillings. TIA.
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
Baptismal Service
Sunday saw about seven young Christians, including Ja Ja Margaret and Habadad, the lady with the sick baby we helped about a month ago, baptised in the water hole (fed by the Nile) just beyond the fresh water well about a kilometre from the Kyampisi school.
Following the service about 35 members of the congregation walked to the water hole to witness the celebration.
To our surprise, Angel, the secondary student that we've agreed to sponsor was also baptised. It was great to be a part of the simple, yet God-honouring service.
Chairman assisted Peter S during the service, which included some spontaneous and unaccompanied singing from the encouraging onlookers.
Following the service about 35 members of the congregation walked to the water hole to witness the celebration.
To our surprise, Angel, the secondary student that we've agreed to sponsor was also baptised. It was great to be a part of the simple, yet God-honouring service.
Chairman assisted Peter S during the service, which included some spontaneous and unaccompanied singing from the encouraging onlookers.
Building at Kyampisi
The past week has seen us working at Kyampisi on the foundation slab for the new Medical Clinic and finishing off the clay brick walls of the new Ministry Centre.
After digging many trenches (with a pick and shovel) we erected a clay brick retaining wall along what will be the edge of the slab (17m x 8m). Due to the fall of the land, at the lowest point, this wall is probably about 12 courses high.
In our final week of building (next week) we will build the necessary reinforcements to the internal trenches before pouring the pillars and laying the foundation slab. We are also planning to build and pour the columns for the elevated slab for the second story of the classroom block - sounds like a busy week to me!
After speaking with Peter about the team's growing frustration with leaving for Kyampisi late in the morning (and working through the hottest part of the day) we trialled an early start on Thursday morning (departing at 7am). It was great to be able to complete about 3 or 4 hours solid work before it become uncomfortably hot. It was also good to return to the Jesus House mid afternoon and not in the early evening as has often been the case.
We plan to keep this arrangement going for the remainder of our stay. It's taken a while to achieve it but it's been worth the wait!
After digging many trenches (with a pick and shovel) we erected a clay brick retaining wall along what will be the edge of the slab (17m x 8m). Due to the fall of the land, at the lowest point, this wall is probably about 12 courses high.
In our final week of building (next week) we will build the necessary reinforcements to the internal trenches before pouring the pillars and laying the foundation slab. We are also planning to build and pour the columns for the elevated slab for the second story of the classroom block - sounds like a busy week to me!
After speaking with Peter about the team's growing frustration with leaving for Kyampisi late in the morning (and working through the hottest part of the day) we trialled an early start on Thursday morning (departing at 7am). It was great to be able to complete about 3 or 4 hours solid work before it become uncomfortably hot. It was also good to return to the Jesus House mid afternoon and not in the early evening as has often been the case.
We plan to keep this arrangement going for the remainder of our stay. It's taken a while to achieve it but it's been worth the wait!
Kyampisi Christmas Breakup
After a lengthy delay at the Jesus House, including a two-hour wait for a private taxi, we drove to Kyampisi for the KCM Christmas Breakup on Saturday.
After watching Dennis (KCM youth pastor) erect a white cross in the church and helping John cook the rice for lunch, the celebrations began.
Following some initial formalities we served the children lunch - rice, meat, gravy (or g-nut sauce) and a drink.
After serving the adults, the concert began. I think all members of the church family were involved throughout the three hours (singing, acting and dancing).
The church was absolutely packed - which was a blessing for all. The ladies looked especially beautiful, most of them wearing a colourful Gomezi.
The evening finished with Christmas carols, wonderfully led by Barbra and the Kyampisi Children's Choir. It was good to hear songs from their new CD.
After watching Dennis (KCM youth pastor) erect a white cross in the church and helping John cook the rice for lunch, the celebrations began.
Following some initial formalities we served the children lunch - rice, meat, gravy (or g-nut sauce) and a drink.
After serving the adults, the concert began. I think all members of the church family were involved throughout the three hours (singing, acting and dancing).
The church was absolutely packed - which was a blessing for all. The ladies looked especially beautiful, most of them wearing a colourful Gomezi.
The evening finished with Christmas carols, wonderfully led by Barbra and the Kyampisi Children's Choir. It was good to hear songs from their new CD.
