BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) in Kampala

In an attempt to connect with believers in our new city, and to be involved in serious Bible study, we decided to seek out a Bible Study Fellowship group.  Although this Bible Study had started a week earlier, Winnie, one of the small group leaders whom we “happened” to meet the previous Sunday, encouraged us to come to the “New Comers Class.”  

 Although fairly close to us, it was in an area we had not yet driven to…so with maps in hand, written directions and a back-up plan to ask a “boda-boda” (motorcycle used for public transportation) to guide us, we left our place Wednesday shortly after 8:00 a.m.  After some rush hour traffic and winding roads, we were pleasantly surprised to see the sign we were looking for, “Agape Baptist Church.”  We “branched right” at the sign and followed a narrow washed out dirt road which opened into the parking lot of Agape Baptist.  Even though we were early (since we didn’t get lost as we expected we would!), we were amazed to find many women already there (no trace of “African time” there!) and a good number of them reading their Bibles. 

At 9:15 sharp, we began by singing the hymn, “Fairest Lord Jesus” with more than 150 Ugandan women (only one other “white lady” among us). All ages seemed represented (including babies/children who had their own group).  After another hymn, we broke into small groups during which we joined a “first-timer” group with about 20 other ladies. Our facilitator explained BSF to us, and also explained that since there were so many of us, they would need to train some more small group leaders—a process that takes 3 weeks. So, we may have to wait that long before we can return. (But we have the notes and questions to answer so that we can still keep up.)

Then everyone came together for close to an hour lecture…which seemed like about 20 minutes! The Gospel of Matthew is the focus for this year and this week was centered on Matthew 1.  As I listened with open Bible and notes, I again marveled how Jews, Gentiles, and even women are included in Christ’s genealogy.  And of course enjoyed contemplating again the meaning of “Jesus” (Matthew 1:21) and “Immanuel”—God with us.  How I praise God that by His grace, I’m included in God’s wonderful plan of salvation.  

Praise God for such good teaching being freely offered in almost 40 counties of the world and for so many Ugandan women who give a morning each week to study God’s Word. Pray that we will be diligent in our study, grow in our walk with Christ, and also be a mutual blessing to these ladies.

Let the Children COME...

It was not the opportunity I would have chosen for Ernie and my very first audience of African children (such a big church and being part of all three morning services)…but it obviously was what God chose. It all began a week ago Monday when I was “strongly encouraged” to rescue Ernie from his suitcase where he has been since our arrival. The “encouragement” came from our Manila friends…and our Ugandan friend, Beth, was there, seeing Ernie for the very first time.  With the “cat was out of the bag,” Beth “informed” me (a little bit apologetically) on Wednesday that Ernie was on the program at St. Luke’s, where she was representing Scripture Union the next Sunday.  How could we say “no”?  A flurry of preparation ensued, with a regret that Ernie was not able to obtain any African church clothes, just no time!

We were out the door shortly after 6:00 a.m. on Sunday and thankfully found the church easily. Just before the sermon during each of the three services, the children were called to the front for Ernie to meet them, as well as their usual song and prayer before leaving for children’s church. Probably more than 50 children were there for the first service, possibly closer to 150 for the second service, and maybe 30 for the 3^rd service…and praise God not one of them was traumatized! I lost my voice (Ernie too) at the end of our dialogue in the first service, and Ruth came to my rescue in the third service when the microphone got hopelessly tangled, but other than all, all went well. Beth had asked Ernie to promote the Scripture Union devotional guide for children called “God and Me,” which he was only too glad to do. We’re thankful to hear that they sold quite a number of them that day—may God mightily use His Word in their hearts.

A highlight for me was, following Ernie’s part, all the children and adults held hands and sang a beautiful song about being part of the family, united in Christ…I savored the opportunity to hold those little hands during that time.  Later, outside the church, a few children came to me and as we chatted, two girls responded with spontaneous hugs.  The children completely captured both Ruth and me! 

