Will he ever return?

by Ana Watts

Will the Rev. Canon Paul Jeffries — the missionary priest from the Diocese of Fredericton who went to Kenya with the Companion Diocese Program even before we entered this new millennium — ever come home for good? Or is Africa home now? I think Paul struggles with these questions all the time. Exactly where “home” is may be up in the air for him, but there is no doubt his life is in Africa, Uganda to be specific, at Bishop McAllister School to be precise. He has been there almost 13 years, transformed it from a virtually bankrupt school with a handful of boy students and few luxuries — certainly no decent buildings or running water or money to pay teachers — to a thriving co-educational school with dormitories, classrooms, running water, electricity, computer and science labs and a spirit as vital and positive as his own.

His first 11 years at Bishop McAllister Paul was principal of the college, but two years ago some restructuring by the ministry of education required someone with an academic background to be called head master. Paul’s deputy for 10 years was appointed to the position and Paul’s title as overall head of the institution was changed to rector. The “rector” and the “head” continue to work as an effective team to provide theological education, O and A level studies (secondary school) and they recently introduced an elementary program, for grades five through seven.

The school is able to pay teachers now, but Paul’s stipend continues to be paid by donations from New Brunswick Anglicans and this continues to be a blessing to the school, as do the many donations from this diocese in support of students, building projects and other school needs. Recently, however, donations to his stipend have dropped off, probably because he spends so much time telling us all about the students’ and the school’s needs. So this is a gentle nudge to ask you to remember Paul too, when you think of Bishop McAllister School. That way he can continue the Annual Rector’s 5K Challenge (see photo at the top ). “If I would lose about 12 pounds and eat better I might some day get in shape for one of them” he jokes.

Eight months ago the school officially opened its elementary school and the photo here makes it clear it was quite a celebration. If home is where the heart is, Paul’s is obviously in the right place.

 

Diocesan Communications

June 7, 2011