Stephen's Journey at the Vocational Training Centre in Ibba

I have had a very humbling 2 weeks here in Ibba with very Godly and kind people (not forgetting Rev Dennis and Niall). I would like to thank Bishop Wilson and his team for hosting us.

I would like to thank the students that attended the VTC welding course and pray that they will carry on learning and developing. For the short time I have had to teach them they have done really well. The project was to cut and fabricate 3 beds from steel which the students have done. I have been welding for 30+ years and I'm still learning, these students have done superbly.

The welding equipment that they received is very much needed here as things that were broken had to be sent to another village, so it was very expensive for parts to be repaired.

We handed the welding equipment over to the VTC on Tuesday. As a team (Dennis, Niall and myself) we agreed that it would be fitting to dedicate the welder in memory of my mother-in-law (Patricia Greer) who passed away.

The joinery tools were also welcomed and muched needed pieces of kit. The students can now finish off the furniture to a high standard and in less time. I took a few hours to show the students how each tool worked and they picked up these skills very well.

People in Ibba and the surrounding areas haven't got much, but they are friendly, helpful and caring. That reminds me of how we should live our lives as Christians. More like Jesus.

I know I will be leaving Ibba having grown much deeper in my faith and feeling blessed with God's love. As I close can I ask everyone that reads this blog to pray for the tutor's at the VTC, Samuel and John, their role will be very important going forward and, of course, all the students at the VTC.

Thank you for all your prayers, both before we departed home for Ibba and over the past 2 weeks whilst we have been here.

Stephen