Return from Rwanda & Burundi

Small group discusion at Nyamata, RW

Pastor Emmanuel teaching at Nyanza, RW
Forgiveness & Reconciliation TOT group at Kigali, RW

I returned home Sunday afternoon from the trip to Rwanda and Burundi. I am happy to say that the food poisoning and malaria have healed. Thank you very much for your prayers. I'm just a little under the weather, but that is more nose and throat, related (I think) to flying in airplanes for about 24+ hours with lots of other people and recirculated air.

Nyamata & Nyanza, RW--Biblical Stewardship
Following my last report, we did 2 Biblical Stewardship conferences, in Nyamata and Nyanza, RW. The second one, I thought, was more productive in that the vast majority of the 42 participants were actual pastors. They were engaged, asked quite a few questions, and committed to apply what they learned. At the first conference about half of the 40 participants were not actual pastors, but were deacons, youth leaders, women's group leaders, etc. Of course, none of our teaching is "wasted." Nevertheless, I want to focus my attention on equipping those who are in the position and authority to actually implement the changes we talk about at the conferences.

Kigali, RW--Forgiveness & Reconciliation TOT
We concluded with what I thought was a very productive TOT on Forgiveness & Reconciliation in Kigali, RW. It was the first time we had done Forgveness & Reconciliation. As you might imagine, there is a great need for a good understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation--and how to practically do those things--given the genocide that took place in Rwanda 18 years ago, as well as all the "normal" inter-personal conflicts that plague people. The 14 TOT participants engaged in many lengthy and spirited discussions concerning all aspects of forgiveness and reconciliation. I think we all have a much better understanding of this, and they seemed eager to teach their people about the important principles we talked about. It was an encouraging way to end the trip.

EPI on the Radio
Theophile Rugubira will be following-up in a few months time to assess the impact of what we did. Further, he now has the opportunity to host a radio program every week in which he will teach EPI's material (probably beginning with Biblical Stewardship), field questions from the audience, and discuss our material with pastors whom we have taught and others. Thus, we have the opportunity to be heard by millions. The cost will be $100 per month. This is a cost-effective way to get EPI's teachings out to a large number of people. As always, your tax-deductible donations to EPI (which can be made online at EPI's website [http://www.equippingpastors.com/] or checks can be mailed to me at 714 S. Summit St., Appleton, WI 54914) will prove important as we begin this new venture.

Thank you for your friendship, prayers, and support. I will be home until I leave for Kenya on March 30. During that time I want to make a number of additions and revisions to my materials on Biblical Theology, and a few to Biblical Eschatology, as well as work on proofing translations, and other things. If you have any questions, please feel free email me. God bless you. I will keep you advised of all major developments. Jonathan

Report from Rwanda & Burundi

Anglican Bishop opening the Marriage conference in Muyinga, BU

Theophile teaching in Buhiga, BU

Expository Preaching grop in Kigali, RW

Here is the report I emailed to friends and supporters "from the field" about 2 weeks ago when I was in Rwanda and Burundi:

I have been in Rwanda and Burundi for 2 weeks. Here are some highlights of this trip:

Kigali, RW--Expository Preaching TOT I did round 2 of expository preaching with about 15 pastors from both RW and BU. We concentrated on 2 passages that implicated both the OT and the NT: Ezek 37:15-28 and Luke 11:29-32. I had sent them to the participants in advance, with suggested relevant parallels, and asked them to read and think about, so we could hit the ground running. Unfortunately, very few did that. I have to get used to this, but it is hard to. Their actual sermons showed greater attention to the form I am trying to teach them, but I am sorry to say their analyses of the passages missed the big points of the passages, which we had spent 2 days talking about. {sigh}

Buhiga & Kobero, BU--Biblical Stewardship Burundi is the least developed (both spiritually and technologically) of the 5 countries of the East African community. In both places the pastors seemed to be at a very low level theologically. Further, in Buhiga only 3/47 were actually paid, and Kobero only 1/48. Incredible. Yet, in both places they were serious, and clearly wanted to learn. In Kobero, where we had been last year, they said that, as a result of last year's conference, they had formed an interdenominational pastors committee, which they had never had before. In both places several pastors gave testimonies of how they had been teaching and applying 1 Timothy (which we had taught last year). They both promised to show positive evidence of applying our stewardship material when Theophile Rugubira follows up with them in a few months. In Buhiga they gave Theophile, Frederic (my translator) and me flashlights as a token of the light which we have brought them.

