Friday, 28 August 2015

The Dar es Salaam Edition


The Dar es Salaam Edition


Big photography, a day to remember
The 19 bishops pose in a group photograph outside St. Albans Anglican Cathedral, Diocese of Dar es Salaam, in this 25th Feb photograph.  The bishops in dialogue, especially in partnerships and missions, came from the USA, Africa, Canada and UK.  They are: Julius Kalu (Mombasa) (third right front row), on left of Kalu is Michael Perham of Gloucester, Trevor Mwamba of Botswana, Gerard Mpango (Rtd) of Central Tanganyika and Garth Counsel of Cape Town. On the 2nd left is Sixbert Macumi of Burundi.
Back row (2nd right) Anthony Poggo of Kajo Keji Diocese in Sudan, Mary Gray Reeves of Diocese of Elcamino Real (Canada), Daniel Sarfo of Kumasi Ghana partially hidden, Mdimi Mhogolo,  Central Tanganyika and Shaddock Makaya of Western Tanganyika.  The Bishop of Niagara, Michael Bird, is behind the Bishop of Botswana (with a blue spotted shirt).  Bishop Tenga Tenga of Southern Malawi (smiling and with full clerical collar), while next to him is Canon Jamie Callaway of Trinity Wall Street, next to him is Dr. Eileen Scully, director of Faith and Worship, Church of Canada and Bishop George Bruce of Ontario.
On the extreme right is the communications officer, Mombasa diocese, and behind him Isaac Mukasa coordinator for dialogue Church of Canada.Other bishops are Bishop of Virginia, Shannon Johnston, Collin Johnston, Toronto, Terry Dance, Huron among others.

As the bishops listened to each other in partnership and relationship around the wider table, they discovered a lot about the contexts of the churches in which they serve in different countries all across the world.  The realities, including the burning issues of poverty and peace, emerged as the deepest concerns.  The bishops also devoted time to sharing and reflecting on the aftermath of slavery, slave trade and colonialism.

 EDITOR’S NOTE


 How quickly the seasons move!  The Easter edition of the Glorious Awakening 2011 remind us of the death and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ who died in our place making a full atonement for our sins.  During this Easter season the Church commemorates four principal fundamental doctrines which every Christian is entitled to practice: the vigil, the service of light, baptism and the Eucharist.  The Vigil is perhaps the oldest of all the celebrations which means watching or waiting throughout the night, which the early Church observed, as revealed in the scriptures, praying till dawn when Jesus Christ was acclaimed.  Some Episcopal Churches still observe the same custom even today, either for the whole night or just part of it or even hold a brief vigil service either immediately before the Service of Light or on Saturday evening in preparation for the celebration of the Easter festival.
During the Service of Light the resurrection of our Lord is the main theme while the word is proclaimed dramatically, and the Easter candles are lit, symbolizing the passion of Christ in his true nature as the Light of the World, risen from the darkness of death and the grave.
The main characteristic is the jubilant procession around the church when the light is progressively passed round to all believers present, culminating with the singing of  the ancient Easter song of praise.
Baptism and Easter were traditionally intertwined in the days of yore of the early Church. Sources from the early church fathers say that this was the only season within the church year during which baptisms were regularly performed in the early church.  The new believers were thus sacramentally admitted into Christ’s redeeming death and resurrection. That is therefore why the early church fathers administered baptism and confirmation during the Easter liturgy.  There was too the renewal of baptismal vows by the entire congregation as the final part of the Lenten fast as an affirmation of their union with the risen CHRIST.
The climax of the entire Easter liturgy is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in which we are sacramentally united with risen Lord.  During the ancient days, the Eucharist was celebrated very early, at dawn, on the Easter day while the Congregation faced East in token of him who is referred to as the Sun of Righteousness.

Happy Easter to you all over there.

Reverend Kennedy Ofundi
Editor

Sub-Editor Marlene Reid.


19 Bishops of the Anglican Communion Meet in Dar es Salaam!
19 Anglican bishops from the Anglican Communion, from both parts of the Atlantic, converged in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from Feb 24th to early March 2011.
11 Provinces from all over the Anglican Communion were well represented.  These were: Tanzania, Sudan, Burundi, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Canada, Botswana, England and the United States of America, excluding the six observers.  The 19 Bishops, representing the 11 provinces of the Anglican Communion were:
The Rt. Rev. Shanon Johnston from the diocese of Virginia, The Rt. Rev Julius Kalu from Mombasa diocese, The Rt. Rev. Sixbert Macumi from Burundi; Rt. Rev. Shaddock Makaya, Bishop of West Tanganyika; Rt. Rev. Mdimi, Central Tangayika; Rt. Rev. Gerard MPango, Western Tanganyika (retired but not tired); Rt. Rev. Musonda Mwamaba,  Botswana; Rt. Rev. Michael Perham Bishop of Gloucester; Rt. Rev Anthony Pogo of Kajjo Kejji Sudan; Rt. Rev. Daniel Sarfo , Bishop of Kumasi; Rt Rev James Tengatenga  Southern Malawi; Rt. Rev. Michael Bird Bishop of Niagara; Rt. Rev. George Bruce, Bishop of Ontario; Rt. Rev. John Chapman Bishop of Ottawa; Rt. Rev. Garth Counsel, Bishop of Cape Town; Rt. Rev. Terry Dance, Bishop of Huron; Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves Bishop, of Elcamino Real;  Rt. Rev. Michael Ingham, Bishop of New West Minister; and Rt. Rev. Collin Johnston, Bishop of Toronto plus the six observers. These were, Rev. Benjamin Sabune, Canon James Cooper and Canon Jamie Callaway from Trinity Church, Wall Street, Rev. Kennedy Ofundi, Diocese of Mombasa Communications and  Canon Petero Sabune of the Episcopal Church of Canada.The members of staff were Canon Isaac Mukasa, Church of Canada.Coordinator for Dialogue, Anglican Church of Canada and Dr. Eileen Scully, Director oFaith and Ministry, Anglican Church of Canada.
The Dar es Salaam Bishops in Dialogue Conference traces its origins way back to the Lambeth Conference during which partnerships and relations in missions and commitment to dialogue were established.
The 19 bishops meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, engaged themselves in a process of patience and holy listening, to one another.  It was also noted that the present challenges in the wider communion have presented a good forum to renew commitments to each other.  It is therefore significant to state that the church leaders need to turn to one another within the Body of Christ; to know one another and trust one another as brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.   Challenges are disease, poverty, and wars, being just some of the factors.
The 19 bishops plus the six observers who gathered in the City of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, through Bible studies, guided by the Holy Spirit, and the Indaba groups, revealed true friendship and commitment to relationships with diocese to diocese partnership in mission work and continued support of one another.
The Bishops and the six observers worshipped together, praised God for the gift of partnerships, praying for the Church and the needs of the world, the Church of Christ across the globe , being mindful of the calamities, disasters and crises happening in the world, during the five day Indaba Bishops in Dialogue Conference in Tanzania.
 It was a very impressive thing for the bishops of the Anglican Communion, sharing testimonies from the partnerships’ mission and dialoguing together.   At the same time, the bishops visited and inspected church development projects in the area in the educational sector;  these being St. Augustine Preparatory School and St. John’s University in Dar.  (pictorial news elsewhere)

  EACH OTHER’S COMPANY!
During the Bishops’ Consultative Conference in Dar, Tanzania, it was evident that all the bishops enjoyed each other’s company, sharing both pain and joy right from the  bottom of their hearts with laughter, jokes, testimonies, walks and travelling together inside the Dala-dalas.  Every activity - you name it.  The bishops also engaged themselves in deep serious theological reflections and dialogue.

