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, 6 April 2012

Preaching and surgery

Alastair's c/section went fine (his first section in 17 years!) : an hours dodgy drive over bad roads, and caesarian under local anaesthetic; Mum, baby and surgeon all survived, but the car needed repair for a broken shock absorber!
I have been asked to preach at the main service at the Cathedral on Easter Sunday which is a huge privilege.
Today was over 3 hours of Good Friday service, but very good with 7 different speakers on the words of Jesus from the cross. Our Swahili coming aong slowly and now usually get the drift of what people are saying. I got a note from the Bishop 2/3 way through the service asking me to speak as well!! I thrive on spontaneity and a full church, so coped OK!
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