To Uganda: preparing, grieving, rejoicing

I leave for Uganda July 26th-August 25 for a School of Church Planting. This three week training, organized by Pentecostal Assemblies of God Uganda, will be held at Missions Transformation Centre, just outside Kampala. (See www.mtcuganda.org). I look forward to doing a substantial part of the teaching, and to playing a role in the leadership and coordination. As I work through the final preparations, I am grieving and rejoicing.

I received news on Monday that Pastor Peter Mutabazi and two other members of Bwaise Pentecostal Church were among the 76 killed in the Kampala terrorist bombings on Sunday. I've had a chance to get to know Pastor Peter and to work with him over the past few years. I also knew one of the others who died. Please pray for the families (Pastor Peter leaves a wife and 5 children) and for the church.

So I am grieving. But I also watch with expectation for how God will once again bring light out of darkness and life out of death. He's done it before. Think unjust and cruel execution of the innocent God-man. Think empty tomb three days later. Think, "You are worthy . . . because you were slain, and with your blood your purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Rev. 5:9).

I also received news on Monday about one of the participants in the "40 Days of Missions" held earlier this year. He had a dream within the first night or two. He saw himself planting a church in a particular location in the remote north-east of Uganda, among people of a very different cultural group. The dream disturbed him deeply, and continued to disturb him throughout much of the training. He told me his story after the March 11 graduation ceremony: "I was not happy. You must understand that when my people think about the people in that place, we feel only two things: fear and hatred. I was like Jonah wanting to run away from God; but now I am ready to go." So what was the news I received on Monday? This young man has already gone to the place God showed him in his dream. He has already planted a church there. And the work is advancing so well that the new group of believers is preparing to buy property! 

So I am rejoicing. I rejoice for the "God stories" that come out of obedience. And I wonder what "God stories" will come out of the upcoming School of Church Planting. What impact will those stories have for the sake of reaching people with the light and life of Jesus?

Please pray:

• for health, strength protection, and fruitful ministry.
• For life and ministry transformation in each participant.
• For creative solutions to organizational and logistical challenges that may arise.
• For Rev. Simon Peter Emiau, Pentecostal Assemblies of God General Superintendent, as he oversees the MTC programs along with so much else. That God would give strength, direction, and much wisdom.
• For full financial provision for my budget.

To participate financially: Make cheques payable to “Joy Johnston Ministries” (memo: missions) and mail to:

Joy Johnston Ministries, Inc., 9 de Cambrai, #8, Chateauguay, QC Canada J6K 5H3

Give online at www.joyjohnston.ca (designation: missions)

Official receipts will be issued for gifts of $20 or more.

Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and encouragement. You make this ministry possible!