Bonny and Geoff

One of my favourite talks is my ‘What If…’ talk.  It focuses on the life and death of Jesus Christ, from His conception through His miracles and words, to His death, resurrection, and return – each time asking the question, ‘what if?’   Today I only used the last three and a final application, ‘What if you die tonight?’  I then directly asked this question to Bonny and Geoffrey, who I have spoken to many times.

Bonny, back in February

...and Geoffrey, with his New Testament in hand!

Both have made promises that they would meet me at church, and both have not showed, so today was a good opportunity to share some quality time with them.  Both confess a strong desire to be saved.  Both see that there is a difference between their belief and my assurance.  Both desire to have the assurance of sins forgiven.  But both also need to work, and that means some Sundays.  Both believed me when I said, going to church will not save you; being good will not save you (because you never will be good enough); believing in God will not save you…you must have a personal relationship with Jesus, where you know Him, and He knows you.  Both agreed.  Geoffrey even commented that, even with all the money one can desire, you still will not be happy, or at peace, and Bonny agreed.  So you can see, these two young men seem so close to the kingdom.

…and today…Bonny is in the pale green shirt, and Geoffrey (with his back to the camera,) in the black pin-striped shirt.  Both are never too far away from the preaching.

I told them I had no magic words or simple steps for them to take, but could only commend them to God in prayer, which I did.  I told them they must pray and ask God to forgive them their sins and give them a new life and a new heart that desires to love and worship him.  I told them to do it tonight.

So please, pray for Bonny and Geoffrey.  My heart feels heavily burdened for them, and I have a deep compassion for them after talking to them today and seeing the need in their eyes.  Pray God will open their eyes and help them to see Him.  Pray they will know assurance of salvation, and a new desire to worship God with His people, on His day, with hearts on fire for Him and His wonderful Son.

If we ask, we will receive!  When I worked on the streets of Tenerife, 20 plus years ago, a Christian couple from Scotland (William and Mary Bingham) would regularly bring the gospel to my attention, as I accosted couples on their holidays.  Through their witness, I became curious, went to a young people’s meeting and was eventually saved.  I never got the chance to tell William and Mary until four months later, as they had returned to Scotland, but when I did, they said they knew it would happen.  I was stunned, because I didn’t even know it would happen, so how could they?  “We were praying for you,” was there simple reply.  Such faith!  Such belief!  Oh, if we only had the same.  Please, join us in prayer for Bonny and Geoffrey…if we don’t, who else will?

Many thanks, in Jesus’ wonderful name,

Sean and Natasha Kinsella

Daphine holding the board, and Frank translating…you’ll notice, he even translates the hand and arm gestures!

This man believed he would go to heaven because
 he was good! When challenged with the words
 of the Bible, ‘There is none good, no not one!’,
 he quickly departed!

It was another busy day, and many passed us by. 
But notice the unknown boy listening attentively,
for quite a while, as the word was preached! 
Praise God.

I'm not quite sure what they are singing about, but I liked it, 

and it will give you an idea of our audience...and how close some are desperate to get!

New talk…same old message!

I make no apologies for the title, for our message is indeed the same one the apostles brought to their listeners, as far back as the first century!  And it is a message we are not ashamed to share over and over again.

The new message is meant to comment on where many Africans think they will find their needs met.  The question asks, ‘Who will help you?’, then numerous suggestions are made, followed by a verse from the Bible showing that these answers are not sufficient.  For many in the world, and in particular the young, money is seen as the route to all joy, whereas the Bible rightly tells us, that the love of money, and the sole desire for it, is the root of all evil…and this is clearly spelt out in the verses I’ve used.

I don’t know about you, but if you are like the young men in the photo below, and you think that having ‘enough’ money will make you happy, and bring you peace, you are sadly mistaken.  ‘Riches are worth nothing, on the day of judgement’, and ‘it profits a man nothing, if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul.’  Take it from someone who truly believes he had the whole world, all his heart’s desires, yet found it worthless, and of no value, when measured up to his empty heart.  Only a change of heart can bring us peace and joy, and only God can change our hearts.

I don’t know any of their names (except Bonny, in the brown shirt), but there was a lot of them asking questions, and said they would have more for me, next time!  Bonny hopes to come to church with us, this coming Sunday.