Since the third service was in Luganda (the language widely spoken in the Kampala area), we left right after Ernie’s part…as it was beginning to rain. Soon the rain drops were huge, the heavens opened, the swirling wind knocked small branches off trees, and hail pelted down, causing us to stop along the side of the road with other vehicles.  We heard a particularly hard hit and saw that it caused a small chip in the windshield—we’re not sure if it was hail or maybe a stone being driven by the wind. Eventually, we began inching our way home over some roads that were completely covered with muddy raging water. We were so glad to safely reach home.  The storm was another “Lion Sighting” reminding us of God’s power, as well as the privilege we have to point precious African children to the One who can carry them through the storms of life and bring them safely Home.

A Merry Heart Does Good Like A Medicine

As Ruth and I continue to thank God for the beautiful house and compound He has provided here in the city, we opened our home to our first international guests, none other than our Precious Jewels friends from the Philippines (2 Canadians and 1 Filipina).  What a joy to reconnect our worlds after not seeing them for nearly a year and a half.  These dear friends were the first to introduce us to Uganda, little did we dream we would be welcoming them one day!

Of course beside stories, prayer, and food, what do children’s workers do when they get together?  One just has to recall some fond memories and hilarious events, and somehow we were requested to show our stash of knitted teddy bears and then, Ernie.  O the laughter as we recalled past memories and then introduced Ernie to friends Beth and Brenda.  Ernie also received his first hug in Africa, no Joke!

Time went all too quickly and before we could savor the company of these three, we were saying good-bye to two friends leaving for a meeting in East Uganda and accompanying another friend to catch a plane for Manila.  The house is quiet once again but if you pause here in Kampala, you can still hear the laughter in the walls. 

Farewell friends and until we meet again, God keep you in the hollow of His hand.

Extending our Network

Last week our Scripture Union friend, Beth, suggested (well…strongly urged!) that we seek a meeting with the leader of the Church of Uganda, the largest Protestant church in Uganda, Mr. N. Although we have made connections with at least one influential man from that denomination, she felt we should gain the understanding/support of the leader, since a large number of Ugandan schools are connected to their churches. She helped us draft a letter which was emailed to the Scripture Union office who printed it on their letterhead. Beth then got it and brought it to church for us to sign and another Scripture Union worker got it from her and delivered it to the addressee. She reported a favorable response and gave his mobile phone number for us to phone for an appointment. Again upon Beth’s urging, Laura called and a Tuesday morning appointment was given.

Beth spent last night with us, and joined us as we pulled out of the driveway at 6:30 AM this morning, in an attempt to get ahead of the traffic. Traffic was light, but wow, did it ever rain, but we safely arrived at a Guest House close to Scripture Union where we stopped to have breakfast (after waiting in the car for the rain to let up a little bit). Then on to Scripture Union to join them for their hour-long daily devotions during which our appointment (and project) were lifted to the Lord in prayer. We enjoyed tea (to warm us up after getting quite wet running to and from the car) and (yet another) prayer time with Dickens, the Scripture Union director. Dickens agreed to drive our car and off the four of us went—our destination was only about 10-15 minutes away from their office.

Soon we were being ushered into Mr. N’s office and were greeted with a warm handshake. After Dickens introduced us, Laura shared a summary of what we had seen God do in the Philippines and I showed him the VOICE curriculum. Then the conversation turned from values to morality. The four of us affirmed the strong Scriptural stand that Mr. N’s denomination has taken despite accusations and ridicule from other countries. Once he knew that we also agreed with his denomination’s stand on morality, Mr. N readily acknowledged the need of teaching godly values to students. He offered to encourage others in his denomination to be involved in helping to compile the African edition of the curriculum to help instill Biblical values in the children and youth of his country.  After warmly thanking us for coming to Uganda, he asked to sign his guest book. As we got ready to leave, he stated his need for prayer as the head of his denomination that he would stand true and be a godly leader, which Dickens was only too glad to pray for him

We praise God for opening the door to meet Mr. N and we pray for God’s plan in these early stages as we see how God will bring together the Start-Up Committee and those who champion Biblical values.  Pray with us as we follow up our visit with Mr. N.