Muyinga, BU--Occupational Hazards Theophile and I then traveled to Muyinga, BU to do a Marriage & Parenting conference, scheduled for this last Mon.-Wed. Unfortunately, the Saturday afternoon we arrived in Muyinga I became very ill. I was diagnosed by a doctor as having some malaria and a bad case of food poisoning. I basically spent the next 3 days shuttling almost every hour between my bed and the toilet. I seemed to turn the corner Tues. afternoon when I was able to eat a little avocado and banana, my first food in 3 days. That night I actually was able to spend the night in bed, without the usual shuttle. I'm now on the mend. Theophile taught the first 2 days of the conference by himself, and from all reports did an excellent job. I chipped in by teaching one unit on Wed. morning, the last day of the conference.

That whole experience confirmed 3 things for me: (1) It demonstrated the absolute necessity of developing good core groups of African teachers of EPI's material. I always have at least one (usually more than one) African teach with me. If I didn't do that, this conference would have been scratched. EPI is not about Westerners coming to teach the Africans, but about both of us working in partnership until, God-willing, there will be so many well-trained African teachers that Westerners won't be required to come at all. (2) This also confirmed what I have long perceived: Marriage is so highly culturally-influenced that I think it is far better that all marriage conferences be conducted entirely by Africans, without any Western teachers at all. Although there are some units in this course that can be seen as less culturally-influenced, I think that any Westerner faces a huge uphill battle of overcoming the (unspoken) perception that, "You may say you are just teaching what the Bible says about marriage, but what you are really doing is imposing on us Western culture and the 'Western' way of doing marriage." Theophile was, of course, able to teach in the local language, and stimulate LOTS of Q&A, testimonies, and discussion, which I or any Westerner simply could not have done. On the last day he was able to deal with and discuss lots of questions regarding contraception, polygamy, and divorce from both an African and a biblical perspective that any Westerner simply cannot do. The misinformation and absence of theological and other knowledge regarding sex, contraception, and other aspects of marriage, as a result of the culture, is simply astounding. I think that well-trained Africans, who of course already know the culture but also know the Bible and EPI's material, are in a vastly better position to deal with that misinformation and ignorance sensitively, without the risk (that most Westerners would face) of being patronizing. (3) On a more positive note, my experience in Muyinga proved to be a very effective way to lose weight! Not too pleasant. But effective. Just trying to be helpful in case you're having trouble losing those last 10 stubborn pounds.

God bless you all. And for those of you who were aware of my illness and prayed, THANK YOU. Best regards, Jonathan

