Kenya 2009

The team is being led by Rev Mike Smith and Rev. Tim Hanson. Tim and Mike have had the privilege of travelling to Kenya with AICMAR each year since 2002 to help train local preachers. During that time, they have established links between English and Kenyan schools and seen something of the material as well as spiritual needs of this very poor, rural part of sub-Saharan Africa. This time, we are aiming to serve the local people in a practical way.

What is AICMAR?

AICMAR is the African Institute for Contemporary Mission and Research. It is based in Butere Town, in the compound of the Anglican Bishop of Butere. However, AICMAR exists to promote biblical preaching in all churches and to advance African evangelical leadership and scholarship throughout the region. To see a map of Kenya showing where Butere is, click here (external link to Google Maps). AICMAR provides opportunities for advanced biblical and theological research, encouraging the study and debate of contemporary African issues, and offering training in biblical expository preaching and other ministry skills. Rev. Dr. John Stott has spoken of ‘the strategic importance of AICMAR in Western Kenya. … it has my wholehearted support.’

The Projects

The building project is at Eshimuli Guest House (EGH) which is on the same site of the African Institute for Contemporary Mission and Research (AICMAR) and the headquarters of the Anglican Diocese of Butere.  EGH is the only guest house in Butere, which is the capital of the local district. It is a significant employer in the area and provides facilities for a number of Christian groups who are visiting Butere. As the only guest house, it is also heavily used by non-church related development workers in the area. Its profits are fed back into the local Anglican churches and used to pay the very small income for pastors, who would otherwise often be unpaid for their ministry. Our plans include the completion of an enclosed dining area for the Guest House – currently meals are served out of doors.  This is part of their on-going programme of expansion. We also plan to install a computer for their office.

We will be part of projects to install computers, networking and ancillary equipment in two locations: Firstly, at Shiatsala Secondary School. Since 2003, there have been links between the school and Hartford High School. There are also links between Shiatsala Primary School and Wharton Junior School. Pupils have written letters and exchanged gifts, and those at Hartford have raised money towards the construction of a library block at Shiatsala. Within the building, one room has been designated as a “computer room”, but as yet it is completely empty (pictured on the right).

Both schools in Shiatsala, including their Headteachers, are excited at the new opportunities these developments will bring to their pupils. A local computer company has already been approached to provide support for the new equipment once installed. Secondly, we plan to install computers at the Chadwick library – which is the centre of AICMAR – and also in the Diocesan office. In the library, the new Director of AICMAR is keen to develop computer-based study programmes.

More Information

How to support Kenya09

We are seeking to raise the money to pay for these projects. The dining room project will cost approximately 3 million Kenyan shillings (around £22,000). We hope to be given a significant amount of the computer equipment, but will still have to purchase quite a bit. Each person on the team is raising £1000 themselves, including all their travel and accommodation costs, but this will not be sufficient to complete the projects. Various fund-raising events have been held and more are planned. We held a Christmas Car Wash in St John's church hall car park, including mince pies and carols. To find out more or to make a donation, please contact Tim Hanson or Mike Smith via the St John's Church Office.