DIALOGUE-INDABA
It was crystal clear that true dialogue is not just about convincing the other party to agree with the other person’s opinion!   True dialogue or negotiation and discussion is all about turning to one another and paying attention; listening attentively to the other with openness and with a clear heart and mind.  True Christian dialogue is turning to one another within the body of Christ, knowing one another and above everything trusting each other with confidence and love as brothers and sisters in Christ.  There are moments in life where human beings develop judgmental attitudes against one another, behaving as if we are in a court of law!  This definitely is not Indaba or true dialogue.  We rather need to understand one another better and enter into holy negotiations, diversifying our understanding of one another and of the Church of Christ as well as understanding Christ’s call to all of us and the Church’s  missions.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you’ (Eph: 4:31ff)
‘Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.(Eph:5:1-12)

Bishops Share Testimonies during the Indaba Conference in Dar es Salaam.
It was evident that during the Indaba Bishops conference in Dar the testimonies offered by the bishops from both sides of the Atlantic, within the Anglican Communion, revolved around partnership in mission work from where a common trend arose through cross cultural experiences, across the world, around the Anglican Communion whereby it was discovered that they are indeed stronger in relationship than when they are apart.  Thus this will steer the work of engaging in communion building to avoid the expense of breaking apart of the whole communion.  We are engaged in living in mutual responsibility and interdependence.  (1963: Toronto Congress)
Contexts Of Churches Revealed.
As the 19 Anglican bishops sat at the round table during the Indaba Conference in Dar es Salaam in March this year, a lot was revealed about the nature and the context of churches in different parts of the Anglican Communion around the globe.
 The realities of poverty, disease, famine, HIV/AIDS and peace emerged as the most contentious issues and of deepest concern.   The bishops, during the Indaba, shared stories and testimonies of the common mission of Christ that takes different dimensions in different parts of the Anglican Communion worldwide
The bishops focused on prayer; sharing and reflecting on the aftermath of colonialism, the repercussions and horror of the slave trade that left many African communities homeless, fragmented with a lot of insecurity and hopelessness.  (see separate story from the Bishop of Kumasi, Ghana).  The story of slavery and the slave trade in Africa is a sad tale of atrocities committed against humanity.   Its legacy touches us all.  The bishops agreed that it would be a healing for all of us as a Communion to get engaged in broad based negotiations concerning the harrowing history and its ramifications in order to work toward communion building, solidarity, togetherness, perestroika and above all turning towards one another with the love and compassion and kindness of Christ.
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sin against them.  And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation’ (2 Cor: 5:18-21)

Global to local
It is very significant to report here that the Episcopal ministry of Jesus Christ joins up the global and the local communities.
 This is indeed a theological understanding of the incarnation that shows  our faith in its true reality. It was also noted during the Indaba, that global partnerships can have a profound impact on the poorest communities all over the world: just as is it is written in Acts Chapter 4. V 32/34
‘All the believers were one in heart and mind.  No one claimed that any one of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.  …. There were no needy persons among them.  From time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at  the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need’
Going by this the bishops witnessed immensely the impact of our faith through the visits we made to the MEA  (Maendeleo , Elimu Afya) - Development , Education and Health, a charitable organization,  St Augustine’s Preparatory School and St. John’s Anglican University on the outskirts of the City of Dar es Salaam, where the bishops interacted with pupils, students, orphans and patients in need of health care; those with HIV/Aids as well as those PLWA.
All of the local projects toured by the 19 bishops are being financed through partnerships between the Anglican Church and some other charitable organizations.

Global Economic Crisis
The bishops also learned that because of the economic crisis facing the whole world, some ministries and other charitable organizations will, soon or later, cease to exist or are on the verge of being phased out!  If or when this happens, who the will care for the HIV/AIDS patients?  What about the orphans?  What about tropical illnesses like Malaria?   Mosquito nets? Who is going to provide them? The Church has a great role to play in ensuring that these people are holistically cared for.

The bishops engaged themselves in the process of holy listening to one another in the spirit of unity and togetherness concerning our common work and witness coming into deep conviction that they have been collectively called at such a time as this to serve the Church of Christ around the globe in its dire need of this kind of work and above everything praying to have the zeal and the power to undertake such a noble and divine task.  The 19 bishops displayed a very high degree of enthusiasm to commitment to push forward with talks and thus agreed once again to continue on the same safari from where   they had left off and move on even further. 

Tributes.     
The editors, the glorious awakening would like to pay their glowing tribute to the following that made the indaba Bishop’s consultative conference a success:
The Most Rev. Valentino Mokiwa, Primate of Tanzania, for a warm and hospitable welcome and for his beautiful Tanzanian Swahili.

Testimony of Grace by Bishops:
The Rt. Rev. Mdimi Mhongolo
Has been a bishop since 1990. He is the Bishop of Central Tanganyika. Central Tanganyika was carved from Mombasa and many other dioceses have been created out of it.
 The diocese of central Tanganyika has 246 parishes and 900 congregations. Central Tanganyika diocese has partnership relationships with the Diocese of New York. The Diocese of New York supports primary education for the Central Tanganyika children and PLWA.

