Jesus changes a factory in Kenya

It is always a joy to hear the latest news from those using Rooted in Jesus, our discipleship programme for Africa. In 2014 Brian and Sheila Keel introduced RinJ to several Pentecostal networks in Kenya, returning this May to visit some of those they worked with. Brian writes:

Rooted in Jesus training in Bungoma

“Sheila and I have been in Western Kenya for the past week, and heard this testimony after church in a rural town today. Last November we were here in Bungoma, and held a RinJ follow-up conference, where we trained some additional facilitators; one of them being the pastor of the church we were speaking in this morning.  He works as a manager in a factory owned by British American Tobacco near the border with Uganda.  He started to take RinJ into the factory, using it in a morning before the men started work and during lunch hours; and as a result there are some 50 men who have become Christians and now attend his church.  As a pastor he had agreed with senior management that he wouldn’t work on a Sunday as he had church to lead.  However, when these men became believers, they too wanted to attend church on a Sunday, as opposed to working extra time in the factory!  This seemed to create a problem, which threatened his job, but when the management learned that he had employed some 200 men, half the total workforce, they changed their mind on the matter.  The factory does not now work on a Sunday, and the pastor has his job, and a bigger church so they are having to construct a much larger building!”

Brian and Sheila have also sent a video interview with Pastor Josphat Adieno, who tells joyfully of the changes he has seen among those using the course. To watch it click here.

Rooted in Jesus goes to Namibia

Rooted in Jesus reaches Namibia

Last year Dignity Worldwide arranged for Rooted in Jesus to be translated into Lozi, and they have now launched the first Rooted in Jesus groups in Namibia, RinJ’s 16th country. Jo Kimball writes: “I wanted to share the attached photograph with you [above] as I think there’s something really special about it. The Namibian team were recently in Makolonga and took this photo of a lady reading Rooted in Jesus. She appears to be totally captivated by it despite the movement you see around her. I found something really uplifting in the photograph and I hope you do too.” All Dignity’s groups are interdenominational, building networks of Christian disciples across a community.

Discipleship and the Anglican Communion

In March the Mission Department of the Anglican Communion Office published a major new report titled Intentional Discipleship and Disciple-Making – An Anglican Guide to Christian Life and Formation. In April the report was discussed at the international Anglican Consultative Council meeting in Lusaka, and the following resolution was passed: ‘The Anglican Consultative Council, in light of the gospel and theological imperative to make disciples,

• recognizes the need for every province, diocese and parish in the Anglican Communion to adopt a clear focus on intentional discipleship and to produce resources to equip and enable the whole church to be effective in making new disciples of Jesus Christ;
• requests the Standing Committee to work with the Secretary General and Mission Department to effect a Season of Intentional Discipleship for a period covering ACCs 16, 17,18 [ie the next 10 years]
• commends the report, Intentional Discipleship and Disciple making—an Anglican Guide to Christian Life and Formation, for study across the Anglican Communion.’

We are delighted by the endorsement given to the report, to which Alison Morgan was one of the contributors. Rooted in Jesus and The God Who is There are both profiled in the report, and we look forward to the growth in Christian discipleship that will surely come over the next decade as a result of this initiative. The report can be downloaded from the Anglican Communion website.

To catch up with news as it comes in visit the Rooted in Jesus news page. To download our latest prayer diary click here.

Posted 27th May 2016 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

Samwel is eight. Vincent is 83. Both live in Liwale, a small town on the shores of the Indian Ocean in the far south of Tanzania. Samwel and Vincent were the youngest and oldest participants in a Rooted in Jesus Junior training conference hosted by Bishop James Almasi and Jonathan Rendall in April.

Samwel and Revd Vincent in Liwale

Jonathan writes: “Vincent is 83 and great fun. He is a retired Anglican priest who served in Liwale and decided to stay here. He dances in worship like a recycled teenager, with a smile and joy of a young man in love – well, he is! He loves Jesus with a passion, he radiates joy; he is a delight to be with. Even though we don’t speak much of each other’s languages, we share the joy of Jesus, we engage with eyes and heart, in dancing together and singing together: language is not a real barrier! He is so excited about Junior and it has been a joy working with him. We also have the youngest participant. At 8, Samwel is the the son of a church elder; he knows his Bible.  During the session entitled ‘God trusts Children’, he knew more than anyone else about some of the children in the Bible; he knows his way round it, handling the various references well.”

Here, in a town that is 99% Muslim, the relationships between Christian and Muslim are healthy and peaceful. This is very different from Kilwa, where +James and Jonathan had worked a few days previously. Coastal Islam is increasingly militant and aggressive to Christians, but the church in Liwale is relatively free and Christians are accepted within in the community. It was a great few days. The Jesus film was shown, the gospel preached, and the worship exuberant. While the rain poured down, over 20 people came to faith, 13 people were confirmed and 17 RinJ Junior leaders were trained and commissioned. The Sunday School in Liwale gained a new impetus, and by the end of the week the little church had doubled in numbers.

A practice RinJ Junior lesson, Liwale

The visit to Liwale was just one of the things Jonathan did during a month in Tanzania, helping to encourage and train leaders to use the RinJ Junior disciple-making programme with children in schools and Sunday Schools.

He began in the Diocese of Morogoro, where he was one of the speakers at a Youth Conference organised by RinJ Junior Coordinator Godson Madibi, and attended by  over 600 young people – 400 of whom gave their lives to Christ, 200 of whom went home clutching their first Bible. This was followed by a day seminar for 25 clergy and diocesan staff from both Morogoro and the neighbouring dioceses of Mpwapwa and Kiteto, focussing specifically on Rooted in Jesus Junior. Some were already using Junior in their Sunday Schools, and told stories of blessing and encouragement.

RinJ Junior conference, Morogoro

From Morogoro Jonathan travelled south to the Diocese of Masasi, where with Bishop James Almasi he set off to visit several remote villages to offer encouragement, training and support for those wanting to use RinJ Junior in their Sunday Schools. First stop was Kilwa, 99% Muslim, where Christians experience persecution and life is hard – one of the participants, Esther, had led the Pentecostal church since the martyrdom of her husband, the minister, last year. In Kilwa as in Liwale, the story of God’s grace was similar; the seminars and the Jesus film shows over five days – outside the churches, saw many come to faith; the church doubled in numbers from 30 to over 60 and 13 were commissioned as Junior leaders together with Esther and her daughter  from the Pentecostal church.

From Kilwa they went to Kilwa Kivinje, an outstation which has a church membership of 18, of which 11 are children, for the Sunday eucharist. “It is dangerous to be a Christian in Kivinje” said +James; the Muslim community is militant and radical in Kivinje and persecution is very real for all Christians. They are unable to build their church so meet under a tree each Sunday morning. The hope is that Rooted in Jesus Junior training will be given to families by the trained members of the Kilwa church, so that parents can disciple their children in their homes.

From Kivinje Jonathan and +James travelled to Lindi and then Mkuti, a parish in Masasi which built a Rooted in Jesus Junior classroom a few years ago. Thirteen churches were represented amongst the 26 leaders who came. Jonathan writes: “It was a very rewarding time for us all; successes and challenges openly shared then prayed over; the self-evaluation exercise was well received and opened up some good conversations in pairs and as a whole group. They were so keen to engage and to contribute. The final prayers before leaving were terrific; two circles, hands laid on the person in front for prayer, then reversed. The Holy Spirit was moving round the group so powerfully. God is so good! We have been part of something wonderful today: blessing abundant for the  Junior leaders, their children and churches in Masasi town and local parishes.”

RinJ Junior training in Kilwa

After further training in the parishes of Lindi and Mkuti, Jonathan and +James headed back to Masasi, where they led a Junior day seminar for 25 participants from 14 churches, where over a thousand children now attend RinJ Junior groups. Leaders reported that children know the memory verses, have formed a choir, serve at Mass, clean the church and read the Bible in services, and have collected money to buy chairs for the group. Some groups have divided and the leaders are visiting children and their families at home.

Finally, Jonathan was invited to attend the third Annual Meeting of the leadership of Rooted in Jesus in Tanzania, where he was able to represent Alison Morgan, the overall director of RinJ. Held in Dodoma, attended by Diocesan Coordinators from 10 dioceses and led by Bishop Stanley Hotay, the Director of Rooted in Jesus in Tanzania, it was a time for sharing and planning. Coordinators confirmed that RinJ is now part of the syllabus in Bible Colleges, and is used as the standard preparation material for confirmation; they shared too the administrative and financial challenges that they were experiencing as they oversee the RinJ programme within their dioceses. Finally, plans were made for further training conferences this year.