Jonathan leaving for Rwanda & Burundi soon

Dear Friends and Supporters,
Since I returned home from East Africa in mid-November, the time has blasted by.
My last two months at home
In addition to the holidays, birthdays of two of my children, and keeping up with friends, I have tried to "redeem the time" by making some important revisions to my written notes on 1 Timothy, Biblical Stewardship, Biblical Interpretation, and Expository Preaching. There are some revisions I am in the process of making to Biblical Theology and Biblical Eschatology. I also have been proofing several translations which I have received from Patrick Njuguna, who heads up the Kikuyu translation team (and he now has sent me the first translation into the Kamba language). The most up-to-date copies of my teaching materials are always posted on the "Resources" page of EPI's website: www.equippingpastors.com.
I have also ben exploring with my "computer guru" here in Wisconsin, and with my contacts in East Africa, the best and most cost-effective way to supply laptops to my key East African leaders. This will be a rather costly project, but it will be very important for helping the leaders of EPI and the churches in East Africa. Your tax-deductible donations to EPI (which can be made online or sent to me at 714 S. Summit St., Appleton, WI 54914) help to pay for the translation and laptop projects.
My upcoming schedule
All of which is to say that it is hard to believe that it is almost time for me to leave again for Africa (I almost want to shout: "I HAVEN'T GOT ENOUGH TIME!!!"). EPI's annual board and staff meeting in Orlando will be on Jan. 13-14. Nancy and I should arrive home on Jan. 15. I then leave on the morning of Jan. 17 for Rwanda and Burundi. My schedule while there is as follows:
1. EPI Expository Preaching TOT training, Kigali, RW: Jan. 19-21.
2. EPI pastor’s conference-Biblical Stewardship, Buhiga, BU: Jan. 23-25.
3. EPI pastor’s conference-Biblical Stewardship, Kobero, BU: Jan. 26-28.
4. EPI pastor’s conference-Marriage & Parenting, Muyinga, BU: Jan. 30-Feb. 1.
5. EPI pastor’s conference-Biblical Stewardship, Nyamata, RW: Feb. 2-4.
6. EPI pastor’s conference-Biblical Stewardship, Nyanza, RW: Feb. 6-8.
7. EPI Forgiveness & Reconciliation TOT training, Kigali, RW: Feb. 9-11.
I am scheduled to leave RW on the night of Feb. 11 and arrive home late afternoon on Feb. 12.
Please pray
Please pray for this. I am always most concerned about logistical and health issues (perhaps that's my own conceit, since those things are not as much within my "control"). Also, of course, please pray that we will make a difference: that the participants will "get it" and apply what we teach, and that it will make a difference in the churches and villages. All of this is so important. In my view, Christianity and the church are the only possible hope to stand up against the rise of Islam and rampant secularism, and Africa is the prime meeting point between Christianity and Islam. Over the next generation or so Africa will prove to be the most important continent with respect to Christianity and East Africa is the key to all of Africa. The church is only as good and strong as its leadership. That is why EPI focuses on pastors and church leaders.
May God continue to bless you. Remain faithful, and you will see important things happen. Jonathan

2011 Year-End Report

Jonathan in Eden (actually Rwanda)

Small group discussion session in Tanzania
Expository Preaching group in Kenya

As we reach the end of 2011, as EPI's East Africa Director it is a good time to summarize my year, and the situation of EPI in East Africa.

Statistical Summary of Conferences and TOTs
As has been true since I began full-time with EPI 4½ years ago, in 2011 I made 5 trips to East Africa, each trip lasting approximately 4 weeks. This year I personally was involved in 35 events: 26 pastors conferences, 8 TOTs ("training of trainers" [more intensive and in-depth workshops involving smaller numbers of participants than the average pastors conference]), and 1 meeting of the EPI-Kenya leadership team. Of the pastors conferences we did: 1 Timothy 13 times; Biblical Stewardship 8 times; Marriage & Parenting 4 times, and Biblical Theology 1 time. Of the TOTs we did Expository Preaching 7 times and Marriage & Parenting 1 time. There were approximately 1643 total participants for the pastors conferences and 138 TOT participants (although some of them participated in more than one TOT).
My friend Stan Schug was with me the entire month of April in Kenya. Stan has a wealth of experience in prison ministry and motorcycle ministry, both of which are largely unmet needs in East Africa. Stan may be returning to East Africa in the future, and will be following-up with the contacts he made regarding prison ministry and reaching out to motorcycle drivers (of which there are many in East Africa).
In addition, my friend Dr. Frank Cummings made 4 trips to East Africa this year, leading 8 TOTs on Biblical Counseling for approximately 160-170 total participants. Dr. Cummings is a clinical psychologist, steeped in the Scriptures, and an excellent teacher. Since counseling is such an important part of a pastor's job, having someone of Dr. Cummings’ ability and experience to concentrate on this essential area is truly a God-send.