His diocese is predominantly Anglo Catholics.
The Rt. Rev. Julius Robert Kalu
Julius Robert Kalu is the Bishop of Mombasa. Mombasa Diocese is the mother of all other Dioceses in this region.
The Diocese of Tanganyika was carved out of Mombasa, others being Uganda, Boga and Zaire. Though there is a fast spread of Islam, which is a great challenge, the diocese is trying very hard to have dialogue with Muslims.  The diocese of Mombasa has an assistant Bishop.  Despite drought and famine in many areas, Mombasa Diocese is doing well.
The Rt. Rev. Daniel Sarfo
The Rt. Rev. Daniel Sarfo, is Bishop in the Diocese of Kumasi, Ghana. Bishop Daniel hails from the Asante people in coastal Ghana. He has been a Bishop for 15 years. 
 The Diocese of Kumasi is reported to be growing very well. The Bishop of Kumasi has a great passion for the Anglican Communion at heart. He has shown great enthusiasm and was very happy to be in Dar to dialogue with other Bishops in the Anglican Communion.  Bishop Sarfo is a retired armed forces chaplain with the rank of major.  He was ordained priest in 1980 and was consecrated bishop in 1999.
The Bishop gave a harrowing testimony of the story about slavery and the slave trade that affected the West African Coast during the 17th and 18th Centuries in what became known as the Trans Atlantic slave trade. The slaves used to be shipped across the Atlantic to the Americas to work in the tobacco and sugar plantations before the raw material was taken to England. The bishop also spoke about the triangle of hope between the diocese of Kumasi in Ghana, Virginia in the US and Gloucester in England. A monument has been erected in the diocese to commemorate this.
The Right Rev. Michael Bird
Michael is the Bishop of Niagara which includes the famous Niagara Falls. The diocese of Niagara is cosmopolitan in nature.  Geographically speaking Niagara is the smallest of all dioceses in size, but ranked number three in terms of the population of Anglicans.The Niagara Cathedral is located in Central Hamilton which is characterized by unemployment and extreme poverty due to the drying up of the steel industry. 
 This is one of the poorest regions in Canada. This has given the diocese a great focus on missions here.  Niagara is a diocese in decline that needs to rediscover itself and try to discover what God is calling them to do!
The Bishop has travelled extensively across the diocese which has over 40 congregations. The Bishop affirms that dialogue is the solution to the problems facing the communion.
The Rt. Rev. George Bruce
The Rt. Rev. George Bruce is perhaps the oldest of all the 19 Bishops who turned up for the Bishop Consultative Conference in Dar.  George Bruce is the Bishop of Ontario and is on his way to retirement in May 2011.
 His diocese is largely rural and cosmopolitan with small congregations.
The diocese is trying to change the youth’s attitude from survival to disciple making.

       The Rt. Rev. Anthony Poggo
Anthony Poggo is the Bishop of the Episcopal church of Kajo Keji in Southern Sudan.  Kajo Keji is a few Kilometres from the Ugandan border in a place geographically called Equatorial Sudan. 
 He has been the Bishop for four years now.  His diocese has 58 parishes and has a partnership with the diocese of Bethlehem and Pennsylvania.  The Bishop said that the guns have fallen silent in the Sudan and the referendum is a great welcome. The New Republic of Southern Sudan will be promulgated in July 2011.
The Most Rev. Valentino Mokiwa
The Most Rev. Valentino Mokiwa is primate of the Anglican Church of Tanzania and is also the Bishop of Dar es Salaam which has 76 parishes.   Dar es Salaam has a population of about 5 million people, of these only 4% are Christians!   The whole area is predominantly Muslim.
  The primate said that his province and diocese are involved in evangelism, church planting missions and discipleship training.
The Tanzanian Prelate said that over 100 people were killed during the recent Dar es Salaam bomb blast and many others were left traumatized.  The Diocese of Dar has a formal relationship with the Diocese of Hereford and is looking forward to establishing another partnership with the Diocese of Arizona.
The Anglican Province of Tanzania comprises of 28 dioceses, the majority of which are Anglo-Catholics while others are evangelicals.
The primate of the Anglican Church of Tanzania, commenting again on the recent military bomb blast that killed many and left others traumatized, asked the prime minister of the Tanzanian republic to shut down some military installations within the city central district for the safety of the people.  At the same time he conveyed greetings from the house of Bishops, Anglican Church of Tanzania, to all the Bishops in Indaba conference.
The Rt. Rev. Trevor Musonda
Trevor Musonda Mwamba is the Anglican Bishop of Botswana.  Botswana became a diocese of its own after being separated from the Diocese of Central Africa.  Botswana is perhaps the largest diocese in Africa!   It is predominantly rural and desert, including the famous Kalahari Desert.
The diocese of Botswana has 16 parishes with 50 outposts which are several miles apart.
The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves
Bishop of the Diocese of Elcamino Real in Canada;   the only lady Bishop! Her diocese includes a very large agricultural area in the Canadian prairies.  Elcamino Real diocese is diverse, with many Latino and Asian Americans.  Theologically speaking, she describes her diocese as fairly moderate. She loves dialogue which has been enriched since the Lambeth conference.

                      The Rt. Rev. Makaya
Sadock Makaya is the Anglican Bishop of Western Tanganyika, Diocese in Tanzania.  He has been a bishop for five months now.  Bishop Mdimi of central Tanganyika was his professor and tutor during college days.  Bishop Makaya also worked with Bishop Gerald Mpango (now retired) as assistant Bishop of Central Tanganyika before being elected as a bishop in his own diocese in West Tanganyika.
His first confirmation service was 203 people in a single Sunday.  He reports firmly that the church is growing well despite the challenge from the Muslims.  He also affirms that there is a good relationship between Christians and Muslims in the area!
The Rt. Rev. Garth Counsel
 Garth is the Bishop of Cape Town in South Africa. Cape Town is the mother diocese of Cape Province, but quite compact at the moment.  Bishop Garth is the suffragan responsible for the day to day running of activities of the entire Diocese of Cape Town.  The diocese, at the moment, is not in formal partnership with any diocese in Canada.  Cape Province is the only province in South Africa that is not governed by the African National Congress

               The Rt. Rev. John Chapman
Chapman is the Episcopal Bishop of Ottawa Canada.  Ottawa is the nation’s capital city. 
The Bishop describes his diocese as the coldest place on earth.  The diocese is officially secular, though people have began to embrace the gospel of Christ and the mission of the church.


The Rt. Rev. Michael Ingham
Bishop of the Diocese of New West Minister, Canada.  He has been in office as bishop for 17 years.  The challenge facing his diocese is the increase in secularism; a situation where many people are turning away from God to other false religions.  Four percent of the people in New West Minister have no religion.  His Episcopal administration is trying very much to address the spiritual needs of the people who think they have no God. There is a proper teamwork in missions and ministry, at all levels, from the street to the government.

The Rt Rev. Sixbert Macumi
The Rt. Rev. Sixbert Macumi is Bishop of Buye in Burundi.  His diocese is partnered with the Diocese of Montreal, Canada.  He was very much delighted to come to the Bishop Consultative Conference.  He believes in dialogue and partnerships to strengthen relations within the communion.

The Rt. Rev. Terry Dance
Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of Huron, Canada. He is also referred to as the Bishop of Norfolk.  Bishop Terry is responsible for the pastoral care of two thirds of the Huron Diocese.  The Diocese of Huron has 235 congregations, with 150 ordained priests and 35 deacons.
It is reported that in the past there were many millionaires per capita in Huron but that is now history.  London and Windsor are the largest Cities in Huron and have the highest rate of the unemployment and poverty in Canada.   Two thirds of the diocese is typically rural and the diocese of Huron is trying to deal with the depopulation in the rural areas. There is the greatest need for spiritual renewal in the diocese after many years of strategic planning.  The Diocese of M’thatha is their companion diocese.
The Rt. Rev. Sharon Johnson
Johnson is the Bishop of Virginia in the state of Virginia USA. The diocese of Virginia is by far the largest Episcopal diocese in the USA.  Johnson first began Episcopal ministry as Bishop Coadjutor in 2007.  His coming to Dar was principally to set off relationships already put in place between his diocese and other African dioceses.  He calls himself a centrist, a centre where relationships are established and nurtured.
The Rt. Rev. Gerard Mpango
Formerly the Bishop of the Diocese of Western Tanganyika, recently retired.  The Rt. Rev. Mdimi, current Bishop of Western Tanganyika invited him to speak on his behalf.


