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.