All-African Conferences and TOTs
To be most effective and have the greatest and most lasting impact, EPI's work in East Africa cannot ultimately depend on me or any Westerner. I can only go to limited numbers of places every year. More important, as I tell the good men and women I work with in Africa, “You can do this better than I can, because you are African: you know the language; you know the people; you know the culture; and you can relate the truths we are trying to convey in ways that resonate with the people better than I ever can.” Consequently, it is important to develop good core groups of indigenous EPI teachers in each of the countries of East Africa, and have them lead EPI conferences and TOTs without me or any other Westerner present. That is the only way to insure that this work will continue after I am gone.
That process began 2 years ago and greatly accelerated in 2011. In Kenya, George Kariuki and the EPI-Kenya team did 8 all-African conferences. In Uganda, Martin Odi did 4 all-African conferences as well as several other conferences with other Western EPI personnel. In Rwanda and Burundi, Theophile Rugubira did 9 all-African conferences, follow-ups, and TOTs. Just two years ago there was only one EPI-sponsored all-African pastors conference. This mission is truly on track.

EPI's Theological Resources and Translations
In the months that I am at home I spend most of my time researching, writing, and revising the teaching materials and theological resources for the African pastors and church leaders. We currently have major sets of teaching notes in 9 subject areas (most are in detailed, narrative outline format) available for free on the "Resources" page of EPI's website (www.equippingpastors.com): 1 Timothy; Biblical Counseling; Biblical Eschatology; Biblical Interpretation; Biblical Marriage & Parenting; Biblical Stewardship; Biblical Theology; Expository Preaching; and Forgiveness & Reconciliation. This year I finished Biblical Eschatology (a project that had taken more than a year), and made revisions to the other sets of notes. In addition, we have several other supplementary marterials in several areas.
It is necessary and important important to make good theological materials available in the indigenous African languages in order to properly equip the African pastors (since very few good theological materials are available in the indigenous African languages). I am in the process of overseeing the translation of our materials into the major East African laguages. That project advanced significantly in 2011. This year we have seen the following posted on the "African Languages Resources" page of EPI's website: Kiswahili--9 items; Kikuyu--5 items. Additional materials have been completed and are in the process of being proofed. Further, translations of our materials are being done or are planned in Alur, Ateso, French, Kamba, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, Lumasaaba, Luo, Ruyankole, and perhaps other languages.

