Sunday Morning at Kajjansi Presbyterian Church

As I seem to spend every Thursday afternoon persuading people to seek the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, I thought it a good idea to locate a decent local church to send them to. So after a quick recky on Tuesday, with new girl Maggie, Natasha and I headed back to Kajjansi on Sunday, to check out Kajjansi Presbyterian Church.

One of the better spelt notice boards of Uganda!

As you can see, the church notice board is rather attractively coloured, with plenty of activities going on.  The pastor, Francois, informed us that the church has been going for fourteen years, but I'm not sure they have had their building for that long.  There is also a Nursery School attached to the church, catering for local children - a few of whom, also attended the service.
 

Dorcas (9) and Fiona (14) sang for us, after the service.

On the way, we passed Steven, in his shoe box stall, and enquired if he would come with us.  He said he would, but never showed up.  I guess he didn't want to leave his stall at what he sees as a busy time.  On the way back, we passed him in Francois' car.  We stopped and asked where he was, and he threw his arms in the air!  Francois told him he would fetch him next week, now he knows where he is!

Still, Marselles turned up - after 8hrs of night shift security just around the corner.  He had his ESV Bible, although his spoken and understanding of English is not that good.  He sat with us through the service and I helped him to find the passages.  The people in the church were very warm and friendly, so hopefully, he'll feel comfortable enough to return on his own, next week.

Marselles being 'escorted' into church!

This local 'boda-boda' driver attends the church with his family - and just think,
Natasha insisted we take separate bikes! (Notice how his wife even sits side-saddle!!!)

Good News and Bad News – Kajjansi 20.02.14

The good news is it was another good afternoon out in Kajjansi, with international testimonies, challenging messages and stirring conversations.  The bad news…well, I’ll finish with that.

Good News

Solomon taking the lead, as he interviewsPraise-Grace Joy

At the Kajjansi prayer meeting, on Wednesday evening, as the program for Thursday afternoon’s outreach was being discussed, an interview with P-GJ was mentioned.  I asked who would be interviewing her, and Solomon said, if no-one else does, he will!  I told him I thought this was a good idea, and must say, he did a very good job of it.  Of course, P-GJ has a bit of experience being interviewed, but to Solomon, it was a new experience, which he handled with authority and appeal.

P-GJ told us about her days in nursing, and her call to ABU.  She also told us how God had turned her heart from loving sin, to loving Him.  It was certainly a challenge to the people and market-stall holders of Kajjansi.

Bob Penny testifies

This all followed some singing, and was followed by our visiting Professor (all teachers and lecturers, here in Africa are called Professor, just in case you were wondering how to address me, in future!!!), Dr Bob Penny, sharing his testimony.

 

 After these important ‘extras’, Garnet (pictured in the rather fetching tank-top) preached the word.

These listeners were very
appreciative!

Meanwhile, our group headed down in to the busy High Street, to what is becoming our regular spot – opposite the clinic, internet ‘café’ and betting shop, to preach out and reach out.  We were reminding our listeners, ‘Why we keep going on about Jesus!’  As usual, a few passers-by stopped to stare, though this time Marselles (in red cap, below) drew Erastol into conversation, and arranged to come to church on Sunday! 

Edrine kindly translated, whilst Eric held the board.  We also had a few new/ different/ familiar stall-holders listening in.  Pereth was there again, and introduced me to her friend Irene (on the left, below, who was unfamiliar with the Leadbelly classic, ‘Goodnight Irene’, so I sang the chorus to her – and no, she still didn’t recognise it!).  Both ladies requested prayer for their business (that seems to be coming a familiar request), so I prayed for their souls…oh, and the business!

Irene and Pereth 'appreciate' being prayed for!

Bonnie (in Orange, below) was also there with a group of friends, sitting and listening.  Bonnie brought his Bible along, and has agreed to meet Natasha and I (and Marselles and Steven), at Kajjansi New Life Presbyterian Church, on Sunday.  Please pray they will all come, and it will be the beginning of an eternal journey, for these men and their families.  Bonnies friends are from Entebbe, and they requested Bibles (as did Robert, Fiona’s ‘friend’), also agreeing to attend a church in Entebbe where Solomon has friends. 

Solomon sharing and persuading

Steven was there, at his shoe stall, with his son.  Maggie (another visiting Professor) and I bumped into the young boy, on Tuesday, when we visited Kajjansi, looking for the church.  We pray he will come along with his dad, on Sunday evening.

I wonder if Steven understands
just exactly where the church is?