KCM Staff Breakup
Friday night saw all members of the KCM team meet at Fang Fang Chinese Restaurant for dinner. While the fellowship and venue were lovely, the food wasn't that tasty! Having said that, Sonia really enjoyed her sizzling vegetables - I wish I had ordered this!
Thankfully we enjoyed an early evening as we had endured a busy week at the building site.
Thankfully we enjoyed an early evening as we had endured a busy week at the building site.
Christmas Day in Uganda
Christmas Day began with an early drive to Sanyu Babies Home. Mel, Sonia, Hannah and Lydia changed nappies and fed the babies while Jeremy and I hung up washing. To quote Eli's own words he "just walked around and did nothing" and was as happy as a pig in mud.
After nearly 2 hours at Sanyu we drove back to the Jesus House to get dressed for church (Sonia in her Gomezi and me in a Kunzu).
Peter spoke about the joy of the first Christmas and linked King Herod's plot against Jesus with people and circumstances which work against the work of the Lord in our daily lives today. He encouraged us to identify the 'Herods' in our life and ask the Lord to help us have victory over them.
The service also included the cutting of a birthday cake - to celebrate Jesus's birthday and the 4th Anniversary of the first church service at Kyampisi (the Lord has certainly worked miracles over this time)!
Following church, we enjoyed two lunches - initially with Mama Betty and her extended family and then with Mama Grace and her family.
Lunch at Mama Betty's consisted of chicken, chicken gizzard, beef, matoke, rice, irish potatoes, chipatis and passionfruit juice whereas lunch at Mama Grace's consisted of beef (actually fat), rice, matoke, gravy and Mirinda Soda.
To be honest, it was lovely to be able to spend time with a family and to be included in their Christmas celebrations. Both Mama's had gone to considerable lengths to ensure there was plenty of food and drinks. It was truly an African experience!
Both Sonia and I were challenged by the depth of faith displayed by both mothers, especially Mama Grace. Grace spoke passionately about the faithfulness of the man who initially introduced Christianity to Uganda many generations ago (and the fruit of his labours) and how this encourages her to be faithful when sharing the gospel message to her family and community - despite opposition from various quarters.
Following lunch we walked back to the church for some ball games on the lawn near the Children's church. After these games the children enjoyed some fellowship, which included a movie in the new church.
After this we all returned to the Jesus House for an early night.
Unfortunately Barbra had a fall from a Boda Boda prior to us leaving Kyampisi. When we returned to the Jesus House I drove her to Life Link Medical Clinic to assess her injuries as she was slightly concussed and needed a few grazes dressed.
On reflection it was good to be able to serve the children of Sanyu on Christmas morning and a team member on Christmas night - an out working of the Christmas message! Shalom.
After nearly 2 hours at Sanyu we drove back to the Jesus House to get dressed for church (Sonia in her Gomezi and me in a Kunzu).
Peter spoke about the joy of the first Christmas and linked King Herod's plot against Jesus with people and circumstances which work against the work of the Lord in our daily lives today. He encouraged us to identify the 'Herods' in our life and ask the Lord to help us have victory over them.
The service also included the cutting of a birthday cake - to celebrate Jesus's birthday and the 4th Anniversary of the first church service at Kyampisi (the Lord has certainly worked miracles over this time)!
Following church, we enjoyed two lunches - initially with Mama Betty and her extended family and then with Mama Grace and her family.
Lunch at Mama Betty's consisted of chicken, chicken gizzard, beef, matoke, rice, irish potatoes, chipatis and passionfruit juice whereas lunch at Mama Grace's consisted of beef (actually fat), rice, matoke, gravy and Mirinda Soda.
To be honest, it was lovely to be able to spend time with a family and to be included in their Christmas celebrations. Both Mama's had gone to considerable lengths to ensure there was plenty of food and drinks. It was truly an African experience!
Both Sonia and I were challenged by the depth of faith displayed by both mothers, especially Mama Grace. Grace spoke passionately about the faithfulness of the man who initially introduced Christianity to Uganda many generations ago (and the fruit of his labours) and how this encourages her to be faithful when sharing the gospel message to her family and community - despite opposition from various quarters.
Following lunch we walked back to the church for some ball games on the lawn near the Children's church. After these games the children enjoyed some fellowship, which included a movie in the new church.
After this we all returned to the Jesus House for an early night.
