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New life
The church in Berega has also struggled. Lots of people attend church, but few would call themselves followers of Jesus. Many mix their faith with traditional witchcraft beliefs. Evangelistic meetings have been held regularly, but there is a strong resistance to the gospel, and very few people have become Christians. As members of a church where many are going through the external formalities of religion, we have frequently felt frustrated, and despaired over an apparently hopeless situation. But God by his grace is turning things around.
At the start of last year a new evangelist began working at the church - Asgad
Mkunda, with his wife Mary - both full of enthusiasm for the gospel, a desire to see people come to know Jesus, and praying for revival here in
Berega. A new pastor was appointed at the end of the year - Gresford
Muhongo, with his wife Faith - both deeply committed to Christ and His work.
Both men have encouraged the small group of Christians to meet regularly for worship, teaching and prayer, on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. This group is weeping over the state of the church, praying for change, and looking forward with hope for revival here.
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12)
New hope
AIDS is an increasing problem in the area around Berega. The estimated figures are that 20% of adults are infected with the HIV virus. Hospital in-patients often have illnesses related to AIDS. And we are seeing an increasing number of deaths due to AIDS. Facts became personal reality to us last year as we watched two friends develop AIDS and die.
Twaha was a Muslim builder contracted to the hospital. Through his work, and through us providing his medical care, he became a friend of the team at
Berega. During his time here he noticeably lost weight and had various intermittent symptoms related to AIDS. He understood his illness and that he would soon die. It could have been a hopeless situation - except that early last year he committed his life to Jesus and was baptized. When he died in August he knew that he would be spending eternity in heaven.
Baraka Luanda, the 17-year-old son of our diocesan youth pastor, was admitted to hospital with what appeared to be a simple leg infection. But it failed to improve, and after developing other illnesses it became obvious he had AIDS. After a lengthy time in hospital, he died. Another seemingly hopeless situation - except that on the day before he died he gave his life to Christ and he too knew he would be with Him forever!
Rehema, his older sister, who had lived a life similar to his, became a Christian a few weeks later...and continues strongly in her faith.
Please join with us as we pray for more lives and situations to be touched by God's grace and filled with the hope of the gospel - and as we look forward with anticipation to being able to name a year as the
"annus revival" here in Berega!
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Above: old maternity ward toilet.
Below: Noj shows off the new one to
local dignitaries
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New start
Exciting things have happened at church since we started writing this article.
Visiting speakers led a day of teaching on prayer, focussing on repentance and our need for the Holy Spirit. A time of prayer followed, with weeping and repentance, especially for the state of the church.
The gospel was preached the following day. More than 40 people, young and old,
went forward to commit and re-commit their lives to Christ! Among these were Mpendwa and Kwimage Luanda - another sister and brother of
Baraka. Please pray for these people to be firmly rooted in Christ and that this would be the beginning of revival here.
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