The Baptist Church

The only public building in the village of Bagri is a small Baptist chapel, built in 2001. A church has been formally constituted and, for Sunday services, the building is overflowing with people.

The Pastor is Charles Karbo. He initially raised the question of a school in the village and is managing the projects. As son of the paramount chief of the area, he grew up in the Palace in Lawra, a town near Bagri.

He says, "I was brought up in the pagan religion. My father had 40 wives at the 25th anniversary of his death in 1993 there were still about 30 of them alive. My father allowed various religious groups into the district and decided to associate different children with different religions some with Christian groups, some with Islam and some with traditional beliefs. I was to follow traditional tribal beliefs, which (at the time) I welcomed. It was intended that I would succeed to be keeper of the idols in the Palace."
 
Pastor Karbo has a particular concern to preach in the outlying villages around Lawra, which he journeys to on a small motorbike. In the past, he has also worked part time for the local education services but now devotes his time to his pastorate and to managing the Trust's projects.

The Trust stays in close contact with Pastor Karbo through mobile phone. He also provides a written report on progress at the end of each month and a fax for this purpose has kindly been provided.

A small Committee, formed from the church, organised the building work and the school is a Christian school, managed by the church on behalf of the whole community.