Passing On the Good News

“…I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of 
David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord….”

Praise God for countries where the Good News of the Savior can be freely shared among old and young alike. Uganda is such a place where even the schools open their doors to the preaching and teaching of Christ. Among other outreaches to children and youth, Scripture Union is well known and respected for their ministry in many of the schools throughout Uganda.

However, here in Uganda, the school year has come to a close and December and January are vacation months for students. Do Scripture Union workers take a break? NO! They turn their energies toward reaching children and youth through camps which are also referred to as “Conferences.” With the only exception being their beautiful camp property on Lake Victoria (where a Primary camp is currently running in which our helper’s son and driver’s daughter are participating), all camps are held in boarding schools. During a 2-week period beginning late last week, at least eight camps are being conducted by Scripture Union in various places around Uganda. Just over half of them are for Primary/Elementary students and the rest cater to the Secondary/High School students. Virtually every Scripture Union staff member, even those in the office and administration, are recruited for camps as well as many volunteers.

Today I had the opportunity to visit one such “Conference” being held at the Gayaza High School, just north of Kampala, and witnessed a group of over 500 youth having lunch.  It was a joy to meet a number of puppeteers and others we know well who are pouring their hearts into those young people this week.  In talking with one puppeteer who also is a VOICE champion, Steve, he shared that his highlight was seeing God work in several dozen youth who responded to the invitation to trust Christ as Savior earlier this week. Initial follow-up for them, primary using the "Welcome to God’s Family" tract, is being done to prepare them for returning to the “real world.” He was telling me that each morning the youth are divided into groups and engage in serious Bible study.  Music, worship and preaching are also part of every day, plus plenty of energetic games, Christian movies, and competitions.  What a joy to see so many young people being taught the Word of God…just as the angel announced on that first Christmas morning—“good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” You are part of that privilege and joy as you partner with us in prayer and financial giving—thank you!