      The Rt. Rev. James Tengatenga
One of the most outstanding Bishops during the Indaba conference in Dar!  He is the Bishop of Diocese of Southern Malawi.  He gave a very good speech on language and a theology of discourse very much committed to dialogue.


Canon Jamie Calloway
Calloway hails from the Trinity Street grants’ programme in New York City.  Canon Jamie Calloway puts it clearly that if we centre our ministry and mission on partnership, then the rest of the world will come into focus and we can live in hope and affirmation of acceptance of one another within the body of Christ.
Canon came to Dar es Salaam as an observer.




In dialogue
The Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu (second right), has a word with the primate of Tanzania, Valentino Mokiwa (left), during the Bishops’ meeting in Dar in March.  On the extreme right is Garth Counsel, Bishop of Cape Town, while Bishop Mdimi of Central Tanganyika (with white shirt) looks on.

 Dar es Salaam Cathedral
An outside view of Dar es Salaam Cathedral.   It was here that we held all our Eucharistic services during our stay in Tanzania, during the Bishops’ Consultative Conference.  This is Tanzania’s most modern cathedral in the Diocese of Dar es Salaam of the Anglican Church.
                

 Aerial View of Dar es Salaam
This is an aerial view of Dar es Salaam as seen from Holiday Inn Hotel that hosted bishops during the Bishops’ Consultative Conference.  Dar es Salaam in Swahili (derived from original Arabic language) means  ‘harbor of peace’; Bandari ya Salama
Dar es Salaam city has a population of 5 million people of which 5% is Christian.  It is Tanzania‘s most modern city!

Preaching During Eucharistic Service
The Bishop of Ontario, Canada (left) George Bruce, in green liturgical regalia, flanked by the provost of Dar es Salaam cathedral, is speaking to the 19 Bishops and six observers during a Eucharistic service organized in their honor during the Bishops’ Consultative Conference in Dar es Salaam recently.  Bishop Kalu of Mombasa was among the 19 bishops who attended the Indaba conference.

         Gathered as Friends
 The Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu, (left), the Bishop of Kumasi,
Daniel Sarfo and one of the Bishops from Canada listen to each other with keen interest and concentration in Dar es Salaam. The Bishops gathered as friends to share with deep gratitude stories and testimonies to the work of the Holy Spirit in our dioceses.  In these gatherings the presence and power of the Holy Ghost was felt in our midst.  I tell you, what a great occasion it was!

 Listening to Each  Other Around the Table
The Bishop of Elcamino, Real Mary Gray-Reaves (left),  Bishop of Kajo Keji, Sudan, Anthony Pogo (centre) and the Bishop of Ottawa, John Chapman listen to each other in the Bible study and scripture expositions.  The 19 bishops, throughout the conference, engaged themselves in a process of patient and holy listening, being considerate of one another’s theological opinions.  As true Anglicans coming from different backgrounds and from a wide diversity of contexts, have chosen to listen to one another.  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Col 3:12ff)

Reasoning Together
“Come and let us reason together says the Lord.  Though your sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah. 1:18)
The Bishop of Central Tanganyika (left), Mdimi Mhogolo, Bishop George Bruce of Ontario Canada, and Bishop Michael Perham of Gloucester, England, in deep and serious dialogue during the Indaba bishops’ conference in Dar.  True Indaba, or dialogue, is not about convincing the other person about the rightness of one’s own theological opinion, but rather turning to one another with openness within the body of Christ.  We need to understand each other by entering into deep holy conversation thus broadening our understanding of one another about our missions and of Christ’s call to us all.

The BHI Spectacular Sunrise!
The beautiful scenario of a coastal sunrise as seen from the roof of Bishop Hannington hostel in early January 2011, during a one week refresher course for the clergy of Mombasa Diocese. A question was asked during the seminar why most congregations turn towards the East when reciting the creed.  Just as the sun rises in the east, lighting the whole world, so it was believed that Christ, who is the light of our souls, would appear in the east at his 2nd coming.   Jesus is also referred to as the Sun of Righteousness in the Gospels.

Best Ordination Priest.
The Rev. Mary Micere, youth pastor at the Mombasa Memorial Cathedral, was the most outstanding of all the priests during a recent ordination service at the MMC.  Rev. Mary is a former BHI alumni and a BD holder from St.Paul’s University, Limuru!  She is seen dressed in pink standing next to the Bishop of Mombasa singing, during the recent ordination service.

Nyali’s Connections with the past:
On the Mkomani side of Nyali, Mombasa, stands a simple monument consisting of a masonry wall.  It is a memorial to Mrs Krapf – wife of Rev. Dr. Ludwig Krapf – who died on September 13th 1844.  Her newly born daughter died on the following day. The Krapfs were the first missionaries sent by CMS to preach the Gospel in Mombasa. A sad start to their mission!
 “One hundred and eight years later (1952) the first St Peter’s Church, Nyali, was dedicated in the midst of a growing community of people who found that they needed a church of their own.  Thus those who have worked for St Peter’s took up the task that was started by the first missionary to come to East Africa”.