All in all, there were plenty of good conversations, with many of the students stepping out of their comfort zones, and engaging with the public.  ABU’s mission in Africa is to raise up Africans to reach Africans, and though I love to get out there on the streets, I’d sooner see one of our students using the board and moving me on.  Solomon has taken over the interviewing; please pray one of the young men might preach using the board, next time.

    

Erastol introducing me to Marselles

New girl, Maggie is not afraid to get stuck in!

And now for the bad news

I don’t know if you remember my Kajjansi Police Report (6.12.13), when I wrote about Latif and my visit to the Kajjansi Chief of Police, Cadet Officer Joseph Bigirwa.  We went enquiring whether we could preach to the prisoners, and the chief said, ‘Preach now, to me!’  We were short of time and had to decline his offer, but we did promise to come back.  Unfortunately, Cadet Officer Joseph Bigirwa was shot and killed this week, when intervening in a Petrol Station robbery.  I’m not sure if the man was a believer, but I cannot help but feel convicted that I should have taken the opportunity to speak to him, while I was there.

All of us need to take heed of this episode.  We never know when our time is up, or when an opportunity might present itself, when we might hear or preach the gospel.  This man, left home that morning not knowing he would not return.  Are we any different?  Do we think ourselves too good?  Too valuable?  This man was doing a good deed, an important job and was valuable to his country and family, yet his life was cut short in an instant.  

Psalm 39:4 “Show me, LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.”

Cadet Officer Joseph Bigirwa

Are YOU good enough to go to Heaven? – Kajjansi 13.02.14

This question was the title of my talk in Kajjansi, this week.  And I’m sure many of those who heard or saw would hold many different opinions as to the answer.  I suggested the view, as many probably do, that it doesn’t really matter.  God is a God of love, and He loves everyone, and so everyone will go to Heaven.  But as I was reminded, when reading Tim Keller’s book, The Reason for God, the view that God is love is only found in the Bible, where it also says, God is just – He is a God who judges, and has indeed appointed a day when He will judge the world.  This scenario, or truth, can only lead us to the conclusion; we need a Saviour, to save us from the just penalty of our sin.  And so the message concluded with an urgent plea, to everyone listening, to turn to the Lord Jesus Christ, the only name given to us, under heaven, whereby we must be saved.

At present, we do not have any literature, or ideally, CDs (literacy rates are pretty low) to give away, but we can talk and listen to the locals who sit and listen…and this week, there were plenty.

Latif testifying...

But that was all after Latif had been interviewed.  I introduced him asking him, why he wasn’t a Muslim?  His name is!  This then encouraged him to recall how God had changed his thinking, his life, and his heart.  He also led the singing, so he was very much in the spotlight…and he comes from Kajjansi…so plenty knew and recognised him.

...then leading the singing, with Asimenye

  

After, our newest member of faculty, Maggie McLinden, joined me, Asimenye, Erastol, and John Hill, as we took up our usual spot, opposite the clinic, to preach the gospel.  John Hill translated for me three years ago, when Natasha and I first visited African Bible University.  It was good to see he’d lost none of his zeal and stamina.  And he is one man who is louder than me, and whose voice can outlast mine!  So it was good to have him on hand, afterwards, as we met and chatted and prayed with a few of our listeners.

So, John Hill translates,
while Asimenye and Erastol hold the board

     

Whereas back in 2011, a box holds up the board,
while John Hill translates!  Please note, I've tidied
myself up, considerably!

  

Geoffrey is in the black t-shirt,
and Steven is sitting down, to my right

John Hill chatted and prayed with Geoffrey.  Geoffrey confessed he was a church-goer, but not born again.  John Hill discussed this with him and Geoffrey asked Jesus into his life, there and then!  Meanwhile, Steven, who was sitting right next to me, confessed that he was not born-again, didn’t go to church, but wanted to know God, and to know his sins are forgiven!  I was so happy to draw his attention to some points in my message, and very pleased to pray with him.  Both he and Bonnie, who I also bumped into, expressed a desire to accompany me to church.  This will involve me first locating the church in Kajjansi, where I want to take them.  One of our former students has a church there, but every time I look for it, I can’t find it!  But I have promised myself, that by next Thursday, I shall have located it, and will ask the two men to join me there, the following Sunday. 

   

Solomon talking with Anthony and Janat, a Muslim

Please pray that these plans come to pass, for the glory of God, and the salvation of Steven and Bonnie…and others like them.