Rooted in Jesus national leadership team, Tanzania

For more about Rooted in Jesus see www.rootedinjesus.net.
Posted 13th May 2016 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

Rooted in Jesus has recently been introduced to three more dioceses in Uganda: Mityana in the south of the country, Lango in the centre and Karamoja in the far north east.

The Diocese of Mityana has a population of 1.5 million, 45% of whom are Anglicans, and in October 2015 a UK / Ugandan team led the first two Rooted in Jesus conferences in the diocese at the invitation of Bishop Stephen Kaziimba.

The conferences were attended by 135 leaders, both ordained and lay, with vibrant worship, fervent prayer and much repentance and renewal on the part of the delegates. Within weeks there were 100 established groups across the diocese, and John Musaasizi wrote to say that “the Lord has created enthusiasm among group leaders. Groups are mushrooming up in various churches of the Diocese of Mityana. We are experiencing a great move of the Holy Spirit among those trained and grounded in the Rooted in Jesus Program.” John has been sending frequent reports as he travels round the diocese visiting the new groups. This is his account of just one visit:

“Jethro and I enjoyed travelling to Kiryokya parish. Two miles before we reached the place, a strong rain accompanied with wind of the same strength almost hindered us from moving forward. No sooner did we reach  Kiryokya Parish Church than it stopped. We entered the church where the group of Rooted in Jesus was sitting, rejoicing in the Lord and singing the Revival song Tukutendereza with great oomph. We indeed felt the presence of Jesus among us. He was already there with the group before we arrived. It was a group of 35 members. It was one of the biggest groups we had met. Revd Eriya was the group leader full of zeal to grow his group into Christ likeness. At the end of sharing all what the Lord had prepared for us, we provided room for personal commitment to the Lordship of Jesus. Ten of the members ga
ve their lives to Lord Jesus. Among those who gave their lives to Jesus was Nathan who had come with his wife Florence. He loudly announced his birth experience, moved fast towards his wife. Upon reaching her he knelt down and  wept. He sought forgiveness from his wife for having been a drunkard. The experience led a number of members to tears. The Holy Spirit was moving among us transforming everybody saved and unsaved. As Jethro, I and a few other members had laid our hands on Nathan praying, my legs began shaking and I prayed silently for myself so that the Lord may prevent me from falling on the floor while praying for Nathan. He did. Glory be to His Name.”

Diocesan Secretary Rocky Sendegeya has written to give thanks “for the great work and transformation in the lives of our people who attended the Rooted in Jesus training last year, evidenced by the reports which always come from different groups that have been established in different Parishes of the diocese. The training was really a blessing to the diocese and those who were trained have now become a blessing to the communities where they come from.” The Diocese hopes to hold further training this year.

The team was led by Ven James Tumesigwe from the Diocese of East Rwenzori, with Revd William Musisi from South Rwenzori and Revd Ian and Mrs Sue Smale, Dee Spencer and Peter Silverwood from the UK. The conferences were hosted by Canon John Musaasizi.

• To read a conference report by Ian Smale click here.
  

  A Rooted in Jesus group in Mityana

The Diocese of Lango is a large diocese with 8 archdeaconries, 51 parishes and 678 sub-parishes. The Rooted in Jesus conference, held in Lira Cathedral, was attended by 182 leaders, many of whom testified to the touch of the Holy Spirit on their lives during the times of prayer and worship. Bishop Charles Odurkami presented certificates, and 100 groups are planned to start shortly. Coordinator Revd Ronald Eguny wrote afterwards: “On the behalf of the Diocese of Lango I want to thank the Director of Rooted in Jesus for sending us wonderful teams which was so lovely, free, accommodative, God fearing people, prayerful and made a good presentation to the participants. I am getting reports from all the parishes and it has made my work very easy.”

• To read a conference report by Ronald Eguny click here.

Learning about the Holy Spirit in Lango

The team moved on to the Diocese of Karamoja, arriving on the second attempt after a broken leaf-spring bracket forced their vehicle off the road. Karamoja is a place with a past, with rivalry and brutality between rival tribes having led to many violent deaths; most of the conference participants had lost family members. Bishop Joseph Abura had just hosted a reconciliation convocation attended by 7000 people, and so Rooted in Jesus comes at a time of new beginnings – and one participant had a prophetic vision of a new period of peace, with cattle free to roam and freedom from the fear of militias.

The conference was attended by 80 participants: all the clergy, plus invited Lay Readers, members of the Mothers and Fathers Unions, Church Wardens, Sunday School teachers, Youth leaders, and parish mission coordinators. Many testified to healing, with one woman in particular visibly transformed until she became radiant with joy.

Bishop Joseph wrote afterwards: “You were here in Moroto to give birth to what is likely going to develop deep roots in this diocese. Almost all the diocese’s leaders and managers attended the training. We shall try our level best to start the RinJ groups and fellowships. Continue to pray for us on this.” The new groups will be overseen by Diocesan Coordinator John Onyao.

Both the Lango and Karamoja teams were led by Revd Derek Price, with James Tumesgiwe, William Musisi, Andy Douglass, Jeannetta Stokes, Sarah Richardson, Ben Beecroft and, as intercessors, Clark and Carol Smith of E412 Ministries.

• To read conference reports by Derek Price click here.

Worship in Karamoja

Looking ahead

Rooted in Jesus has now been introduced to 7 Anglican dioceses and one Pentecostal network in Uganda. Director Alison Morgan was delighted to meet with Archbishop Stanley Ngatali in Bristol recently. Archbishop Ngatali says that discipleship is the big challenge in the Province, with many people responding to the gospel but few receiving appropriate nurture and training afterwards. He is keen to see Rooted in Jesus implemented in more dioceses, starting with his own diocese of Kampala. A number of other dioceses are currently translating the leader’s books in preparation for a conference.

To read more about Rooted in Jesus in Uganda visit the Uganda page of the Rooted in Jesus website, or check out the recent feedback from Diocesan Coordinators here. In addition to Mityana, Lango and Karamoja, Rooted in Jesus has been introduced to the dioceses of South Rwenzori, Muhabura, Bunyoro Kitara and Kumi. Rooted in Jesus Junior is in use both in South Rwenzori and in the Quality Discipleship Network of churches in the area around Entebbe. Our last post about Uganda was in April 2015.

www.rootedinjesus.net

Mityana, Lango and Karamoja

Posted 16th March 2016 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

We have just published our annual report for 2015. There is much to be grateful to God for:

• for the vision and leadership of the bishops as they encourage their people to become disciples of Jesus
• for the dedication of diocesan coordinators and group leaders
• for the many joyful testimonies of changed lives
• for those who give up their time to lead and join RinJ teams
• for the ceaseless support and answered prayers of the intercessors
• for the provision of the finances needed to print books and help dioceses with conference costs

You can read the Annual Report here. And you can catch up with some of the recent testimonies sent by Diocesan Coordinators here.

Partner with us!

Rooted in Jesus is run entirely on donations. This year we are hoping to send teams to South Sudan and DR Congo, countries facing challenges we can scarcely imagine. We would love to increase training opportunities for RinJ Junior, for the future of any country lies with its children. We wish to continue to support the Tanzanian leadership team who now run RinJ independently there. And we want to be able to continue to invest in the lives of ordinary people all over Africa, people who want to follow Jesus and share his love with their friends and neighbours.

If you would like to partner with us by making a regular donation to Rooted in Jesus, however small, we would be immensely grateful to you. You can do this by completing a simple standing order form (click here). Or you can make a one-off donation here or by following the link through the donate button below. Both these have a Gift Aid option to enable us to reclaim the tax on your donation.

Thank you!

Alison Morgan, Director, Rooted in Jesus
Posted 17th February 2016

In 2014 Brian Keel and a team from the Leadership Development Partnership introduced Rooted in Jesus to several networks of Pentecostal churches in Kenya. The team returned in November 2015 to see how things were going – and found themselves listening to some amazing stories.

A new demand for Bibles

‘As a result of Rooted in Jesus being used in areas where Bible ownership is low, there have been a request for us to supply local language Bibles, as more Christians now desire their own copy of the scriptures, and local shops have none left,’ Brian reports. These are rural areas, in which ‘biblical understanding is quite low, as for many leaders their knowledge is what they have acquired from others, who have also not received any teaching.’ The team were able to offer 300 leaders a Swahili Bible at a 50% subsidy, and are praying for the funding for more.

Leaders in Murang’a receive RinJ certificates

Groups bring change and growth

Brian continues: ‘In Bungoma and Kombewa we were able to hear some of the testimonies from those we trained 18 months ago – there were some incredible accounts!’

