African update:
Uganda, Cameroon, Malawi

By James Henderson
Regional director
Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa—William Wilberforce Othieno, our contact in Uganda, updated us on the situation with our members in Kitgum, northern Uganda. The fighting there has intensified and your prayers for the safety of our members and all Christians would be much appreciated.

In Tororo and Uganda as a whole, weather has been poor, thus making a poor harvest. There has not been enough rain in most areas, especially in northern Uganda, where the drought continues. Worst still is the war in northern Uganda, where we have members in the Kitgum and Pader districts.

William Othieno

I have just received the leader from north Uganda, Bernard Abwola, who dared to pass through the battlefield to come to Tororo. He had heard the several announcements on Radio Uganda I had sent that if he was still alive he should do all he could to come to Tororo for full information concerning the war and the state of our members there.

I thank God for Mr. Abwola’s courage. Indeed he showed real concern as a dedicated shepherd. I call for spiritual support through prayers and material support in the war zone.

Because of the war, these members cannot meet. The three leaders, Mr. Abwola, Kanido Obita and Mr. Atyak, have meetings with the members encouraging them not to lose faith in Jesus Christ. Sometimes these meetings are conducted through crossfire. Most of the families have been separated because of the war. Some live in camps guarded by government soldiers, especially children and women.

I gave the money Mr. Henderson sent to the members to help them in that pathetic time of need because food and property were being looted. The families are also in grave danger. We have more than 700 contacts there, including children.

Jean Mvondo, one of our pastors in Yaounde, Cameroon, informed us of a serious attack on one of our deacons: "Sad news: Roger Kolokosso, our deacon in Yaounde, has been attacked by armed robbers in his residence. He was wounded on his head, but thanks to God, his life and all his family were spared. The robbers who attacked him at around 2 a.m. took all his savings. With four children attending high school and university, he is in a deep concern. Please pray for him and for our country, where violence is increasing.

Jean Mvondo

Thank you for all the prayers, support and fund-raising on behalf of our members and contacts in Malawi who face famine. Thanks to the generosity of our worldwide fellowship we are well prepared to give the needy assistance.

It is anticipated that famine conditions in Malawi will peak from December to March. We are now in a position to directly help our 75 families involved, and aid has already been sent to them. The food involved is primarily bags of maize flour, a traditional staple.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002