 We greatly look forward to Rob and Sue visiting Ashtead on 12 September. Please pray for God’s strength as they travel to visit partner churches.
Following 2 weeks in France with their children, they came to the UK at the end of August, but Rob then flew to Uganda for a week, for the All Africa Bishops Conference, returning to England on 31 August.
Having been removed from their old parent Diocese of Kirinyaga they must take responsibility for their God-given mandate, to take the gospel to all those within their borders, and to build up their own people.
Becoming a new Diocese is slowly moving forward. Rob attended the Synod of All Saints Cathedral Diocese, who are legally responsible for them and who agreed with their proposal to be made a Diocese. They will forward a proposal to the Provincial Synod, which meets in September, and has the power to bring it about. Please pray for this.
 There are various papers to be written (by Rob) and legal requirements to be met, including the approval of Kirinyaga Diocese, before that September date. Rob requests prayer that all will be ready in time, especially as he won’t be there to influence the actual meeting.
Becoming a Diocese, whilst giving them full autonomy to govern themselves, does require a greater willingness to shoulder the financing of their area, despite their poverty. The Province agreed to give them a sizeable grant for three years, but they haven’t seen a shilling yet this year! So can they afford to be a Diocese? The alternative is that they will always be run from down country by people who have different agendas, their own challenges, and see them as too far away. So their priority to better equip clergy and evangelists depends so much on their own long term stewardship.
Their vision?
· Become a fully fledged and self supporting Diocese
· Reach men, women and children in their missions, transforming people with the good news
· Equip clergy and evangelists for the 21st century through training, better salaries and transport
· Advocate people’s rights and help protect the environment
· Bring about unity, one family where tribe is not an issue
Please pray for Kenya. On 4 August there was be a referendum on a new draft Constitution. Because of clauses (a) giving rights to Muslims, but to no other faith, and (b) opening up abortion, the Church advised people to reject the constitution. Rob and Sue wrote "Having always been on the side of reform, it is uncomfortable for us to be against this draft, when there is so much else worthwhile in it. But the drafters continually refused to listen to the Church. Now if it is rejected we shall be blamed, if accepted we shall be mocked.” At a recent massive prayer rally, which became a “NO” rally, grenades were thrown, 7 people were killed and 137 injured. The Archbishop has called an urgent Bishops’ meeting.
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