"Hamis and Hatete"

Joanne joined me for the trip to Hatete on Easter morning. We were to meet one of my Form IV students, Hamis, on the way. We walked for nearly an hour on the main road from Idigima, through Iyula-B and towards Iyula-A. One of my students accompanied us to where we were to turn off the road, on his way to worship in Iyula-A. Meeting another student on her way to church, we agreed to go with her the following Sunday.


We took the designated turn down into the valley, over a plank bridge to cross a rushing stream, and while climbing the other side, saw Hamis standing at the top of the mountain. He told us he’d been watching us from the opposite mountain for half an hour.

We found most of the church assembled when we arrived at the primary school grounds of Hatete. Four branch churches gathered for the Easter service, the farthest away being a church from Ichesa (different from the one visited the week before).


These combined services are always fun, as the churches get involved in a bit of a competition, it seems, to see who can bring the most special music (and dance/choreography).

Music is interspersed with messages or Scripture readings, the Lord’s Supper, and perhaps a church secretary’s report. About three hours into the service, I (Gary) was given the opportunity to preach about the defeat of Satan, death and the grave on Easter morning.


More singing and preaching from others concluded the service after four hours. A social time before “lunch” at 4:30 p.m. saw various groups on their different pathways home.



We ate with the pastors and their wives, enjoying ugali, greens, beans and chicken bits in tomato sauce.





Hamis and his young brother accompanied us down the mountain and up the next on our way home. We stopped in Iyula-B for some shopping at the open market and to chat with students and villagers. There was a football game going on at the village field, so there were a lot of people milling about. We arrived home tired, but joyful for having spent a full day in worship and fellowship.

Love and gratitude for all who have joined us in this ministry!

Gary and Joanne Grenell