Greetings from Kiwoko.

The nursing students had an "Easter Carol Service" last week. Actually it was more like an Passion play interspersed with Easter Hymns. I went along at the end of a long weekend working on the wards. To be honest, I would rather have gone home for some food and an early night. However it was just great. I was especially moved when Judas came in, and bounded over to Jesus to give him an enthusiastic salutation, hug and kiss…...to betray Him. I saw afresh how my own friendship with Jesus is so onesided. Am I different to the kids who are starting to recognise me enough to ask for a pair of shoes or some money when I am out in the community. At best that probably is my relationship with Jesus much of the time. At other times it is much darker – I do things I know to be wrong, knowing that they will hurt Jesus – and I do them anyway – hello Judas! It's not that I want to be depressing, but its good to be honest and reflect. As I write this, it is Good Friday. As I follow this week leading up to Easter, Judas has already done the deed, and today God will die. That is not good. Being in Kiwoko for Holy Week this year has again pointed out to me the truth of how God is more likely to be found in the dark, bad, perhaps even sinful parts of our world than the happy fun places. Kiwoko hospital has it's fair share of bad things – and yet God somehow is here. I was at the children's HIV clinic yesterday. Young lives, born to die – what is God playing at?! Yet, though there is no easy answer to that question, there was lots of fun and laughter at the clinic. Because we are here, these children have care, acceptance and love that otherwise would not exist. I was delighted to see Hassan in his Arsenal top (not changed to Liverpool, even after last Saturday) beaming a huge smile accross the waiting room at me. Our God has done the pain, more than any of us ever will. He has even been executed after the greatest miscarriage of justice. He cares deeply for people when they are suffering – and in His name we do have a right to come alongside people in deep need and share a God who loves them. I have no doubt that that is what he would be doing if he was walking on the earth today. Sorry for the heavy blogg today, but I pray that you know God alongside you deeply this weekend – and hopefuly not because you are in a dark place. My brother Connor, with Lynda and the children are due here tomorrow, so I'm taking some time off to travel and see more of this beautiful country. Whether you have one day off, or more, I hope that you manage to get some rest at this time too. Thanks for reading. Happy Easter for Sunday. Rory