We. Have. Arrived. I
feel like our month in Kenya was exactly what we needed for a first month in
Africa. It was a bit of exposure, we saw
the culture, became comfortable with the people and food…but here in
Uganda? THIS is Africa.
Everything-the noisy markets where they sell used clothing
(might end up with a couple new dresses by the end of this), used and new
shoes, fruits, vegetables, BANANAs
galore, live chickens, chickens being butchered, raw meat hanging in shacks for
sale (not refrigerated, mind you)-is just what we pictured Africa to be. We arrived at church after walking past rows
of tin/cardboard walled houses. Church
is wooden beams partially covered in tarps, slabs of metal covering the sides
of the roof, providing a decent amount of shade during the day. Several small benches are lined up in the
structure, with a freshly constructed pulpit standing up front. Two legit African drums (I’m talking cowhide
top and bottom) sit to the side to assist with worship. This is Africa.
The only not-so-Africa part of the month is the fact that
we’re staying at a Guest House.
Yes. Another month of not living
in my tent-even in Africa. In fact, God
did us one better than putting us up in a Guest House this month. We all have separate rooms…AND bathrooms…AND
showers… I gave up a long time ago being
sad that we don’t get to rough it. God
knows that we needed space. It’s been 9
months, at least for the single ladies on the team, since we’ve had our own
room. Alone time. How glorious it is! (Don’t worry, parents, we have a security
guard that sits outside all night to watch over us, and we’ve got God up there
too). So rather than be sad that we
don’t get to sleep in the dirt with our tents, I’ve begun accepting what I
consider gifts from God!
Evangelism is the keyword for this month. It’s a short month
compared to last month (21 days compared to 36), but we are going to pack it
full of worth. We started evangelism our
second day here. It is very common to
have people pray to accept Jesus after sharing with them briefly. That’s Africa. However, after sharing with a group of
Ugandan’s, the pastor and interpreter turns to us and says “they do not like
Jesus. We leave now.” …uh, ok?
Apparently that’s also relatively common. They don’t hesitate to turn you down, which
hasn’t happened so much out here. Erica
reminded me as we walked away about a story of some young boys, possibly 8th
grade, who were doing door to door evangelism.
Every time they got a door slammed in their face, they turned to each
other, made a fist pump, and said “CHA-CHING!” referring to “blessed are those
who are persecuted.” We’re going to
adopt that one this month, and just keep going.
Stay tuned for more from “Africa Evangelism Adventures.”