• one RinJ group had doubled in number every week for the first 4 weeks as word got around
• a pastor said his church had grown from 20 to 50 members
• a bishop said he had learned how to teach and train others; his network had increased from 250 to 400 members
• many had become believers, and were beginning to teach others
• group members had become bold to serve God
• RinJ has given a foundation to the church, enabling members to remain firm in their faith
• through the memory verses those who cannot read have been learning the scriptures; others have begun to study the Bible for themselves
• a leader working amongst Muslims had planted 2 new churches, with 53 people in RinJ groups
• people have been able to find healing and offer forgiveness
• some leaders had started with one group but were now running several groups as demand had increased
• one leader described RinJ as ‘the way of the Spirit’
• group members have become leaders in the church
• group members have begun to share their faith and lead people to Christ
• a pastor said his workload had reduced as people gained confidence and took leadership roles in the church
• when people are invited to express and discuss, it leads to them feeling part of the church in a way they had not previously experienced
• the course enables the leader to minister specifically into people’s lives
• people have been saved and delivered, they now have a personal relationship with Jesus
• RinJ is ‘a very essential programme for both new believers and those Christians who only know Christ on the surface level’

The value of a second conference

RinJ has now been introduced into three networks: in Bungoma, Vine International (overseer Dan Macheko); in Ruiru and Kahatia, Pentecostal Evangelical Fellowship of Africa (Bishop Peter Chege and Principal of Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College Kennedy Maturi); and in Kombewa, Glad Tidings Churches (overseer Moses Jagero).

Moses Jagero commented that in 2014 some leaders had been sceptical about Rooted in Jesus, but that the testimonies shared at the conference had shown that it is a powerful tool. As always, it is the ‘early adopters’ who run with something which is very new  – and once again the value of a follow-up conference after one year has been clearly demonstrated.

For more news and testimonies follow the links below:

• Testimonies from group leaders
• Brian Keel’s full report
• David Gibson’s account of the conferences, marked by signs and wonders

To catch up with Rooted in Jesus in Kenya visit the Kenya page of our website.

Leaders in Ruiru

Posted 29th January 2016 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

In November 2015 we were finally able to honour the invitation from Bishop Brighton Malasa to send a team to introduce Rooted in Jesus to the Diocese of Upper Shire, Malawi. A joint UK-Zambian team led by Revd John Lee led a single four day conference for 80 clergy and lay leaders at the Chilema Conference Centre just outside Zomba. The two Zambian team members, Fr Kapomba Sekeleti and Canon Susan Mumba, came from the neighbouring diocese of Eastern Zambia, where RinJ has been in use since 2008. The three UK team members were all from the Diocese of York.

A group in a practice session under the Chilema tree. This is apparently a unique plant unknown anywhere else with multiple trunks and branches growing into each other. Probably, therefore, the most appropriate place on the planet to learn Rooted in Jesus together!

Team Leader John Lee reports:

“The Diocese has an Anglo-Catholic tradition with mass at the heart of worship and a strong emphasis on clerical leadership. It is deeply engaged with the needs of the community it serves and a major resource in training and education. Bishop Brighton Malasa was very helpful in facilitating the conference. His senior staff were on hand and participated in the conference itself. The Vicar General, Canon Francis Chipala, was given the role of the link between the team and  the diocese and he provided all that was needed.

There were 80 delegates for the conference: 31 Clergy and 49 Laity (drawn from Mothers Union, Daughters of the King, St Monica, Youth, Boys and Girls Brigade). The delegates were open and receptive to the teaching of the conference, and the Q&A session on the last day demonstrated an appetite for using Rooted in Jesus as widely as possible in the life of the diocese, and the Bishop was encouraging this. The Holy Spirit teaching had also made an impact on a number of the delegates.

Bishop Brighton appointed a team to coordinate Rooted in Jesus in the Diocese: this team will be led by Fr Edward Kawinga. We’re very encouraged by this choice. Fr Edward was an able and obviously engaged translator who, we felt, was enthused by the conference. He will be joined by Emmanuel Douglas (Youth), Fr Elliot Litereko and Mrs Nancy Mkata (Daughters of the King).

John’s full report can be found here.

Ten days after the conference we received the following moving email from Fr Edward Kawinga, the newly appointed coordinator:

“Just had my first meeting with members of the first RinJ group formed last Sunday soon after church service today. Guess what! RinJ is a real eye opener! There is a lot l didn’t know about my parishioners. Group introductions alone reveal that our parishioners are dying in silence and I am very convinced that RinJ is the real Cure.”

“The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10.10

Posted 16th December 2015 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

Rooted in Jesus was first introduced to the Diocese of Kigali at the invitation of Bishop Louis Muvunyi in 2013, and in October a team led by Ven Kevin Roberts returned to lead a second followup conference. The team included members from the UK and from Burundi, and offered two conferences, one for Mothers Union leaders and one for Youth Leaders.

Kevin reports:

A Conference for the Mothers’ Union

“We began with a four day introductory conference for 48 members of the Mother’s Union,
invited from the 40+ parishes in the Diocese by the Diocesan MU Coordinator, Peace Mukamisha. The delegates included some younger ‘pre-MU’ members as part of a strategic decision by the diocese to link the MU to the expanding and exciting work that God is doing among the youth in the diocese. The intention is that each delegate will start a MU Rooted in Jesus group, so that there is one in each parish from which others can multiply. The week was wonderful in every way, with delegates engaging seriously with the programme, enjoying each other’s company and worshipping with a passion and freedom that it was a delight to witness and be a part of. During the course of the week we heard testimonies of physical healing, of the healing of memories and relationships (some connected to the 1994 genocide), of deep forgiveness and of a new found joy. We received a number of pictures, scriptures and prophecies, before and during the conference, with a ‘living water’ theme, some speaking of a waterfall of general blessing and others of wells and pipes from which the water was given to individuals. God was as good as his word! The certificates and RinJ books were presented by +Louis and his wife Winnie (the Diocesan MU President) in a wonderful final ceremony.

A Conference for the Youth

The second conference was for 54 youth cell leaders from each parish, all leaders within the archdeaconry teams set up recently by the Youth Department under the guidance of Eric Habyarimana. Eight of the delegates were existing group leaders. They reported to us that 16 leaders of new groups had emerged from their initial groups, which is good news indeed. The week was memorable for lots of reasons, not least the sheer passion and commitment of these young disciples. The worship was about as vigorous and energetic as I have seen ever, anywhere, which is saying a lot! There was a freshness a
nd openness to the Spirit which we had seen in previous years amongst the young people and which was evident again this year. It really does appear as if God is doing a particular work amongst  the youth and that the young people are truly “the power of the church” in Rwanda, and its future.

We were wonderfully supported throughout by +Louis a
nd Winnie Muvunyi, who could not have been kinder or more welcoming of the team. I must also record our thanks to Peace, Eric and Celestin who served us well during the conferences, along with the team of translators and caterers and diocesan staff who made us feel thoroughly at home. It feels as though God is building our partnership, and I hope that we can continue to build on this in future years as Rooted in Jesus becomes a main discipleship resource within the Diocese of Kigali.”

God was clearly at work among both the conference participants and the team members themselves:

Conference participants said: 

• “I thank God for what happened in my heart. I used to have great sadness, but now the old wounds have been healed. I used not to pray, but now the darkness has gone away and there is only light!  I feel happy!  Glory to God!” Lecardie
• “Before I came, I felt far from God, like my prayers weren’t reaching God. Now I feel my prayer is reaching God and I have joy. I felt like the flat balloon. Now I feel filled up.  God has given me joy in the Holy Spirit.” Nathaniel
• “I am happy because of what He has done. I had a great sadness, but God gave me joy. I can now forgive the one who hurt me. Glory to God.” Marie Rose

Team member Revd Kristy Pattimore writes:

“The visit to Rwanda was amazing. I knew it would be an adventure – I’ve never been to Africa before, but I actually was surprised by how ‘at home’ I felt there. I loved the people and the whole experience of being able to serve them as part of a gifted, loving team. I loved the worship, which was vibrant and full of joy. It was also a privilege to help the delegates to delve more into the Bible, to learn knew skills in leadership and, above all to encounter God afresh through ministry times. I feel that I grew personally, discovering new gifts and healing in my own life. I found the programme really inspiring. As a pioneer minister, my main focus is on making disciples, who can then make disciples, so Rooted in Jesus was very relevant to me.”

Team member Revd David Wood writes:

“I feel as though I have been lifted out of something of a rut in my ministry. A greater confidence in the work of the Holy Spirit in directing my thinking and speaking; I hope a greater willingness to take some risks under her direction. We shall see.

