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.

 

 

Return to Kenya – at last!

Between 10th and 23rd March Machakha and Miti Mingi were revisited to review, strengthen and encourage the Recoverers and their families in the groups previously formed, which were last visited in 2020; added to which new friends were made in Lodwar in North-West Kenya, with teaching of the program to sufferers and their spouses and the formation of new Recovery groups. 

Machakha

Pastor Johnstone and his wife Elizabeth once more kindly provided hospitality in their beautiful home, which acted as a base in which to stay throughout this trip, and gave opportunities to reach out to the other communities to the north and east.

During lockdown the primary school on Johnstone’s land was unable to function, and following the lifting of restrictions it was difficult to operate as a school due to poverty and the lack of teachers.

The building has been rebranded as “Truth Bible School” which has the primary purpose of holding residential recovery programs, using two rooms to segregate males and females, and the third centre room for teaching; this will allow people in remote communities to receive help.

Pastor Johnstone has printed off the manual and given copies to group leaders; those involved in teaching have to pass an exam he has developed before they can assume a leadership role.

A meeting was held with Ruby, who is a Country Local government Officer; she is very interested in the program and is writing a thesis on it. Books that had been brought to share with Johnstone held great interest for her and she hopes to obtain copies.

We visited her office where we met with the Deputy County Commissioner to discuss the program and development of the groups. She pledged support for the groups and as a result of some advice given by Johnstone has fostered an annual meeting of different community groups, so that each group may become aware of what others are doing; this is considered to require refashioning however, as initially it is being used as a political platform rather than an informative one.

Reunion with former pupil

A Recoverer made the long journey from Nairobi to say thank you.

Edward had received the teaching during our visit in 2015. He had had a colourful history, known on occasions to dance naked in the streets while he was a drinker! He struggled in following the program at first, which is a normal part of recovery for many, but has now been sober for five years, and is a church pastor in Nairobi; he has started 15 Recovery groups there, numbering a core membership of 140 Recoverers!

It works!

Miti Mingi Revisited

Contact had been re-established with Pastor Paul Titus, who we had last visited in 2011 as part of a Links International team.

On a previous visit in 2010 recovery groups had been formed in both Miti Mingi and in the nearby town of Nakuru, the leader being a Recoverer called George, who had very quickly grasped the program and transformed his life, recovering completely with a passion to help others.

Paul had contacted me in 2022 to say that sadly George had died; the groups had dwindled, partly as a result of the lockdown, and now required to be fanned back into flame.

How wonderful it was to meet Paul again! Also his brother Jonah who is also a pastor of a church in Miti Mingi, also involved in community work strengthening marriages.

Introduction was made to Michael, an elder in the Anglican Church. He rotates around 8churches, teaching and preaching as there is only one ordained clergyman in the district. He reported that in addition to alcohol, cannabis is the main problem locally, rather than Class A drugs. The problem is increasing particularly among children; and especially those whose parents drink or use.

Teaching was given over the space of two days to a mixed group of Sufferers and Spouses at

Paul’s church. Special emphasis was given to Step 4 and the human spirit. Two groups were formed: “Deep Cover” and “Hope”.

Back to Machakha

Having returned to base teaching and discussion was held with a group of 8 instructors at Johnstone’s Recovery Centre; also as part of the vision a successful poultry business was visited.

Johnstone reported that previously there had been 18 brewers in the village, but now there is only one. It is to be hoped that they have found more wholesome and profitable business!

A visit was made to further communities Ushindi and Manyaha Boda Boda; in the latter village teaching was to a group of motor cycle taxi operators, all addicts, in a taxi-shelter at the side of the road; a crowd of interested people soon joined.

Lodwar

Visiting this town in North West Kenya, which is largely desert, involved a very long drive; this was performed as fast as possible on a relatively empty road, because of the very real possibility of attack by heavily armed bandits. In fact an attack was mounted the day following our return journey, when 4 people were killed and cattle were stolen.

Michael who is Johnstone’s son, is gifted as an evangelist, and he has established four churches in different parts of the town.

