The Ven. Michael Kafeero Installed as New Archdeacon of Ugandan Churches in the ADNE
Sunday March 12th witnessed an extraordinary service of celebration, thanksgiving and an outpouring of love and unity as Venerable Michael Kafeero was installed as Archdeacon of ADNE’s thriving Ugandan Archdeaconry.
St. Paul’s Waltham overflowed with worshippers as members of the ADNE East African community came together to celebrate this historic moment. Ven. Michael was blessed with video messages from Uganda from his wife and children who spoke of his godly character, and Archbishop Kaziimba from the cathedral in Kampala who applauded Ven. Michael’s faithful walk and perseverance. Ven. Michael commented, “I would like to thank the Rt. Rev Bill Murdoch who had faith in me and licensed me to work as rector at St. Paul’s Waltham. I would also like to thank the Rt. Reverend Andrew Williams and his wife Elena for all the extra love they have extended to me and all their support.”
During the service of installation Ven. Dorcas (of the ADNE Kenyan archdeaconry) welcomed Ven. Michael as a fellow archdeacon and pledged her support to his ministry and their shared partnership in the Gospel. Rev. Christine Nakyeyune (St. Luke’s Church), Rev. Amos Kimera (St. Peter’s Church), and Rev. Mary Tusuubira (St. Luke’s Church) served in the service of installation and each of their churches brought praise offerings from their respective choirs and youth groups. Canon Leah Turner arrived at the service with a group of almost twenty young people who gave testimony to the goodness of God that they had received at the ADNE youth retreat that had also taken place that same weekend. Canon Paul Thuo Githinji flew in from Delaware to participate in the service and bring his greeting from St. Veronica’s and Reverend Eliud Mwangi brought greetings and prayers of blessing from the newly planted and thriving church - Holy Trinity Auburn. Reverend Gayle Heaslip (Emmaus Church) and a number of her congregants made the journey from Cape Cod to bring their wholehearted support to Archdeacon Michael and the Ugandan Archdeaconry. Dressed in Ugandan attire, diocesan intercessor, Debbie Baldini, brought prayers and blessing from the ADNE Cathedral, and the Mayor of Waltham, Jeannette McCarthy, spoke publicly of the gift that the Ugandan church was in her community bringing everyone back to the values of faith and family.
After the service, the Ugandan Archdeaconry hosted a grand and generous banquet for everyone who attended serving excellent Ugandan cuisine. The banquet room was spectacularly presented, and this was yet another distinguishing mark of the excellence that the organizing committee brought to the entire day. Bishop Andrew commented, “Led by Mr. Sentongo James this remarkable team drawn from across the Ugandan archdeaconry did an outstanding job with great attention to many important details. Their work brought glory to God and ensured His generous welcome to all who attended.”
Toward the end of the day, Ven. Michael gave an emotional and passionate vote of thanks to the many people who had honored the day. He spoke of the St. Paul’s family and their love for the Lord and the bonds of His love that have enabled them to work together. He also thanked the tireless work of his vestry, ably led by the Senior Warden, Dr. William Ssebuwufu and the commitment of his Lay Reader, Joy Nakku.
To the assembled guests and congregants, Bishop Andrew concluded a rich day of celebration and joy with these words, “The Anglican Diocese of New England can only be described as a movement of God’s Holy Spirit. A global movement that is enriched and fueled by the passion and zeal for Jesus Christ that we have been gifted with in our East African archdeaconries. Archdeacon Michael epitomizes that passion and zeal. It is in his very bones. Today has been an exciting and historic moment in this movement of God’s Spirit. I am deeply committed to shepherding our East African clergy and the congregations they care for. I count it a huge blessing and privilege to serve you as your Bishop. I am deeply convicted that the Lord desires us to lean more deeply into the blessing of such a global partnership. That together, the love of Jesus can be shared. A wise mentor once told me that the best friends you will ever have, are the friends that the Lord chooses for you. How grateful I am for the gift of East African friendship in bringing the Gospel to the Northeast of America.” Casting his eye around the beautifully decorated banqueting hall, Bishop Andrew concluded, “I am so struck by how wonderfully this room has been prepared for today’s celebration. The sheer scale of open-hearted hospitality is staggering! As I looked around this beautiful banqueting room it struck me that there was a likeness to a grand cruise liner! As I pondered this, the Holy Spirit quietly interrupted my thoughts, “My son, this is not a cruise liner, this is a lifeboat. This is a lifeboat in which the souls of many have been and will be pulled free and saved from the treacherous waters of a fallen world.”
