Home from Uganda

I arrived home Monday evening after 17 days in Uganda . . . just in time for a major snow storm. (Oh, how I miss Uganda!!) Thanks to all who prayed, gave, and encouraged to make it possible for me to go. I return to Uganda Jan. 28-Mar. 15 to help launch the “40 Days of Missions” program at Missions Transformation Centre.

The "Introduction to Evangelism and Church Planting" held at Missions Transformation Centre (MTC) in Migadde, just outside Kampala, was a great success. Thirty-six pastors and evangelists from various regions of Uganda attended. The youngest participant was 22 years old, and the two oldest were each 69 years old. Much learning took place as those from different ministry contexts, cultural backgrounds, and generations interacted.

What a privilege to share teaching with the three general officers of Pentecostal Assemblies of God, Uganda: Simon Peter Emiau, Benjamin Okwir Kicaoroma, and Timothy Kibirige. We covered topics related to evangelism, church planting, and discipleship. We challenged participants to develop a holistic approach to ministry by exposing them to an overview of ministry to those affected by HIV/AIDS, and an introduction to developing church-community partnerships that guide communities to find sustainable solutions to poverty issues.

The program included a weekend of field experience. Participants interacted with effective church planters. They heard from youth and children's workers. They listened to stories of people who have come to Christ from religious backgrounds where rejection by family is often the price of following Jesus. They went out with members of area churches to share the love of Jesus house to house. All of this served to broaden perspectives, change attitudes, and make issues discussed in teaching sessions very concrete. And each group saw people receive Christ.

I was the only facilitator to "camp out" on site throughout the training. Renovations on one of the MTC houses were almost complete. The best option was to pitch a tent for me in one of the bedrooms. "Setting Up Tents for Evangelism and Church Planting" may become a core course in future MTC programs! What a blessing to be on site. I had much more opportunity to interact with participants. We ate together, ironed clothes together, walked together, laughed together . . . and in all this we learned together.

Our goal was to provide practical knowledge and skills through a combination of teaching and field experience. But most importantly, we wanted participants to encounter God in a way that would transform their lives and ministries. More than once, sessions ended with participants seeking God in prayer. Many shared that they were shattered as their eyes were opened to the remaining task of reaching people with the gospel. They cried out to God with tears, "I am deeply broken. What can I do? Lord use me; Lord send me." Pray for the participants as they return to their places of ministry and begin to "work out" what God has "worked in" to their lives.

Teaching session

Co-facilitators Rev. Benjamin & Rev. Simon

Intro to Evangelism & Church Planting, Dec. 3 2009