We Three Queens…Make that Four

Although Ruth’s birthday was over a month ago, our Precious Jewels Ministries (PJM) friends from the Philippines kept looking for an opportunity to celebrate in the place they are staying in Jinja.  Since we were going to Jinja this last weekend for another occasion, Friday night seemed like the perfect time.  When we arrived at our colleague Beth’s place, we were disappointed to learn she had a “previous engagement” and “wouldn’t be able to join us.”  We were picked up in an African limousine (truck) and welcomed by the PJM team: Canadians, Filipinos, and Ugandans.  After admiring the balloons and decorative birthday signs we were informed that it was going to be a royal affair.  I was taken to a separate room and crowned and robed as Queen of “Eastca” (Eastern Canada). After a short wait I was ushered into the presence of the Queen of Mutungo (Ruth, where we live in Kampala) and soon after another royal guest was introduced, the Queen of Busoga…none other than our friend, Beth, who came separately as a surprise—she’s from the Region of Busoga. How hilarious!  Following some rousing singing accompanied by Jonathan on the guitar, speeches were delivered/translated from our “kingdoms” on the occasion of the birthday of the Queen of Mutungo.  Following lots of curtsies/bows, pomp and ceremony, we were seated at the royal table for a delicious Filipino meal of pancit and adobo.  After dinner we welcomed Prince Ernie who elicited great laughter especially from the Ugandan driver, Dennis.  Soon after the gift of a royal handbag was presented to Ruth, we took our leave and departed with the Queen of Busoga where we resided for the remainder of our stay in Jinja.

Us in the proper attire for such a "royal" event!"

The following day we went with Beth another hour further east for another somewhat “royal” occasion, the Introduction ceremony for “queen” Esther, one of our VOICE workers. We’ve heard lots about this ceremony but it was our first opportunity to attend one. Basically it’s a 4-8 hour drama that unites the families of the bride and groom and eventually “the” bride and groom. Here in Uganda, the ceremony culturally and legally unites them as man and wife. But Christians choose to remain separated until the church wedding, which for Esther will take place on the 14^th of this month. It was totally in the language of that area but a friend, another Esther, sat between us and along with Beth gave us a running commentary on what was happening. Due to the kilometers we had to drive to get back to Beth’s home and the desire not to drive in the dark, we left about 1/3 of the way into the ceremony. But the images of amazing dresses, colors, music, dancing, drama, and more will stay with us as part of our experience here in Africa.

It was truly a “royal” weekend and several times we reminded ourselves of the fact that we are daughters of the ultimate royal family, the King of kings. That celebration, the marriage of the Lamb, will far outshine all that we saw and experienced! What a privilege to be adopted into that family...all because of God's amazing grace.

Nasser Road Opportunity

Nasser Road…one of the busiest and most crowded streets in Kampala where most of the printing in Uganda happens.  Imagine a street lined with stationary and school supply shops, photocopiers, paper companies, tarpaulin banner printers, risograph, duplicating, CD and label duplicating, binding and lamination shops. (It’s also quite an infamous street because it houses the experts and machines for creating fictitious legal papers, certificates, diplomas, etc.) It is always a bustle of activity with people “moving up and down” with printing and supply purchasing.  Just last night, the computer repairman who was here working on Ruth’s computer expressed absolute amazement that I am regularly on Nasser Road as we publish the VOICE curriculum—he avoids that section of the city as much as he can!

Early on when we first arrived, I bounced from shop to shop looking for reputable, quality, and reasonably priced places to photocopy, do graphic designs, and print.  I have become acquainted with a number of people and learned much on this street as each of the VOICE Modules has been published as well as the CrossTalk and other evangelistic literature. 

Last week found me waiting in a shop I often frequent to get final adjustments and colored photocopying done.  Brenda, the girl that helps me there, had gone to get her work printed for me. As I waited for her to return, a girl with head covering, seated near me complimented my Walmart bag/purse I had brought back from Canada.  I responded that it reminded me of some of the bags marketed in Uganda from Dubai.  We introduced ourselves and B responded that she was struggling to make ends meet in her small business there on Nasser Road but her dream was to visit Dubai as a tourist for a week.  Having passed through Dubai (airport) a few years ago, I picked up the conversation that I was actually looking forward to a more amazing city than Dubai…heaven.  We proceeded to spiritual conversation and I was pleased to see her reaction when I mentioned “Scripture Union.”  She had encountered the Scripture Union Club in one of her Primary Schools, “the ones with the happy songs.”  As the minutes ticked by, we discussed her Muslim background, who Jesus is and the problem of sin.  I then pulled out a “God’s Offer” booklet and read through Scripture by Scripture God’s gracious plan of salvation.  Just as she slipped the booklet into her bag, Brenda returned with my printing.  Upon payment and working my way through the crowds to go up the steps to street level, I praised God for the amazing spiritual conversation I had and prayed “Lord, work by your Spirit to draw B to yourself.”

God’s Spiritual Garden

Today after being in meetings all day, I decided to push myself a bit and walk a few laps around House 3 on our Compound.  Despite no one living in this house and no one caring for the plants around it, the red hibiscus bush, white gardenia plant, and purple flocks grow cheerfully as well as several royal palm trees.  In addition both the mango tree and lemon tree are bearing some fruit.  We continue to be so grateful for this compound with all of its greenery, flowers, and birds within the borders of the capital city.  

Even more valuable to our great God are the people “in His garden” who respond to His love.  Yesterday while visiting the Scripture Union Headquarters, I sat with staff member Joan as she shared stories of transformations she has witnessed as she taught the VOICE Curriculum.  Back in September, she accepted the invitation of a Christian organization to teach the module on Purity to 50 of their project kids from Grade 7 – grade 13. A 17 year old male student was among those deeply impacted.  “I am choosing to change my life” he confessed.  From multiple girlfriends and pornography, he put his trust in Christ as his Saviour purposing to live the Purity value promise “I’ll wait for God’s time with no regrets.”  Praise God for this young man and several others who accepted God’s amazing offer to be in “His garden.”  We pray for more faithful spiritual “gardeners” like Joan and more fruit as precious young people respond to the Word of God and His Holy Spirit.