OK, so time is short again (11 minutes and counting!) but Emmanuel's son Judah has been kind enough to let me tag along to the internet cafe with him again so I can't complain!
Sat 6th - Today we split into two teams again. Dad Paul and me went to Sonde church, which is one that CCS have funded the building of, and had a great time actually. We were there all day, Paul preached twice, I shared something and Dad preached, and it all came together with a very African rendition of "this is an awesome house of God" because that was similar to what Paul shared. What a moment! They made it sound great, drumming and jumping and whooping. Of all the congregations we have been to, I think it was the church that seemed most similar to home. Mari and Helen ran a ladies day at Bweyogerere church with the help of Florence and shared a lot about the gifts and place of women in the church. Florence has asked Mari to keep sharing that message at different times while she is here because it was so relevant so please keep praying for those ladies!
Sun 7th - We split up again today and poor Mari felt pretty ill so stayed home in bed. Dad and me went with Emmanuel to a tiny village church out in the forests near Lugazi to a church we had never heard of before. They were few - maybe around 30 - and had only just finished building the walls of their own new building, and the roof was made with sticks and random tarpaulin banners they must have found, but it showed so much willing and dedication it was quite moving. Paul and Helen went to a slum church nearer Kampala which also we had never been to before but they had a great time with those people, and much was shared about the need for more children's ministry in the church of Uganda. It seems this is really a need which has been highlighted by Helen and Mari's work here. Something in fact that Emmanuel has suggested Mari and I run training sessions on during the next few months with Sunday school leaders/youth workers from various churches, encouraging them!
Mon 8th - Yesterday we split up again, and I went to support Helen and Mari with their kids work at Sonde, while dad and Paul went ahead of us to the orphanage at Lugazi where we sponsor some kids who go to Emmanuel's primary school in Bweyogerere. There were tons of kids at Sonde and many who werent from church. They loved the bible stories and songs that we taught them, all around the theme of "you are special!" Afterwards we joined the men at Lugazi to see the kids we sponsor, and discuss their needs for returning to school this term. They sung us some lovely songs and we spent some time playing games with them and listening to them. I seemed to make particular friends with some of the senior girls, who are not sponsored by us, but they appreciated visitors nevertheless. Most of the kids sent their love and greetings and thanks to all of you who sponsor them and remembered your names. They particularly love to write to you and receive letters from you so keep it up! it is a fantastic work. Mari is going to work with Florence to put together some histories for the kids so we can know more about their backgrounds and get to know them a bit so that will be great.
Tues 9th - Today Paul and Emmanuel and his son Judah went to see a church in Kampala run by a Pastor Eric who is friends with Emmanuel. They preached and shared lunch with the people under the shelter that had been constructed out of their bedsheets. It is in a slum area and there were many children who came. Paul and Emmanuel were pretty tired - Emmanuel isn't well today and I think Paul is anticipating a long flight home tomorrow. Dad Mari Helen and I went a few hours East to a village near Lake Victoria called Kiyindi. This church is run by a Pastor James (Who is a lot like Colin actually!) and last year they had reached ceiling level of a brick church they had been building. This year they had finished the roof and it is quite an impressive building, although they now need windows and doors. Helen and Mari worked with the kids outside for a while, Dad preached, Mari shared a scripture and Helen and I sang a song and shared something. We felt really at home and were encouraged by all the people there.
Tomorrow is the flight home for the rest of the team, they will be leaving about 6am and will arrive back on Sheppey at about 7pm. Please pray for them as they leave, and for Mari and I as we are left behind. And remember to pray for all the churches we have visited in Uganda and the pastors and their families!
Bye for now xxx
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