Three Drums and a Guitar

Thursday morning we accepted the invitation of the Scripture Union Director to join his staff for their daily staff devotions from 8:00 – 9:00 AM.  Our “special hire” (taxi driver) Fred, skillfully maneuvered around the Kampala rush hour “jams” and got us to the Scripture Union (SU) compound in record time.  (If only I could remember those short cuts.)  We were the first to arrive, followed by Samuel who opened the doors and dusted the chairs for us and the 17 staff that began arriving.  Paperback hymn books were distributed, three animal skin drums were positioned plus a guitar and we began singing hymns to the soft rhythmic beat of the drums.  Testimonies were shared of God’s working followed by that day’s reading as listed in their own Scripture Union of Uganda Devotional which they write and publish each year, that day coming from Deuteronomy 31:1-13.  Time was given to personally reflect on the meaning…and what rich promises and commands there are…“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you“ (vs. 6) and then in verse 13, “Their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” We felt reassured by God; they were just the truths we needed to hear.  After several from the staff spontaneously shared their insights (all excellent in our opinion), and a closing prayer, each one went to begin their day. We later learned that staff members pair off two by two each day and spend 30 minutes in prayer.  In addition they have a prayer and fasting day each week, using their usual meal times to pray —wow! Since Thursday we have connected twice with SU staff and friends.  The latter was yesterday morning when two SU friends arrived at our house for a 6:30 a.m. dawn prayer and share meeting.  Praise God for the discipline and passion of this SU community that we are becoming acquainted with…and are learning from.