There was the inevitable queue for food and some had stayed behind in the main hall next door. This small group (equally inevitably!) were engaged in worship when, led by Alice, they launched into something very different. I have no idea what the words were but the language was unmistakable. It struck me as being a song of longing for Jesus and it caught something in me: they’d hardly got two notes out before tears were running down my face (as they are now as I type this). We had only said the evening before that there didn’t seem to have been a ‘Holy Spirit moment’ at that point, and there it was in an unguarded and unexpected moment. It lasted maybe two or three minutes. I didn’t have any lunch that day; it just didn’t seem necessary. I didn’t mention it to anyone else at the time; it was so intensely personal that I couldn’t.”

It is such a privilege and a joy to be part of an international Communion, to share with brothers and sisters in Christ who face different challenges and have different insights, and to find that Jesus is in our midst. We continue to pray for one another as together we work out what it means to live as his disciples and to build his kingdom in the particular contexts in which he has placed us.

Team member Elisha Nkezabahizi writes:

“Jesus worked with us especially in both conferences. I learned much from you and from my Lord Jesus. I will never forget the time I spent with you friends. I was touched much on how difficult it was to say goodbye. My tears took place there. It was not easy to let one go and others stay. But God is good, I hope to hear to what Jesus is doing for you and for your life and the Church as well.”

To find out more about Rooted in Jesus in Rwanda visit the Rooted in Jesus website here.

Posted 15th December 2015 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

In July 2015 we sent our second Rooted in Jesus team to the Diocese of Katanga in the DR Congo. The Diocese, in the south east of the country,  is the size of England. The population of some 10 million lives in a scattering of towns and villages, with 1.5 million in the mining industries centred on Lubumbashi. The team held conferences in Lubumbashi and Kapolowe before travelling to Kalemie, the eastern missionary area of the diocese. This is an area of the country much affected by civil war and characterised by extreme poverty.

Participants at the second conference

The team began in Lubumbashi by asking for feedback on the existing groups. They learned that there had been much preparatory prayer before announcing groups to congregations or inviting outsiders;  some groups comprised all church members, some all non-members,  some a mix; all were mixed age and gender. There were many testimonies of relationships deepened,  marriages changed and of healings.

They moved on to Kapolowe, three hours away by road and in a deeply rural area. The conference was held in a classroom wing of the local school. 28 men and 26 women attended, representing each parish in the area. Some had travelled 105 km by bicycle and then taxi along rough dirt roads. The team found that people were poor, mainly farmers, but so beautiful, attentive, with wonderful worship, and so hungry for more of God. The invitation to receive the Holy  Spirit saw many blessed – local culture is such that physical response to the Spirit was freely made, with dancing, laughing and sighing.

The third conference was held in Kalemie. 110 people attended from all the local denominations, with some cycling 250 miles over six days, sleeping at the roadside. The team were told there are 61 Anglican RinJ groups meeting in this area, all established since the first conference a year ago. Coordinator James Muyundo explained:

“Our RinJ Co-ordination is very new and it is in the post conflict area of DR Congo in Tanganyika Province. During the conflict period people have lost many things: lives and properties. The people who could support us have lost even their lives. This new coordination in a new Diocese needs new supports, new resources, new plans, and new strategies to make the dream of having a Diocese come true!”

Ngoi Lwakabila Vincent and Banze Mukangala travelled 250 miles by bicycle to attend the conference

It is clear that in this place where so many have so little, where suffering has been great and the future remains uncertain, people are committing their lives to Jesus and finding real joy as they learn to trust and to follow him. A year ago Bishop Elisha Tendwa wrote to us: “Prophet Ezekiel saw the valley of dry bones, so we were a valley of dry bones – but now through the RinJ team God breathed new life into a valley of dry bones, created waves of revival, waves of growth and spiritual life to His people in Congo.” This year the evidence for that was clear. The team invited those who had been using RinJ to share their stories, and the following testimonies were shared with those team members who speak swahili – bearing witness both to personal transformation and church growth:

St John’s Church, Makata Parish

Pastor Mwembo says: “We give thanks to RinJ, we were 70 members and we now are 130, including children. We have eight groups each with 6 members. They evangelise 4 families who have now become Christians.”

“Gabrielle Kaputo fled 600 km from the north, leaving behind everything she owned. She said she became encouraged by the teachings of RinJ both physically and spiritually. She had a problem of bearing children. But after RinJ Conference last year, she got prayers for healing and now her problem had overcome and she had a baby.”

Gabrielle Kaputo

Mamba Parish

“Susanna Umba gives thanks for the teachings. She benefited through reading  Jeremiah 17:7–8. She began working with children; there are now 28 children in Sunday School. She evangelised one family and as a result the whole family became Christians. Although she faced hardships she didn’t give up. She continued to serve God. She started women’s groups.  She started with 3 or 4 women but up to now there are 15 new members. Some women are good in leading worship and read the readings during morning service.”

“Pastor Kabange gives thanks for the RinJ conference. They started with 2 groups with 5 members each. Up to now they have 4 groups – almost 20 members each. A whole church  – 120 including adults and children” -–above, complete with tarpaulin extension!

Mamba church, with its new tarpaulin extension!

Manono Parish

After attending the RinJ Seminar last year Ven Ngoi Lwakabila Vincent started 5 groups with 4 members each. The number increased. He started another 5 groups in sub-parishes. The total number in the whole Parish is now 70 members. He and his colleague Banze Mukangala cycled 250 miles to attend the conference.

Ven Ngoi Lwakabila Vincent and Revd Banze Mukangala

Lukwangulo Parish

Revd Kabeye Katengu Bertin – “RinJ teachings helped a family from Pygmy society. This family were totally pagans; they used to play a part in witchdoctor activities. A man who was a head of family had been possessed by demons during his activities. When ‘Rooted in Jesus’ teachings reached in their village, a woman from that family was attracted by them and she joined the RinJ group. As the days went on, she started to influence her husband, as a result, her husband also joined the group.  He handed over all the things which were being used in witch activities to the church to burn so that he will remain free. Up to now, that family including father, mother and three children are Christians and they are all RinJ group members. The total number of Church members at Lukwangulo Parish is 43 including adults and children.”

The team was led by Revd Matthew Grayshon, with members from the UK, Canada, South Africa, and Tanzania, working with diocesan coordinators Stephane Makata and James Mayundo, and their colleague Revd Bertin Subi. The bishops are Kasima Corneille and Elisha Tendwa.

To read a report from James Mayundo click here.
For other recent reports on Rooted in Jesus visit the website and look for ‘what’s new’.
To catch up on feedback from the dioceses visit the news page here.

Posted 26th October 2016 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

The Diocese of Mara is centred on Musoma, on the shores of Lake Victoria

The Diocese of Mara has been using Rooted in Jesus to great effect since 2011, and there are now over 80 groups meeting, one or more in almost every parish of the diocese, many of which are now completing the programme – known locally as ‘The Family of One Heart and One Mind in Rooted in Jesus’. Rooted in Jesus Junior was introduced in 2013, and over 70 Sunday Schools now teach their children this way. The programme is overseen by Canon Jacob Robert (adult) and Revd Grace Daudi (children). Jacob is also part of the national leadership team for RinJ in northern Tanzania, and now the bishop elect of this diocese.

Jacob had invited us to return to Musoma, the centre of the Diocese (where support for RinJ has also been provided through a team from the link Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist in South Africa) to run two conferences: one for Sunday School teachers, and one for Mothers Union leaders. This is the first time we have ever run a conference specifically for women leaders, and as Jacob prepares to begin his episcopal ministry it was an excellent way of affirming the growing ministry of women in the diocese. It was a privilege to work alongside Grace, the MU President, and her deputy Beatrice, who had worked hard to organise the conferences.

A workshop at the women’s conference

The conferences were attended by some 90 participants from across the diocese, about 70 of whom received certificates qualifying them to lead either Sunday School or Mothers Union groups. The numbers were evenly divided between the two conferences, the big surprise (for us) being the high proportion of young men chosen to represent their parishes at the Junior conference – there are few leadership opportunities for younger people within the church, it seems, and it was encouraging to see the energy and commitment they brought to the conference.