The talk concludes with the words of the apostle Paul, in a letter he wrote to the Philippian church: ‘My God will supply your EVERY NEED according to His riches in glory, in Christ Jesus.’  If you need help, or if you want peace, ask God…it’s as simple as that.  The Bible says, ‘Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened to you.’

God bless you, and thank you for your continued prayer and support.

Sean

Opening worship, from a different perspective

 That's me, showing James how to do it!

 See, they really do carry things on their heads...

 ...what a skill!

 And they also carry a lot on their boda-bodas (motorbike taxis)!

 In front of this man is a boda carrying two armchairs!

“Where have you been? We’ve missed you!”

Well, what a lovely greeting!  These were Steven’s first words to me, today!  His next words were, “Yes of course, give them here.”  That’s because I gave him some shoes to fix!

Steven, in his Dairy/shoe box!

Loosening up, readying myself  for sharing my testimony! 

A personal note

       

No, I am not singing, I am sharing my testimony...MY WAY!!! (with Frank Ssendikaddiwa translating)

That was after I was called upon to share my testimony of how the Lord had saved me.  I looked around and could see many people in the same predicament that I was in 22 years ago, now.  Many want the leisures and pleasures of life; the money, the house, the car, the holiday weather, and the sex.  Many think that these are the keys to happiness, as did I.  Not many in Kajjansi will have the opportunity to have them all at once, so many might feel they will never be happy…will never have what they really need.

So I told them, that when I was 22, I did have them all, and at the same time!  I was working in Tenerife and I had everything they feel would make them happy…but I wasn’t!  I found myself more frequently scanning all that I had, and asking myself, “Is this it?”  I wasn’t content.  I wasn’t happy.

Then I noticed a friend of mine who one day came to me in the happiest mood I could imagine.  He was so happy, you could feel it!  I did, and rather than envy him, I asked him, “Why are you so happy?”  He told me he was born-again!”  I told him I was a Christian – even though I based that fact on ‘believing’ in God and going to church now and then.  He told me I wasn’t born-again, and must be to be a Christian.  I questioned this, but knew one thing for sure, I didn’t have the joy he had!

Thus began a search for truth, a prayer for revelation (in a toilet!), and a prayer of confession (of my sin) and need (for a new heart), that led to my salvation.  The conclusion being (and the application of my testimony), ‘My God will supply every need of yours, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 4:19)

And that is what God has done for me, and still does…every day…every need.  Praise Him for His abounding love and free grace!

Godwill, again

The Future of Africa: Edrine (left) translates for Opio Godwill (right).  The bloke in the middle seems to have himself the perfect job!

Good talk that!

I didn’t preach today, and was happy to hand over the reins to Opio Godwill.  Opio is a lovely, gentle young man, with a heart for the gospel, and a very teachable spirit.  He took my ‘4 Greatest Days in History’ talk home with him last night and swatted up for today.  And he did a very commendable job.  I will put some footage of him preaching on my blog, and sincerely recommend you to watch and pray for him.  It’s students like him and Edrine (who was translating), who are the real future of Africa.  Both tirelessly give them time to preach, evangelise, sing and write, for their brothers and sisters, and both are delightful company and a great encouragement to Natasha and me.

As usual, we spoke to our regular friends, and distributed what literature we have.  I’ll let the pictures tell the stories.  Oh, and the shoes…Steven hand-stitched them and applied some glue; it took him the best part of an hour, and he asked for 2000 Ugandan shillings (about 50p)!  I would have been ashamed to pay so little, so paid him some more – and also left him with another job for me.  His wife was so pleased, and I was so humbled.  Pray for them, please, too.

    

Maggie with Rachel, and Pereth

Thank you for your kind support, friendship, encouragements and prayers.  Without them we’d be like Moses without Joshua and Hur (Exodus 17:12).

Every blessing,

Sean

   

 Pereth and Robert reading our tract....as Godwill witnesses outside the Gambling Den (of Iniquity!)...I told these guys that on more than one occasion, I’d gone home broke, on payday, after losing all my money at cards…and the feeling of knowing Jesus was ten times better than the feeling you get when you win!  I think they could see some truth in that.

A little bit of my testimony...please note the weight loss!!!

...and Godwill, ploughing on despite some obvious distractions!

