THREE Okehampton ministers have just returned from a challenging trip to Kenya in which they saw at first hand the difficulties experienced by church leaders and their congregations in the Nairobi area.

Mike Davies, Chris Bourne and Simon Bourne are all ministers with Inspiration and were invited to be speakers at the African Dominion Convention by Nairobi?s Bishop, Isaiah Challo.

The experience was a steep learning curve for the three men, not least of which was the language barrier. They only speak English and needed several interpreters. At one event, more than 25 tribal languages were being used!

Mike, Simon and Chris were based in the deprived eastern part of Nairobi ? during their time ministering, and at the convention itself, they were the only white people in the area.

Mike, who is also a town councillor and deputy mayor of Okehampton, said: ?When arriving in Nairobi it was interesting to see that most people headed to the west side of the city, then to the safari parks. Our role was a little more demanding and we soon had a realisation of the task in hand.?

At night they were kept secure in a locked ?fortress? for their own safety, due to violence and gangs endemic to the area. Even while they were there, one of the local pastors was hijacked at gunpoint from within the church compounds, badly beaten and left in the boot of his car.

Extreme poverty was everywhere. Mike said: ?Several people in the area live on rubbish sites and have to scavenge for food.

?It is amazing what we take for granted in this part of the world. In fact, we often complain about many of the blessings we have that for many would be a luxury, for instance, education, medical support and food.

?It would be tremendous if we could do something from England to financially support education and clinics.?

The convention itself was held at the Living Water International headquarters ? a basic building with corrugated roofing, yet one which could accommodate several thousands at a time.

All three ministers spoke at the convention and Mike spoke to more than 200 local pastors during an extra early morning service. Chris spoke to more than 1,500 at the first morning service, and another 2,000 at the main service.

Living Water International?s vision is to build a purpose-built auditorium to accommodate an 8,000-strong congregation.

Mike said Chris was given the plans for the new building ? they hope to be able to raise funds here in the South West to help this project.

He said: ?It is unlikely they will ever be able to raise funds unless support comes from elsewhere. The building will be used for teaching, medical clinics and for Sunday services.?

The three ministers have already been invited to next year?s Dominion Convention and have received invitations to Tanzania, Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.

Inspiration is hoping to bring Bishop Isaiah Challo and some of his ministers to the South West next spring and funds are being raised for the trip, and for the Living Water building project.

Mike said closer links are being built with Eastern Africa and he is keen to hear from anyone interested in offering support or in being trained in overseas mission work.

He can be contacted on 01837 659233.