After the conferences were over, the team divided, with Alison and Kim remaining in Mara before travelling to Arusha, and the others moving down to the Diocese of Masasi in the south to lead a further RinJ Junior conference. It was a privilege for Alison and Kim to be able to spend a couple of days visiting parishes which have RinJ groups: we went to Bunda on Saturday, to Butiama and Nyakiswa on Sunday, and Buhemba and Gesaria on Monday. In Bunda we met with an established Junior group led by Christina, with 20 enthusiastic children keen to answer questions and share memory verses. In Buhemba, where the church has some 1000 members, we met with a women’s group newly formed by a conference participant, and heard of the two new Junior groups also formed the day before. In Gerasia we listened to powerful testimonies from three existing group members, and were invited by Pastor Samuel to name the new church (now called Holy Trinity), before meeting some of the orphans cared for by the church, and feasting on rice and meat in his traditional walled family home.

Members of the RinJ Junior group in Bondo

Alison and Kim then travelled by road across northern Tanzania via the Serengeti National Park to Arusha, where we met with Bishop Stanley Hotay and the new RinJ administrator Cate Mwega, with Jacob Robert and Linnet Smith who was coming to the end of her last visit as RinJ Link Officer. It was good to hear of the plans for expansion and development of RinJ within the Province, and particularly of the recent Synod meeting of 10 bishops with Bishops Stanley Hotay and James Almasi. Cate is doing an excellent job as RinJ administrator, and there are plans to appoint two new deputy zonal coordinators to support Jacob and +James in their roles. Morale is high, and further conferences are due to take place in Masasi, Lweru, Victoria Nyanza and Mpwapwa in the next few months, supported by the Anglican Communion Fund grant received earlier this year.

Travelling within the diocese

Posted 8th August 2015 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

Rooted in Jesus Junior is a Sunday School discipleship programme for use with 8-14 year olds. Normally introduced once the adult programme has been in use in a diocese for some time, it had now been adopted by 11 dioceses/denominations. Jonathan Rendall has been talking with some of the coordinators.

“I am a new man – there is a new spirit in me” – Godson Madibi

Revd Godson Madibi reports that in the Diocese of Morogoro, Tanzania, a RinJ Junior Celebration was held in the cathedral on Easter Day, for children and their parents. To Godson’s amazement and delight, over 1200 children attended this event, which included singing, praying worshipping, reading the Bible together, drama and preaching (by the children). Parents were so enthusiastic that they have offered to sponsor future gatherings; Godson himself has experienced a renewal of spirit and a deepening of his calling to oversee the Junior programme across the diocese. Bishop Godfrey has asked Godson to start further groups across the diocese, and to made contact with all existing groups. Godson has begun to travel from parish to parish encouraging the Junior teachers and clergy; he asks for our prayers.

The Diocese of South Rwenzori, Uganda

RinJ was introduced to this diocese, at the invitation of Bishop Jackson Nzerebende, back in 2008. Last year we sent a team to train Sunday School teachers to use RinJ Junior. Revd William Musisi reports that Junior is now growing across the diocese, with 7 archdeaconry coordinators appointed and 98 groups established in the parishes. William’s own church in Bwera, on the Uganda/Congo border is growing, with 2 Junior groups meeting on Sundays; the children gave the readings and shared their testimonies at a recent Family Sunday service.

Exciting reports are coming in from the archdeaconries too. William told Jonathan of the recent one-week mission held in Kasese, with one day being dedicated entirely to work among children – over 1000 children attended a day rally and marched through the town, all the Junior groups being represented, and new groups are now planned.

William and his previous colleague Revd James Tumwesigye are leading a joint UK/Uganda RinJ team to the Diocese of Mityana later this year.

RinJ Junior children at the children’s gospel crusade, Kasese

Growing ministry in the Diocese of Eastern Zambia

Under the leadership of Bishop William Mchombo, this diocese has been using RinJ since 2008 and RinJ Junior since last year. The Junior programme is coordinated by Revd Abraham Phiri. Abraham reports that there are now 60 Junior groups meeting across the diocese, all of which are now on Book 3. Children are enjoying the groups so much that they have begun to invite their friends to church; many have real testimonies of how the Lord is working in their lives.

RinJ Junior spreads in South Africa

Nicole Corlew has sent a report on the recent combined RinJ and RinJ Junior training conference held in Polokwane, in the Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist. 20 adult and 19 Junior leaders were trained, including a woman who plans to use Junior for the children participating in her church’s feeding scheme, a youth leader from the cathedral who wants to provide something for the younger siblings of the teenagers who come, and a teenager named Frank who led the best practice session Nicole has ever seen! The conference was opened by Bishop Martin Breytenbach, and the teams led by Nicole Corlew (Junior) and Jack Kudumela (adult). We are dismayed to learn that Jack has since suffered a stroke, and we invite your prayers for him. To read Nicole’s report click here.

RinJ Junior leaders trained, Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist

Robert Sihubwa and the Diocese of Lusaka

Revd Robert Sihubwa is the vicar of St Peter’s, Lusaka, a church whose congregation has multiplied 4 times since he took up his post there a year ago, reaching its current size of 450 people – one of Robert’s recurrent tasks is that of buying new chairs! Robert is using RinJ Junior at St Peter’s as well as acting as coordinator for the diocese.

Alongside his local roles, Robert is the Africa Secretary for Teen Challenge, and will act as General Secretary to the Anglican Consultative Council meeting in April 2016, which is to be held in Lusaka. The ACC has been asked to prepare a paper on discipleship for the entire Anglican Communion (Alison Morgan is one of the contributors to this paper), with a view to the establishment of a Decade of Discipleship. Robert is keen to promote discipleship at both local and national level, and the Diocese of Lusaka has set discipleship as their key agenda for the next three years. A focus group is being formed, with the aim of planning for discipleship training for children aged 5-10 across the diocese; Robert anticipates that RinJ Junior will be the key driver for this programme.

Provincial Youth Training in Kenya

Captain Joshua Opondo is RinJ coordinator for the Diocese of Maseno South. Joshua is also an experienced RinJ team member who has provided both RinJ adult and Junior training in other dioceses; he is also the Provincial Youth Coordinator for the Anglican Church of Kenya.

Bishop Stanley Hotay, Director of RinJ Tanzania, was the main speaker at the recent Provincial Youth Conference, and Joshua is now working with the Provincial Youth Department to consider how best to promote discipleship among young people across the Province. At home, Joshua has introduced Junior to the Cathedral, where he is on the staff, has used the adult course for a highly successful confirmation class, and is working to support the groups across the diocese – where RinJ was introduced less than a year ago.

Looking ahead

‘The best decision anyone can ever make, at any point in life, in any circumstance, whoever they are, wherever they are, whatever they are, is to become a disciple of Jesus Christ’ – Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, in his Lambeth Lecture, March 2015.

At Rooted in Jesus we are committed to supporting the vision of the Anglican Communion to help people of every age and every nationality grow as disciples of Jesus.

Posted 15th July 2015 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

‘Until now you have not asked anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete’ – John 16.24.

Rooted in Jesus Report from Kolwezi, Diocese of Katanga, DR Congo

Certificates being awarded in Kolwezi

Rooted in Jesus was introduced to the Diocese of Katanga, which lies in the south eastern region of DR Congo, in 2014. The team was led by Matthew Grayshon, and included members from the UK, South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania. Revd Stéphane Makata was appointed diocesan coordinator by Bishop Kasima Corneille, and has sent us regular and inspiring reports of the difference Rooted in Jesus is making to people’s lives as they learn to pray, live and read the Bible differently. The following report (translated from French by Alison Morgan) contains testimonies given in public on the occasion of the presentation of certificates to those who had completed Book 1 of Rooted in Jesus. Many of them are based on group members’ experience of praying according to the memory verse John 16.24.

Stéphane writes:

Kolwezi lies 360 km south west of Katanga. Notwithstanding this, Bishop Kasima Munono Corneille was willing to travel from Lubumbashi to Kolwezi using his own financial resources, in order to be present at the ceremony at which the Rooted in Jesus certificates were awarded. Rooted in Jesus has been able to plant several new churches, and so Bishop Kasima also presented poles and tarpaulins which will enable group members to construct their own places of worship.

Bishop Kasima Corneille presents poles and tarpaulins for the construction of new churches

KOLWEZI DEANERY, Parish of St John

Catechist JOEL NGOY MAKOBO, group leader

“After my training in Lubumbashi on how to use the Rooted in Jesus Christ programme, I went to Kolwezi for my final academic placement. I travelled by bicycle, and I have now been ministering there since April 5^th 2014. When I arrived at Kolwezi I began to attend a church in my placement parish where there were 6 people. I decided to begin by teaching the Rooted in Jesus material every Sunday, and it captivated more and more people. After two months the number attending had grown to 45. God continued to help us by calling further people through healings and answered prayers. We have numerous testimonies, and today the church has at least 95 members and we have groups such as the choir, the prayer group, the Mother’s Union, the Boys Brigade and prayer cells each with their own leaders.”

