Feedback from those using 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 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 because 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 S Rwenzori, Uganda

I again thank God for you because your coming to us has been a blessing to our church in a way  that Christians' spiritual life styles have been revived through that method of “Get rooted in Christ”. Since your visit to us, some Christians have strengthened their relationships with their God through group discussions like Rwensande, Kyabarungira and Kirabaho churches. It’s a new method of preaching and teaching through which many people are fished, and commit their lives to Christ - Ven Japheth Rvmbathonda, Archdeacon, Rwensande archdeaconry.

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

Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist, South Africa

‘We in the Diocese are really excited about introducing Rooted in Jesus as our major discipleship programme. We can also see all sorts of possibilities for using it in Confirmation and Lay Minister training, and even in the training of community clergy who struggle to study at an academic level. On a broader level, I chair ‘Growing the Church’ (GtC) in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and can see the potential for Rooted in Jesus to be adopted by many other Dioceses as one of our important strategies. So I see what you have done in Niassa and what you will be doing with us also as ‘pilot projects’ for something that could spread throughout Southern Africa. I will be sharing some of this with our Synod of Bishops when we meet in two weeks’ time.' Bishop Martin Breytenbach.

'So it looks as though the fire that was lit at the conference last year is beginning to spread! People in churches are starting to ask those who were on the Conference, “When can I join a RinJ group?” We pray that it will grow to the point where it is unstoppable, and where individual people and congregations are transformed into real disciples of Jesus.' Bishop Martin Breytenbach.

'I have no doubt that God has commissioned and anointed this course for Africa (and perhaps more widely especially in developing areas) in much the same way as he is using Alpha in more urban and “western” settings. We are already starting to see remarkable things in this Diocese as people and congregations are set on fire with the love of Jesus. And it certainly is effective among young people too.
I started RinJ in this Diocese because I believed that it was something God could use to meet our most basic need: to turn churchgoers into disciples of Jesus, and to lead people who don’t know the Lord to faith. That is starting to happen. There is growing interest among the Bishops. I would love to see it being taken on in all Dioceses and Organisations.
Alpha is excellent, but I think RinJ is generally more suited to our context. In fact RinJ would also be an excellent follow-up to Alpha. Alpha leads people to faith, RinJ goes way beyond that to make disciples. The whole process of memory verses is very powerful, as is group study. Book 1 more or less covers everything done in Alpha. It can also spread easily. Once people have done a book in a group, they can go on to form a new group.' Bishop Martin Breytenbach

Diocese of Masasi, Tanzania

“We are doing well at Mkuti with the rooting in Jesus as we meet two days per week into two groups. We do thank God, that one of the first fruits, is to have two young people who preached during the service on the last two Sundays. They were great, great in Jesus and I learn that the congregations were moved and so interested in their sermons. I am looking for the way we can help these to send to Bible Colleges so that they can be equipped very well so they can be good evangelists not in the parish but much in the Diocese”. Fr James Almasi.

Diocese of Lusaka, Zambia

I was blessed when the team came and I believe we have established a long term relationship for the benefit of God’s Church. Bishop David Njovu

Testimonies from conference participants

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

‘He told me to rise up and start sharing the gospel. The Spirit of God revealed to me that I have not been doing very much...' A pastor attending the conference at Isinya, near Kajiado, Kenya, March 2009

“I want to share with you a testimony of what happened that day; you remember praying shortly with me over the phone? Ten minutes after that prayer there was calm and immediately we got a letter of transfer of the officer in-charge who was actually the cause of the problems in this station. The testimony is we have an open door not only in Narok prison but also in all the prisons in Rift Valley. Before we introduced this programme, we were not able to sincerely fellowship but today we study, pray and fellowship.” Merus ole Sagana, April 2009

'I am doing well back here in Kenya despite the prolonged drought. I just wanted to complement you on the good work since I have seen a great change in my personal life and of other Christians around me since I joined the "Rooted in Jesus" course'. Pastor Nahashon Ntusero, Kajiado, Kenya, April 2009

'Our church is going to change because our groups are going to grow roots in Jesus and others will tell others. I see our church becoming disciples'. A particpant at the conference in Iryaruvumba, Uganda, July 2009

'I was not expecting to be a disciple who will make more disciples. I’ve been helped by the teaching on love shown and on unity and by the training on how we need to help others to grow roots in Jesus.' A particpant at the conference in Kisoro, Uganda, July 2009

 In a time of testimony at the end of the conference one priest said “I have been a priest for over 40 years and this is the most precious ministry I have received.” John McGinley, team leader, Polokwane, South Africa, September 2009

'The Rooted in Jesus preaching which you did in Masasi Diocese was marvellous if not wonderful, we thank God for the vision which you have for coming to us, as apostle Paul was called "Come to us." It makes me always to be unhappy for missing that opportunity because my fellow clergy say that they have enjoyed the eternal bread which always they did not find in their ministry. Come again to Macedonia to strengthen your brothers and sisters in Christ, hopefully to come again next year'. Rev Emanuel Chilumba, Masasi, Tanzania, December 2009

 'In Phalaborwa, some of the clergy have had their love of the Lord rekindled – and this has had an impact on their preaching. Several of the people participating in their RinJ group have already been transformed by God’s grace.' Bishop Martin Breytenbach, St Mark's, S Africa, January 2010

Ronald came for prayer saying he felt he had taken in some evil spirit who made him depressed and gave him pain around his waist and groin. He had scars on his back made by a witchdoctor when he was very young. He had been told he too would become a witchdoctor. He'd been beaten by his stepfather, rejected by his uncle and by his own mother. As soon as we stood to pray he was immediately very lame, experiencing pain in his left foot. As we began to pray, the pain moved up his leg and returned to the waist/stomach area. On commanding the spirit to reveal itself and to leave in Christ’s Name, he fell over calmly, flat on his back. Still some discomfort on restanding. We prayed again, for the demon to leave through the scars on his back. Suddenly his pain was completely gone. He said later that day and the following, “I am a free man”. John Beckett, team member, Lusaka, April 2010

Another conference participant prayed for healing of the chest pain he had had since being kicked by a cow. The pain left him straight away. He said he had been praying for 15 years, but that until now he had never experienced the Holy Spirit. Now he has, and (to great laughter) says that now he feels so good that if his wife came in and asked him to go to bed, he would rather stay in the chapel!! Another man said his wife used to pray out loud, 'as if giving birth!', but that he had never been able to pray out loud at all. Yesterday he had gone home and begun praying out loud easily, such that his children asked what had happened to him! John Beckett, team member, Lusaka, April 2010