The Story of the First St Peter’s:
On the 4th May 1952, St Peter’s Church, a temporary structure, (built from old timbers of a dismantled army structure) full to overflowing, was dedicated by the Rt. Reverend Leonard Beecher, M.A. Archbishop of East Africa and Bishop of Mombasa which was the only diocese in Kenya at that time.
From the day of dedication, services were held in the church. As the congregation continued to grow there was need for an extension in 1955. By 1958 the temporary building was being eaten by termites and in danger of falling down and a new more permanent church was needed!  An appeal for funds was made by the then Bishop of Mombasa, Bishop Beecher, in 1959, for the present church building.  It was not without regret that the original church was abandoned but the needs of the growing Christian community had to be met.
 The only person I spoke to who remembers the first church building is Rev Newman Mwangombe who said that when he was a little boy living in the Cathedral compound, there was a missionary lady called Miss Cam who would come in her Landrover from Taita where she was a teacher and she would take him and other little boys swimming at Nyali Beach, parking the car in the St Peter’s compound. 
 Quotation from Provost Miles on the demise of the old building:  “I suppose there is nobody who will not be sorry to see the last of the present St Peter’s Church.  It has real charm and presence, which we shall all miss.  But if it is not quickly replaced, it will probably fall down”.
 “Since the church was built in 1952 it has served St Peter’s people very well. But a building larger and more permanent is now needed.  According to the 1958 census there are 912 Europeans living on the north mainland within the boundary of Mombasa Municipality, besides 11,000 Africans.  In the next few years the European population will very probably be much increased.  The new St Peter’s is designed to have a seating capacity of 160, which is not excessive in view of the figures quotes.  And when you plan for churches you must look ahead – not five but fifty (years)”.
 “At least 7000 pounds is needed to complete the church.  Christian people are greatly helped in their worship if they have a beautiful church.  This is what we want to provide at Nyali; and it is our hope that all who read this appeal will want to have a share in this task”
 It would seem that the fairly grandiose plans for the new church were never fully realised as one can see from the description and the architects drawing.  No doubt money was the problem.  7000 pounds was a huge sum in those days.  The membership at St Peter’s was at this time exclusively European, and was expected to grow!  The church was part of the Nyali Estate, the chairman being Mr Greenwood and all things in Nyali were “ruled” by this hierarchy.  In fact the consecration of St Peter’s was somewhat delayed due to this attitude and it was not until 1969 under Bishop Mwangombe that the consecration took place.  There are no records of this, only of the application but I am assured that the consecration did take place. Things ofcourse changed after Independence and today St Peter’s is the epitome of  a cosmopolitan community with many visitors from overseas joining in the services and fellowshipping with both local and expatriate members. Also by this time things had changed in all areas of life not excluding the church.  Mombasa was no longer the only diocese in Kenya, new dioceses had been formed in Nakuru, Maseno and Fort Hall and African assistant bishops from Mombasa had been sent to lead Fort Hall and Maseno.  Nairobi became the next large diocese and Bishop Beecher became Bishop of Nairobi while Rt Rev. Peter Mwangombe (until this time an Archdeacon) became the first African Bishop of Mombasa. 
 For a glimpse into the past I managed to unearth some old minute books (most, unfortunately, seem to have been destroyed) dating from 1968 to 1981.  It is clear from these minutes that St Peter’s has always had a dedicated team of members who have been committed to serving the church and looking after all her needs.
 Until 1977 St Peter’s was under the care of the Mombasa Cathedral and depended on an ordained minister coming from there to carry out Holy Communion and any other liturgical duties.  Bishop Mwangombe decided that St Peter’s would be much better served by Emmanuel Church, Freretown and Rev. Pande (who later became an army chaplain) became very much involved with St Peter’s.  James Mbotela was also an active part of the Nyali PCC.  Transport of a pastor to St Peter’s was a problem, someone had to pick him (no her in those days) up and eventually a bicycle was bought for Rev Pande!  St Peter’s remained under the care of Freretown parish until 1990 when it was made a parish by Bishop Julius Kalu.
 The church, due to falling numbers, was however struggling.  Total cash balances often show less than Shs1000 in the kitty with little in the reserve fund.  They could not afford to install fans and in fact it was not until 1981 that some members donated and paid for installation of fans.   There was no toilet which one preacher complained was “an inconvenience”, somewhat of a pun!  In 1980 there was a serious shortage of money to meet the increased quota and a diocesan demand for money to invest in flats being built in Makupa, and to pay for the Bishop to attend the Lambeth conference.  A situation with which we can identify today! Coffee was being served after the main service and cake was being sold to help the kitty!  A tradition still in place! There were regular burglaries when the chalice and salvers, (which had to be replaced) the Sunday collection, Communion wine etc were stolen. The only time anyone was apprehended was when one of the thieves was caught with the box of communion wine.  Perhaps he drank too much of it before making a clean getaway!  Windows, presumably attempted robberies, were broken on a regular basis. Good security could not be afforded and it was difficult to pay the verger on a full time basis.   In 1981 Sunday School was in danger of being closed due to falling numbers, lack of teachers etc. However God was still there and someone else arrived and the Sunday School carried on.  Despite the constant lack of funds St Peter’s were still making donations to the Mission to Seamen (on whom the church came to rely heavily for a pastor to conduct Holy Communion), Bishop Hannington Institute and at harvest festival food was donated to the Little Sisters of the Poor.  The same spirit of generosity which still prevails today at St Peter’s!   By the late 80’s the H.C. service was down to a few “old ladies” and hardly justified sending a pastor.  Morning Prayer services were often conducted by Rev Newman Mwangombe (then plain Mr) and lay reader Paddy Purchase.  Around this time however there was an influx of people from the Cathedral, now living and wanting to worship in Nyali.  In 1989 Bishop (Rtd) Paltridge came to St Peter’s and so there was a vicar for the first time.  This was the ‘turning point’ which we are told God always gives us and was the start of the church as we see it today.  In 1990 St Peter’s was made a parish by Bishop Julius Kalu.
The late 90’s saw the building of a new church hall with offices, 2 flats and praise be to God – toilets.  Considering that Shs 3,500 to build a banda for the Sunday School in 1978 posed a great economic challenge we can say we have come a long way. We have the last word in sound production, lovely pews, fans, every mod con.  We have had our first Vicar, Henry Paltridge, our first African Vicar, Josphat Murutu and now we have a lady Vicar Dorcas Kiundu.  What next?  I wonder what St Peter’s members will say about us in another 50 years?  Will we travel as far as previous members travelled?  We move from one generation to the next through political and other secular changes and we have to face up to many challenges in this modern world, many of which threaten to shake the very basis of our faith!  But God is good and he never changes!  A strong faith for St Peter’s Church, Nyali, the body of Christ, on which to base the next 50 years!
Marlene Reid – Warden St Peter’s  -  adapted from a longer history read at the actual anniversary service.
 (My sincere thanks to Peter Rodwell who unearthed much of this information from Roddy’s archive and to Rev. Newman Mwangombe who took a morning off to come to my house, drink tea and eat muffins while he educated me on church history and hierarchy).

In Threes
The bishops, in the group of threes, sat down and shared a lot through dialogue and Bible studies about the nature of their churches in different parts of the world.  As is evident in this picture, Canon Jamie Calloway of Trinity Church, Wall Street (left), Bishop Garth Counsel of Cape Town (centre with crossed hands) and one of the Bishops from Canada share theological reflections with one another in Dar.

Offering each other a sign of peace!
The peace of the Lord be always with you! The Bishops offering each other a sign of peace during a Eucharistic service organized in their honour by the Dar es-Salaam Cathedral.  Each of our busy days in Dar began with the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup.  Dr. Eileen is seen sharing the Peace of God with the Bishops; the provost of the Cathedral (back to the camera) is seen going back to the altar.

Relaxing after a busy day!
The Bishop of Buya, Burundi, the Rt. Rev. Sixbert Macumi (left) and the Bishop of Western Tanganyika Diocese, Rt. Rev Sadock Makaya, relax after a busy day of Bible study and scriptural exposition outside the Dar es Salaam Cathedral.

