May 27: Let Us Go into the House of the Lord

Children worshiping at Layibi

  We drove the Kitgum road until it was time to turn off. The Great Eight divided into two teams of four this morning to visit two different churches and maximize the opportunity to encourage.  For churches to have visitors from outside of their region brings much excitement, let alone people they do not see often – Muzungus! (White people.) We drove on another red dirt road until it was time to walk the rest of the way to the Fellowship. These deep country walks have become a favorite of mine. It was hot with no breeze today. The time walking the trail, greeting others along the way was special. The hospitality and sense of community just astounds me.

As we neared Lukodi, about 45 minutes north of Gulu, our group began to hear the familiar sounds of Sunday morning in Africa. The joy of the Lord was in this place! We were greeted with singing, dancing, hugs and high fives! Our hosts let me know how much a small fellowship like this feels empowered by the blessing of visitors. It truly was an honor to be there! Joseph, the local pastor of the Fellowship and his wife, Evelyn were incredible hosts.

I love Ugandan church! It is a full speed motion.  I was able to greet the church and introduce our part of the team. Pastor Edward brought the message. My Ugandan brother can preach! He is usually a quiet man of few words (as Abby and Alley put it), but when he is preaching… hold on! He brings it!

During the offering someone gave a bag of fresh picked greens. It drove home the story of the widow’s mite. Joseph set up an auction for the greens within the Fellowship for money so they could buy supplies needed for the church. I have never seen this before. It just started. (For context a $1 equals 3,705 Ugandan shillings.). A church member opened the bidding. Then Rev. David upped the bid. I bid.  (Love me some greens.). David outbid me. Then Edward moved to the lead.  The members absolutely loved watching the guest take action in the auction. When Edward was about to win the greens, Susan stepped in to blow us all away with a bid of 50,000 shillings (about $13.50) winning the bid! The yells and screams for joy warmed all hearts! It was fantastic! She then gave the bag of greens to an elderly lady she sat next to during church. They prayed together. Susan has a heart of gold. Her compassion and mercy for the people is pure love.

I was also so blessed to serve with Abby and Alley today.  They bring joy to everyone they meet, adults and kids alike. Their eagerness to serve and be a blessing shines through so brightly.  People cannot help but experience the love of Christ when these two start smiling and greeting.
We closed our time with a song before saying our goodbyes. Our team entered as visitors but left as part of the spiritual family.

In Layibi, The other half our team had a fantastic day, as well. Greg brought the message paired with

Gracie sharing her testimony. I understand they were both outstanding.  The team deeply enjoyed the worship time.
I have noticed something on this trip I want to mention. Katie remembers everything and everyone! She blows me away with her memory. Everywhere we go she recalls people and kids she has met on past trips. She remembers events that happened like it was yesterday. Her heart for Uganda and the people is amazing! I feel confident she will someday lead this mission!

Tonight we met for dinner and debrief with the local pastors. We discussed the mission, areas to improve and then took  time to affirm them. They are an amazing group of leaders in faith who truly care for the Lord and the people they serve.

Tomorrow we leave early at 5am for Jinja so we can take a slight detour to drive through the Murchison Falls National Wildlife Park. If all works out… elephants, giraffes, wart hogs...Oh, my! Along with other animals will join us on our long day, Ugandan adventure.

Good bye, Gulu. You are an amazing place and people. Thank you for your hospitality. You made us feel like family.

Team is great. Everyone is tired of course, but overall things are going fantastic. Please keep up the prayers! We feel them!

We probably will not have a blog post tomorrow due to such a long travel day.

Chris

Prayer Requests:

1.)    Travel Mercies

2.)    As we head into the second half of our trip, tiredness will set in.  We ask for prayers for rest when we have opportunity and for our attitudes to remain good and ready for service.

3.)    Thanksgiving for such an amazing team.

4.)    Thanksgiving for Susan’s back doing a lot better.