After
missing last Thursday, it was seemed a challenge to find the motivation to go
to Kajjansi, this week, but I’m glad I did.
Open Air work can be tiring and when it’s hot, it can sap your
energy. The apathy of some, and the open
hostility of others, can be very discouraging, but in some ways, that is our
lot, and the challenge we must all overcome, in these latter days. Also, the team has lost a few members, now,
as many from last year are in their fourth year, and do not always have time
for outreach. Other valuable former
members have also been poached by other outreach teams, so we are blooding in
valuable newcomers – who I will introduce as we go.
The
‘new core’: Adima James (2nd
Year), Ssendikaddiwa Frank (3rd Year), Tembo Emmanuel, Alimo Agnes, Otim
Fred (1st Years), Nyirenda Naomie (3rd Year), Apilli Eunice
(2nd Year), Kamlopa Chisomo (3rd Year), me, Ocen Francis
and Okello James Murphy (1st Years) just out of sight!
The singing
now seems to be led by Apilli Eunice.
She has certainly got the voice for it, and the enthusiasm. I know that many of the songs might seem
simplistic and repetitive, but frankly, I’m glad, as I wouldn’t be able to join
in – me, and many others! And it is
always so encouraging to see the market traders joining in, too.
Then,
James, the new leader of Team Kajjansi, gave testimony of how God had saved him
from a life of selfishness and self-pleasing, to a life of service to God and
his fellow man. He mentioned his love of
discotheques and how he has given them up, but the dancing, he still does, for
the Lord.
Mulyampiti
David being introduced to the people of Kajjansi. He had never interpreted before, but the Lord
was very helpful to him, and me.
When we
moved down the hill to preach, Bongomin Ben was on camera, so the team with me
was made up of First Years: James Murphy (yes, honestly), Emma (short for
Emmanuel), Francis and David. David had
never interpreted before, but he did a very good job for his first attempt –
with much help from the Lord! The ‘lads’
then joined me as we sought to make conversations and contacts with our busy
listeners.
Some
people just insist on being polite and friendly…even if you are in the middle
of something important!
It was
great to see Bonny again, and Geoffrey. Both insist they want to come to church
(Geoffrey says he is going as often as he can), and Bonny says he will see me
Sunday. When I told them, my many
friends (!!!) back home were praying for them, they seemed very touched by this…as
were Stephen, William, Fiona and Peruth – more regulars. David managed a short conversation with the lady whose name no-one can work out,
and I spoke to Annette, who asked if
I would pray for her. Sometimes when I’m
asked to do this, I’m concerned that they want me to pray, and not one of the
African students. I remind them that I
am not magic, nor more effective, but still, am glad they are bold enough to
ask in public – and that God has given me much liberty.
Robert’s
smile, Stephen’s words, and Annette’s prayer request were a great encouragement
to me today.
It
was great chatting to Bonny, again, and his customer, the lady in red, also
asked, ‘What church do you go? Where is it?’
On the way
back to our taxi, I bumped into Swahib
Sali, the Muslim young man who I met last year, and who featured in our ABU
presentations, back in England. In
contrast to the chilly reception we received last time, Sali seemed genuinely
pleased to see me – though he tried not to show it to those around him (or the
camera). For me, it was a kind of
confirmation that last time’s prayers were answered, regarding hostile Muslims,
but also, that this is a good work to persevere with, and the right place to
be.
Swahib
Sali, hiding from the camera – and the taxi we use, there and back!
So until
next time, thank you for all your prayers and encouragements. Please continue to remember our regular and
new listeners, and pray for our diminished team – especially the newbies!
Many
blessings to you all,
Sean