Unfortunately Barbra had a fall from a Boda Boda prior to us leaving Kyampisi. When we returned to the Jesus House I drove her to Life Link Medical Clinic to assess her injuries as she was slightly concussed and needed a few grazes dressed.
On reflection it was good to be able to serve the children of Sanyu on Christmas morning and a team member on Christmas night - an out working of the Christmas message! Shalom.
Monday, 17 December 2012
Hafusa and her family
It was great to meet Jonathan, fiancé to Lukia, older sister of Hafusa (our Watoto sponsor child). Having said that, it was sad to hear the story behind Hafusa and her family.
Their mother died suddenly (and tragically) many years ago, leaving Lukia to take on the role of mother to a family of six. Concurrently their Muslim father fell deeper and deeper into a drinking problem and a financial predicament. He has also become quite violent.
Further to this visit we were thrilled to be able to host Hafusa, Lucky (sister) and Eddy (brother) at the Jesus House for three days.
While I worked at Kyampisi on Monday and Tuesday, the kids enjoyed time together at the Jesus House. We enjoyed a family day on Wednesday - although we needed to wait until nearly 2pm for a vehicle - a private taxi hire.
As Hafusa was keen to spend time at the craft market we did this as soon as we arrived in downtown Kampala. Following lunch at Java's we took everyone 10 pin bowling and met up with Peter S and George.
At about 10pm we drove the kids to Lukia's home - in the heart of Kamwokya slum. As we drove into the slum the road became increasingly narrower and lower and the locals seemed agitated that we were driving on 'their turf'.
When we arrived we were met by Hafusa's father who was intoxicated and asking for money. He wanted to show us inside his humble home - which we agreed to do, but quickly returned to the car. When we got to the car there were children everywhere. I kept a close eye on Sonia and the kids and a tight hand on my wallet, phone and camera.
Hafusa's house was simple. We walked into a lounge room when we first came through the front door and there was a kitchen and bedroom off to the side. Although it was dirty, it did feel homely as there were posters on the painted wall, food on the table and a lounge suite to watch the analogue TV in the corner.
It was good to meet Lukia, who seemed very embarrassed by her father's state, and two of Hufusa's aunties - both of whom were friendly.
To be honest, it was very difficult to leave Hafusa with her intoxicated father. We were concerned that he might harm them while looking for money (as they had spent three days with Muzungus). The home and community was such a contrast to what we'd enjoyed for the previous few days (and very different from Bbira village where they usually live).
As we left, we prayed for the situation and left them all with the Lord.
Their mother died suddenly (and tragically) many years ago, leaving Lukia to take on the role of mother to a family of six. Concurrently their Muslim father fell deeper and deeper into a drinking problem and a financial predicament. He has also become quite violent.
Further to this visit we were thrilled to be able to host Hafusa, Lucky (sister) and Eddy (brother) at the Jesus House for three days.
While I worked at Kyampisi on Monday and Tuesday, the kids enjoyed time together at the Jesus House. We enjoyed a family day on Wednesday - although we needed to wait until nearly 2pm for a vehicle - a private taxi hire.
As Hafusa was keen to spend time at the craft market we did this as soon as we arrived in downtown Kampala. Following lunch at Java's we took everyone 10 pin bowling and met up with Peter S and George.
At about 10pm we drove the kids to Lukia's home - in the heart of Kamwokya slum. As we drove into the slum the road became increasingly narrower and lower and the locals seemed agitated that we were driving on 'their turf'.
When we arrived we were met by Hafusa's father who was intoxicated and asking for money. He wanted to show us inside his humble home - which we agreed to do, but quickly returned to the car. When we got to the car there were children everywhere. I kept a close eye on Sonia and the kids and a tight hand on my wallet, phone and camera.
Hafusa's house was simple. We walked into a lounge room when we first came through the front door and there was a kitchen and bedroom off to the side. Although it was dirty, it did feel homely as there were posters on the painted wall, food on the table and a lounge suite to watch the analogue TV in the corner.
It was good to meet Lukia, who seemed very embarrassed by her father's state, and two of Hufusa's aunties - both of whom were friendly.
To be honest, it was very difficult to leave Hafusa with her intoxicated father. We were concerned that he might harm them while looking for money (as they had spent three days with Muzungus). The home and community was such a contrast to what we'd enjoyed for the previous few days (and very different from Bbira village where they usually live).
As we left, we prayed for the situation and left them all with the Lord.
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