We also prayed with Fiona again, who introduced us to Godfrey.  I was thinking, Wow, that was a quick answer to last week’s prayer, but unfortunately for Fiona, Godfrey is already engaged to someone else…which brings me to another issue.  In Uganda, there is a tradition, where couples have to ‘introduce’ themselves to their prospective in-laws.  The idea is, it allows for the elders of the village to give the all clear to the relationship, as they will know if the couple are related in any way.  The problem is, these introduction ceremonies have become so big and so expensive, that young couples are put off introducing, and thus marrying, tending to live together instead.  In some ways, the parents recognise this as a ‘form’ of marriage, but it is not…and therefore, many young couples (and Christians, too,) live together, knowing they are not married and not right with God!  This puts their relationship and marriage under considerable strain, and many feel ashamed for living this way.  One such man in this situation is a very good friend of ours, and we are trying to persuade him to just get married, and then make a fuss about the relatives at the reception.  He has heard similar advice from a Ugandan friend, who also agreed, that if he did it, many would follow suit, and unburden themselves from the shame, and make the many ‘ladies in waiting’, very happy.  Please pray for our friend.

John Hill enjoying his time with Godfrey and Fiona!

We thank you for your prayers and support, and pray God will richly bless you, as you richly bless us.

Sean

Natasha's News

“A late Happy New Year and greetings to you all, from Uganda!”

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

All dressed up for the
Christmas Banquet

Thank you all so much for your kind cards and encouragement over the Christmas period. It means a lot to us to know that we are prayed for and loved by you all. You are often in our thoughts and prayers.

Many of you know that we arrived in Kampala late August 2013, and after a couple of weeks began our new roles as lecturers and librarian. The first semester brought new challenges and blessings, which the Lord has graciously used to teach us about Himself and to change us.

My library orientation class went well, in spite of my failings in humanities, and gave me an opportunity to teach our first years. They are a wonderful class, full of warmth, love and openness, which are a constant but welcome challenge to this reserved and private Brit!

    

                                                                                                                    

Smiles all round

The ladies Proverbs class ended well and some of the students wrote excellent exam essays on what they had learnt from our studies together. I pray the Lord will use His word, not only to give us understanding, but also to bless us with lives that honour Him.

We are thankful for a relaxing break, and the blessing of UK visitors. First was Nerena, my friend from Cambridge, who is serving the Lord in Durban South Africa. She was invited to help at a conference in Kampala, and was able to stay with us for the two weekends either side of the conference. It was a joy to spend time with her, and encourage one another in the LORD. Secondly, Stuart Creed a parent at Heritage school came to lead a new venture, ‘The Living Word’ conference on ABU campus. We were privileged to host Stuart in our home, and Sean attended some of the addresses and helped as a small group leader. The conference was a great success and we trust the Lord will continue to use Stuart to reach students in Uganda with the truth of His word.

Nerena and I, outside our back door

I spent some of my time helping with immigration, grading, minute writing and registration. I am content working behind the scenes, completing administrative tasks that aid the smooth running of ABU. If I am honest I find the teaching a challenge in mainly two areas. First, standing in front of a class of students is rather daunting, and I have to pray hard to overcome nerves and shyness. Secondly, I understand the content of the lectures, but am concerned that I lack the communication skills to impart this knowledge to others. Please pray for me in both these areas as I teach Business Statistics to our second years, especially pray that I would trust the Lord who has called me to this work. I often find myself saying ‘Lord I am willing, but not able’.

Another blessing to give thanks for was a visit from Mr Sharp, a gentleman from Sussex, who came to Uganda to establish contacts for a book ministry. He and others are involved in a work which provides reformed books at prices affordable for Africans. I enjoyed getting to know him, and our bookshop will be better equipped as a result. Please pray that God will provide students with the funds to purchase these books. Especially pray for Malaki and Ben, students who desire to set up small libraries in their home villages.

Recently I have begun helping Sophia, a teenager on campus, who has asked for extra help with her chemistry. I also hope to support a third year student with his maths, please pray for wisdom as we continue to meet.

Sophia getting to grips with Chemistry

Malaki, our leading librarian

The library is open again and we have some new helpers, so yesterday we arranged the check-in desk, cleaning, shelving and cataloguing rotas. Thank the Lord with us for providing four new lap tops, that once set up will enable our students to have on-line access to journals and e-books. I’m still learning how to run the library well, and am very thankful for Malaki who keeps me informed of all the tasks.  Malaki hopes to, one day, run his own library, back in his village, and we hope to be able to help him.  Please pray for wisdom in this matter, and pray for Malaki, who has a heart for helping his people grow in grace and knowledge of our great God.