Impact: What the Africans are Saying
Long term change takes time. While it is easy to quantify what we are doing, it is not so easy to quantify the impact of what we are doing. Unlike many missions, we do not go someplace and then go away, never to return. Instead, we return to many of the same places and build upon what we have done in the past. I charge my EPI-African leaders to follow-up with conference participants to learn what we are doing well, what can be improved, and to get a sense of the impact of what we are doing. An effective way to do this is for the African leaders to select a few sharp people who appear to have the potential and desire to be good teachers from each pastors conference; then to combine a follow-up TOT with those few, and at the same time assess how the conference went. This serves multiple purposes: follow-up and assessment; in-depth training; and identifying people who can come on board as future EPI teachers.
Here are some of the email comments I have received from the East Africans concerning our work in 2011:
Theophile Rugubira (Rwanda): On 2-3-4 May I was in Muhanga [RWANDA] with 18 pastors. As the result of the EPI teachings the pastors meet once a week for the Bible studies. They are working with the district to see if they can work together for the environment, and mobilize the people of Muhanga concerning the Stewardship of our body. The other good things some churches started to mobilize their members to do small business. Some of them started to set up the church budget which is giving them more money in their churches. The Baptist church pastor told us that after teaching how the families should cut down their expenses 3 families came to thank him and testify that now they are able to use well their money. The pastor from Pentecostal church said told us that he have been working with 10 families for cleaning the toilets. Now this families teach other families how better is to clean their toilets which may reduce some disease.
· Obed Magoko (Kenya): Me and George had a very successful meeting. We had an attendance of 70-78 pastors and church leaders daily. It is one thing to speak the word of God and people to say that they are blessed and another different thing all together to see it application. I realised that the church where we had our meetings had no facility to wash hands after visiting the toilets. During my teachings I challenged them and I gave that as an example. The next day I was amazed to meet the church assistant pastor fabricating a mechanism that was very cheap and yet very effective. He had on him a water-jerrycan that can hold 5 litres of water. He suspended it on the air with a help of a wire and two posts about 2 meters in height, a piece of wood connected to the jerrycanby a wire such that after visiting the toilet, you step on the piece of wood [like a car foot brake] and the jerrycan with water bends over and spills the water in small quantities and hence one washes the hands. It can not cost more than a dollar (Kshs 80.00), and every rural church can borrow this example.
· Justus Wafula (Kenya): The conferences you have done or offered to us have been positively to our ministry, spiritually and leadership. I thank those who sponsored the conference since 2008 up to now. I accept in our ministry we are not much learned but through these conferences we are much far. The other areas you people have helped us through this conferences is integrity through stewardship, handling carefully things of God and faithfully using them and also stay on budget. The books and notes you gave us has really pasted our standard in knowledge of theology. Thank you and God bless you for struggling to build His kingdom.
· William Gichini (Kenya): Since I knew you 2 yrs ago thru my friend Rev George my ministry have really changed. I have been able to teach leaders and pastors through the material you give me. THE OUTCÖME IS GREAT e.g. the church is increasing because of responsible leaders, other junior pastors have developed interest to learn more.....2day my friend and I were discussing your material of Éschatology. Very rich resource. I WILL USE THE RESOURCES TO COMPLEMENT MY SERMONS IN TEACHING LESSONS. I WILL ALSO NOT HESTATE TO SHARE WITH OTHER MINISTERS OF gospel.
· Maichael Nangai (Uganda): Am glad for Biblical Stewardship notes that are helping us in training church leaders on Capacity Building Program. I have two trainings going on now in Mbale and more are yet to begin. These materials are really biblical and very good for the church.

Looking Ahead to 2012
I am planning a similar schedule for 2012. However, since we now have several capable teachers in each of the 5 East African countries, I would like to spend less of my time teaching our foundational courses (1 Timothy, Biblical Stewardship, and Marriage & Parenting), and more of my time doing Expository Preaching and other TOTs, and introducing other courses.
All-African pastors conferences and TOTs should increase. My goal is to see EPI's work carried out indigenously to the extent possible. As more and more Africans are equipped to teach EPI's courses, there will be more and more all-African pastors conferences and TOTs. Right now I am underwriting the majority of the financial expenses for the all-African conferences. Thus, I anticipate that my expenses for 2012 should increase a fair amount over previous years. I already have received requests for at least 10 all-African conferences in Kenya and Uganda alone for the first 3 months of 2012.
I want to begin supplying laptop computers to all the EPI-African leaders. This is important for all the leaders, and is vital for the translation project. The problems faced by the church leaders is indicated by an email I recently received from Elkanah Munduni, my Luganda translator: "I am sorry I have taken a long time without sending you any response to the emails you have been sending me, it is because I have to access email either from Kiboga Town or Hoima, which are quite a distance from my home. And right now I am sending you this one from Hoima, a distance of 28 miles from my home! Another challenge is still that of load shading which is still a very big problem to power users in Uganda. In order to do my translation work with minimum interruption because of this, I think I will also need a laptop computer." Providing basic laptops will cost several thousand dollars, even at an average cost of $300-$400 apiece.
We want to begin printing our materials in paperback book format, rather than photocopying them. We are looking into the most cost-effective way of doing this, either printing large runs of the various sets of notes (so as to lower the printing cost of each book) or even to buy a printer, which in Uganda would cost about $3500-$4000.

