Mokama Asiimwea

Saturday, June 26


From now on when I read about “the garden” in Genesis I will think of Uganda! It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. More beautiful than the place though, are the people of Uganda. It is impossible not to love them.
This week we have seen people who were very sick and suffering. Many were helped by the doctors who came with medicine, but many needed care that could not be accomplished by us or any doctor! People sat in the hot sun for days to get teeth pulled and to receive glasses. In a small way I think I know what is must have been like as the disciples saw all the people who searched for Jesus and wanted to be healed. So many times my heart was broken by the suffering we saw.
Here is the good news! The people in Uganda have not been forgotten by God! People are so hungry for Christ! We saw true conversions. We prayed with people, shared the Gospel in small groups over and over for hours at a time. What a joy to see their countenances change as they heard about a God who loves them and offers them eternal life through Christ. God’s spirit is moving here. The young church is growing. Many young men and women are growing in their faith, going to seminary, and returning to the villages to help the churches grow in faith and knowledge of God. The believers here shine bright for Christ and many are being drawn to Christ through the love they have for one another. I was so touched by a family we visited yesterday. Augustine and Harriett live in Mabaale. The husband had an accident many years ago and is paralyzed. The wife cares for him and loves him and now has 9 orphans in addition to her 3 children. Their home stood out on the road because it was so clean—and they actually have flowers planted in the yard! The children’s faces shone with love and joy. Harriett is so beautiful and kind. The home was orderly and full of joy. There is hope there! Here are people thriving in the saddest of circumstances because of love!
In this area, it is the body of Christ working and worshiping together, that is transforming the lives of the community. The believers are building a school; they have a vision for building a children’s village where children can be nurtured and receive an education; one of the Ugandan doctors has a plan to specialize in obstetrics so he can open a women's clinic to help the women who are suffering from treatable complications of bearing children. With God, all this is possible. I am so encouraged by the men and women who love their neighbors and are giving their lives to serve each other! It reminds me of the miracle of the fishes and loaves. We take what we have and give it to the Lord, He causes it to be multiplied as we receive from him and then give to others.
This week God has shown me things about His power I did not know. Seeing the suffering and poverty and need here does not cause me to despair, because I have also seen how it is relieved by people here who love God and love each other. It has given me hope that will not disappoint. I want to come back! I don’t want to forget this time. I want to bring my friends! Please pray for Uganda! Please pray for the church here. Please pray we will not forget!

Lynn Cobb