Uganda: Sunday, June 22: A Day of Worship

Our Sunday plans included worship with Pastor Samuel's River of God church.  As a team we had also been asked to provide sermons for River of God and for Pastor Abraham's church.  Pastor Abraham is another awesome ministry partner.  His church has grown and given birth to other churches.  His church actually has "grandbaby" churches now.  No doubt, the Gospel is being spread!  Co-leader Jim gave a sermon last year at Pastor Abraham's church and was excited to return and give another sermon.  Team member Les volunteered to preach at River of God.  Given the timing of both services, I was fortunate to be able to move between the two churches and see/listen to both sermons.  They both did a great job at delivering God's Word!  Below is a pic of Pastor Abraham's congregation.

Pastor Samuel's church (River of God) has 2 services much like my home church.  They have Sunday school in between the services. Team member Adam and I were asked to speak with the young adult class (college age) before I left to see Jim preach.  What a great opportunity to get to know this age group better.  Pastor Bruhan, an interning pastor with Pastor Samuel accompanied us.  After some general conversation to get to know each other, I spoke from 1 Corintians 12 and how we are all important parts of the Body of Christ.  It was exciting to hear how each of these young believers have futures planned and how they plan to use the gifts God has given them. 

Sidebar...Pastor Bruhan is AWESOME!  He is a former muslim converted to Christianity.  He is probably mid 20's and has an incredible heart.  He traveled with our team to many of our stops and facilitated our conversations.  We are very thankful for him and his work!  He is definitely a man we will keep in touch with as he progresses with the plans God has for him.  Below is a pic of Pastor Bruhan with Les and Adam.  Bruhan has promised to help Adam find a Ugandan wife.  :)

Worship in Uganda is INTENSE.  Pastor Samuel took the opportunity to follow up on Les's sermon and continued with fervor. Pastor Samuel is blessed with a gift of preaching.  He is also blessed with very long fingers.  A few times when his speech volume increased and his arms were flying, we thought for sure he was going to poke someone in the congregation right in the forehead with those long fingers!  He is incredible to listen to and his love for Jesus is so palpable. 
The singing during worship is also very intense.  Not one person is sitting back listening.  Everyone is singing to the Lord.  The phrase "raise the roof" comes to mind, but probably doesn't do it justice.  Imagine if we always sang like we were singing to the One True God! 

The rest of Sunday was spent orienting to the local area, planning out the coming week.  It actually rained (massive amounts) Sunday afternoon and we were forced to cancel one of our speaking arrangements.  When it rains like it did, the roads become impassable and people who would walk to the event simply won't come.  The impromptu late afternoon rest did the team good as they were able to recharge for the coming week.  And of course, we had an awesome lunch and supper courtesy of Mercy!  I can't say enough about her hospitality and cooking.