Common language - Lingua Franca
The Bishop of Niagara Diocese, Michael Bird, and the Bishop of Botswana, Trevor Mwamba, in dialogue with each other!  The bishops engaged in a quest for a language that would bring the whole communion to mutual understanding for a better dialogue.
“That does not mean that we agree or that we seek an agreement on particular issues. What we do intend is to take our responsibilities of Episcopal leadership in the life and work of the church with seriousness, to engage in our calling to bringtogether the local  and the universal so as to connect brothers and sisters across provinces.  We are taking responsibility as bishops to lead our people forward in the baptismal call to deepen relationships with Jesus and with each other in love and service.  This is the work of the Holy Spirit leading the whole people of God”
 Bishop Michael Bird comes from the Province of Canada, while Bishop Musonda Mwamba hails from the Province of Central Africa; they speak different languages.  What do they have in common?

Boarding a “Dala-Dala in Dar
The Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu, is seen boarding a dala-dala in Dar, Tanzania to go places.  The dala-dalas are equivalent to Kenya’s matatus on the public transport system. The bishop was among the 19 bishops who toured the outskirts of Dar es Salaam city to inspect the various development projects sponsored through partnerships between the churches in the North Atlantic i.e. Canada, USA and England.  Bishop Kalu asked for partnerships between countries  South of the Sahara.
 Inside a “Dala-dala - going places!
The bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu, on board a dala-dala, a public transport vehicle in Dar together with other bishops en route to inspect various development projects on the outskirts of Dar sponsored by the Anglican Church.

        Embracing Others
We arrived for a spectacular reception at St. Augustine’s Anglican School on board a dala-dala. For the majority of us who are not good Swahili speakers the word ‘Karibu’ typified the hospitality of the Tanzania people who cared for us wherever we went.
The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray Reeves, Bishop Elcamino Real, embraces a classroom teacher, and gets the taste of the word ‘Karibu’ during the bishops visit to the school.  Other bishops are in the background.

 With Teachers
The Bishop of Niagara, Michael Bird. in a group photograph, with the school teachers in Dar es Salaam.

Bishop with Pupils
The Rt. Rev. Julius Kalu,  Bishop of Mombasa with standard two pupils in Dar es Salaam. The Bishop being a teacher by profession loves children.  Other two bishops are Garth Counsel of Cape Town (left) and Bishop of Burundi, Sixbert Macumi.  The Bishops were impressed by the impact of MEA foundation here.

 Education
The Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu, speaks with other Bishops in Dar es Salaam during the Bishops’ visit to a school in Dar.  Bishops in the picture are Michael Bird, Niagara, James Tenga Tenga, Southern Malawi, Garth Counsel, Cape Town and Terry Dance of Huron.

Three classroom bishops
It was not Bible study or theological reflection and Indaba all the time!  Here three bishops from Ghana (left), Daniel Sarfo, Botswana’s Mwamba (centre) and Tenga Tenga of Southern Malawi share a classroom desk with grade II pupils in Dar es Salaam. An historic occasion to the glory of God!
 Admiring best handwriting!
Bishop Garth Counsel of Cape Town and Bishop Sixbert Macumi of Buye Burundi admire a grade 4 pupil’s book with the best handwriting in Dar.  The pupils as well as the teachers in the School felt loved and accepted.  It was a very rare visit!

 Signing visitors Book
 Bishop Julius Kalu signs a visitor’s book in St. Johns University in Dar es-Salaam. The Bishop had a busy day after inspecting various church sponsored development projects with other bishops.

Praying for the sick
The Rt. Rev. Anthony Pogo, Bishop of Kajo Kaji Diocese in the Sudan, prays for an HIV/AIDS patient on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam. The conditions in which we found this patient were just horrible. The housing was in a bad state and dilapidated
 Visitation to the sick
The Bishop of Central Tanganyika speaks to other Episcopal bishops from both sides of the Atlantic about the condition of the HIV/AIDS patients living on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam city.  These AIDS patients and some others are sponsored and cared for by MEA, a charitable organization within the Anglican Church of Tanzania.

Purple! Purple people everywhere!
The 19 bishops in their purple attire listen to instructions from the MED director in Dar es Salaam during their entry to the community cared for by MEA, a charitable church organization. Bishop Julius Kalu of Mombasa is among them. The bishops witnessed the impact of their faith through the visits to the MEA foundation, orphans, PLWA among others.
 Queuing to sign VIPs’ book
The bishops queue and wait for their turn to sign the VIPs’ book.  Bishop James Tenga Tenga of Southern Malawi is just about to finish while Bishop Garth Counsel of Cape Town looks on.

A building with a collapsing roof hosting HIV patients!
The bishops, as you can see in the picture, had a very busy itinerary during their stay in Dar. Here they had an opportunity to visit a home of HIV/AIDS people living in very dilapidated conditions.  Surely from the look of things the church has a bigger role to play!  The occupant of this collapsing building had no bed and was sleeping on stones and rugs.
 No food, no medical care!  Which AIDS orphan will not be cared for? Which person in need of health care will not receive it and who will sleep another night without a mosquito net to protect them from Malaria?

The great three friends meet.
Rt. Rev. Trevor Mwamba, Bishop of Botswana (right), Rt. Rev. Mdimi Mhogoloof Central Tanganyika (centre), and Canon Dr. Isaac Mukasa of the Anglican Church of Canada, greet each other in the morning after a Eucharistic service organized by the Diocese of Dar es Salaam. Cannon Dr. Isaac Mukasa is the Coordinator for Dialogue in the Anglican Church of Canada. The three are great friends and partners in Christ’s ministry.


Local News
Holy Communion for Mr. Kenneth Matiba and Family
The Jadini vicar, Rev Kennedy Ofundi, during 3rd week of ordinary time in our Anglican liturgical calendar, took Holy Communion to Mr. Kenneth Matiba at the request of his wife, Mama Edith Matiba.
Kenneth Stanley Njido Matiba is a baptized and confirmed communicant of the Anglican Church of Kenya and the Director of Alliance Hotels in the Coastal region of Kenya. Mr. Kenneth Matiba or ‘Uncle Ken’ as he is popularly known, was in exuberant spirits when the vicar Jadini Parish took communion to him. Uncle Ken from the testimony shared was taken ill 20 years ago suffering from stroke and was very grateful to God for keeping him alive to this very day.
 During a brief interview with Glorious Awakening, after the communion service organized in his honor, Mr Matiba was full of life and love and shared his past life with us.
 Mr Matiba made us feel valued in his manner of affirmation to people of all walks of life.  Uncle Ken is a very sympathetic gentleman with an extensive life experience and an incredible memory about great events in life.
Mr Matiba shared his profile with us:  Kenneth Stanley Wa Njindo was born on June 1st 1932 at Kahuhia, Weithaga location, Kiharu division, present day Muranga county, in Central Kenya.  He was educated at Mariira primary school and Alliance High School, Kikuyu.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in English History and Sociology and a diploma in Education from Makerere University in Uganda.
Mr. Kenneth Matiba above (right), in a brief interview with the GA editorial staff in his Jadini home during ordinary time this year after taking Holy Communion.

The smiling face of Kenneth Matiba!

