As the Angels Rejoice

Today, our ministry in Uganda hit full force. We sent teams all over the Mbale area to participate in the extremely active manifestation of teh Kingdom of God in East Uganda.

The morning began with a devotional from Carolyn that reminded us that our faith is about God and not about us. She led the team in the ABC “You are” prayer, where we proclaimed truths about God that began with each letter of the alphabet

Most of our team served in the village of Akalabai today. The man who will be commissioned at the end of the week as the pastor for the church is named Robert. We gathered at the church (which is beautiful) and partnered up with translators as Robert gave us instructions on where to go in the village. Like New Testament disciples, we went out two-by-two and preached the gospel to the wonderful people. Many on our team were shocked at how welcoming and open the people of Akalabai are. We took some buses a few miles to the outskirts of the community and began working in toward the church. It was an incredible day full of sharing the gospel, new people entering the Kingdom of Heaven, and encouraging believers.

Here are a few highlights from the trails:

Kylie came across a young boy whose leg has been broken since February. It is badly infected and covered by a bandage. Kylie, her translator (Pastor Martin from Okosoi), and Dr. Bartha were able to come up with a plan and the resources to get the boy to a hospital for X-rays.

Rudi met a man at the first home he went to and the man did not seem very receptive. But when the time for the crusade came, Rudi was surprised and delighted that the man showed up and wanted to hear more.

Carolyn encountered a woman who seemed to be the head of a household – she was a grandmother-figure. After Carolyn shared about Jesus, the woman stated that during the talk, she heard God tell her that “what this woman is speaking is the truth” and she prayed to receive Christ, along with her entire family.

Allison had a great first day on the trail. She was especially moved by a man who was very proud and loving towards his children, introducing them one at a time and embracing them. This is not a common scene in Uganda. Allison saw the love of a Father for his children, a Jesus kind of love, in that man.

Rachel had an interesting day and met a lot of people with missing limbs or mental issues. She was struck by the devastating levels of poverty.

Walter prayed over two women professing to have demons.

Laura talked to a lot of people who were already Christian. She asked them what she could pray for and most of the request were about resources for survival. Laura got the chance to share about being rich in faith and that Jesus promises that the last shall be first in His Kingdom, a beautiful truth and an empowering message.

Pat and Kylie met a not-so-sober man on the trail and were intentional about talking with him and showing love towards him.

We walked a great distance today. And one of the best parts of walking the trails is getting to talk to your translator, believer-to-believer, as we walk the distances between homes. We talk about the gospel and applications in each culture, they proudly point out their vegetation and ask about ours, we laugh and we encourage. This is the Body of Christ coming together, walking through life side by side, just as Jesus instituted with the early disciples. It is a truly an awesome experience. It is full of peace and joy and one of those times when we get a chance to soak in the deep beauty of what we are experiencing here.

After lunch, Carolyn Price and some of the children had an impromptu jam session.

After a day on the trail, we hosted a crusade for the people at the new church. Laura had a very enthusiastic friend (pictured with her to the right) that danced with her most of the crusade. Pat, Kylie, and Carolyn gave absolutely incredible testimonies. Walter noted how they were three completely different stories, but all about the wonderful power of Jesus and lives truly devoted to his glory. Joey preached and prayed over the people. Some of the ladies hosted a time for children during the sermon and packed the church with nearly a hundred kids. Laura told a story from the story cloth (Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand) and they shared lots of music and laughter.

While most of the team was at the village, Audrey and Garrett went to schools where Audrey gave her testimony and Garrett preached. They went to four different schools, each with at least 500 students (the last much closer to a thousand+). They were moved by the singing and the kids sending them ‘flowers’ (wavy hands and wiggly fingers). They spoke the Truth of Life to close to three thousand students today.

Debbie and Andrew spent half a day on the trail before going to the prisons. Andrew preached a sermon and led two teenage boys to Christ, directly leading someone to Christ for the first time in his life. Debbie spoke to the women and really loved the experience of talking to inmates. They shared that the warden was a bit skeptical early on but, by the end, was fully enthusiastic and behind all of the truth that was being proclaimed.

As you can see, it has been a full day. The entire team gathered around 7:30 tonight at the hotel, where Dr. Patrick joined us for dinner and shared about his work with the water well ministries and as a representative in Parliament.

Pray for us as we rest and gear up for another incredible day of sharing the gospel to the incredible people of Africa!

Thanks for your prayers and support!

The 2015 Uganda Mission Team