Thus Far

As Ryan stated in the previous post, the Kasese conferences came to an end on Friday, and it seemed to be just what the pastors and church leaders needed. Isn't it amazing how God works?

Just to recap the highlights of the week:

The worship and praise blew all of us first-timers away. These people praised God with genuine hearts and in an un-ashamed manner. This was so refreshing for all of us. As Susan told the women one day, "I love how you worship. We in America were taught from a very young age to be quiet and still in church." A lot of the women either gave looks of confusion or simply laughed.

Jessica and Susan did an amazing job going through the Lord's Prayer, breaking it down bit by bit. On Friday in our small groups, we asked the ladies this question, "What did you learn this week?" I am not sure how the other groups went, but almost all of the ladies in my small group spoke about forgiveness. So many gave testimonies about how people in the past had hurt them and how they forgave those persons after hearing Susan's "as we forgive those who sinned against us" lesson. One Of the interpreters, also named Susan, told the women how her aunt tried to strangle her after she wet the bed, and how the same aunt tried to make her blind by burning her eyes.... But she forgave her. Wow. Even more heart-stirring, she told us all that her step-mother killed killed her real mother... But she has forgiven her. Double wow. That's just one example of how God used this conference to show these women His love and draw them closer to Him. Simply amazing.

I got the chance to hear all four of the men speak at the men's conference. They all did great job as they allowed God to teach these people, not only preach to them. From what I heard from Ryan, the men were so attentive soaking up all that was being presented to them. The one lesson that I was able to hear from John was on marriage. After John went through Ephesians 5:22-28, the pastors of Kasese and the surronding areas were asked to introduce themselves at the end. As they walked up to the microphone, they brought their wives with them. This was so cool to see since affection between spouses is almost non-existent in Uganda.

We have experienced the natural beauty of this country... The mountains, colorful flowers, thunderstorms and cooling rain. And we have seen the need here as well, physically, financially, and spiritually. As we wrap things up, would you continue to pray for these people and this country over the next few weeks, months, year? God is working in this place, and these people are so willing to take the good news to other people and places. May He be glorified by all. Amina (amen).