Mr. Kenneth Matiba, (centre) in the next photo, flanked by his beloved wife Edith (left), smiles to the camera with Jadini Christians in a group photo during the vicar’s Holy Communion visit to the Matiba home.  In the picture Machani is on the right; Annie Omusungu,  Kenneth Matiba, Mrs Edith Matiba, Mungai and Susan Kimathi.  Mr. Kenneth Matiba who is very photogenic, remained at ease during our interview with himMr Matiba recalls his days at Alliance High School where he took a keen interest in sport  becoming Hockey Capt, playing volleyball and doing gymnastics.

Applicants for ordination training appear in the panel.
Two applicants for ordination from Likoni deanery appeared before the Kwale archdeaconry panel during the ordinary time 2011.
Esther Were
Sabina Omututi
The two applicants for ordination training came from St. Philip’s, Likoni Parish.  Sabina Omututi and Esther Were gave the other male candidates a run for their money.  Every year the Diocese of Mombasa recruits applicants forordination training, interviews them to ascertain their true calling before they are admitted to Bishop Hannington Institute to embark on ordination training leading to admission to holy orders of deacons and priests.
The two ladies Esther and Sabina looked composed, alert and undisturbed as they responded articulately to the interviewers nagging questions.The college opens its gates in Sept.  Good luck ladies.

 Obituaries
November 2010 and March 2011 were dark and sad moments for the Jadini Christians. It was a moment during which death rocked up and robbed us our beloved ones!
In the month of November Reuben Kamau Wamola, former peoples warden, succumbed to diabetes after a long illness.  He was buried in his Ukunda home.   Rev. Dr. Bryson Samboja was the chief missioner during the burial.  He described him as an intelligent and hardworking man. Kamau leaves behind a widow and several children.
Reuben Kamau’s widow, Elizabeth, withher son Mungai during her husband’s passing on.
Mama Winnie Muthani went to be with the Lord in March after many years battling with cancer. She was a staunch member of the Mothers’ Union and youth patron.  She was buried in Mbaraki Cemetery.  The requiem was in Mombasa Memorial Cathedral.  
Rev. Festus Kiseu was the celebrant. Winnie leaves behind a daughter and several grandchildren. Rev. Dr. Samboja, Rev. Ofundi and Rev. Mburu were present at Reuben’s funeral.  The three men in collars have one thing in common: all were at one time Jadini Vicars.  Nice to have you guys.


Global Teams’ Horizon for Women
The Global Teams’ Horizon conference for women was held in Kwale in November 2011. Women from far and wide in Mombasa diocese were in attendance.  The ladies were equipped with skills and knowledge to take good news to Muslims.  At the end of the one week conference the participants were awarded with certificates.  The organizer of the event was Rev. Dr. Bryson Samboja’ Director of Global Teams Africa.

Certification
Women who took part during the horizon conference from 28th November to 3rd December display their certificates of attendance ready to face the challenge of taking the gospel to the unreached communities in Kwale.
Anticlockwise Rev. Baya, Grace Mwashombo, Helen Dzimba, Annie Ofundi
Rev. Elizabeth Agumba
Back row, Evelyn Manjewa (with spectacles) Mrs. Kalama and two others.

Global Teams’ Leader prepares couples for marriage
The Director for Global Teams Africa, Rev Dr. Bryson Samboja,  (also former Jadini Vicar) is seen counseling couples in preparation for holy matrimony during advent 2010. Jimmy Folonja and Emily Nyamuvula were later married in church in a colorful wedding ceremony presided over by Bryson.



The Three Ships!

“I saw three ships come sailing in” on a wedding day!  “And what was in those ships all three?”Jimmy Folonja and his lady.  The 
couple and their best couple arrived to a spectacular reception on board MV Furaha as is seen in the picture.  The next photo is an agape meal prepared in honor of Jimmy and Emily.  Mr and Mrs. Alex Leteipan, from St.Peters, Nyali, were among the VIPS.  It was nice meeting up with the Leteipan family after a period of almost seven years.   What a coincidence!

Brand new car for Bishop Dena
The Assistant Bishop of Mombasa Diocese, Right Reverend Lawrence Dena has acquired a new car.  The Rav 4 KBN 5101 was bought by the Christian brothers (and sisters) from St Peters Church, Nyali, at a cost of Shs 1.5 million.  The bishop will be using the vehicle for pastoral and other Episcopal duties put under his docket.  Speaking during the handing over at the Cathedral, Bishop Dena thanked the vicar and the Christians of St.Peters, Nyali, for this noble act ensuring that he has a means of transport to enable him to carry out his heavy programme of church work.   He said that he has been humbled by this gesture and is going to use the car for the glory of God.  On the other hand the People’s Warden of St. Peters, Mr. Josh Kituri, handing over the car keys to the bishop, said that St. Peters, as a Church, are indeed delighted and guided by the Holy Spirit to donate the car for use by Bishop Dena.  He said that St. Peters will be responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle. Diocese to provide the fuel.  Present during the occasion was the Bishop of Mombasa, members of the clergy from all over the diocese and numerous laity.

DON REID:APPRECIATION
Don Reid, husband of Marlene Reid died on Jan. 1st 2011 soon after his 90th birthday.  Don was, together with Marlene, a member of St Peter’s Church, Nyali and also worshipped at the Mission to Seafarers.  Don was born in the East End of London in Poplar, within the sound of Bow bells, therefore qualifying to be called a ‘Cockney’. 
His Father was Scottish, his mother English.  Don’s father died when Don was 7 and consequently Don and his sister were sent to an austere boarding school where he was given a totally classical education which only qualified him to doing a ‘gentleman’s’ work in the City of London.  Don’s first such job lasted a very short time when he was sacked, and after which he became employed as an apprentice electrical engineer  When World War 2 came in 1939, Don enrolled in the Royal Air Force as a navigator and was shot down over Holland in 1941.  He was confined in a German Prisoner of War camp until the end of the war when he returned to his apprenticeship.  Don became an associate of the Institute of Electrical Engineers (UK) after 9 years of study at night school and was elected as a Fellow after many years of professional work first in UK, then in Ghana, Nigeria , Tanzania (with EAHC) and finally Kenya, working first in Ministry of Transport, Nairobi before coming to Mombasa in 1983 where he took charge of an electrical contracting company, at the same time also opening his own consultancy.  He was a Fellow of both Kenya IEK and Tanzania IET.  He was responsible for electrical installations in many of the Coastal Hotels as well as many other companies and organisations.  Don carried on working until his eyesight began to fail when he was 83 but always kept a keen interest in what was going on in the electrical world and never stopped missing his “job”.