There was initial teaching to a mixed group of 30 or so; followed the next day by a service held under an acacia tree which provided shade, for want of a church building. The worship was lovely and we shared eucharist.

After the service and refreshment there was teaching to a group of 20.

An afternoon visit to Kawasane brought together a further 50, who gave an enthusiastic welcome; and the following day two locations with groups of about 30 each.

Once more there was interest in the program by community health workers, who hopefully will continue to lend support.

It was humbling to meet Peter, a church worker who acted as translator; he walks 20 km a day from where he lives to serve the church!

Radio Broadcast

Pastor Michael acts as a DJ for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, on a local Christian radio station in Lodwar and the neighbouring region for a range of 60 km. He had arranged with the radio head for a one hour evening slot to present the program, which occurred followed by questions.

It sparked a good deal of interest with people telephoning in over the days which followed; it is hoped that many will join Michael’s church as a result.

Truth Bible School

Pastor Johnstone hopes to hold meetings in these rooms every month; to strengthen and to teach, using the Bible and the manual as the basis for recovery.

A great deal fell apart during Covid and the resulting lockdown. Many Recoverers relapsed as the groups were not meeting; however, some remained sober, and Johstone proposes to train these as leaders.

Projects did not hold together as people were not meeting. One group had developed a hand detergent, which was successful during Covid; however, the salesmen did not return the money; it is hoped that monthly meetings will lead to accountability.

 

 

 

 

Pastors Johnstone and Stephen are faithfully continuing to reach, strengthen and release many souls imprisoned by addiction.

In Uganda…

…Stephen is regularly visiting those groups and churches already established, while evangelising in fresh communities.

 

This has not been a simple matter in recent months because of Covid and also severe flooding, which has claimed the lives of many.

 

Nevertheless he is strengthening the established, and reaching new groups of people who suffer from addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling, some of whom like Alice give beautiful testimony of how their lives have been changed as a result of a spiritual awakening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In some places, such as Nknonta, new churches have been formed.

Although there is some backsliding, which is often part of the recovery process, projects have been created, resulting in increasing prosperity; these include tomato growing, rabbit breeding and poultry.

 

In Kenya…

…PastorJohnstone continues his support of Recovery groups alongside a network of churches.

His son Michael is an evangelist and in recent months been working in a very hot, desert and remote area of northern Kenya called Lodwar.

Michael reports that addiction to alcohol is a great problem in this community.

Johnstone has been visiting in support of his son, which is no easy task, as the journey from his home is eight hours, a distance of 260 kilometres.

At his last visit he passed a supply of Bibles to Michael, to increase spiritual understanding in the church, and in particular among the Recoverers. These were purchased by donations and were received with great joy, as evidenced by the broad grins on peoples’ faces.

May minds and hearts be changed and renewed by His word; may the people prosper.

 

Tireless pastors

Despite all the restrictions that have been put in place, on top of all difficulties associated with climate and roads, the pastors have continued to serve the communities and recovery groups.

Uganda – Pastor Stephen

The groups in Sironko, Uganda, shepherded by Pastor Stephen, have stepped out to construct a church building.

 

 

 

 

 

In Tororo there is growth not only of the Recovery groups, but also

among the rabbits in one of their group projects, which are being bred as a source of meat and finance.

 

 

 

Kenya – Pastor Johnstone

Pastor Johnstone has been visiting a local prison over a number of years, teaching the Recovery program and preaching the gospel. There has been some resistance to his teaching by the prison Chaplain, which prevented my joining him on my last visit.

He meets prison inmates both individually and in small groups, and reports that there is a thirst and hunger for God’s word; it is hoped to send funds shortly to purchase Bibles, which cost about the equivalent of £7.00 each.

Zambia – Pastor Lackson

Pastor Lackson Chipeta and his team have been active in Zambia, and report that “the project is going very well indeed, with 120 people having given their lives to Jesus Christ”.

Bible study groups have formed, and they are training 15 Recovery groups.

