Ministry in Bungoma

The Diocese of Peterborough is linked with Bungoma Diocese in Kenya. As your curate, I was invited to live for two weeks with families in Bungoma and to minister in the Anglican Church there. So, last October, I travelled with Bishop Ian and his wife, Jo and thirteen other clergy to Nairobi and from there flew up-country to Eldoret. Bishop Eliud, Mama Caren and some of the Bungoma clergy had made the long bumpy journey in an old bus to Eldoret airport to greet us. The warmth of their welcome was overwhelming. We were embraced wholeheartedly and then we stood in a circle in the airport exit and thanked God for the gift of this meeting. Two continents, two cultures but one Church. In that moment, we all knew that "God is good", and this became a well-used phrase throughout the visit.

For the first week I stayed with the Reverend Kistos and his wife, Petronilla in Sangalo Parish (five churches). The second week I stayed with the evangelist, Bernard and his wife, Florence in Kimwanga Parish (seven churches.) I also visited three other parishes. Everywhere, our hosts did everything possible to make us feel welcome. An openness and honesty developed between us that enabled us to have meaningful discussions and to laugh at our cross-cultural misunderstandings. Have you ever tried making a spoon out of ugali ( a maize meal made to a playdough consistency)? The idea is to use the spoon, scoop up the vegetables and soup and eat the lot!!!

Many of the problems facing the Kenyan people became obvious to me. The things we take for granted, like education and medical treatment, were not easily accessed. Either they were too far away or cost too much money, or both.

The only equipment that I saw in the primary schools was a blackboard in each classroom. Some had a few desks but most children sat on the hard mud floor; some rooms held a hundred children, all squashed together. Diseases such as Aids and malaria have had devastating effects on the people. The family I lived with in Sangalo were caring for two children orphaned by Aids and others that I met were providing for many more. I laid hands on a dying lady in her home. She was lying in a dark room, on a wooden pallet on the bare mud floor with a blanket covering her -there was no other furniture. I came away feeling heart-broken for her. The majority of people in the area are subsistence farmers and the poverty is plain to see. But............

The zeal of the Christians was wonderful. From the prayers said before drinking every cup of tea, to the three-hour church services, the worship reflected the genuineness of the relationship between the Christians and God. Their fervour was obvious in the demanding programme that was expected of themselves - and me. Every day was packed with visits to churches, schools and the sick in their homes. I lost count after visiting twenty churches!! Some churches had a building but elsewhere members gathered for worship under a tree. (Not too good in the rainy season!) Before leaving England, I'd been told that I would be asked to preach everywhere I visited and that each sermon should last at least twenty-five minutes - the congregation would feel that it was not worth coming for anything less - so I really did have to rely on the Holy Spirit!!

There was a real sense of vision for the future of the Anglican Church in Bungoma All the Churches we visited told us of their hope to spread the Gospel and their dream to build sustainable Churches. There was hope that all people would accept Jesus and live according to his teaching, and dreams of more Church schools, dispensaries, Mothers' Union projects, adult education, including instruction in housewifery, gardening, poultry keeping, etc.

By the end of my visit, I had made some true friends. I had grown to love the people I'd met in Bungoma; their warmth and kindness was a gift to me. Together we had been a visible witness to the fact that Christians are all followers of Jesus, individual but different, brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all equal before God. Equality does not mean being identical, but celebrating the differences and accepting each other as we are. In Bungoma we communicated with one another in an atmosphere of acceptance, respect, love and trust. It would be wonderful for existing links to continue, and new links to be formed, on that basis. Acceptance, respect, love and trust.

N.B. Since this was written the Astwell Group of Parishes has formed a link with the seven churches in the Kimwanga parish in Bungoma.

Reverend Dorothy Micklethwaite

Some pews will soon be available for sale at around £100 each. They are Victorian pine and measure approximately 5ft 6in long. They will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. If you are interested then please contact Morag Underwood 01295 768922

Ckers is a Youth Group organised by the Church and Chapel together for children of Helmdon from school year 5 upwards. We meet for various activities on a Sunday evening. 12th December is the next date, at the Reading Room from 6.30 t0 7.45pm. Any new members would be welcome but please contact Kathy Quiney or Jane Barnes if you wish to join.

Kathy Quiney