Surprises!

Today was a day of surprises, to be sure. 

First, we were surprised by some of our team members getting sick so early.  Many accidentally ingested some butter that was in contact with tap water.  We have at least 3 that are sick, and a few hoping they don’t get sick.  Imodium, water, and Tylenol have helped, but nothing will help as much as the prayers of the saints. 

Secondly, we were surprised by how many people in the village of Mukongoro spoke or understood English (even Oklahoman/Texan!)

Thirdly, we were surprised at the work of the enemy before our arrival.  The reputation of the Presbyterian Church in Uganda has put fear in several of the “false religions” in the area.  Before our arrival several men went to the areas we traveled telling the people that we “pay people to go to the Presbyterian Church.”  (if only it were that easy!)  We think we met the man who started these rumors.  The devil is at work, but the contrast of the truth against the lie only serves to enhance the message.  We explain that we don’t give money…we give something much better:  the grace of Jesus Christ. 

Many in the area are believers in the Lord Jesus already, yet they wanted us to tell them the gospel message again.  They are hungry for encouragement and affirmation.  Many were taking notes and/or looking up verses in their own Bibles to confirm what we were saying.  Want to know the gist of what we say?  Go to this link.

Our translators have so much evangelism experience, and are very well trained.  They really complement our testimonies, they are our guides, protectors, and the presence of Jesus walking alongside us. 

The PUBLIC SCHOOL ministry was very successful today.  Susan and Dan were greeted by 1150 children from grades 1-7 and this was a school holiday!  The kids came to school on their day off just to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ!  Even the principal danced and praised the Lord in the midst of the children (see photo). 

The PRISON ministry was a humbling experience for Henry and Sharon.  For 3 hours they spent time with the prisoners and they all sang songs of joy and praise.  76 men and 1 woman were given gifts of staple items and a heavy dose of God’s grace.  Sharon ministered one-on-one with the woman who was in prison awaiting trial for adultery.  She learned of God’s forgiveness and it made all the difference in her life today. 

The best phrase I heard today was “hundreds of people were rescued today.”  It’s true, and so much more descriptive than the overused “saved.”  People were rescued from despair, hopelessness, ignorance, death and sin.  We’re NOT in this for the numbers, but we easily reached 600 adults on the trail, hundreds more at the crusade, 250 kids at the VBS program, and more than 1100 public school children. 

We wrote the name down of each person who trusted Jesus Christ today for the first time, so that the pastor could follow up with them after we leave him in charge of the congregation.   The total came to 436.  I cry just thinking about how the angels in heaven are rejoicing today.  It’s what John Becker preached on at the crusade.  It was evident in Dustin and Linda’s testimonies.  It was written on each face.   Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.