A Day Off and a Day of blessing! Kajjansi 6.3.14

Yes, I took the day off today, as I've got a bit of a chesty cough.  But it opened up an opportunity for one of the students to step into the breach (as it were!).  So as you will see from the videos below, two of my regular interpreters Opio Godwill and Edrine), took on the role of their teacher, and preached the gospel, using the board!  

This really is exciting, and I hope it will become a regular thing for Opio to preach with me, and the first among many students to take up this challenge and opportunity.  Opio preached about 'Why we keep going on about Jesus', and Maggie said he did it really well, so...watch this space.

Maggie also reported to me that she talked with S. again, who gave her a big hug...Praise God.  S. has many questions, but her family situation prevents her making any open comments or commitments.  Please pray for S., and for Maggie, that God will give her much wisdom with this developing relationship. (I am not using her name anymore and have removed her photos, so as to create any problems for her)

I will also add some footage of myself preaching, as someone has requested that.  I hadn't before, as there is nothing worse than hearing the sound of your own voice (in my opinion, anyway)!  Please enjoy and please pray.

Answered Prayers and Continued Blessings – Kajjansi 27.02.14

That’s right, Friends, answered prayers…because that is the only way to explain the many blessings and help received from God, as we ventured out again, into the hot and dusty streets of Kajjansi.  A conversation with ‘that Muslim lady’; Geoffrey asking if he could come with us, whenever we preach; Bonny and Geoffrey asking for my phone number to link up on Sunday; five New Testaments requested, distributed and read; and tracts, too, given out and gladly received!  

And it all began, as normal, with singing and a testimony interview, but this time, the African interviewed the Muzungu (I’m hoping to put an excerpt on my blog, so look out for that)!  Solomon put the questions to new-girl Maggie, who certainly made the most of the opportunity – praise God.  She definitely caught the interest of a lot of the local ladies, as can be seen in the photograph below.

Afterward, new-man, Bob Penny preached the word, at the top, as we ‘descended’ into the High Street, to our regular spot, opposite the clinic.  I don’t know if you are familiar with the 70’s TV series, Fantasy Island (you don’t need to be ashamed, as 70s TV goes, it was quite harmless, anyway), if you are, you might remember Tattoo, the little guy who was known for shouting, “The plane!  It’s the plane, boss!”  Well, I had a funny sense of deja vu, as we passed beneath a balcony, where a young girl was shouting (in Luganda), “The preachers!  It’s the preachers, mum!”  Uncanny, eh!

“The preachers!  It’s the preachers, mum!”

I revamped Andy Little’s ‘Good enough for Heaven?’ talk, and although I’d only used it two weeks before, it draw a few listeners, and stopped a few passers-by in their tracks!

      Attracting plenty of attention.  Maybe God will remove the scales from this man’s eyes?!        

Whereas this young man, needs no encouraging

Opio Godwill (translating) draws this
family's attention to the board

             

Opio and Maggie spend time chatting with Bobert and Helen.  Robert asked many challenging questions, about Heaven, and how he can know he can go there.  Both were happy to receive literature, and New Testaments.

 

Geoffrey translates for me, as I talk to Aisha, who says she is getting to know Jesus more and more through my preaching!  Geoffrey received his New Testament, requested to ‘follow us’, then sits contemplating what he has read!

Promise labours in the field, persuading these two
market stall holders.  Whereas young martin, is
happy to take a tract (for mum to read to him),
and wear the hat!

  

     

Godfrey gladly accepts his New Testament; Bonny (with a ‘y’) arranges a rendezvous; and ‘that Muslim lady’ is called S.  S. (whose husband kindly went for a walk) recognised she was a sinner, but thought praying five times a day would help deal with it.  She said if she missed a prayer time she would catch up the next day…but didn’t seem too confident.  She asked Maggie if they could talk again, and requested her phone number…which Maggie gladly shared.

So, as you can see, those of you who have been praying for Bonny, Geoffrey and S., et al, have seen your prayer partially answered.  I say partially, because they still need to know Jesus as their real and personal Saviour.  So please, pray on.  And add Aisha to your list, and Robert, Helen, young Martin; and not forgetting Marselles, Pereth, Irene, Andrew, Agnes and Patrick!

Many thanks to God, and to you too,

Sean

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