Bishop Nigel’s visit to Kagera

"Kagera's story is one of Church growth," says Bishop Nigel. The diocese has already been sub-divided, creating the relatively new diocese of Lweru. Now there's the possibility of a third diocese, Biharamulo, also coming into existence.

There were so many highlights on the visit. Bishop Nigel officially inaugurated the Ngara Anglican Primary School (NAPS), laid the foundation stone of a new cathedral for Kagera and dedicated a number of new roofless churches. "The Rwandan refugees, who fled to Kagera to escape the genocide, passed on skills to the local population. These included brick making. The bricks are made and fired on each building site using local materials. So, new churches are springing up to replace traditional mud walled buildings. But the greatest expense is the roof."

Bishop Nigel and the three other members of the party saw for themselves how difficult it is to travel the many miles between congregations. "Most of the roads are just dirt. Not too bad in the dry season, we only got stuck once", says Bishop Nigel. "But the clergy travel long distances on foot, on cycles or if they are really lucky on motor bike. (Two motor cycles known as "Piki pikis" and donated by Suffolk parishioners, were commissioned on the visit.)

"This is a subsistence economy. They can't raise cash, but give 'in kind.'" Currently, after NAPS, much of the support Suffolk is able to send goes to support the education of Kagera's Pastors children. "There is an even greater need for this now. Education is one of the most important gifts we can give to the young people of Tanzania. It offers the opportunity of better life chances to those who receive it and in the longer term will help to improve the economy of the country." The other major issue for the diocese as for so much of Africa is the scourge of HIV/Aids. The Anglican Church and charities have been able to help some of the many thousands of victims and orphans. "At the Jubilee celebrations there was a song performed by some Muslim orphans which the Anglican Church had supported. They came to thank the Church who "helps everyone.""

The security situation in the country is vastly improved. But still on some sections of roads, the police offer armed protection to travellers. When stopped at a check point and this assistance was offered, Bishop Aaron of Kagera would always decline with the observation, 'We have the protection of Prayer.' Prayer is one of supports that is most valued by the people and clergy of Kagera. Repeatedly its what was asked for by the people the party met and an updated intercession list including the clergy of neighbouring Lweru diocese is one way that we can respond.

Bishop Nigel considers that perhaps the most humbling aspect was the huge appreciation shown for the visit. There was real joy in the faces of those who welcomed the party, and a wonderful desire to share Christian hospitality. That was a very precious gift to receive.