Amaizi

Philippa and Graham give us a warm, personal account of God’s calling and equipping for His service in Africa. Told by two voices and in short stories, their adventures and work as a family in Uganda will warm your heart.

Graham and Philippa’s adventures make for a great read. Responding to God’s call and raising a young family in Africa might seem a daunting prospect, but they experienced both highs and lows in working alongside wonderful, resilient, faith-filled people, and God was faithful through it all. Wonderfully, what they were a part of has grown, morphed and continues to this day, and so the impact and fruitfulness of their labours continue. Enjoy entering into their experiences in this lovely memoir.

A beautiful, honest, and captivating journey of faith, resilience and transformation.

In Amaizi: Is Anyone Thirsty?, Graham and Philippa Piper offer a deeply moving and authentic chronicle of their transition from the comforts of the UK oil industry and medical practice to the rugged, unpredictable landscapes of 1980s Uganda. Written with remarkable candour, warmth and gentle wit, this book is far more than a missionary memoir; it is a profound testament to what happens when professional skill intersects with courageous leaps of faith. Graham and Philippa write with an evocative mind that brings the sights, sounds and smells of East Africa vividly to life.

At its heart, this book is a celebration of community and the powerful relationships that sustain us through life’s lowest declines and highest joys. Amaizi flows with the reminder that what might seem like a mere 'drop in the ocean' to the world can become a life-giving oasis to a community in need.

I first heard the names of Graham and Philippa Piper when I was a curate at one of their supporting churches in the 1980s. What a joy it was many years later when they joined the church I was leading in Crawley. Their love of, and commitment to, Uganda remained undimmed, and our church soon became familiar with WATSAN and all that it represents.

On reading Graham and Philippa’s account of those early years, it is thrilling to be able to see how prayers for 'our link mission partners in Uganda' were heard and answered. The book is full of fascinating detail about their life and work at that time – disappointments and encouragements, setbacks and achievements – but always with a firm faith in the Lord God and a deep love of His people in Uganda.

This book, Amaizi: Is Anyone Thirsty?, portrays a picture of critical interventions that came out of the love and calling that God extended to Graham before he even trained as an engineer! That call, which transformed him spiritually, would later birth a programme that has indeed made the nightmare of water accessibility become a realistic venture.

As Bishop Diocese of Kigezi, where Graham and Philippa served, I have personally observed the impact of the water department but also witnessed the hardships our people go through to bring a jerrycan of water into their houses. Trekking long distances is still the order of the day, spending unbelievable hours that would have been otherwise been used in other productive ventures.

Graham and Philippa did not only bring us physical water, but they also became ministers of the Word, established relationships in all sectors, helped improve the Sunday school at All Saints Church and enriched our society through sacrifice, commitment and dedication. This book entirely radiates the brotherly love that abides, the response to calling that God gives and the special impact of personal relationships inspired by God himself.

It is my pleasure to recommend this book and to pray that it makes a great difference in every reader’s life.

Graham, the water engineer, and Philippa, the doctor, write with feeling and compassion, vividly describing the environment and the people they meet in Rwanda and south-west Uganda. They record many instances of answered prayer as they face one difficulty after another while bringing up their own young family and doing their work in the community. They combine practical common sense with faith in our loving, faithful heavenly Father. Do read and enjoy this inspiring book!

Graham and Philippa tell their stories of working in Uganda to provide clean water and basic medical care. Writing with honesty and humour, they share the joys and heartaches of living, working and raising a family in Africa during a coup. We enjoyed this fast-moving and very readable story immensely. For anyone thinking of serving as an engineer or a medic in another country, this book could be a helpful guide.

A true story of faith in action, showing how persistence, compassion and determination can transform lives. So much more than a drop in the ocean, this is a testament to what can be achieved when faith is put into practice.

This engaging account describes the challenges faced by Graham in providing clean water and by Philippa in establishing a home, promoting health education and developing a prison ministry. Together, their stories offer a remarkable testimony of faith and shows that where clean water flows, hope follows, and brings lasting change to communities.

Good things come out from peoples struggles through steps of faith. This memoir from Graham and Philippa tells a story of hope through significant trials. Through it, we are reminded that the suffering and sacrifice of faithful individuals have not been in vain. I highly recommend this memoir. To God be the glory.