"Expo" trip is a "blessing and privilege"
The 2025 Members' "Expo" (Exposure) trip to Uganda and Ethiopia was enthusiastically received by both hosts and participants
From top left: James' guest houses; Joel's fish farm; John's Piggery; training in Mbale; breakfast at Cwmbale eco-lodges; Sipi Falls (before 'the incident', see below); Pastor James' Kampala Hub team; training in Addis; sunset in Nyero.
This the first TEN "Expo" (Exposure trip) 9-21 November 2025 took in projects, business start up training and some down time, in Uganda and Ethiopia. There were encouragements as well as the inevitable challenges.
The encouragements included seeing the way Joel's fish farm near Soroti was running so well, with each of the six large tanks having plants and receiving fresh water and oxygen through an efficient pump system. The farm will now start providing an income for TANU vocational training. John Robert - one of the trainees from the 2024 Mbale training - now has a flourishing Piggery. He has 18 pigs including 6 piglets. The bristles are being used for tooth brushes and the manure is also making a difference. He is planning to expand to 100 pigs.
Also encouraging was seeing Pastor James, who has trained over 2,000 people since the training last year. He has formed a hub of 300 'Alumni' in Kampala which we are supporting. Another hub is being created following the training in Addis Ababa, supported by Pastor Fekadu, who has been on a CREO programme.
Challenges included water supply to James' guest houses (which support the Nyero Alternative Technology Training Centre), because their well dried up. Following a survey, we are helping drill a new well. There are also issues with Booking.com, a major source of business, which we are trying to resolve.
The trip wasn't all plain sailing: Sipi Falls on Mount Elgon was been renamed Slipi Falls following an incident. Our guide's mountain rescue skills and Uganda's medical system was tested and passed with flying colours.
The next expo will be to Burundi in late November / early December 2026, to take part in Ezechiel's annual national "Come and Meet your Business Partner" event. Mountaineering skills not required. Contact Jerry if you are interested.
One participant wrote:
"It was a great blessing and privilege to accompany Jerry on a recent visit to Uganda and Ethiopia. We had a packed itinerary when we were able to see first-hand enterprises, churches and communities, and the challenges they face.
Without a doubt ‘business’ is a solution to poverty and to have the chance to come alongside people with information and ideas – often conceptually simple – can clearly make a big difference.
I can’t recommend accompanying Jerry on a trip highly enough. Not only does he organise everything (with an indication of cost) his compassion and style of partnering with local people, who clearly hold him in high regard, is lovely to witness – even when he is giving them a reality check or helping them to see things from a different perspective.
Jerry is a great teacher and his customised interactive course “Mind Your Own Business” is a perfect tool to help so many people, churches, enterprises and communities – but in the end of the day God’s love is at the heart of everything he does.
We all live privileged lives – and all have something to give – whether it is money or expertise. Come on a trip to find your unique chance to make a difference."