Catechist Joel Ngoy Makobo

The following testimonies were given by those who have been taught through Rooted in Jesus:

ERICK

“I was lost and I had abandoned the church, but when I discovered the teaching of Rooted in Jesus I received the Lord Jesus for real. I used to dream about prostitutes, but through prayer and the teachings, I have to say that I am now completely free of this. I didn’t know how to share my faith or stand against witchcraft, but now I can do both these things. Certainly Jesus Christ has saved me.”

PETRO

“I was never interested either in the church or in prayer; but today through the teachings of Rooted in Jesus Christ I love to serve God in the church. I was a thief but now I have renounced that. Truly Jesus Christ has saved me.”

ASTRIDE

“I was a great sinner: rude, insulting, arrogant and slanderous. However, after receiving the teachings of Rooted in Jesus Christ, Christ has truly saved me, and I now share good news with others so they too may be saved as I have been.”

ISAAC

“I was a self employed miner, searching for minerals. I was far too fond of brawling and drunkenness, and each time I did this I would dream that I was fighting against supernatural aliens – they were like wild beasts. I even had a child with a prostitute. After receiving the teachings of Rooted in Jesus Christ, I now share the good news of Jesus Christ. I now know to pray for myself and for others. I love Jesus Christ.”

DIVINE

I was lost and I was following wrong paths – for example adultery, lying, pride, and evil spirits. These spirits were in me, but after receiving Jesus Christ through the teachings of Rooted in Jesus Christ, I am saved. I am now going to serve God.

FELLY

“I was a slanderer, adulterer and thief, and I had never loved the church. Today I have been saved through the teachings of Rooted in Jesus Christ, and I love Jesus Christ.”

DEANERY OF KIPUSHI, Parish of St Peter

These are the testimonies of those who have completed Book 1 of Rooted in Jesus.

Members of the RinJ group in Kipushi receive certificates

KULITA

“I thank God because he has shown his power in me since I had an accident and broke my pelvis. When I received the teaching from the Rooted in Jesus course, especially John 16.24, I prayed according to what it said. One night while I was asleep, I saw someone come in and cut my hip, and my leg fell out of my trousers, so I cried out to my wife that I have lost my leg, it has just been cut off! When I opened my eyes, I could feel no pain and all my limbs were there, healed – as they have remained to this day. So I can travel by motor bike either to church or to the hospital. My family are all saved, and we believe in Jesus Christ. He is our Lord and Saviour forever.”

FRANCOIS

“I am a soldier, and although I would go to church I had no foundation of faith. But with all these teachings that I have just received, I my faith is now founded on Jesus Christ. Me and my family, no one can snatch us from his hands. He is our only Lord and Saviour. We will feed on his words in the same way that we feed on real food.”

MBUYI

“My daughter was going to give birth but it was difficult; the doctor told us she needed surgery which would cost US $500. I am a widow – where was I to find all this money? At one o’clock in the morning I remembered the teaching from Rooted in Jesus. I went alone to church and I prayed. Jesus Christ had encouraged me to pray according to John 16.24, “So far you have asked nothing in my name. Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be complete.” I prayed like this: ‘Cast your eye uon your widow now, for you are the father of orphans; fulfill your word in me so that my joy may be complete according to your will.” At five in the morning my children, who had been looking for me all night, found me in church praying. It was the last place they come to after searching several other places thinking that I had committed suicide.”

ANTOINETTE

“We divorced as a result of the anger which dominated our home. Now we have been saved through the teachings of Rooted in Jesus Christ, and we will remain forever attached to Jesus Christ.”

Revd NGOSA

“I am a pastor and preacher of the gospel, but I have always been weak. However, I now feel as if I have been vaccinated, so that I can exercise the ministry to which the Lord has called me. Already many have been saved, and have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. They are now united with him and will remain so throughout their lives, thanks to the teachings of Rooted in Jesus Christ. They are no longer ignorant. They were ensnared in the teachings of the world, and they want to leave this and base their lives on the teaching of Rooted in Jesus Christ.”

REGINE PACIFIQUE KASIMA, the wife of the bishop and the group leader:

“As for me, how these lessons make me grow! No one will separate me from Rooted in Jesus during my life on this earth, because I do not think I can testify one minute and not the next. I have been awoken from the deep sleep and from the distractions in which I lived. May God bless the person to whom he revealed this programme!”

To find out more, to join the RinJ prayer network or to make a financial contribution to the fund which makes it possible, please visit www.rootedinjesus.co.uk.

Posted 28th June 2015 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

We are delighted to announce that Alison’s long-awaited book Following Jesus – The Plural of Disciple is Church arrived in our office this week! Mentioned by Archbishop Justin Welby in his recent address to General Synod, it carries a raft of commendations which you can browse here.

Defining discipleship as ‘a form of apprenticeship undertaken in community’, and drawing on her experience of working with people in the UK and across Africa, Alison offers a compelling mix of personal experience, real life stories and theological reflection. “If you are looking for something to excite people about Christian discipleship, “writes Bishop James Newcome in his Foreword, “this is it.”

• Alison Morgan is a star! A wise and prophetic book which challenges us to consider the question ‘How do I make my faith in Christ real today?’ The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu

• Alison beautifully balances the passionate individual following of Jesus in order to become more like him, with the well-argued emphasis and practical application that the plural of disciple is Church. It should become standard reading, thinking and living. George Lings, Church Army Research Unit

• Alison Morgan writes with a rare blend of wisdom and inspiration. This beautiful book is peppered with story, challenge and hope. I cannot recommend Alison’s work highly enough. Mark Russell, Chief Executive, Church Army

To find out more and read commendations click here.
Following Jesus can be previewed on Google Books.
To order please visit The Mathetes Trust website.
In Canada and the US Following Jesus is also available from the Tyndale Seminary bookstore here.

Posted 30th April 2015 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

Within Uganda, Rooted in Jesus has now been introduced to four Anglican dioceses and one Pentecostal network, and is commended by the Anglican Provincial Office as a recommended tool for discipleship. We are looking forward to working with five further dioceses in 2015 and 2016.

We have received some encouraging news from the Diocese of South Rwenzori, where RinJ has become an established part of the life of the diocese since its introduction in 2008. The initial 40 groups have grown to 100, on average two per parish, most of which have completed the first three books of the programme. In June 2014 we sent a team to help the diocese introduce Rooted in Jesus Junior to 248 Sunday School teachers. Speaking recently to coordinator William Musisi, Junior team leader Jonathan Rendall was delighted to hear that there are now some 90 Junior groups in just three of the diocese’s seven archdeaconries – each of which has its own coordinator – involving some 1400-1800 children.  William reports that ‘children can now recite the memory verses, and the parents appreciate the children’s participation in church activities and reaching out to other children.’ He hopes that the RinJ Junior programme will help them to connect with the many children who do not yet know about Jesus.

To read more about what’s been happening in South Rwenzori do visit the Uganda page of the Rooted in Jesus website. William Musisi and his former colleague James Tumwesigye will lead the Rooted in Jesus team to the Diocese of Mityana later this year.

RinJ Junior conference, South Rwenzori June 2014

In 2012 Revd John Lee led a team to the Diocese of Bunyoro Kitara, where RinJ was warmly received; Canon Eric Twine, the archdeacon of Kagadi, wrote “Rooted in Jesus is a true discipleship tool that every Church that serves the resurrected and living Jesus should embrace wholeheartedly. It has both Spiritual and Social components. What a blessing to have a such programme launched in my Archdeaconry!!” Canon Twine and his colleague Mission Coordinator Joyce Asaba have been working hard ever since that first training to support the Rooted in Jesus group leaders. Joyce has kept in regular touch, writing to tell us of people coming to faith through the groups, of the healing ministry established by group members in their churches, and of the ways in which people’s lives have been changed and their prayer lives revived (you can read her most recent report here).

In March 2015 Revd Andrew Pettit returned to Bunyoro Kitara to lead two follow-up conferences. The first, held one in Kagadi, was attended by 187 delegates, of whom 35 were returning and 152 new leaders. Andrew commented: ‘It was clear to us that over the last 2 years RinJ discipleship groups have been embraced with enthusiasm in the archdeaconry, leading to many other church leaders wanting to adopt the programme.’ The second conference, held in Bulindi, was attended by 65 delegates, a mix of existing and new leaders. Team member Hilary Buckingham was delighted to lead three of the new delegates to faith. As ever, team members received as much as they gave; Judith Hogg wrote afterwards “I found the visit to be amazing, particularly the answers to prayer. Everything listed on my prayer letter was wonderfully answered. I think it will impact my preaching here and make me try doing things in different ways.”

