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.

Sunday, 13 April 2014

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday in Kalinzi
Yesterday I was invited to preach in a village an hour and a half away, in the hills. We were delighted to find that there was to be a Palm Sunday procession. About 400 people, all dressed in wonderful bright African clothes left the church with assorted palms and decorated branches, and processed over a mile through the village and along the main road. They sang in harmony all the way. It was a moving occasion, full of energy and celebration, and once again a privilege to be part of this vibrant church community. It is now Holy Week, and there will be services in church every day. I'm keeping my head low as preaching on Easter Sunday is enough work for me, but think that I must also prepare an 'emergency' sermon for Good Friday as I am likely to be asked with little or no notice! Today I received my first invitation to preach and lead worship at home - June 15th in Cranham church. It will be quite a contrast!
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2 comments:

  1. Sherlock Gnomes9 November 2019 at 11:58

    We had a Kenyan girl for supper at the chalet in Leysin. Looked up Chogoria & found your blog. Great to read of all your activity in various parts...
    Don't know if you know but I finished a revision of Primary Surgery (vol 1) - available gratis from global-help.org - and am working on vol 2 !! Do want to contribute??? All the best, Michael Cotton

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