Yesterday was the 3rd day
of the third village we were in. Usually the third day is a half day for us to
allow our teams a time to rest, and repack the suitcases for the next village.
However, a few of us were able to join the Victory team for door-to-door evangelism.
I had the opportunity to do this last year as well, so I was very excited to
once again participate in this time.
When we arrived at the third village, we found out that we
would join that church for service, and then go out for our evangelism time.
Attending church in Uganda is quite the experience. They truly participate in
corporate prayer (everyone praying at the same time). It is loud and
passionate, and such an amazing experience. We worshiped with them for the
first hour. Although we did not know the words to many songs, you could not
help clapping and dancing. They asked several people to stand and testify to
what God has done in their lives. It was very humbling to hear people say that
they were thankful that God brought the “whites from America” with medical and
vision supplies. After the testimonies, one of the guys from our team preached
the message. Then they invited people forward to be saved. It was like a tent
revival…and we were literally under a big tent with the breeze keeping us cool.
After church we all gathered in a circle to pray for our
time going door-to-door. Then we were placed into groups of 4 or 5 and sent
out. I had an amazing translator (Kristen) with me. She informed me that I
would be doing most of the work since people were more willing to listen to a "white". But I reminded her that since she knows the
culture better than I do, I wanted her to feel free to add to or explain anything
she thought would be helpful. We stopped at the first house we came to. There
were several women outside sitting in the shade with the children playing
around them. One of the men with us (a pastor) made the introductions and asked
if they would allow me to share with them. They said that was fine, and several
other women came to sit down as well. In all there were 5 women and 4 children
sitting around me. I knelt down on the ground with them and began sharing the
reason we were there. Yes, we were bringing medical and vision aide, but most
importantly, we were there to share about the love of Christ. After
talking with them for several minutes, 3 of the women said that they wanted to
be “born again” and I was able to lead them in the salvation prayer. We
celebrated together, invited them to the crusade that night, and then continued
on our way to the next house.
We did not make it to another house, however, because we ran
into a group standing in the road. Many of the children already had the gospel
bead bracelets on their wrists, but there was one teenage girl that did not. We
asked if I could share with her the meaning of the beads. That time about 12
gathered around me. After I shared with her, she prayed to accept Christ as her
Savior. Then, we realized a young man had come up to the outskirts of the
group. He asked what I was sharing, so I told him the message of Christ and he
accepted as well. There was one other woman in the crowd who was a Muslim. She
did not pray to accept Christ at the time, but I invited her to the crusade,
and she came!!! When I saw her I was so excited and she came and gave me a big
hug. I don’t know whether she ever prayed to accept Christ as her Savior, but I
know that God will continue to do a work in her life.
We only had about 20 minutes left, so we continued down the
road until we came upon an elderly woman. I could tell by the crucifix she was
wearing that she was catholic. We stopped and I began sharing with her. It didn’t
take long for another group to gather around us. Not only had all the children
from the previous group followed us down the road, but a few additional adults
gathered around us and sat on the side of the road to listen. I shared with the group, and although no one accepted Christ at the time, I am confident
that God will continue to work in the hearts and lives of those people.
By the time I was done sharing with that final group, it was
time to return to the church to meet up with the other groups. We shared about
our experiences, and then we spent some time praying for those who heard the
message as well as for protection for ourselves.
It truly was an amazing day. The Lord continues to amaze me,
and I feel so privileged to be used by Him.
We only have 2 more days. Tomorrow is our last day for the vision/medical/dental
clinics, and then we’ll have a final crusade on Wednesday night. Everyone is
exhausted. They truly have “poured themselves out” at each village. Please
continue to pray for us. Pray that the Lord would be our strength over these
next 2 days. Pray that we would finish with the same passion and excitement as
we started this trip. And pray that many more would come to know Jesus as Lord
and Savior.
As for the Stanley’s and I, we will be heading back to New
Hope on Thursday. This will be the first time we are not returning home with
our team. I know it will be hard to not only leave our partners from Victory
Living Word Church, but also our teammates from Texas. Pray that the Lord would
continue to guide us over the next 2 weeks and would continue to provide
opportunities for us to serve Him.
May He receive all the glory!!!
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