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| Worship in Layibi |
Today was our final day of ministry in Gulu district. Since it was Sunday so we got to worship with our brothers and sisters!
We started the morning at Layibi, UMC which is within the limits of Gulu town where Solomon is pastor. He is a wonderful man of faith who cares deeply for the people in both their spiritual and physical needs.
To get to the church we parked the bus and got to walk through a small cluster of huts greeting people and playing with children. Children are everywhere. All the time. And they are so much fun to be with. Always laughing, shaking hands and playing. I love getting to laugh with the children.
We came upon the church and of course singing! Always singing and dancing! Kennedy was there again. He is at every church and always leading worship. He must know every choir in the Gulu area! Kennedy is such a fantastic man. And did I mention talented!
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| Kennedy |
Solomon greeted us and I got to send greetings from our church and families to the church plus, introduce the team. Katherine shared her testimony and was fabulous! I love seeing our young people give of themselves, share and encourage! Greg gave the sermon and was, again, incredible! I am thrilled to be serving with him. He is funny, always encouraging and shares scripture from a simple yet powerful standpoint. He and I play well off each other keeping the laughter flowing, as well! I am honored to be leading with him!
During the time of prayer we had a situation that I, personally, have never experienced. A young girl came up front to be prayed for and after a few minutes fell over shaking as her eyes rolled back into her head. The pastors jumped right in began praying for her to cast out the demon. Edward, Solomon, Douglas, and Patrick were right there and speaking the word to her. The team began praying and Kennedy began to lead worship. I fully believe in the evil one and his intention to snare people. I believe it happens all over the world and it manifests itself in different ways in different cultures. I have never experienced this and did the only thing I knew to do- pray. After a good 30 minutes she came to and began to be loved on. She is from another village and no one knew her name. She indicated she was hungry and had no family and had heard of the church so she came. Powerful. And a little scary to be honest. But darkness cannot hold back the light and God is powerful. Solomon and the church were making sure to get her to her home and follow up to make sure she is cared for. Wow!
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| Katherine sharing her testimony. |
We also got to hear from two ladies who were a part of the adult literacy group. These were older women who can now read. They each read a passage of scripture for us. The look and smile on their face to be able to be a part of the service by reading the Word was priceless. The church also has a tailoring group that teaches members how to sew; they sell the items in the market. They currently have eight members and one teacher. They proudly reported that the group has been able to tithe to the church from the sales of clothing they make! What a wonderful time of worship and celebration!
We then had lunch and headed to Koch Goma for another time of fellowship and an open air meeting. We have been to Koch Goma many times over the years; Peter is the pastor, with many smiles, passion and talent, for sure! We had some technical difficulties with the sound system. So everyone sort of sat around and slowly began interacting. Finally the music started and Kennedy (again!) got the choir rolling and off we went singing, dancing and worshipping! The choir was incredible! They had some dancers that were just unbelievable! Katherine and Greg even jumped in and joined them looking like they belonged... well, sort of. They were simply joining their brothers and sisters in worshipping our Lord. It was awesome!
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| Women sharing from literacy group. |
Greg shared a quick word and then Edward brought the message. Edward was fantastic again. He told stories and he sang a song with Kennedy in Acholi. The crowd really responded to Edward. I love that we were able to be a bridge to have the north and south connect!
After we got to the hotel, we had dinner with the area pastors. It was a time of celebration and debrief of the time in Gulu. David is always good to ask for feedback. What they did well and what can be improved. He wants to keep growing and developing and making sure the time together in ministry is effective and a blessing to us. We all told them that just being with them and serving is a blessing to us! I let them know that we are there to serve alongside and support them. There was some good discussion. The future ministry time in Gulu is only going to get better!
We are blessed with wonderful hosts in Gulu. We have gotten to know some amazing people. David, Solomon, Titus, Douglas, Patrick, Alphinse, Josephine, Peter, Denis, Kennedy. All smart, passionate, funny and faithful. We are honored to serve with them. They are not only ministering to the spiritual needs of their villages but also to the physical by starting various projects through the church to teach skills and generate income for growing families. They are doing amazing work. I am humbled to call them friends.
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| Rev. David |
Tomorrow we head to Jinja. Our time in Gulu is finished. But the fruit will only keep growing as God will continue to use the church in wonderful ways!
Thank you, Gulu, for your love and service and hospitality. Our team misses you already!
Chris
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| Edward leading at Koch Gomo. |
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