We have some good news and some not so good news.
Here is the good news:
Until now, Rooted in Jesus had been adopted by Anglican dioceses in 19 African countries. We are proud to share that in 2024 that number became 20, thanks to the ministry of Growing the Church, which oversees Rooted in Jesus in South Africa under the direction of Revd Bruce Woolley.
We have just received their latest newsletter, in which Ven Amenlenge Alleta Shikwambi reports how the first Rooted in Jesus training conference took place in the Anglican Diocese of Namibia (photo above left). You can read the report here.
Meanwhile we have received joyful photographs from the Diocese of Nzara, S Sudan and the Diocese of Bunyoro Kitara, Uganda, (photo below left) where groups have been awarded certificates for completing part or all of the Rooted in Jesus programme; and from the Diocese of Fianarantsoa, Madagascar (photo right) where members of the cathedral youth group have been appointed to lead new groups. We’ve posted their reports on our Facebook page.
However, for every moment of joy the world seems to offer us also one of pain:
As you will be aware, the people of eastern DR Congo are going through a time of great insecurity and turbulence due to the advance of the M23 militia, first to Goma and then to Bukavu. The M23 fighters are now continuing towards Uvira – just as the USAid programmes have been suspended. Many people in these areas are Christian, and many are (or were) using Rooted in Jesus. The latest message our team leader Amanda Johnson has received from her contact Justin reads (translated into English) as follows:
- Monusco closed, agents unemployed;
- USAID closed, agents unemployed;
- Looting at Bralima, unemployed agents;
- State office closed, agents unemployed;
- NGO office closed, agents unemployed;
- Looting PAM office, unemployed agents;
- Banks closed, agents unemployed;
- Looting Kadutu market, shops, boutiques, etc. traders at home.
- Added to this are rapes, killings, thefts, kidnappings, etc.
- Lord, if you do not intervene, who will come to our aid?
The Mathetes Trust 