What did I learn?
I’ve learned that I have changed. Stayed tuned for a longer blog on this subject. Suffice it to say, during the course of the month, God showed me many examples of ways I have changed.
I learned just how common malaria really is. In that same vein, I learned that it’s important to take the time to heal when you are sick. When you have malaria, it just takes a little medicine and time.
My limited experience with ministry this month (thanks to two weeks of malaria), has further confirmed some impressions I had been developing about Christianity in Kenya and Uganda. In most of the areas we have been in Kenya and Uganda, Christianity is a cultural status – something ingrained in society. Bota-bota taxis carry plates that read “Praise God,” we smile at shops names such as, “In Jesus’ Name Dressmaking,” churches of every denomination under the sun appear on almost every street corner, and 80’s Christian music plays everywhere – buses, shops, and the AIDS Awareness soccer match. The similarities abound between my experiences here and my experiences with cultural Christianity in the Bible Belt of America. I’ve learned that just as the Bible Belt in America needs to here the true gospel and experience spiritual transformation, there are some Christians here that need to hear the gospel and be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Just as I strive to be an encouragement to the friends I meet here, they are an encouragement to me. Their joy and dedication to the work of God are inspiring.
Who will I remember?
Seth – Seth is the son of Reverend Enoch, our contact for this month. Seth lived at our little house with us. He helped us cook, start fires, and even wash our clothes. Besides that he took us the hospital, did Insanity with us on the front lawn, played cards, learned to swing dance, played guitar with us, and just generally lived life with our team. Every day of ministry, Seth would accompany us and act as our translator. While I usually find door-to-door evangelism awkward and difficult. However, with Seth leading us, every day went smoothly. We talked to the people we needed to talk to and whole experience seemed natural and productive.
That's Seth, second from left, at swing dancing lessons with Andi!
What is my prayer for Uganda?
I pray for peace to reign in this country. I also pray for freedom from corruption. We spent the afternoon at the home of a doctor and his family. He told me that Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa. He regrets that Uganda has fallen from the place it used to hold. He believes that corruption plays a huge role in this. I also pray for boldness on the part of the church in Uganda.
