Return Visit

Last weekend which was the 7th and 8th September saw the return to Namayingo of Pastor James Luchivya, who is the Ugandan lead of SEE Ministries.

The intention was to join with Pastors Robert and Agnes of Abundant Favour Christian Ministries to hold a Youth Conference and in this he was supported by a team comprising Isaac, Pamela, Mily, Alex, Caroline and Joy.

They had come to the village of Matiko expecting to minister to 200 young people, but were greeted by a throng of over 500 of all ages; very quickly they had to reconsider what they were going to share.

Teaching to all ages

James starting the two days of training by teaching about family relationships, based on Ephesians 5:21 through to Chapter 6.

Following this people were divided up into groups for teaching about spiritual development and the things which hinder the will of God in families, with addiction as the main focus; James taught the men, Pamela the women, Mily the youth and Alex the children.

Baptisms, Fun and JOY!

After all had been shared concerning the spiritual life and family values 74 made the decision to be baptised!

It was only half a mile to the shores of Lake Victoria and here they formed queues to take their turn to profess their faith and to be immersed into a new hope.

Joy abounded, as can be seen in the faces of all who took part.

It is proposed to return in December.

Church Building in Lodwar

During the visit to Lodwar earlier this year it was possible to join Pastor Michael as he celebrated eucharist in the shade of the acacia tree where one of his churches congregate every Sunday to worship.

To a Western mind this was a wonderful experience; to join with strong heartfelt praise under a hot clear blue African sky, surrounded by dry sand, in the midst of joyful voices and yet stillness; so much beauty.

The words sung could not be understood by the mind, but most clearly by the spirit.

However, what to do if the tree should wither and no longer provide essential shade? Or if someone should chop it down for much needed timber? Or if it should rain? This is something 

which it can do very suddenly and heavily, these days, even in African deserts!

The owner of the land, a member of the congregation, had agreed that a church could be built on his land if the materials could be purchased; funds have been provided by us to allow this process to be started, but more is required to complete the work.

It is hoped that church membership will increase through the Recovery program revealing God’s word to those who wish to be healed (John 5:6).

Speaking of which…

…Baptisms!

As a result of the “spiritual awakening” which occurs through following the 12 Step program, there have been baptisms not just by Pastor Johnstone and his son Michael in

Kenya, but also in Uganda, made possible through the tireless energy of Pastor Stephen in Mayenze and all the surrounding communities which he visits.

Those who chose to be baptised are true Recoverers; they are Overcomers, and “more than conquerers”! (Romans 8:37). May their lives and those of their families be blessed; and may they encourage others to make the choice to turn from their fantasies and their chemicals, and instead to live their lives to the full, to the praise of the glory of His Name!

A Request for Assistance

Shortly before the recent trip to Kenya a request was received through our website for support in the matter of addiction recovery from Abundant Favour Christian Ministries International, which is based in Namayingo District in Eastern Uganda, some 65 miles from Mbale.

Here extreme poverty leads to childhood deprivation, with malnutrition  and no education or healthcare for many. Often children have nowhere to sleep, and when they do it is not unusual to find five sharing a mat with a single blanket.

Undermining societal norms are child labour, low esteem for women, cultural beliefs, polygamous marriages, prostitution, HIV and AIDS; there are many orphans.

Drugs and Alcohol

Drunkenness and domestic violence prevail.

Children between the ages of 8 & 12 serve in bars and are used in the production of Waragi.

This word means War Gin, used by the British to embolden Ugandan soldiers before conflict. It can be produced from bananas or cane sugar, being triple distilled to reach 96% vol.

Youth between the ages of 13-17 imitate their caregivers in drinking alcohol and using drugs; boys might go with women beyond their age who provide them with support.

Abundant Favour Christian Ministries

This wonderful ministry is led by Pastor Robert Wandera and his wife Agnes. They support many children between the ages of 3 and 17 who are orphans or who have addicted parents; 200 girls and 115 boys at the time of correspondence. They provide counselling both to children and youth groups through church settings.

It is hoped to visit them on a future trip to Uganda, but before that Pastor James Luchivya, who leads SEE Ministries in Uganda, has made the journey of 65 miles from Mbale with a small team of co-workers, to provide strength and encouragement over a period of several days. He described to them the Recovery program we share, with a description of recovery group formation. In addition there was teaching in discipleship and Bible studies; as well as sports such as football, netball and races.

Pastor James hopes to return soon for further ministry to the youth in particular; and at a future date, as part of a revision of groups in Uganda, it is hoped to introduce the program and establish groups for Sufferers and Spouses.