The Kinsellas in Kampala: “HERE COMES THE MUZUNGU, WITH THE BIBLE, TO PREACH TO US!”

These are the words that echoed out of a parked-up blue, Toyota sedan, as we carried our board and bibles down Kajjansi ‘High Street’. Of course, it was spoken in Lugandan, and was interpreted to me, but it was most encouraging. It is only my third visit to this dusty suburb, and already, my reputation precedes me!

So, after a busy mid-term for most of us, about twenty of us set out in the Zana Presbyterian bus, for our regular ‘outreach’. We started to sing our Kajjansi song, but minds were tired and hearts were too fixed on the task ahead for it to gain much volume (it sounded better on the way home!). Still, we were excited about the work to be done.

Someone sneaking a peak at the board! And what a name for a shop!

As usual, we started with a bit of ‘praise and worship’. The opening song was entitled, ‘Let it Be’. It’s not quite the Beatles' number, but has a familiar sound to it. Check it below! Steve Matura (great name!) then led us in prayer, before we split into two groups to preach. Our group walked down the road some, until we found a reasonably suitable spot. We chose a different location to last time, so as to spread the Word wide, and not to get ton too many stall-keeper’s nerves. From the picture below, you can see that we look a bit cramped, but we still drew a lot of attention, and the Word was heard.

I chose to ask the question, ‘Are You Good Enough to go to Heaven?’ I reminded the people that God says, ‘there are none good, and all have gone astray’, but the God in his goodness, love and kindness has provided a Saviour for us; ‘Jesus Christ – the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world’. I used this verse to remind the Muslim listeners (who still believe in animal sacrifices for sin), that Jesus paid the full price for our sin, on the cross, and that by raising him from the dead, God showed that He was, once and for all, pleased with this sacrifice.

It must have been effective, as Sali Swahib later asked me, “Where is Jesus, now?” I told him, He was in Heaven, sitting at the right hand of God. Sali said that he was a Muslim, and trusted in Mohammed. I asked him if he thought he was good enough to go to Heaven, or did he agree with me, that he needed a new heart? He tried to put us off a few times, but with gentle probing and questioning, stated that he would like to talk to someone in Lugandan, about these serious issues. And would you believe it, the Ugandan I was with, Praise-Grace, is a ‘Luo’ speaker, and Aaron is Malawian! So please pray, that next week, we will return with a Lugandan, or someone with the gift of tongues!!!

Sali-Swahib didn't seem too keen on having his photo taken...

...but there are ways and means!

As you can see from the picture below, there was a carpenters’ workshop opposite us. After speaking, I chatted with Bryan, who appeared to be the foreman. He introduced me to Lawrence, who worked with him, and who was deaf! It seems that many of the workers employed there are deaf, but very able carpenters. The workshop is run by an African with a heart for deaf people. I chatted to Lawrence (through Bryan), and reminded him that in Heaven he would have a new body, with new ears! The smile he gave me was brighter than the African sun shining down on both of us, for Lawrence knew Jesus as his Saviour, and knew he was going to Heaven. Please pray for Bryan, Lawrence and the other men in this workshop.

Bryan, John Hill and Lawrence, in their workshop

We also chatted with a group of stall-keepers who were selling ‘all underwear for 25p’! I didn’t buy any as they didn’t have my colour or size, but we did challenge them over what they had heard. Nearly all in the picture below, heard the whole gospel presentation. Many said they believed, but had no assurance. Pray that they might know that God’s promises are eternal and unchanging. Please pray that they might find a good, Bible-based church to attend and hear God’s truths simply explained.

That underwear sure was popular!

Aaron, also chatted with Musa, another Muslim man, and Praise-Grace (our regular photographer) tried to engage this young Muslim lady (pictured below) in conversation, but the lady was tight-lipped – maybe out of fear of the men nearby?