To read Andrew’s report click here.

Team member Hilary with translator Alice

We look forward to working in the Dioceses of West Buganda, Mityana, Karamoja and Lango, and to building increasing links between the dioceses using Rooted in Jesus within the Province.

A testimony of healing

Finally, we have had some great news from Peter Silverwood, a member of the South Rwenzori Junior team last June. In September Peter shared the following testimony with us: “For some 30 years I have suffered with a hiatus hernia which imposes severe limits on the food that I can eat. No fat, no sugar, no fruit, no fish – the list is a long one. I have taken daily medication for the condition for many years and take a double dose when I am away from home. On this trip, living out of a suitcase, I managed to lose a quantity of tablets and asked the team for prayer. We asked the Lord not only for help managing without medication but for complete healing. From that day onward I stopped taking medication and have now been without for over 8 weeks. I am substantially healed and am able to eat very many foods that previously I could not. My brothers and sisters at St Mary’s and I are continuing in prayer towards a complete healing and I give thanks and praise to God for his grace and power. I am now able to eat in restaurants and so can take my wife and family out socially much more easily, which is such a blessing. Praise the Lord!” In December Peter sent this update: “Eating at Christmas was a special joy this year! I had the same traditional dinner as everybody else and even enjoyed some special puddings like apple tortes and pavlovas etc. I am now sleeping horizontally, rather than propped up, which is making my back feel much better too and I very rarely take any medication at all. I continue to praise God for His power and thank Him for his grace.”

Peter Silverwood (R) and the South Rwenzori Junior team

Last night a small group of us were reading from Ephesians 1, thanking the Lord for the hope to which he has called us, for the riches of the glorious inheritance which he makes available to us, and for the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe in him. We look forward to playing our part in his purposes in 2015.

Posted 9th April 2015 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

Linnet Smith has just returned from her third visit to Tanzania, where she has been acting as Rooted in Jesus link officer, supporting Bishop Stanley Hotay, Bishop James Almasi and Canon Jacob Robert as they lead Rooted in Jesus in the Province of Tanzania.

Revd Dr Linnet Smith

Linnet writes: “As ever, I had some wonderful opportunities to see Rooted in Jesus in action in Tanzania and to contribute to its growth there. Bishop Stanley Hotay, the National Director of Rooted in Jesus (RinJ) Tanzania and Bishop of Mount Kilimanjaro Diocese, has decreed that RinJ Junior is to be used in all Sunday Schools in his Diocese and that all Confirmation candidates are to have completed RinJ Book 1. There are therefore many Sunday School teachers and leaders of confirmation groups who need to know how to use the material. I had the great privilege of helping with three seminars demonstrating how to use RinJ with between 20 and 30 people at each seminar.  (Last time I was in Tanzania, I did the same with Evangelists and I heard this time that one large church in Arusha has, as a result, begun to use RinJ Junior with 200 children in 20 groups.)  So please pray that every child and young person in Sunday School and preparing for confirmation will become ‘disciples who will make disciples’.

“During my visit we held the 2^nd Annual Diocesan Coordinators’ Conference. Thirteen of the Coordinators attended and reported back on RinJ in their Dioceses and then discussed the issues arising from their reports. In some Diocese RinJ has really taken off – the coordinator from Mpwapwa, Canon Dunstan Mtoro, reported that there are getting on for 1000 children in Junior groups and another 1000 adults in RinJ groups in his diocese!  During the conference we also spent time discussing the long term strategy for RinJ Tanzania to become financially self-sufficient.  This is not going to be easy but the coordinators and the leadership team are getting to grips with the issues, both nationally and locally. Please pray for them as they take on this challenge (and please continue to give to RinJ UK so that we can continue to support RinJ both in Tanzania and elsewhere).

Diocesan Coordinators’ Conference, Dodoma

“A great milestone in the process of RinJ Tanzania becoming self-sustaining was the appointment of our first Tanzanian Administrator. Her name is Cate (pronounced Katy); she is 24, a lovely committed Christian young woman with a degree in Accountancy.  She has taken on the role with great enthusiasm. Please pray for her, especially she oversees the finances for the Anglican Communion Mission Fund grant which has been given to RinJ Tanzania to help develop RinJ in Tanzania over the next two years.

Cate Mwega, the new RinJ Tanzania Adminisrator

“Towards the end of my time in Tanzania I spent most of a week in the three Dioceses which border Lake Victoria. Canon Jacob, Regional Coordinator, looked after me very well as ever and together we visited Mara, Rorya, and Victoria Nyanza. We held introductory conferences on Rorya and DVN last year. Things are not going brilliantly in Rorya but in DVN we have clearly planted a seed which is growing slowly but steadily and we plan to return there for a follow-up conference next August. Please pray for the Coordinators, Tom in Rorya and Leonard in DVN.   In Mara, RinJ is well established and I met people who told me how their lives had been changed by their group, how they were more confident in sharing their faith now, and how head-knowledge had now become heart-knowledge. And I witnessed a wonderful Junior group in action – children praying out loud, reciting their memory verses and answering questions with enthusiasm. Please pray for Jacob who is a candidate in the imminent election for the new Bishop of Mara.

“Every trip I’ve done to Tanzania has ended on a high. This time it was a wonderful service at St Paul’s Church in Arusha when we celebrated the fact that 20 children have completed RinJ Junior Book 1 and presented them with certificates. During the service a young Muslim girl who had come to faith in Christ through the Sunday School was baptized, and the pastor told me that her mother also wants to be baptized. The children (including two of +Stanley’s children) clearly really enjoy using the RinJ material.  Praise the Lord!!”

Rooted in Jesus Junior Training in Arusha, March 2015

Posted 20th March 2015 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

Rooted in Jesus was introduced to the Youth Leaders of Kigali Diocese in 2013, with a follow-up conference in July this year. Eric Habyarimana of the Department of Youth and Children has just sent us this report.

A Rooted in Jesus group in Musave

The Youth Department has selected five pilot parishes from among those where groups are running, so that they can provide constant support, training and advice from the centre; the remaining parishes will be supported by archdeaconry and parish youth leaders. Visiting the groups in these pilot parishes was encouraging.

‘In Musave, a new church in Ndera parish, there are two groups. One of the youth leaders, Niyigena, who attended the conference worked hard to start Rooted in Jesus groups, and the pastor reports that not only have group members increased but also church members at this new local church increased. The two groups now have 42 members. Peninah from Ndera Parish said that she also started a new group with 14 members. They meet and study the word of God. She also said that they encouraged other groups like choirs, cells, saving groups who are now using these teachings and they expect the groups and group members to increase. She testified that Rooted in Jesus teachings helped them to stand firm and teach without fear, to know the word of God, they learnt through sharing ideas, hence there has been spiritual growth.’

In Gahanga parish there are three groups with a total of 43 members. ‘They testified that Rooted in Jesus helped them know many verses, found out that the word of God is sweet and also helped their groups to increase. They are expecting  to increase the groups including children graduating from Sunday school.’

Group members receive Bibles in Gahanga

In Ntarama parish there are two groups with 30 members. ‘One is a football team where youth meet for the word of God before they play football. They told us that Rooted in Jesus groups helped them know the word of God. We discussed with them how these groups should be strengthened and other new groups start too.’

Eric is realistic about the challenges; he concludes that ‘Visiting all Rooted in Jesus groups is not an easy work to be done by youth department due to time constraints and also geographical set ups of parishes where youth meet late in evenings. We asked archdeaconry youth committees, more especially those in charge of spiritual growth and development, to visit them advise them how to manage time, share life experience and help each other. We prayed for them and asked them to constantly give reports to youth department and seek for advice where they feel they need it. With the help of these committees we expect to move forward and strengthen Rooted in Jesus groups.’

Due to the impact of the programme on the youth groups, there are plans to extend it more widely in 2015, when a team will return to Kigali to train cell leaders and Mothers Union leaders from across the whole diocese.

To read Eric’s full report click here.

Posted 19th November 2014 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

In October 2014 a team led by Revd John Guest travelled to Kisumu at the invitation of Bishop Francis Abiero and Captain Joshua Opondo to introduce Rooted in Jesus to the Diocese of Maseno South.