Thank you for your continued Prayer and Financial Support
Your prayers have helped keep me alive and well for another year, despite various illnesses and road accidents along the way. Your prayers are also a channel God uses to increase the effectiveness of EPI's work.
Your financial support is, of course, also deeply appreciated and absolutely necessary. I am responsible for paying for everything that I do. Thus, if I don't pay for translation of notes, they won't get translated. All of your support is tax-deductible since EPI is a 501(c)3 organization. Donations can be made online through electronic fund transfers or PayPal, or checks can be made payable to EPI and sent to: Jonathan Menn, 714 S. Summit St., Appleton, WI 54914. All of your donations to my part of this ministry go to the work of the ministry; nothing is used for my "personal" support. Equipping the indigenous church leaders is, in my opinion, the number 1 need in world missions today. Unfortunately, very few ministries, other than EPI, focus on that. When you give to EPI you are accomplishing something both lasting and important. God bless you, Jonathan

Return from East Africa

Expository preaching clasws in Arusha, TZ

Husbands' small group discussion in Nyeri, KE

EPI-Kenya leadership team

A Tragic Occurrence

Following our conference in Mwanza, TZ, Joram, Wilbert, and I took the 8-hour bus ride to Singida, TZ. Unfortunately, a tragedy occurred on the way. Apparently a boy was running across the highway, looking behind himself. The bus driver slammed on the brakes and jerked the wheel sharply to the left, but the corner of the bus hit the boy, killing him. That necessitated a 3 hour wait while the police were called, a bus inspector had to come, and a new driver had to be obtained. As I reflect on it, I have been involved in more than one accident or near accident, and have seen the immediate aftermath of more than one fatal accident, since coming here to Africa. What happened to the boy demonstrates ultimately the most important reason for turning from our self-centered ways (which the Bible indicates amount to idolatry) and receiving Christ as our Lord. That boy did not wake up and say to himself, "Today is the last day of my life." When he began to cross the highway he did not think, "I only have 3 seconds to live." Likewise, our death could come unexpectedly at any time, but then we face the judgment which will seal our eternal fate and destination. Christ alone can guarantee us eternal life rather than what the Bible calls the "second death." Given the incredible, everlasting stakes, to not seriously consider this and check it out evidences amazing blindness and hardness. Please don't be blind and hard.

Singida, TZ

In Singida we did Biblical Stewardship for about 60 pastors. During their small group discussion time, they were asked to talk about everything we taught up until that point: stewardship of the environment, of mind, time, body, and money and possessions, and focus on only 1 or 2 things that they thought were important and that they would apply back in their churches. One of the pastors suggested that I appoint different topics to each of the groups. I said that I wanted them to have the freedom to talk about whatever they wanted to and that, if they all ended up talking about the same thing, that would probably be the Holy Spirit trying to tell them something. Interestingly, all 3 groups focused on time management as the biggest problem which they had to address. We will see what comes of that!

Kateshi, TZ

We then went to Kateshi, about 2 1/2 hours outside of the city of Babati. Kateshi is hot, dry, dusty, and quite desolate. However, we had a good group of about 50 pastors, some of whom had come from more than 20 kilometers away to attend the 1 Timothy conference. Only 1 or 2 had ever studied an entire book of the Bible section-by-section from beginning to end before--and none had ever preached a series of sermons through a book of the Bible before. It proved to be a valuable learning experience. We received many questions, again centering a lot on polygamy. That is one reason I am glad that I have good Africans teaching with me, since they know the culture, speak the language, and can deal with many of the local concerns in a better way than I can.

