Consider the exchange rate for a moment...not dollars for shillings; but rather, two weeks in Alabama for two weeks in Uganda, an American culture for an African culture, the gospel message of hope and life for the hopeless false teachings that have permeated the homes, shops and churches of Kajjansi. My faith has been strengthened this week as I have watched with awe and joy as God has worked mightily through a partnership between fifteen Eastwood team members and our new friends and fellow believers at New Life Presbyterian Church.
Pastor Francis Mayanja and three elder-elects, Ivan, Francis, and Alfred, graciously received us and have grafted us into their ministry this week. Our typical day would began with a devotion and prayer at New Life. We visited primary and secondary schools, where we shared the gospel through singing, skits, interactive sports contests, stories, crafts, puppet shows, gospel presentations and preaching God's word. Our team walked door-to-door and shop-to-shop sharing the gospel with the people of Kajjansi. We divided up into sub-teams with a team leader, two team members and an interrupter from the church. We shared the gospel and testimonies and invited the people we met to join us for "Good News Gatherings" in the evening and to worship with New Life. Eastwood donated bibles to the church written in Lugandan and in English. Few people here own a bible; however, Pastor Mayanja can now give bibles to those new members that complete a "Beginners Class." Our last outreach was a Futball match that pitted the newly formed New Life/Eastwood team against the skilled and well-coached team from the High-Tech Secondary School. An intense and entertaining game was decided in the last minutes of the game as High-Tech broke a 3-3 tie with a game winning goal that tipped off of the outstretched fingers of our American goalie. This game was well attended and earned our team their ear for an ending program where Pastor Mayanja was able to speak to both teams and the crowd. Spencer gave a passionate gospel presentation and challenged the players to turn away from the world and to make Christ the Lord of their lives!
Now some short comments about the Eastwood DreamTeam:
Chip - the music man of humble heart
Matt - picture this, he has a huge heart for the lost
Joel - loves Jesus, and shows it
Daniel - not Matt's son now, he is God's man
Rome - has had quite the growth spurt here in Africa
AJ - always pondering, confidence increasing rapidly in the Lord
Spencer - his fervor and zeal for the Lord is contagious
Jack - young Jack has captured the heart of many with his love for Jesus
Aaron - has already started a D-group of young men from Kajjansi!!!
Ashley - sugar sweet goes a long way in Africa
Emily - a big smile and compassionate spirit
Mary Grace - sorting thru the marriage proposals, and singing "Power of the Cross"
Dottie - JaJa the Grandma, my mom, a real blessing and clay in the potter's hands
Hannah - high energy for Jesus, she will give her testimony anywhere, anytime
So what is a shilling worth??? I'm not sure....but the exchange rate has eternal value.
JR
Sojourning to Uganda to follow-up on church planting and ministry in Africa; to teach, and to be taught; to cultivate, and to be cultivated; that the beauty of Christ might be seen, known, and loved.
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