An Excited Church

Although it was with some trepidation that Ruth and I joined our colleague Beth to share the ministry of Scripture Union/VOICE Africa at St Stephen’s Kisugu Church this past Sunday, we soon found ourselves enjoying the new experience and were filled with joy at the obvious excitement as people chatted with us following each of the three services. Beth used Deuteronomy 6 and Mathew 7 to focus on the urgency of passing on Godly values to the next generation. She asked Ruth to give a brief testimony of how she came to Christ as a young child followed by a super short sample of a VEC (Values Education Class). I was asked to help with the Children’s Time by using Ernie…not once but four times before our 10-hour ministry came to a close!

The lead Pastor of the Church and his wife are long-time friends of Beth; they bonded more than two decades ago during their time of studying at Wheaton Grad School in the U.S. At the close of each service, the Pastor strongly encouraged his people to volunteer to teach Values in the schools they are connected with; one member told us they have ministry in 16 schools! At first the pastor promised to sponsor 10 people from his Church to attend the June 6 Training and later he raised it to 20 people; it seems that at least that many people indicated their desire to be involved! He and his wife also warmly extended hospitality by serving us a delicious lunch and allowing us to meet others from his family. We pray for God’s plan as we anticipate volunteers from his church (and other churches) getting involved in passing on God’s Values to the next generation through the schools…that is something to be excited about!

ENCOURAGED BY “DISAPPOINTMENTS”

God did it again…He enabled us to ready all of the test teaching curriculum in time for the training of the test teachers for the 2^nd term of school which started two days later! God provided a young man, Cephas, to do the “heavy” work of getting it all duplicated, while Laura did the “lighter” work of communicating with the businesses/people she has established a relationships and good prices. A number of others came to help with the sorting, counting, and packaging…everything was done by mid afternoon Friday—whew! All encouragements here—no disappointments.

Saturday morning dawned bright and beautiful—rain always hinders participants. Even the people with the keys to the 3 rooms we needed were there on time (which is not as common as what one might wish!) and so all was set up by 8 AM, the established beginning time. Although most arrived later…to be expected in this culture…we had enough to start the program as planned. People seemed eager to learn and participated well. Eventually the room was full—39 was the official count—the most ever for a training. All encouragements here—no disappointments.

Generally speaking the training went well and smoothly. After the final prayer time, we asked to meet with the upcountry people, 11 of them from the five “rural” regions of Scripture Union—two of them had traveled all night to get here and then returned that evening. Among other things, we wanted to try to encourage them to consider recruiting other volunteers so that six test VEC (Values Education Class) could be conducted in each Region (our feedback/evaluation from rural areas has not been very strong to this point). Our expectation was they would be reticent to take on any more beyond themselves. BUT…what we learned was they already had volunteers and schools lined up waiting for the curriculum…and they were disappointed that we could only allot six sets of curriculum per Region. Wow, we were SO encouraged by their expression of disappointment! It seems God has been at work in these regions and there is more interest/eagerness than we thought! “Thank you, Lord, for this encouragement…but we do ask that each set of curriculum will indeed be used and  evaluation returned to us!”

GARDEN STROLLS

One of the prayer requests listed on my Tuesday personal prayer list is "garden enjoyment” and “recreation.”  Little did I realize how God would make this a requirement with emergency gall bladder surgery on April 26 here in Kampala.  When I was discharged from hospital on April 30, the health care professionals again reminded me how important walking is.  Save for one day, the weather has been perfect and has allowed me to walk 30 minutes twice a day!  I have gotten to know the four compound houses well.  The greenery and flowers, trees, and birds have made my walking time go quickly.  In addition I have been personally blessed by praying, Scripture memorization and meditation.  We have been deeply grateful for the Lord for the beautiful compound God placed us in...but never did I realize how ideal it is for post-surgery walking--no hills or dogs or curious onlookers...just quietness and beauty!

Reports from the surgeon have been encouraging and I am experiencing a quick recovery.  Ruth has been a trooper through it all.  We are assured of God’s wonderful care through so many details including having a nurse colleague spending her precious time to journey with us – what a blessing Nurse Connie has been spending hours on end with us in hospital including admission and discharge.  Praise God for His sovereign care and His amazing ways.