Arusha, TZ

From Kateshi we took a 6 hour bus ride back to the "civilization" of the large city of Arusha, where I led an expository preaching workshop for 12 English-fluent pastors, and George Kariuki led a similar workshop for about 20 pastors who were not fluent in English. As has proven to be true in the past, the concepts and format of preaching that I was teaching the pastors were new. Old habits die hard (as the student preachers proved), but the critiques indicate both openness and learning. God-willing, I will return for "round 2" of expository preaching next year. Following the preaching workshop, all of the Tanzanians who were present (who constitute most of the Tanzanian EPI leaders) were to meet for a day to discuss organization, strategies, and finances. I look forward to getting their report. This indicates that they are serious about carrying on the work of EPI indigenously, which is certainly my goal.

Return to Kenya
George Kariuki and I then returned to central Kenya where George, his wife Lucy, and I conducted a Biblical Marriage & Parenting conference in Nyeri, KE. Husbands and wives met separately for small group discussions. Each group talked about things they don't like about the other, but also about things that they themselves will do to try to make their marriages better. After the group reports were given, and each side heard what the other had committed to do to make for better marriages, someone raised his arms to heaven and said something like, "PTL, if this happens then, Jesus, you can wait awhile to come back!"
My trip ended in Nairobi where I met with EPI-Kenya leaders (almost 30 people from aound the country). It was a very productive time of sharing and strategizing. I am now home until mid-January when I leave for Rwanda and Burundi.
I hope you all (in the States) have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have been incredibly blessed by God. Let us not forget. God bless you. Jonathan

Report from East Africa

Zebras seen from the bus window (Serengeti Park, TZ)

Justus Wafula, JMM, Isabellah Inyele (Webuye, KE)

The "sacred watch" given us in Mwanza, TZ

The following was sent to friends and supporters mid-way through my recent trip to Kenya and Tanzania:

I am in Tanzania right now, although I began this trip in Webuye, western Kenya. We began with Expository preaching, round 2 (round 1 had been held in April). Half the group was Anglicans of the Katakwa Diocese, and half the group was Pentecostals. George Kariuki (KE national coordinator) and Joram Ibrahim (TZ national coordinator) were also present. I was impressed that most of the participants seemed to understand the concepts we were emphasizing (an issue-or-problem-based introduction; 1 main point [proposition]; an organizational sentence; and specific applications). The 3 student sermons reflected this better than had been the case during round 1. Some of the participants also told me that they had been trying to preach more expositorily in their churches, and had noticed a difference in their people's understanding.

Joram and I spent our last night at the home of my friend Bishop Zak Epusi, bishop of Katakwa. He is a good man and his and his wife Caroline's hospitality was much appreciated. Joram and I then took a long bus ride to Musoma, TZ, located on the south-east shore of Lake Victoria. There we were joined by EPI's other TZ national coordinator, Wilbert Seme. This was my first time in Musoma, and the 3 of us taught our foundational course of 1 Timothy to about 60 enthusiastic and appreciative participants. We then did the same course in Mwanza, TZ, located on the south shore of Lake Victoria. The bus ride to Mwanza passed along the periphery of Serengeti national park, where we were able to see wildebeest, zebras, baboons, and large storks from the bus window.

In Mwanza there were lots of questions (which is always a good sign), especially lots of questions concerning polygamy, which is an important issue here. I intend to prepare an addendum to my Marriage & Parenting notes concerning polygamy. I already have some material from Trinity (where I went to school) on the issue, and have received some more information from Theophile Rugubira (of Rwanda). Godfrey Ongiri, the organizer of the Mwanza conference also said that he would email me some material regarding the subject. I will send it to my African coordinators and organizers for their input before adding it to M&P and posting it on the website.

A relatively rare event also occurred in both Musoma and Mwanza. As you know, we do not go to Africa in order to fleece the Africans by taking offerings (although we do charge registration fees to cover the cost of the materials they receive). However, in both Musoma and Mwanza the local organizers spoke at the end of the conferences, and the participants of their own accord gave us offerings to express their appreciation and demonstrate their seriousness in taking our teachings to heart (about 40,000 Tsh [$23.50] in Musoma and 60,000 Tsh [$35.00] in Mwanza). These offerings helped to cover our bus fare. Even more touching, in Mwanza one man (I don't know who, but God does) donated his watch--probably the only watch he had. I have it in my pocket now, but will give it to Godfrey to give to a needy person. I consider it a sacred watch, and feel about it somewhat like David felt about the water that was given to him in 2 Sam 23:16-17.

