In May, the AYF Choir from Uganda toured the diocese performing and sharing at concerts in schools, youth groups, churches, Ashton Gate Stadium and even the town square.
Uganda Fire was heard in the streets of Chippenham as the Olympic Flame was carried past by Phoebe Kemp, daughter of Alice Kemp, a curate in the Diocese. Once the Flame had passed they held an impromptu concert for about a 100 people at the Chippenham Buttercross.
They visited a number of secondary schools and colleges where they were warmly embraced by the young people. The sight of 200 plus teenagers dancing in happy abandon to gospel tunes was an inspiration to staff and workers.
Many people’s lives were touched by their stories as they shared deep truths drawn from their own lives; stories of how God’s grace and healing was sufficient for them through the pain of a missing son, the loss of a child and post natal depression.
Perhaps above all they gave us the gift of joy – the joy of the Lord and many people left saying that for a few hours they simply could not stop smiling.
View a gallery of highlights from Uganda Fire >>
Here are just some of the responses to Uganda Fire from around the diocese:
‘They were such an inspiration and we were just so privileged to have them with us’
‘I understand that five youngsters accepted Christ into their lives after the Kainos event. Really wonderful. The teenagers from Pucklechurch who attended were inspired by the event.’
‘It has increased the Ashton Keynes C of E School’s appetite for our school Uganda link which we hope will come to fruition. It was great that they shared time and lunch with the children who now know REAL people from Uganda and it’s a country they will hope to learn more about. It’s part of our on-going church-school-community links and who knows where that would take us next time.’
‘Their visit for me personally has been an oasis in what has seemed like a very long drought.’
‘The choir went down well at St Pauls and played to a large number of totally unchurched people. This was excellent evangelism! The choir was great, professional and easy in manner. With the vast majority they went down a storm and left a positive image of Christianity with the Southville art scene… no mean feat!’
‘Saturday night had a good number of people from outside the church and on Sunday it was an enlivening experience to have Uganda Fire band at the service – stretching our experience of worship and all-age songs. It broadened people’s perception of church: a really colourful event stirred into the life of the Abbey.’
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