Second day in Jomvu

Hello again.

I don't know how many of you were watching the royal wedding today but it is very popular over here. It seems almost everybody is interested in it. Every time a T.V is on it is on a channel which is covering the wedding.

We are in Mombasa in the area of Jomvu holding four days of meetings. Jomvu is one of the areas of the city which is an Islamic stronghold and is tightly controlled by the religious leaders which makes life difficult for churches. It is also known as a good recruiting area for extremists. The Jomvu church has an attendance of around 50 on a Sunday which, I am told for this area. is very good. Over 20 turned out for the meeting on Thursday night which, for a revival series starting in midweek,is good.

The Jomvu church is recovering from a a leadership issue where the pastor had to be removed. Some people have left but the church remains and the people I saw last night are strong in their faith. The Islamic leaders organised the building of a house on part of the church property to stop it's expansion but the church has appealed to a council which is a higher authority and is predominantly christian so there is still room to expand although the house has to stay. {Building and land regulations are a somewhat grey area over here.}

Bishop Samuel is trying to sort out some appropriate accomodation in Mombasa st this very moment. The original plan was to move from Mariakani to Ukunda on the 2nd May but plans have changed again. I'm due to speak at a number of lunchtime meetings in Mombasa in my final week here and transportation to and from Ukunda is easy enough. If I was based near the place of the lunchtime meetings it means I have more time to prepare before starting out. The morning traveling is then minimal. Please pray that these arrangements go well and that I will get a safe and secure place in Mombasa.

Tonights message is on the scripture 'Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God,'

egards...steve