Helen and Alastair - some background

Helen and Alastair - some background : We have always hoped to return to Africa once more before we're too old (perhaps we already are!). Alastair first went to Africa in 1974 as a junior doctor, working for the Church of Scotland in a small hospital in Transkei, South Africa. I met Alastair there in 1982, were married in 1984 and continued in Transkei until 1988. From there we went to Kenya, as employees of the Church of Scotland, where Alastair ran Chogoria Hospital. We left in 1995, with Alec, Peter and Becky to establish the children's schooling and our work in Britain. Here Alastair found himself as consultant in Breast cancer surgery, and Helen initially trained and worked as a GP before "evolving" to full time ordained ministry. Alec is now married to Ruth, and they have baby Zach; Pete is in his final year of medicine in Edinburgh, and Becky half way through nurse training in Oxford.

The Diocese of Western Tanganyika is a partner of Gloucester diocese. The plan is for Helen to join the teaching staff of the Bible College, teaching those preparing for ministry. Alastair will teach English to the students at the college, as well as doing some surgery at the church-run hospitals, and helping with project management in the Diocese.
We will keep you updated on our plans over the next few months and will greatly value your prayer support. Our current prayer requests - and thanks to God of course - will be posted on the side bar.

Friday, 30 March 2012

in Kasulu

Quick post as at last found an internet connection that seems fast enough to update our blog. We're here in Kasulu - have been given our house !! - a challenge but I'm sure we can make it into home.  There's water a few hours a day (rather unpredictable) - and quite good electricity and a few working light bulbs. Not much furniture, but today have bought a paraffin stove. Interesting bathroom - needs creative use of buckets, jugs etc.... 
Lovely fruit and veges in the local market.
It's hot but manageable.
Will go to Ujiji (2 hours ish away on the Lake) where I'll preach on Sunday.
Really looking forward to working with colelageus at the Bible College and Daudi the principal. He has great vision and energy for the college and I'll be full time on the staff here.
Thanks for all your love and messages.
Posted by on

4 comments:

  1. Steph30 March 2012 at 14:37

    Hello -pleased to hear you have arrived safely & settling into your new home; I'm sure it wont be long before Alistair has created some bathroom appliances so that you don't have to use jugs etc!
    News from St Barnabas - Experience Easter-SUCCESS!!Took Cubs & Beavers last night-excellent.
    Will be thinking of you on Sunday when you preach at Ujiji xx

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  2. Anonymous31 March 2012 at 04:52

    Hi Helen & Alastair,
    Good to hear you have arrived safely albeit without all the necessary paper work – I’m sure it will sort in time. Looking forward to seeing some photos of your surroundings etc. if that’s possible.
    Thinking of you as you travel and preach your service tomorrow.
    Continued love and prayers. Sue and Phil

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  3. James Turk31 March 2012 at 13:00

    There is a different tone to your last post Helen. Dare I say things are looking more hopeful now? I hope so!
    Continued prayers for you both and I especially pray theat you have a blessed Easter in your new home

    James

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  4. Hilary31 March 2012 at 16:19

    Hi Helen and Alastair

    We've been following your posts and continue to pray for you. It's really great to hear you've arrived and can get on with things. Will be thinking of Helen as she preaches tomorrow (I'm trying to imagine what the worship setting might be like ...) and as you both continue to sort out the basic practicalities of your new home. EE has been good and gearing up for Holy week! love, Hilary and Ian

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