Murder most foul!
Bishop Kalu’s son, Benjamin was killed in cold blood during Christmas!
In the wake of Christmas Eve 2010, the Christians of ACK, Mombasa Diocese, received with shock, the news of the sudden death of Benjamin Baraka Kalu, son of the Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu.  Killed in cold blood, the horror of this destruction of a young life, by his murderers, will take a long time to come to terms with.  Bewilderment is what everyone feels.   It will take a long time before his parents, brothers, sisters and the whole family, friends and relatives and indeed all the Christian community can fully adjust to reality of life without the young and the pragmatic Baraka.
Baraka was barely 25 years when he met his death.  He was an enormously popular young man, vigilant, motivated and with focus. His popularity has been amply demonstrated by the spontaneous outburst of grief and anger all over the diocese. 
Addressing hundreds of mourners who had gathered in Kakuyuni, Malindi, the Primate of the Anglican Church Tanzania, the Most  ARCH BISHOP VALENTINO: Talking tough.
Rev. Valentino Mokiwa condemned Benjamin’s murder as most foul.
Bishop Valentino Mokiwa said that there are moments in life of overwhelming passion, when the desolation of the moment may provoke violence and despair.  He emphasised that although the cry for a rational explanation of who killed Benjamin, and why, is understandable and right, but the urgency of the matter should not precipitate negative actions

Archbishop Wabukala
In his words of encouragement and condolence to the mourners, parents, family and friends of the deceased, the Primate of the Anglican Church of Kenya, the Most Rev. Dr. Wabukala, remarked:
Little consolation for the grief stricken family of the Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu, his wife, Mama Rose Kalu, is that the whole Christian Community, the Anglican Church in particular,
shares in intense anxiety and curiosity to know why Benjamin was murdered and who are his killers.  The messages of condolence pouring in from all over the world bear true testimony to this’.

In his final remarks the Primate of Tanzania, the Most Rev. Valentino Mokiwa said that it is imperative that Christians remain united in prayer and disciplined throughout the mourning period.  In unity is the strength of Christ that the Bishops family, relatives and friends and the entire Anglican diocese of Mombasa need to stitch their lives together after this horrific happening.  In collective Christian unity lies the moral justification to accept the salvation in Christ Jesus.  Let us bury young Benjamin, with the dignity he so richly deserves and let the scar start healing as we forgive the killers wherever they may be as we wait for the truth to unfold.

Clergy refresher course for Mombasa Diocese held
In the week ending January 2011, over 100 clergy from all corners of the Mombasa diocese gathered at Bishop Hannington Institute in Buxton, thanks to the efforts and initiative of the Bishop Hannington Principal, Rev. Patrick Mukholi, organizer of the five day workshop.  The priests, deacons and other church workers came from Lamu, Mpeketoni, Tana Delta, Bura,  Mariakani, Rabai,  Kilfi and Mombasa island.  The workshop had its origins in the fact that most clergy standards of performance have fallen below the expected level of divine performance.   It was therefore necessary for a refresher course to be organized in order to redeem the situation reminding ministers of their divine calling and performance of duty.  The clergy and laity alike worshipped together, praising God for many gifts in ministry, praying for the needs of the Church, the drought and famine affecting many areas of the Anglican Diocese in Mombasa, sharing testimonies together and the challenges of ministry.
 At the end of the five day workshop all the participants were awarded certificates of completion, sponsored by the Multi-Church Pastor Institute.

Following the proceedings
Clergy from all over the Anglican diocese of Mombasa, follow the proceedings during a clergy refresher course held at BHI recently.  Over 100 clergy from all over Mombasa diocese took part. Thanks to the efforts of the Principal, Rev. Patrick Mukholi for his good organization. It was such a success to the glory of God.
During the weeks preceding epiphany 2011, at the ordination service, at the Mombasa Memorial Cathedral 18 ordinands were admitted to Holy Orders of deaconate and priest by the Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu; the highest number ever, in the history of this diocese.
Of the 18, 8 were ordained as deacons while the remaining number were ordained as priests.   During the swearing-in ceremony, presided over by the diocesan chancellor, the ordinands made three different oaths, in the presence of the Bishop of Mombasa and any bishops that will come after him

Ordination Register
The Bishop of Mombasa, Julius Kalu, in full liturgical regalia, is seen signing the ordination register to confirm the true names of all the ordinands being admitted into Holy Orders of deacons and priests during epiphany 2010, a total of 18.

Thus, an oath of Canonical Obedience
I Evelyn Aisha Manjewa….. declare that I will pay true canonical obedience to the Bishop of Mombasa and his successors in all things lawful and honest. So help me God.

An Oath of declaration of assent.
I James Okinyi about to be priested in the Diocese of Mombasa, do solemnly make the following declaration: assent to the 39 articles of religion and the Book of Common Prayer, and ordering of bishops, priests and deacons.  
 I Believe in the doctrine of the Anglican Church of Kenya, in the Mombasa diocese; to be agreeable to the word of God, and in public prayer and the administration of the sacraments.  I will use the form in the said book prescribed and none other, except so far as shall be ordered by lawful authority.So help me God.

VIPS during Ordination.
Former principal Meg Merrifield (centre), with her former students, Richard and Anthony in this photo, during a recent ordination service.   Madam Meg now lives in Wales.  It was a rare and wonderful reunion.  Meg was BHI principal between 1998-2009.


Holy Orders.
Ordinands who were admitted into the Holy Orders lying prostrate, at the altar, during an ordination service at the Mombasa Cathedral, early this year.  This symbolically means total surrender to the highest God.  It also signifies canonical obedience to the Church government.  This practice of prostration at the altar is as old as the apostolic age and is scriptural as well. “Then he fell on his knees and cried out Lord, do not hold this sin against them”.  This is to bow down in reverence to him who is omnipotent.

Lift up Your Hearts-Rev Charlotte.
The Vicar Ribe Parish, Rev. Charlotte Mangi, sharing with other CCMP members, the word of God at ACK guest House. Rev.Charlotte, former Waa Girls’ Chaplain is among the 14 clergy in Mombasa diocese chosen to undergo Church Community Mobilization Process training.  The CCMP Programme is aimed at bringing the great awakening to the church to rediscover its potential and exploit the available resources for community transformation.  She said that in order to bring transformation to the community, transformation has to begin with the people who are the initiators of change.

Appreciation.
The Editor has just learnt with profound shock and sadness the passing on of Mr. Don Reid, the loving Husband of Marlene Reid.  Marlene Reid is the Sub-Editor of the Glorious Awakening Magazine.  I would like to most sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, pass my message of condolence  and goodwill to all the members of the Reid family, friends and relatives in particular the widow, Marlene and her children during this challenging moment of Don’s passing on.  May the almighty God, who reigns with the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, strengthen and give you peace of the heart.  Memories are treasures no one can steal, separation is a wound no one can heal except for those in Christ Jesus. The Glorious Awakening pays tribute to you all at this time.

The Glorious Awakening Magazine is specifically published for the enlightenment of the Christian family and for the glory of the Church of Christ.  The Glorious Awakening reports news, informs, educates, it tells about people in many places and above all examines Christianity in relation to other social sciences.  It probes beneath the surface and reveals the meaning of life and does not exalt one race against the other.  Most important of all, the GA builds in the reader’s mind God’s promise of peaceful coexistence as we wait Jesus’ Second coming.

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