Team leader John Guest relaxes with new friends

John Guest reports that “The Lord was greatly glorified during our conference and there were many miracles of grace, healing and renewal. Worship was ably led by a small team of young people and Joshua gave a strong lead to his colleagues. There is enormous potential for growth and development if those who attended get the right encouragement.” Joshua Opondo, a diocesan mission coordinator who has himself been on a number of RinJ teams, wrote that “Your sense of humour was just of great healing to us, God just did His best to choose the best for us and everyone still talks about all of you. After the Conference, word has spread all over of this course and people are just waiting to see its impact. It’s my prayer that the seed will bear abundant fruit.” Groups have already started: “At the Cathedral groups have been formed already especially the youths.I had a meeting with them yesterday and are working on the best day for all the groups and even thinking of two starting with the confirmation class that is starting next Saturday.” You can read the full report here.

For team member Revd Tudor Roberts this was his first trip to Africa. Afterwards he reflected:

High Points

• I loved giving talks and then seeing the Healing prayer ministry flow out of that, and it was great to see lives transformed and words of Knowledge that seemed to go straight home to the people I prayed for.
• I loved actually using the R in J books Part 1 with a group and seeing the Kenyans grapple with the issues
• I loved going out on Lake Victoria.
• I loved being with children and with the Curates and youth Leaders who have so much energy.
• I loved being amongst poor people and seeing them respond to the love of God.
• I loved taking a motorbike taxi and feeling I didn’t have a care in the world.
• I loved singing and dancing with the Kenyans.
• I loved praying as a team and wished we could have done more of this.
• I really liked our Kenyan Hosts Joshua and Asher.
• I got on with the team members and John was a real leader.

Learning points to bring home

• More confidence in preaching
• More readiness to say ‘Come Holy Spirit’ and watch what happens
• Be less materialistic
• Renewed will to care pastorally with more planning and compassion
• My gift is in teaching and I returned to teach the Diocesan course Exploring Christianity for the next 2 years.

Other news from around Africa

News continues to come in from Zambia, where Dignity Worldwide has now planted 179 Life! groups, numbering some 3500 people; these groups use Rooted in Jesus alongside Dignity’s Love your Village material. The report says “We are seeing people and communities achieve more than they ever thought possible. We are seeing grass-roots development projects springing up, inspired by and responding to the needs within communities.” To read the full report click here.

In the Diocese of Katanga, DR Congo, Diocesan Coordinator Stephane Makata has sent photographs of the first group members receiving certificates on completion of Book 1 as they are ordained deacon. Each will now start his own group in the village where is to minister. Stephane continues to visit the groups in the various deaneries of Lumbumbashi – he has sent reports on 29 groups so far.

Deacons receive their Rooted in Jesus certificates

We continue to pray for all those using Rooted in Jesus, particularly the Diocesan Coordinators for whom the task of properly supporting the group leaders, often scattered over very wide distances, is a great challenge. We are grateful to all who have supported Rooted in Jesus in prayer or finance, or by travelling on teams, over the last few months. If you would like to learn more about how to get involved with Rooted in Jesus please visit our website.

Posted 28th October 2014 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan

We have a number of things to rejoice over at the moment, as we continue to watch the Lord at work in people’s lives.

A consecration

Consecration of Bishop James Almasi

We were delighted to learn earlier this year that Canon James Almasi was elected to succeed Patrick Mwachiko as the Bishop of the Diocese of Masasi in Tanzania. James is one of two Regional Coordinators for RinJ in Tanzania, working with Bishop Stanley Hotay and fellow coordinator Canon Jacob Robert to support dioceses using RinJ and lead teams to those wishing to introduce it. James has been closely involved with the development of Rooted in Jesus Junior in particular, helping to pilot it in Masasi. I wasn’t able to attend his consecration, but Rooted in Jesus was formally represented by Jonathan Rendall, and Revd Dr Linnet Smith was also able to be present. We are delighted that James will continue in his role with Rooted in Jesus alongside his diocesan responsibilities. Jonathan stayed on to offer some RinJ Junior training to Sunday School teachers in Masasi and Mpindimbi, with about 50 people attending from a number of different parishes.

Encouraging news continues to arrive from other dioceses. Diocesan Coordinator Emmanuel Rubuye writes from the Diocese of Tabora that the groups in the parish of Isevya have now completed book 1. He reports that Group leaders are growing in knowledge of the word of God, and group members are becoming more open and confident, and now regularly share what they have received from the group in meetings.

Training has been ongoing in the Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro, through a series of deanery training days run by Charles Unjiro and Linnet Smith. Linnet reports: “Two groups of evangelists met and learned how to use Rooted in Jesus with great enthusiasm; the Diocesan Coordinator Charles Unjiro led the days extremely well and the clergy concerned committed themselves to following up the seminars and helping the evangelists to develop new Rooted in Jesus groups. I [also] had the joy of presenting certificates to 25 children who have competed RinJ Junior Book 1. And during the service a teenager who attends the nearby Diocesan School was baptized. She came to know the Lord at school; her Muslim father made no objection to her baptism and even attended the service – praise the Lord!!”

News from DR Congo and Uganda

Coordinator James Mayundo writes from the Diocese of Katanga, DRC, where he oversees groups in the missionary area of Kalemie: “The groups are gathered and members come together for studying, teaching, and meditating on the Holy scriptures.We are attaining to bear fruit in the future to build up the Church. Because the conference that was led by the Team from UK in Kalemie gathered different Denominations, in fact, we are receiving enough testimonies:
1. People in their Church get to be built up in faith.
2.The number of people who attend those Denominations is increasing.
3.The groups are led to fruit new members and love of the church members is becoming greater.
The problems that we bring to you so that you can pray for and succour us is about the peace in Congo and the fear that we feel always; the rebellion that acts in different area of Congo. The polygamy sometime becomes a problem for believers to be giving them selves to GOD. Poverty leads people not to live in peace and always have a forlorn look and dim face.”

A group in Kalemie, Diocese of Katanga

Coordinator Joyce Asaba writes from the Diocese of Bunyoro Kitara, Uganda: “I am glad to give you a report from the Parishes of Kyabigambire, Buraru and Nyamirima. In Kyabigambire Parish there are 3 groups with 42 members, in Buraru Parish they have 6 groups with 70 members and in Nyamirima Parish, they have 2 groups with 24 members. All the groups have received Book 2 and have started it except Nyamirima which is still finishing Book 1. Members have testified about learning scriptures and learning how to pray, and some people’s prayer lives have been revived and lives changed, plus miracles happening when they pray. Leaders have identified new leaders from among those who finished book one and are also helping to lead.”

Personal testimonies

It is always wonderful to hear of the way in which people’s lives are touched, sometimes when they least expect it.

• UK team member Peter Silverwood has sent us this testimony : “For some 30 years I have suffered with a hiatus hernia which imposes severe limits on the food that I can eat. No fat, no sugar, no fruit, no fish – the list is a long one. I have taken daily medication for the condition for many years and take a double dose when I am away from home. On this trip, living out of a suitcase, I managed to lose a quantity of tablets and asked the team for prayer. We asked the Lord not only for help managing without medication but for complete healing. From that day onward I stopped taking medication and have now been without for over 8 weeks. I would say that I am substantially healed and am able to eat very many foods that previously I could not. I still get the occasional bad day, probably because I have been too adventurous, but I would estimate a 90% recovery. My brothers and sisters at St Mary’s and I are continuing in prayer towards a complete healing and I give thanks and praise to God for his grace and power. I am now able to eat in restaurants and so can take my wife and family out socially much more easily, which is such a blessing. Praise the Lord!”
  

  Peter Silverwood (R) and the S Rwenzori team

• In the Diocese of Kigali, Rwanda, testimonies from the recent RinJ conference include these: “One young man was attacked by robbers 3 months ago, he had been left with lasting pain in the left side of his head and unable to shake his head. Doctors told him it was irreparable. Last night in the ministry time he was healed, he is pain free and can now shake his head. He is a returning leader, he is running a Rooted in Jesus group. He also testified that since using RinJ he was inspired to pray with his brothers for his parents; his parents were in conflict, his father drank and intended to move in with a mistress.They had the parents pray together, they are now reconciled and the father has stopped drinking; he has put the land deeds intended for his mistress into the name of his wife’s children”.

• “One man testified today that he is the youngest son of a witch doctor and so destined to inherit his powers. The young man did not want this, he felt burdened by his parents’ unrighteousness. He testified today that Jesus has taken away that curse. He has received the Holy Spirit. We also had testimony of all the men in one dormitory praying together until 1am to find a lost phone; they donated their money to buy a new one, the phone was then found and the money is an additional blessing. We have seen God pouring out gentle love, releasing tears, reversing lies, bringing forgiveness, reconciliation and increasing hope for the future.”

We thank God for allowing us, from our various countries, to be part of his plans and purposes in our world.

Posted 30th September2014 by Revd Dr Alison Morgan