Iowa Yearly Meeting of Friends

It was a wonderful trip to Africa. I was able to speak in all four countries and see very positive responses, including, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. It is incredible what is developing in the churches in all those countries. There is a sincere breaking out of reconciliation amongst Yearly Meetings and leaders of those Yearly Meetings. There appears to be a new movement among Quaker Men to get more involved and to become more engaged similar to the USFW's in Kenya.

New churches are being started in southern Tanzania and in northern Kenya. The Turkana pastor's are doing an incredible work in some of the most difficult physical conditions on earth. The grace and love of God is preached and people are responding. We have agreed and actually begun the boring of a new well at Katapakori. This, if we strike water, will bring a whole new life (water is life as stated by John Moru), and wherever there is water, then villages and churches are expanding.

The Pastor's Conference was attended by 800 men and women in Tororo, Uganda. Colin Saxton was the main speaker and very well received. The theme was taken from Ephesians 5:15 "Living Wisely".

I am happy to say that after returning from the FMHG and FUM Board Meetings this coming Sunday I will begin my sabbatical.

Right now the plans include a five week trip that will take me to Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

I will have the opportunity to lead workshops, lead in a classroom setting, preach (at the drop of a hat) and attend as well as speak at the Pastor's Conference in Tororo, Uganda. I also plan to travel with Lloyd Stangeland, check out the possibilities of getting a well or wells dug in the Turkana region of Kenya as well as trying to see how to help the women of Turkana to market their spendid weaving crafts. Lloyd and I will travel with John Muhanji to vist Friends Churches in southern Tanzania. This has not been done for decades apparently( by Americans that don't work for FUM), and we will visit, encourage and be a witness in whatever manner God lead's us.