Holiday Makers

Here in Uganda the school year begins early February and closes in late November/early December. During this longer holiday, the students are sometimes referred to as “Holiday Makers.” Many churches and various faith based groups use the months of December and January to offer special programs to reach the many children and youth of this nation.

Recently while at Scripture Union I sat down with one of the Scripture Union staff members, Joan, and asked her to share her experience of teaching our first module, Truth, to around 80 of the older participants (15 year old and up) in a Child Development Center within Kampala. This Module presents some of the foundational truths about each person—they are created by God in His image as male or female, totally unique from all others—as well as some basic truths about God with the theme verse being John 8:32 (And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.) As is true of all the modules, the final lesson (lesson 6) presents the Gospel message. As Joan worked toward concluding the lesson, she asked “Who wants to trust Christ as your Savior?” and then asked them to raise their hand with everyone looking. “K” was the first hand that went up; nine others followed, standing to their feet, repenting of their sins and committing themselves to following Christ as Savior and Lord. A clergy who was sitting in on the class took their names and contact information so that they can be followed up and discipled. But K still wasn’t satisfied; she asked to talk with Joan immediately following the class. With many tears, “K” poured out her heart to Joan and another colleague, confessing her involvement in an immoral lifestyle that began more than two years ago. As she shared, she specifically claimed the promise of John 8:32 and praised God that His Word could set her free from this trap she has been in. Everyone, of course, was thrilled with this evidence of God at work.

The list of ten older young people who trusted Christ as their Savior!

Later, we learned that the younger group in that Center were also taught the Truth module and 28 of them made professions of faith. Each of the younger children were also given the booklet “God’s Offer” and those in the older group were given “Welcome to God’s Family” tracts.  Praise God for His amazing work to draw “holiday makers” to the Savior. 

Stuff in the Closet

Stuff, stuff, stuff…I remember my Mother telling about a sermon she had heard by that title.  Even though only 4½ years have passed since our arrival here in Africa, we seem to have accumulated “stuff.”  One example was more than 40 copies of a book “Character and Values” given to us by our neighbor who had received them from a Short Termer she had hosted who also happened to be the author. Since it featured values, we accepted the books albeit with a bit of hesitation due to the fact that Ugandans are not a reading culture and that the book was written for the North American culture. With no immediate idea how to use them, we wrapped them in plastic and tucked them away in an upper shelf in our closet—that was a couple of years ago.  

As we began to make plans for the Training of Trainers, we remembered those books and decided that perhaps they might be appropriate for these Scripture Union Regional leaders. But how could we incorporate them in a meaningful way? While brainstorming for a good way to kick off the Sunday evening welcome session, I came up with a plan…praying that it would work.

That evening, using the author’s list of 30 good character traits, we took turns sharing the meaning of each trait and then in the format of an interactive game, we each matched one godly character for each participant.  This affirming exercise touched some participants deeply and became a personal challenge to others.  Those who arrived the next day quickly learned about the book and came for their copy…meaning that it had been appreciated. At our debrief, one of our own staff mentioned that activity as a highlight for himself as well as for the participants. What a privilege to have something to give which was so appreciated.  A double win-win because we also got rid of stuff in the closet!

Who Would Have Thought?

Without doubt, the separation from close friends in the Philippines both among our co-missionaries and Filipinos has been the most difficult adjustment that came with our transfer to Uganda. Facebook helps, but it’s just not the same. We are grateful for the new friends that we have gained here…but nothing can fully replace the friendships that represent years of shared ministry and history.

However, as only God can do, three missionary friends from the Philippines were with us over this Christmas season, our last in Uganda as far as we know. The laughter, catching up with news, sharing, praying, and even playing familiar table games were such a refreshment to our souls. Our time together was certainly a hug from our loving God who knows our deepest needs and sense of loss. Who would have thought that would be possible!