About the course

Diocese of Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The four year course Rooted in Jesus was written at our request by Alison Morgan and helpers. It is now used throughout Kiteto in Swahili or Masai but has now spread to many other lands. We are highly indebted to Alison for the course and for the training of our teachers and providing the back up materials like certificates for each year to be given to the leaders and participants. Michael Samuel.. travels round each group roughly four times a year giving encouragement, instruction, supplies and making sure that the course has its deserved key role in every church - Rt Revd John Hayden, Kiteto, DMK

I haven’t the words to tell of the many blessings people have received through this programme... There is wonderful revival in the Church now the Christians know the word of God, and they have power to tell anybody what he trust it and who is Jesus, and what he did in his/ her life. The community saw many things from our groups that they change their life completely. Some of them tried to say really God is great because same people change completely their life from sins, like drink, worship of idols, and witchcraft, and so on’ – Revd Michael Samuel, DMK

There has been an eruption of spiritual growth and strong faith amongst many Christians in the parishes I visited which have been practising the RJC. I discovered that the bible has started to be sweet to some of the members of these groups. The fear that it is a supernatural book that has to be dealt carefully by those who are only skilled as to how to deal with such kind of supernatural powers is now getting to be eliminated. They read the Bible not only as a book but they have discovered that this book teaches them the way of 'how to live' and the way of 'how to be right with God'. The verses they have put in their hearts have started to speak to them, such that now, "we hear the voice of God talking to us", one of them commented. They say that the Bible has transformed their lives. They confess that the word of God contains powers that give them confidence in the Holy Spirit to share with others about their new experience in the Lord. They have the courage to say verses from the bible to prove what they believe. Church growth in some parishes is a good sign that there have been fruits from the course. - Revd Isaiah Chambala

Very encouraging is the Lucy Parish. When I left there were only 3 groups, only three. Now there are 16  groups. Thirteen  groups out of 16 are Maasai groups. Of the first 13 Maasai groups, 10  bibles have been given to them. It was thrilling to see illiterate women enjoying and trying to recite the verses in their own language. When I saw a number of women that day coming and testifying that the Lord has saved them I was full of joy.  Revd Isaiah Chambala

Many pastors confessed that the course material has been a blessing to the groups. They find that group members grow up spiritually. I was told at St Mary’s that a reconciliation took place between two relatives. Those who meet together they are getting united. They pray for each other as they share their personal problems – Revd Isaiah Chambala

Members of my group are enjoying being able to share their faith with one another and to witness to one another in a way they have never previously had the opportunity for – an evangelist

The people who are growing the fastest in my group are those who cannot read or write, because they are the ones who have received the memory verses into their hearts – an evangelist

We have many Masai, they want join with our Soma ministry. Many they ask me who is Jesus and who is Holly Spirit? - Benedict ole Mbuki, translator of Rooted in Jesus into Masai

Things really moving fast here. Pastors say it is like a time of revival in the churches. Pray for us. Bishop John Hayden, Diocese of Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Thank you for the cooperation with the Rooted in Jesus course, the Idea that has reshaped my ministry - Revd Isaiah Chambala

Diocese of Luapula, Zambia

Our people want to learn, but they need confidence and resources for learning – Bishop Robert Mumbi

The model you have shown us of making disciples in small groups is one which makes ministry accessible to people who otherwise wouldn’t have the confidence for it – Fr Faustino Mwansa, diocesan administrator

I am happy to know you and all team which came to teach us about Rooted in Jesus. I personally understand that the Rooted in Jesus teachings will go a long way, because the syllabus outline it’s good and Christians can understand lesson by lesson. When I came back to Mbala, I introduced the Rooted in Jesus teachings in our Saturday Bible Studys, and the Christians find it very helpful to them - Revd Alfred Sichone

All the clergy agreed that the Rooted in Christ material was very good for teaching at all levels - Bishop Robert Mumbi

It's never a dull moment when you are in class or discussion. You can feel the presence of God and that people are being touched - Revd Godwin Manganani

At the Musonda Mother’s Union Conference Rooted in Jesus was one of the subjects which was taught, and women are excited about using it in their every meeting at all levels – branch, parish, archdeaconry and diocesan executive. There is tremendous transformation going on. Old ladies are giving testimonies of how they are being healed and touched by the Lord’s hand - Ven Cornelius Chalwe

I was amazed how those who never been to school can memorise the memory verses, for it comes from the heart and not the mind - Ven Cornelius Chalwe

Diocese of Kirinyaga, Kenya

I have already started training people within my locality. I have a small group of 10 people and hope to have them break into individual groups after equipping them fully. The booklets have come at the right time. May God bless you abundantly as you work towards the renewal of his church – Beatrice Mimi, deanery coordinator

Diocese of Niassa, Mozambique

This course is very easily implemented in our context. With Rooted in Jesus I think the church is going to be transformed. We will become strong spiritually and build the kingdom of God in our country – Amorim Rocha, diocesan administrator

Yes, it is so exciting to see what is happening. A parish in Durban is thinking of supporting our Rooted in Jesus program even further. It is going so well we want to concentrate more on it if possible - Bishop Mark Van Koevering

Since I began my ministry, I have never seen such marvels that I have seen during this seminar journey. These studies are a blessing and the Holy Spirit is working - Revd Amorim Rocha

On all levels and in all church organizations, we are encouraging participation in 'Rooted in Jesus' for discipling, and the priests are much more actively involved now too. The excitement of being church is palpable, quite different to when we came back in 2003. Even a visiting South African Bishop commented on the change. Getting together, whether in small groups or large Diocesan events, has made all the difference - Revd Helen Van Koevering