Things like that are very humbling to me. One never knows the full effects that our teaching may have. Your prayers and support make this all possible.

Return from East Africa

Moses Isabirye teaching in Mukono Martin Odi teaching in Kamuli

Elkanah Munduni: Luganda translator

I have just returned home, after a few days in Florida with Nancy following my East Africa trip. Here is the recap of the Uganda half of that trip:

After the 10 hour bus ride from Kigali, RW to Kampala, UG, I met my friend and EPI's Uganda national coordinator, Martin Odi, at the bus station. We travelled to the outskirts of Kampala where we did the first Expository Preaching workshop with a group of 11 other Ugandan pastors. This group is the core group of Ugandan teachers that Martin is putting together. As was true in Rwanda, the preaching concepts I was trying to impart were all new. The preaching was OK, and the passage analyses and sermon critiques we did as a group were eye-opening. One of the pastors emailed me shortly afterwards: "Expository sermon workshop was inspiring. It's like a new wine served when drinkers have been drinking old wine. Who can dare to continue drinking old wine when new one is served?"

Martin and I then went to the town of Kamuli (about a 3 hour drive from Kampala). It was our first time in that venue. We did our introductory course of 1 Timothy with about 30 pastors. I am finding that smaller numbers of participants tends to promote learning, interaction, and Q&A. This group appeared to be very responsive. One of the participants pastors a church in the city of Jinja, but earns his income by operating a small business in Kamuli. After the conference ended, he told Martin that he had closed his business for the 3 days of the conference so that he could attend. He concluded: "It was worth it." In Kamuli we also talked a fair amount about money (1 Timothy 6 largely deals with the gospel and money). I asked the pastors how many of them had personal or family budgets. No one raised a hand. I then asked how many churches had formal written budgets. Again, none of them did. They very much urged us to return and teach Biblical Stewardship, which, among other things, deals with personal and church budgeting. Martin will head an all-African EPI team back to Kamuli, probably in January, to do just that. Kamuli also demonstrated the importance of the translation project. Even though English is an official language of Uganda, about half the participants took (and paid for) the English version of the 1 Timothy notes, while the other half received the Luganda version.
Following Kamuli I was to have done a marriage and parenting conference in the Central Buganda Diocese of the COU (Church of Uganda). However, at the last minute I received an email from my partner and organizer, Rev. Moses Isabirye that it had been cancelled. The diocesan secratary had emailed to Moses, "I'm writing to inform you that the Diocese of Central Buganda in consent with you had scheduled a clergy and wives workshop on 11th - 12th September 2011 on the work plan however we found it difficult to make it come to pass. It was found inconvenient for the couple to leave home during the school days." Moses was shocked that this could occur at the last minute, but, as we say, "this is Africa." Hopefully it can be rescheduled.
That gave me a few free days in Kampala, to read, work on the sermon I will be preaching at Community Church of Appleton on Oct. 9, and get ready for the final conference, another 1 Timothy conference, this time with the COU in Mukono (near Kampala). That conference, for about 65 priests of the Mukono Diocese, went very well. It was our first time in Mukono. I taught with Moses, who is an excellent teacher. Moses had been with the provincial (head) office of the COU, but has recently become the vicar of St. Andrews parish in Kampala, the second largest Anglican church in Kampala. The participants at the conference were very receptive, and the bishop expressed his desire for us return.
Through Moses I also met the Principal of the Kampala Evangelical School of Theology, Dr. Solomon B. Nkesiga. We had a very good meeting, and I am hopeful that KEST and EPI may be able to work together in the future.
I am now at home, but will be leaving in less than a month (October 17) for Kenya and Tanzania. Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support, which are invaluable. God bless you, Jonathan