One final prayer request: I have been asked to speak to the fourth years about my experiences in and impressions of Uganda, in their cultural anthropology class. I hope to honestly share the cultural blessings and shocks that I’ve experienced in my five months here. We all come to the gospel with our own cultural norms and it’s hard not to judge our brothers and sisters who have totally different world views. Please pray that all I say will honour Christ and promote the gospel, not my own western views.

Thank you all for being part of ABU and supporting the building of His kingdom in Africa.

There are times when I miss friends and family, but I know that the Lord is no man’s debtor and he will keep his promises. “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you”. (John 14:18)

Love in Christ,

Natasha

Back on the Beat – Kajjansi 06.02.14

It is now the second week of our second semester, here at African Bible University, and so our second season of Thursday outreach begins again.  For me, that means Kajjansi open air preaching and witnessing for the Lord.  It also means two prayer meetings on a Wednesday evening: 7.30-9.00 with the faculty (that’s ‘staff’ to us English!), and then 9.30-10.15 with the Kajjansi team.  One, quite Western, the other, very African!  We prayed particularly, that the people of Kajjansi would recognise us as friends, and people who have a love for them.  We prayed they would be glad to see us, and that meaningful friendships would be formed.

So, again we set off in hired taxis (matatus, as they call them here.  We still desperately need a bus, in case you were thinking of donating one!), singing our ‘Kajjansi, Kajjansi’ calling song (see earlier blog), and arrived at a very well-stocked market street.  We climbed up to our normal spot, dodging the local traders - who appeared to be sleeping, and clapped and joined in, as Frank led us in singing, (what I think was,) ‘I’m already better’ (I’ll add this to the blog - as soon as poosible - so you can listen and see for yourselves).

Back with the Boys Again

Then, to open procedures, I interviewed a real-life Angel – Angel Gondwe.  Angel is from Malawi, and is a fourth year student, studying Biblical Studies with Communications.  She has been a Christian since she was 12 years old, and testified of God’s love and saving grace in her life.  She stayed on campus over Christmas, helping out on the radio.  She was also very ill last semester, so please pray for Angel, and pray she will find God’s desired employment for her, after she graduates.

Angel testifying of God's goodness and faithfulness to her

...a bit different to the shy 1st Year I met,
back in 2011.

     

So, following some more singing, Angel, myself, Godwill Opio and Ben Bernard Bongomin (our photographer) set off to preach further down the road, opposite the Medical Centre.  On the way we passed Sali Swahib and Agnes, who seemed pleased to see us, and Agnes even let us set up near her stall.

Angel is distracted, Eric and Erastol hold the board, Godwill translates, I preach...and these two blokes just stood and listened in!

I preached my ‘Where is God’ talk, which was the first talk I put together, for Newquay, back in 200?.  We had a good reception, as many stopped to look and listen.  Opio (Godwill) translated, for me, and then for me and Angel, as she again shared her testimony.  There were many ladies listening, including Agnes, who chose to eat her lunch sitting opposite us, and a Muslim lady who features in the photo below.

The two men are Bonnie and Andrew.  Bonnie was wearing a crucifix and said he appreciated the message.  We discussed forgiveness of sin, and knowing our sins can be forgiven now.  Andrew then interrupted saying we can’t be forgiven till we die.  I reminded them both of the paralytic who was lowered down through the roof, whom Jesus healed, after telling him, “Your sins are forgiven”, not ‘will be!’  

...whilst Bonnie and Andrew might be nearer than we think!

Andrew insisted that we have to die, so I illustrated how the Christian, when coming to know and confess Christ as their Saviour does indeed die, to the old self, and is born-anew in Christ.  I then relayed to him now I was saved and how I have sought to put sin to death within me.  Surprisingly, they seemed to get my drift and thanked me for preaching and sharing with them.  They asked where I go to church and seemed intent on finding out more.  I encouraged them to put their trust in Christ alone, and pray God will give them new hearts and new lives.

Whilst talking to the two men, Fiona came over to listen.  She owns a small internet shop directly opposite to where we were preaching.  She then asked if I would pray for her…for her business, for a husband, and for children.  I said I would, and also prayed that God would open her heart for Him, and that He would be her greatest desire.  

The shop was busy, with many customers, but that didn’t stop Fiona bowing her head and praying with me.  If only all the world were like this!

Fiona thinks she needs a booming business, a husband and children.
Pray she will find peace with God, first.

On the way home, we reflected on the day, and thanked God for His many blessings, and the new friends He’d brought to us.  And even though our driver cut in front of a Rav 4 and got bumped for his troubles, we all arrived back at campus, safe and sound.  Praise God.