NEW born twins were named after a village reverend and his wife during a special visit to Africa.
Revd Clive Evans, from Long Buckby, was in the western Kenyan town of Bungoma as part of the partnership the Church of England has with the region’s Anglican Diocese.
During his stay twins were born four months premature and very nearly died after the mother underwent an emergency Caesarean.
Thankfully they recovered and the parents decided to name them Clive and Deborah, after the reverend and his wife.
Revd Evans said: “We’ve had an ongoing relationship with the family who had twins and are in regular contact with the dad.
“It’s not uncommon in Kenya for children to be named after someone else.
“When Barack Obama was about to become President lots of babies were named after him, so I suppose I’m on that level!”
Revd Evans is a regular visitor to the town in his role as the diocesan link officer.
This particular trip was also the first to be made by the Bishop of Peterborough, the Rt Revd Donald Allister. Six other curates were also involved in the visit.
Revd Evans added: “The Diocese of Peterborough and Bungoma have been linked for over ten years fostering friendship, fellowship, prayer and where appropriate financial assistance for what is a deeply rural and poor part of Kenya.
“The visit was a great success in terms of deepening our contacts and giving Bishop Donald a good overview of the work of the Diocese of Bungoma
“I found this visit particularly moving, I cried a lot and laughed even more.
“It’s more than just a church in Bungoma. They have the school and hospital in the same place as the church and it’s all a big community.
“The curates had no end of new and challenging experiences too including bed by paraffin lamp, African loos and mosquito nets to name just a few
“There are a lot of people who have HIV Aids so I met with people and listened to them and supported them as much as I can.
“We’ve seen the pictures and heard it all before, but visiting places like Bungoma makes you see your own life and context so differently.”