To Apac
We separated at Jinja and Ken drove the
team heading for Apac (Brian, Heather, Chris and Andrew ) to PAG (Pentecostal
Assemblies of God) office in Kampala. At first nobody seemed to be expecting us
- perhaps because we were EARLY; that must be a first! Pastor Timothy welcomed us, made a couple of
phone calls and established that everything was in order and a driver was on
his way. We set off in the capable hands of Michael at 11.20. Michael had
travelled all the way from Soroti yesterday to collect us.
We passed some dismal looking slums, on the
way out of Kampala, but then we were on a good clear road north. Just one set of roadworks then we turned off to the Masindi
ferry. We won't see any more tarmac roads for a while. We saw the ferry leaving
just as we arrived, so we had to wait an hour for the next one. A sign
proclaimed that "it is illegal to pay for crossing" but we did have
to register, including providing a phone number for next of kin!
It was another 2 hours on red African dirt
roads to Apac and we arrived at 6.30, ten hours after leaving Jinja. The hotel
is clean but basic (cold water only. Our
rooms are individual round lodges.
We had an enthusiastic, warm welcome from
Bishop Richard, Pastor Geoffrey and Jane (national director for PEP). They greeted us as friends, and send warm
wishes to all at St James. Richard and his family welcomed us into their home
for dinner. Andrew was touched to see a framed picture of his family proudly on
display!
Tuesday
Tuesday morning started with breakfast at
Bishop Richard's house - chicken, beef, rice, potatoes, bananas and oranges
from the garden. We heard from Geoffrey
and Richard about the progress of the PEP project that we support. (PEP -
Participatory Evaluation Process - is the programme, based on bible studies, of
mobilising the churches to use the resources they have available and reach out
to the community.) The project, in 6
assemblies (groups of a few churches), is making good progress, and they are
looking to "disciples" in the current churches to disseminate the
training to further churches.
Killon, Richard's eldest son, described
how, inspired by PEP, he has established Mara High School in Apac. It is a Christian school offering holistic education.
Fees are reduced for pastor's children and orphans and vulnerable children. We
were inspired by the story. He told
enthusiastically of the use the school has made of the 2 footballs given by
"Pastor Martin" and his friend Paul when they visited by motor bike.
On the way from the Bishop's, we saw the
offices that are being built for the church - they have raised money and done
much of the work themselves, but still need to raise more for the roof. Then we
stopped at Pastor Geoffrey's new house; he is now full-time PEP Coordinator and
no longer pastors the church in Apac, so has moved out of the Pastor's house in
the Church grounds. Some of you will
remember that on our first visit to Apac in 2012, Pastor Geoffrey gave Martin
and Andrew two chickens, which they named Eve and Catherine, but left with
Geoffrey to look after. We saw Eve (2);
Catherine was hiding, but we saw her children!
Next we visited Mara school and received the usual warm welcome with
singing, poetry and dancing.
We set off for the church at Loro at 12.30,
feeling bad that they were expecting us at midday, and we had a 90 min drive to
reach them. I don't think we have arrived anywhere at the planned time - that
is African time. We stopped on the way
to meet Pastor Geoffrey (another one) who described how his life and livelihood
had been transformed by PEP. He is planning to retire soon, but for a
retirement that is productive and continues to serve God and the community
faithfully. He has plans to plant, among
other things, 10,000 pine trees, 5,000 eucalyptus, mangos, bananas… and the
list went on!
Apac district is the mosquito and malaria
hotspot of the world. On our journey we
passed some of the swamps that are the reason for that. In some places the swamp merged with the road
- we were very grateful for the 4wd land cruisers and our expert drivers. In one particularly deep and slippery pothole
Chris was frightened that he was about to get wet feet.
We finally reached Loro church at 2.30. The
people were faithfully waiting for us, and Pastor Bonny and his congregation
greeted us as friends. We noticed from
an "agenda" on the wall that their Sunday service starts at 6.30 am
and runs for 4 hours. They too send their greetings to St James. We heard beautiful African singing, and
several testimonies from church members.
One told us how they used to expect handouts from the government, but
that PEP has taught them to use their own resources. Also that the church, which used to focus
only on preaching, has prospered and grown now that it also gives priority
practical service to members and non-members alike. Two people living positively (i.e. with
HIV/AIDS) told how groups of people with HIV support each other and that they
are also accepted and supported by the rest of the church. We also heard of growing improved crops,
animal rearing, small businesses, enlightened minds, new, permanent church
buildings (we were sitting in one) and much more. This was a joyful church, aiming to be salt
and light in the community. Andrew shared
briefly from Romans 12:3 about
transformed lives. The transformation
comes from inside, and is a result of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
I need to mention Jane Achaloi; she is the
national PEP director for PAG. She is an
awesome, godly and lovely lady and she has accompanied us on our trip to
Apac. Pastor Geoffrey described her as
"President PEP - she lives and breathes PEP". Jane herself said she
has received several offers of other jobs, but that she "can't imagine
doing anything else. I enjoy it so much. When people do PEP they become free
and they glorify God."
We were served "lunch" at about
4.30. After saying our goodbyes Bishop Richard, Pastor Geoffrey and Killon set
of for home, choosing a longer route that avoided the worst of the swamp, the
rest of us travelled to Loro and are staying at the Gracious Palace hotel
before returning to Kampala tomorrow.
