“…I have become all things to all men that I might win some.”
– 1 Corinthians 9:22
We just wrapped up our month in Mbarara, Uganda. It was another jam-packed month filled with its usual share of opportunities and challenges. Once again, we had very little running water, and this time we had no electricity either. But we managed. God blessed us with a wonderful ministry contact, one of my favorites of the past year. We were working with a young couple, Solomon and Lilly Carter, who lead a small local church in Mbarara. Their heart for the Lord in their community was inspiring and they’ve made so many sacrifices to be able to carry the name of Jesus.
They had us involved in a variety of ways and made sure our time with them was well-spent. We did door-to-door evangelism, taught elementary school classes, gave testimonies at the nearby college, shared the Gospel at revivals on the campus green, and preached sermons on Sunday and taught Sunday school. Pastor Solomon’s influence in this community is incredible. He has spent so much of His time opening up every avenue possible to reach the young and old alike. He is so dedicated and faithful to God’s calling and is always looking for new ways to minister. His influence can be clearly seen by the tremendous amount of respect He is given in each venue. His greatest passion seems to be high school and college-age students across the road from the church. When He speaks, the students listen, and they respond. He is aware of the needs and struggles of young people. He knows how to relate to them and keep their attention. A few evenings throughout the week, he participates in soccer matches at the college. It’s inspiring to see a pastor so closely involved with those He desires to reach, no just sitting on the side-lines waiting for them to come to him. It’s the process of meeting people where they’re at that has caught my attention.
It takes much sacrifice and risk to share the Gospel and teach the Word on a regular basis. But it’s an additional sacrifice to spend one’s free time investing in the lives of others and stepping a little outside our comfort zones – becoming “all things to all people” as the Apostle Paul called it. Pastor Solomon’s “all-in” approach has challenged me to meet people where they’re at and take time to live with them and spend quality time with them. It is the perfect way to capture their attention and gain the respect of those we wish to share our faith with.
Observing such courageous ministers of the Gospel has taught me so much about what genuine faith looks like. I’ve traveled the world in order to teach others, but in addition to this, I’ve learned so much myself. God has blessed me with outstanding models and unexpected mentors who have provided me with real-life examples of how to reach the lost in many different ways.
Continue to keep me and my team in your prayers. We only have two months left! I trust you are having a wonderful summer and God is showing His love to you in mighty ways.
For His Renown,
Dan Lidwin
