Students Visit

Our church's national youth leader began attending a sort of Bible college in January. He's enjoyed studying there immensely and often spoke of taking his fellow students to the village to meet us (the local youth group). In July the wish turned into a plan. Between 15 and 20 students joined our youth leader, Teacher Sam, to visit the village. The day proved immensely enjoyable and greatly encouraging!

During the introductions, I felt my spirit leap. About four of the guests were refugees from South Sudan and one was a refugee from Sudan! I have been praying heavily for these countries, sometimes crying or feeling pain in my heart as I bring the war, persecution and division of these countries to the Lord. What joy I found in meeting brothers in Christ from these nations, seeing their joy despite challenging circumstances! I implore you to pray for these men, who have limited options after Bible college aside from returning to the refugee camps where they've left their wives and children for now.

After introductions, some of our youth took the visitors to seem the Farm, a site where Farming God's Way is practiced. I haven't been to the Farm since moving to Obule 10 1/2 years ago, so I was equally as intrigued as the guests.

Two local church leaders, Milton and Dan, explained the Farming God's Way method to us. Instead of plowing, which buries the soil nutrients that need fresh air to live, this method calls for small, individual holes to be dug with a hoe. The seeds are placed in the holes along with a spoonful of ash and a spoonful of fertilizer. Afterwards, the holes are covered in mulch, which keeps moisture in and is used in place of weeding.

When Milton spoke of the high profits of a 6 by 6 meter plot, the entire group gave an amazed gasp. I wish people in Obule would begin to use this method. One pastor who tried complained about a lack of grass for mulch. However, as Milton explained the process to us, it became obvious that the time it would take to weed a garden could be swapped with searching for mulch. 

Why might Farming God's Way prove a valuable tactic here? In Uganda, boys inherit the father's land. The land per family becomes smaller and smaller as fathers divide their plot among sons. With Farming God's Way, folks could get a larger profit from a shrinking land supply.

Several guests showed genuine interest in the Farm. They asked our guides question after question. One refugee from South Sudan expressed to me the usefulness such a method could have in the refugee camp, where families are given tiny amounts of land.

After the farm, we split up into groups to visit homes in the village. I realized too late that my two companions knew absolutely no Ateso (the local language) and we were visiting a house whose occupants speak no English. Thus, I found myself forced into acting as a translator. Sambu, one of the two men in my group, shared a beautiful encouragement about leaving fear and sin behind so we can race towards Christ-likeness. I did my best to convey his message in Ateso, although I reused words terribly often. I thank the Holy Spirit who speaks all languages; surely He led me and even encouraged the listeners beyond what I could translate.

Back at church, the other half of our youth group prepared lunch.

These two chapati (local flatbread) makers are Calvin and Lazerus.

More than enough cooks showed up, including Emalai who never misses cooking for a conference if she can help it!

One of our visitors, Jolly, mingling the posho (like hardened cream of wheat).

After lunch, we had worship and Bible study.

While worshipping, I felt the Spirit's presence among us. In moments like this, I understand why the Israelites feared the Lord and bowed trembling before His fiery presence on Mount Saini. He's still the same today, deserving reverence and awe from the church's heart.

Because it was my turn to teach youth group anyway, Teacher Sam asked me to go ahead and teach the lesson. I don't normally experience stage fright, but I felt insecure when I contemplated teaching this group of youth on fire for God. Who am I to preach to refugees, men older than me, mothers and youth leaders? My friend unknowingly encouraged me when she discovered the topic of the lesson and exclaimed that God put that same message on her heart this week. The Spirit whispered to my spirit, "See? This isn't about you. It's about Me at work in My people." I silently prayed that His words would come out in place of my own. Amazingly, I learned much even as I taught! Glory to God!

Group picture!

Makai and my parents came along to say hi. The enthusiasm our guests showed to greet my parents touched my heart deeply. You never know how encouraged someone will be when you take time to seek them out and say hello.

A futbol game concluded the day.

Makai enjoyed watching, confident he wouldn't get hit by the ball flying towards the goal.

So thankful for these wonderful friends I get to hang out with on days like these. United across the difference of culture, skin color, economic status and upbringing... only unity in Christ's love can explain it.

I want to give one last shout out to two testimonies given by church members about the guests. One woman told how she had a pile of peanuts to shell and no water. The group visiting her house completed both tasks for her. 

Milton, the pastor who acted as a guide at the Farm, spoke of his inability to express the joy he felt when he joined us for worship.

I praise God because He is at work, as He promised. "Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am with them" Matt. 18:20