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EAB Matana, 
DS 30,
BUJUMBURA,

Letter No. 7,                                                                                                     Tuesday 24 March 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

Many thanks for all the emails. We have enjoyed hearing your news.

The students have now completed their exam. Four of the nine succeeded well with one squeaking through.  That success meant a great effort on their part. So praise God and remember them as they teach this wonderful, liberating epistle in their schools and parishes when they finish.

We have enjoyed our weekend visits to the church plants. Some of the churches have been newly built (because previous ones are too small) - or are in various stages of being built . Their leaders slog away with enthusiasm in remote parts often where there is great poverty and sometimes pagan customs witchdoctory. Two weeks ago we were at a developing technical school where a former Theological student, Salvator, is doing a great job in encouraging the students and local parish. A large school hall was packed out and 3.5 hours flashed by with nobody wanting to move. They are hoping to build their own church.

Last week I went to a church which has been beset by problems. 5 times various parts have had to be pulled down - or the wind has taken the corrugated sheets off the roof. It is the first church to be built in this area and there seem to be very few men. It was a congregation of women and children. The roof only extends 3 metres from the walls. This is the rainy season - and it rained! Nothing daunted the people put up their umbrellas and we continued the service! Then the sun came out and the benches were rubbed down - and then it rained again! They are really disheartened and long to see this church at Rukanka roofed, with windows and doors and a cement floor. As always lack of money is the problem.

The 69 pastors in this diocese have arrived for a retreat of 2 days. It is good to see so many of those whom we have visited in their parishes and others whom we have seen whilst they have been in training in the Bible College here.

Tomorrow Pat is able to join the M.U. team as we go to an archdeaconry centre for teaching and a Specs. clinic. It's the first time this year that he's been able to visit outside the local parish, so it's good that he has this opportunity.

Thursday we travel down to Bujumbura, have lunch with Alison and visit the home of a former pupil of Pat's who is an ex- Vice President. Friday we catch the plane at 9.20 and then have 11 hours and 45 minutes in Nairobi airport. Most of that time will be in the airport lounge which is always heaving with bodies - some of whom stretch out over several seats! We leave at 23.45 arriving after 8 hours at Heathrow on Saturday morning. On Sunday we will worship in Sussex!

Thank you for travelling with us over the past 2 months. They have been rewarding times and we praise the Lord for the privilege of sharing with our African brethren. They are so welcoming.

 With our love and ongoing fellowship

Pat and Pam