The role of the Rooted in Jesus diocesan coordinator is key to making strong and fruitful disciples. John Musaasizi supports the group leaders in the Diocese of Mityana, alongside his colleague Jethro. John sends regular accounts of their visits round the diocese, sharing his evident joy as he watches the Lord at work. He has written to tell us about his recent trips to Myanzi and Ssaala:

Rooted in Jesus allows no space for grass to grow under one’s feet

“Rooted in Jesus allows no space for grass to grow under one’s feet. You have got to keep on moving, monitoring the growth of the Lord’s disciples stationed in various churches. It is a ministry that generates joy in one’s life as one watches and participates in the growth of disciple making. As the Lord promised to be with us in this glorious activity of disciple making, His presence is indeed conspicuous. He continually speaks through His ancient Words to bring forth meaning applicable to our daily life experiences, in ways we have not heard before. So no one leaves Rooted in Jesus assemblies without taking home something new for his/her people. We are enjoying what we are doing and it is a life time ministry.

I visited Myanzi Church twice and I have the confidence that Eric the trained leader of Myanzi church can continue without me for some time.

I suggested to him that teaching Rooted in Jesus to the whole church has several advantages over teaching a group of 12 while each member has attendance gaps.  Alternatively, it can be simultaneous activity, dealing with a small group of 12 to 15 people on different days of the week; but leaving part of Sunday morning service for the entire church membership. We will handle what works best within our context.

Today I went to Luteete church. I wanted to follow up Jenifer who replaced Annette. Annette was transferred to Nabiti church. Before her departure, she prepared Jenifer to take over from her. Annette has bloomed where she was planted. She has a group of 15 members fully engaged in Rooted Jesus training. But Jethro and I prepared her to handle the entire worship assembly discipleship training.

Prior to going to Luteete church, I visited Ssekanyonyi parish to find out how Rev. John Moses was faring with Rooted in Jesus training. I learnt from him that he had done great work at Namukomago church. He suggested to take me there and see for myself and I said yes. In the near future, Moses and I will move together to Namukomago.

I would like to thank you for your prayers. Our success has primarily depended upon prayers both in training and leading big numbers of people to Jesus. Glory be to His Name forever.”

 

In Ssaala the church was packed…

“The church was packed. Children made it almost impossible for me to get away from the pulpit. I had to welcome Robinah who rushed from the place where she had sat to come forward and receive Christ. I put my hand upon her and it was obvious the Lord had already claimed her life. After she had confessed Christ publicly, church members raised their hands to pray for her. These were glorious moments. All church worshippers shared them.

I had to leave church before anybody else. I had to meet Esther the 90 year old lady and her granddaughter Alice. I wanted to know how they were faring in the Lord Jesus, especially Alice who was one week old in Christ. All was well with them. When we leave after ministry, the Holy Spirit continues with it.

Prior to my going to Esther’s home, Robinah the newly born in Christ brought Stephen, a young man in his late twenties. She introduced him as her young brother who also wanted to recommit his life to the Lordship of Jesus. I made no hesitation to pray for Stephen and he ended up recommitting his life to the Lord Jesus. Rooted in Jesus training is the only way new and old Christians can be kept focused on our Lord Jesus and ministering to His people.

Robinah is married and has 6 children namely: Christine, Jane, Elisha, Sarah, George and Milly. Her brother Stephen has Gift, Daniella and Daniel as his children. He is not properly married in church yet but he is ready to go by the direction of the Lord in that matter. Because Robinah, Stephen, Esther and Alice live in the same village, they can constitute a Rooted in Jesus group in their village. Some other church members can join them to form a group of 12 members. I will visit Ssaala a number of times to make sure that Rooted in Jesus group not only takes root in one of the villages of Ssala, but also that the group is prepared to take on villages across Ssaala Church for Christ and Rooted in Jesus training.”

 

Why focus on discipleship?

Discipleship is a ten year priority for the Anglican Church internationally, supported by the 2016 report Intentional Discipleship and Disciple-making. John Kafwanka, Director for Mission for the Anglican Communion, explains:

“The broad theme is a desire that we get to the point as a Communion where the culture and language of discipleship gets embedded in the culture and life of the church – so that faith in Jesus has a transformative impact in our workplaces, social, professional and family life. Also that our faith becomes central to who we are – not something we pick up as and when it is convenient.”

That is what we believe is happening in the Diocese of Mityana. To find out more, visit the Rooted in Jesus website.

Can you help?

Diocesan coordinators are chosen for their commitment to the task of making and growing disciples. John’s commitment is such that he is willing to sacrifice not just his time but also his own resources as he travels round the diocese guiding and supporting the group leaders, who also give their own time and energy to help others follow Jesus. John writes frequently, sharing his joy as people come to faith and are released into ministry.

All this is possible only if we can provide the training and books that are needed to help people become truly rooted in Jesus. If you would be willing to help us support the ministry of people like John as they seek to make disciples across rural Africa, we would be immensely grateful – please visit our support page or simply click the purple button.

Rooted in Jesus is published and supported by The Mathetes Trust. To find out more visit our websites www.rootedinjesus.net and www.mathetestrust.org.

Posted 6th May 2018