This past week our team worked in Budaka and the surrounding villages
going hut to hut (and shop to shop) sharing the gospel and inviting the locals
to a nightly crusade. [An African crusade consists of a church setting up a stage
(think of a heap of nails and wood, rather than a stage) in the middle of the
“town square” to sing songs, dance, and share the word of God.]
Our contacts (Cornerstone
Community Center) pioneered the concept that a crusade should actually be about
Jesus rather than “the church”. Surprisingly, other churches agreed to this revolutionary
idea in the local villages and came together to promote the Gospel (rather than
selfishly promoting their church which has become commonplace in Africa).
So… our team of Americans partnered with local translators and hit the
streets from 10-1 each afternoon. My translator, Justine, did a great job as we
spoke with individuals and groups (of up to about 30). It was incredible to see
the reception we received. I would randomly walk into someone’s “yard”, they
would stop whatever they were doing (usually preparing food to sell or eat),
and grab a make-shift seat so I could rest. They would then sit patiently (and
usually intently) as I shared with them the Word of God. I laughed many times
and shared with Justine the reality of how Americans would react to a stranger
walking through their yard and asking them if they had a minute to chat.
Each crusade was in a different village and each night felt larger than
the last. Not only by the number in attendance or the number of people that
gave their life to Christ, but it just felt grander. About 2000 people attended
the crusades and almost 300 gave their life to Christ. We saw the leading witchdoctor* in one village
give his life to Christ; a muslim suffering from chronic back pains for years
was instantly healed and asked Jesus into his life. Mockers in the crowd were
swayed to repent and ask for a relationship with the Living God. The stories
like this are still surprising to me (and I’m surprised that I am still
surprised by this, haha). The Bible talks of miracles and God’s omnipotence
(but also speaks to skepticism of man, just read about the apostles relating to
Jesus).
*Yeah so witchdoctors around here are a normal, everyday part of the
culture. Many people visit them to ward off demons or for blessings. I had a
very candid conversation with some of the youth, and to their amazement, I had
never seen a demon. I believe even more so than I did before the trip that many
times these interactions are veiled in the US. Just today in church a teenager
stood up to thank Jesus for delivering her from a demon that would strangle her
at night. The congregation clapped casually, yet emphatically for God’s love
and grace. Just one instance of a “new normal” that living in Africa brings.