We used this course in a very needy place called Michanhelas. We trained the catechists in Rooted in Jesus; they are the leaders of the rapidly and increasing growing church there. The padre who is in charge cannot keep up with the demands, therefore the church struggles to uphold its doctrines and fundamental beliefs. The task is so great that it leaves many of these leaders in a state of paralysis becuase they do not know how to respond to the spiritual needs around them. We are very excited about Rooted in Jesus and we hope that we will continue to use it - Revd Ronald Kock

'Now we speak a different language' - Amorim Rocha

Diocese of Kumi, Uganda

It was so wonderful to meet you here in Kumi. On behalf of Kumi Diocese, the Bishop of Kumi diocese and on my own behalf, I sincerely thank you for the great work done in planting 'Rooted in Christ' into our Diocese. It is a timely programme for us as we consolidate in Evangelism to strengthen the Diocese, as it is only five years on the road. Your students in the three workshops were very happy, and I am getting reports that they are ready to begin forming groups in their respective churches - Canon Charles Okwi, Diocesan Secretary

Diocese of Southern Malawi

'For over three decades, the Anglican diocese of southern Malawi has involved itself in crusades but without a proper tool for follow-up. It is in this regard that we find the Rooted in Jesus material and methods helpful to nurture the converts right immediately after each crusade.' - Martin Mlaka, Diocesan Evangelism Coordinator

Diocese of Eastern Zambia

'The thing that is different about this course is that now we can have a real relationship with God, instead of just learning about him'; 'it's not just about knowledge, it's about our lives' - lay leaders attending a Rooted in Jesus conference in Chipata

About the conferences

I came here feeling weak and discouraged; I now feel empowered and encouraged – an evangelist, Tanzania

The teaching you have given on the Holy Spirit has been very important, as this has not been much emphasized in our ministry – an evangelist, Tanzania

 I was hesitant about using groups, but the seminar has given me the courage to do it – an evangelist, Tanzania

 I have been blessed in the worship time; as we sang I felt my heart beating, and found myself singing with a joy in my heart which I had never previously experienced in my whole life – an evangelist, Tanzania, August 2003

 God bless you in a mighty way because you prayed for my son last year and God healed him. So give thanks to God, because he never underwent the operation – Lucy Mugwanja, group coordinator, Kirinyaga diocese, Kenya, August 2004

 I hope all is well and that the Lord God is blessing your ministries mightily. It was nice meeting you and sharing the ministry with your SOMA team which ministered to us in a glorious way. My heart melts to see and reflect on the experience I had at Musonda Falls. I was blessed and refreshed spiritually and mentally - Ven Cornelius Chalwe, Luapula diocese, Zambia

 I have changed in my approach to prayer and in my relationship with God – Henry Mulanga, bishop’s chaplain, Luapula diocese, Zambia, August 2005

 A historic week in the life of the church here – Jan van Stelten, interpreter, diocese of Niassa

 They are all going home with a bone in their mouth to chew – Amorim Rocha, director of Mission and Christian Formation, diocese of Niassa

I want to thank the Lord for the blessings I have received here. I have been moved from where I was. I think I will never be the same - a priest, diocese of Niassa

I have seen the Holy Spirit at work in my life. I have already seen him changing my life. When I was a pastor, for 23 years I was a drunkard. From 3 years ago I stopped drinking. From that time I felt God speaking to me. He wanted me to do something. This evening I am sure that something has happened in my life. I have heard him speaking to me. Now I know what it is that he wants me to do - a priest, diocese of Niassa

Thank you to all these brothers and sister and also the bishop for being inspired to call us to this place. This year we are able to gather together, priests and catechists, and the catechists have learned as much as we have. My heart is very much open now that I can see my direction. I am prepared to work for the Lord. We were trying to push others to work. But I am personally determined now that I myself will do the work. We will build God’s church from now on. It is not our church - a priest, diocese of Niassa, May 2006

May I personally on behalf of the Diocesan Bishop take this opportunity to thank Dr. Alison for having worked so hard in making sure the seminar should not fail. I  thank you for the wonderful dedication of the team you came with and their humbleness to sleep on humble rooms and beds.  May the words that says, 'Blessed is the hand that giveth,' come true to you. Please, continue the good work - Martin Mlaka, Evangelism Coordinator, diocese of S. Malawi, May 2007

'Thank you priest for changing our lives' - a woman participant, St Barnabas Church, Chipata, Eastern Zambia, June 2008

'On behalf of all the participants I wish to thank you for giving us such excellent spiritual food, so that our roots, fully anchored in Christ Jesus, will never wilt, but be ever drawing water to sustain us throughout our Christian journey. Rest assured that we shall preciously guard against losing the knowledge and new pastoral skills for church growth which we have obtained form here. With the help of the Holy Spirit we will deliver to the highest capacity of our strength, joyously, as this course has tremendously uplifted our spiritual wellbeing'. May the Able God profoundly bless you!'. Fr Elias Mwale, Mawanda parish, Petauke, June 2008

I want to thank you for the wonderful team that you sent to this year's conference. It was great and marvellous and charismatic, you should have seen how exciting it was! Martin Mlaka, Evangelism Coordinator, diocese of Southern Malawi, August 2008

'I believe God is doing a new thing and that we will see things of God we never thought we would see within the Anglican church'. A Mother's Union leader, Blantyre, Malawi, August 2008