Supporting Christian Ministry in Africa

Many in the Diocese and beyond will remember the dynamic Ugandan priest, Enoch Kayeeye.

He was a student at Wycliffe Hall 1981-83 and  gained an MSc in Rural Development at Reading University. On his return to Uganda  he set about making his vision of service to his country a reality by founding AICM (African International Christian Ministry). Friends of Enoch got together to create a registered charity, Friends of AICM, to support his work (with John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, as our patron).

AICM’s aim was, and is, to provide Christian witness in word and deed wherever there were needs to be met, regardless of race, tribe or religion. AICM has always responded to the needs of orphans, often the children of AIDS victims. The Friends of AICM have recently established an Orphan Sponsorship scheme. Another major commitment in recent years has been to provide for the Batwa (pygmies) who have been expelled from their ancestral forest home in favour of the mountain gorillas (a valuable tourist attraction).

As a missionary bishop, Enoch was charged with the special task of working for reconciliation in that war torn country. There had already been links between the Congo and AICM, but this presented a major new challenge. Due to his inability to be in two places at once, the Governors of AICM decided that Bishop Enoch should be Director General of AICM, based in the Congo.

With its continuing work and expanding possibilities in the Congo, Bishop Enoch, his wife Phoebe, and AICM need your prayers, and the Friends would welcome anyone who would like to join. Please contact Sue Matthew, 107 Southmoor Road, Oxford OX2 6RE (email:Sue@suematthew.wanadoo.co.uk) for further information, especially about Orphan Sponsorship or Alternative Giving.

Canon Trevor Williams is Hon. Chairman of the Friends of AICM