July 3,
2017
As
Kysia added for me on the blog we visited three UMC churches yesterday. I love
Ugandan church! Singing, dancing, sharing and passion! You can see the hope in
Christ. Humbles me. I love joining in; though, I must admit I can feel awkward!
We started
out at Achwang where Josephine is the pastor. It was fun to leave the bus about
a half mile away to walk through the trail to the church with the sound of
drums and singing getting louder as we approached. The praises of God going out
into the world!
Two
years ago when we visited this village, the church met as a fellowship under a
mango tree. Now a permanent structure stands that God used our church to help
build. The community mostly made up of woman and children actually had some young
men singing in the choir.
The
children's choir at Achwang was a treat. Little ones dancing and singing
praises to the Lord! I got to greet the church and make team introductions.
Leigh and Carly did an excellent sharing their testimonies. I love to see team
members stepping outside their comfort zones to share what God has done in
their lives. Though it may seem like the context is out of whack with Africa,
the idea and the message of Christ’s love and grace always translates! What an
encouragement to the women of Achwang to see these strong women of faith!
Pastor
Edward brought the message and man can he preach! He had the congregation
laughing with his examples. He really
related to them and their community. I love to see him get flowing as he starts
to speak louder and louder with passion!
We were
supposed to be there for 2 hours and stayed for 4! African church is not a
short event!
We left
and visited the church in Opit next where Titus is the pastor. We have visited
Opit many times over the years, even in 2007 on our first trip. Again the
children's choir was waiting outside to greet us with singing and dancing! We
went inside to simply fellowship for a bit. They made us a snack (basically
a full meal) of goat, cassava, cabbage, and beans. The cabbage and beans were
incredible! Opit now has a brick structure that God blessed them with!
After
finishing at Opit, we traveled to the village of Lujuro where a new and growing church
started only a few years ago. Patrick is the pastor.
We ended the evening with a very special annual event. All the area pastors ate a meal with the team and then enjoyed a time of sharing. We talked about how the time in Gulu went and what could be improved. There is always the request to stay longer. I so would love to stay longer in all of Uganda, with both partners. We will continue to pray. We then affirmed each other. This is so special. When we first visited the Methodist church in the north in 2007 there were only two churches in Koch Goma and Opit. Today there is Koch Chorom, Koch Goma, Opit, Achwang, Iriaga, Layibi, Lujuro, and Gonycugu with fellowships being started in a few more villages. What an incredible growth! God's people sharing with their communities the love of Christ. Let's keep that going!
We said
goodbye to the pastors which is always hard to do. God has connected us to such
wonderful partners in Uganda. Rev. David, Solomon, Alphonse, Josephine, Titus,
Douglas, Patrick, Peter, and Christine are all such strong men and women of
faith.
And then came Monday...
We traveled back to Jinja the long way. The team left at 5 a.m. so we
could drive through
the Murchison Falls wildlife preserve. Total time on the bus was twelve and a
half hours. Rough on the body but so worth it to see elephants, giraffes,
warthogs, and other animals in the wild. Lunch was a stop in Misindi for some
stick meat! Edward negotiated for us and it was a riot. The street vendors were
all sticking their product in the bus window while Edward was trying to buy a
little from everyone. Chaos, but love me some roasted goat on a stick!
We
finally arrived in Jinja, ate dinner, sorted medical bags, and showered.
Tomorrow we head to His Mercy School in the village of Kikubo for day 1 of 2
medical clinic days. Dr. Moses and his team will meet us there to once again be
the hands and feet for Christ. Please continue to pray strength and wisdom for
us. The team is all good and continuing to be just fantastic
together.
Chris
A note from Kysia:
The
team has been in Uganda about a week now sleeping in a few different hotels,
dining on different cuisine. Please, pray
for them to stay healthy and get good rest.
Thank you!
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