May the Name of the Lord be glorified.

May he show mercy to all those who seek His blessing, and give strength to His faithful servants, who work so tirelessly snatching souls from the pit of addiction.

Impact of Covid

The pandemic has severely impacted the communities served by the Pastors, with sickness and ensuing deaths. The restrictions which have been adopted by most nations has meant that groups have been unable to meet and travel has been limited.

Pastor Johnstone laments being unable to hold the annual sports event for Recovery groups as has occurred in previous years, which has been such a blessing in bringing families and communities together.

Growth and Recovery

Nevertheless, he was able to bring together seven groups for an annual meeting at the new church, although it was with restricted numbers. By God’s

grace there has been growth in all these groups, with recovery and healing.

The roof of the church remains incomplete owing to shortage of funds.

Pastor Lackson in Zambia reports that 10 new groups have been formed in 2021, each with 15 – 20 members.

 

Baptisms

Many of those who have made recovery from their addiction go on to make a decision to follow Jesus, as a result of their Spiritual Awakening, and are baptised. This has been the case in Zambia:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…in Uganda, where sixteen members were baptised in October in Tororo, following the teaching of “Healing of the Human Spirit”;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…and in Kenya, where those being baptised included people who used to brew the beer, as well as Recoverers.

Group Projects

Pastor Johnstone reports that group projects are developing in the communities served in Kenya, and include: sheep keeping; poultry; dairy farming; soap production; education for vulnerable children; bread making; goat keeping; wood workshop.

Bee keeping is not popular due to fear of stings, and the initial expense of making hives.

These are merely those various projects that have become established and are operating within 5 miles of his house.  Machakha has become something of a hub supporting the surrounding area, visited by local government officers belonging to Bungoma County Assembly, who are watching how things may develop which may be used elsewhere.

The bricks that Pastor Johnstone made are finally being used to build the new church building, which is just in time.

The agreement reached with the school has been that the old building was to be vacated by the end of April.

The borehole and pump are already in use; very soon the site will be providing fresh spiritual water as well as healthy clean drinking water.

It is to be hoped that all who worship in the new church will be set free from whatever may spoil their life, including the bondage of addiction.

The need for the church to move

In February we reported that thanks to the generosity of Christian donors in the USA a borehole was drilled and a pump installed to provide a supply clean fresh water to Tongaren for the first time.

It was hoped that this might be positioned alongside the church; however, Machakha Church of Christ led by Pastor Johnstone stands on land which is immediately alongside the village school, and it was therefore considered to be inappropriate to use the present grounds of the church for this purpose, with a constant traffic of people using the pump, which would quickly become a social centre.

New land

Accordingly the school provided new land for the church some distance away, in straight exchange for the land on which the church building

presently stands, with the agreement that the corrugated iron roof of the old building could be reused for the new building.

This, however, left the need for concrete for the floor; and bricks and cement for the walls.

DIY bricks

Pastor Johnstone has manufactured the bricks using the local clay soil, and the Potter’s Wheel has provided the funds for the remainder of the build.

It is hoped that the well and the church will satisfy both the physical and spiritual thirst of the community for many years to come; acting as a hub to reach into the surrounding area,  with transformation of communities, improved health, strengthened families and freedom from all those things that would spoil peoples’ lives, such as addictions; through preaching and teaching by Pastor Johnstone and his team, revealing the knowledge and love of Jesus.

 

Recovery from addictions

Pastor Lackson Chipeta and his team continue to support the Recovery groups in the various communities in and around Lundazi in Eastern Zambia.

He reports that 57 people have made a full recovery from drugs and alcohol, with many more continuing in the program.

Many of the Recoverers have chosen to be baptised at Easter.

Hallelujah! May they become fully healed, Spirit-filled and faithful ambassadors of the Kingdom with all necessary to form new groups.

New groups

Five new groups have opened in Chisomo and Chiwe communities;

the total membership of these groups being 85. May they grow strong in spirit by means of scripture and the 12 Step program.