Sunday 25th August

Today we split up into four groups to attend four different church services. The church service that I attended was very interesting. It started with drums instead of church bells to let everyone know the service was about to begin. Most of the service was in the local language, but Reverend Boaz (no relation) was on hand to translate the most important parts. There was a lot of drums, singing and dancing - including by the church team - before we took the children outside for their Sunday school. Kate was on hand with a polished performance of the story of Zacheus and we also taught the children some songs. We then split up into groups to make crosses using wire, beads and ribbons. We then played Hokey Cokey and duck duck goose. We joined the end of the service just in time to see the auction where they were selling fruit and vegetables and the girls bought some passion fruit and Jack fruit. The local community danced for us and gave us some tea and food which was much needed after an almost 3 hour service.

service.

Edward, Karen and Liz visited the Roman Catholic Church in Kazuru- where the project is. Intrigued by what an Ugandan Catholic service would be like, the group was surprised at the liturgy used by all the Catholic Churches around the world with the added African influence of praiseful thanksgiving and dancing. This made following along and joining in with the service very easy even though it wasn’t in English. The service included an auction to raise money for the church with traditional dancing to give thanks for the donation. We are all very thankful for the warm welcome by the parishioners. (Ed)

Today, seven of us (including Rev James) visited the Anglican church in Kazuru, next to Keita primary school. While the start of the service saw a congregation of only six primary schoolers, the church drums (their version of church bells, which were played by Ben and Will) eventually attracted a congregation of over 200. James' sermon was, naturally, well received, and energetic singing and dancing followed. We then participated in an impressive auction, in which we brought home what seemed like half the stock! Having tucked into a delicious meal in Rev Isabella's home, we went home wishing we could have worship like that back at home! Definitely a morning to remember. (Ben)

We then returned to Ngoto island where there was some clothes washing in a bucket and a walk around the perimeter of the island put on by Reverend Moses. Moses and Reverend Bob then led us for songs and fellowship round the fire to round off the day.

Thanks to Freddie for writing today’s blog

Rev James requested the photo below  be added