Youth Conference 2023

Every year our church and sister churches gather for a youth conference. This year, we faced many challenges preparing. Money was slow in coming; several youth couldn't make it; top church leaders were too busy until last minute to discuss details. Yet we persevered in prayer. I'm incredibly thankful for spiritually strong youth group members who unknowingly encouraged me by showing their passion for the youth to gather. I took courage from their attitude and Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we can spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." God confirmed to my heart His will was for our youth to gather in praise to His name. How could I pray then, except for His will? I'm in awe of the way God answered these prayers. He provided money through two government representatives, cancelling the 500,000 shilling (about $140) debt we had. Additionally, several youth have shared with me how meaningful certain sermons were to them. Join me in prayer that God continues to stir the truths He gave us youth who were at the conference as we return to normal life.

A single truck picked up the youth from about 7 churches before heading to Pingere, where the conference was held (an hour drive from Obule, where we live).

Luggage packed and ready to go. I'm convinced my friends here would make great missionaries because they can pack an insane amount in a single backpack!

Waiting for everyone to arrive so the truck can head out.

As soon as the pastor arrived, there was a mad scramble for the truck. I'm still debating, would I rather be squished in the middle, which would feel safer and have less dust but be super hot, or ride on the outside where it's cool but I face dust and possibility of falling off? I'm incredibly thankful God answered many prayers for safety. He carried each passenger to and fro from the conference without a single injury, despite a close call when several youth were nearly thrown off the truck.

Pingere Karamojong used to have a small, grass-thatched hut church. Because they've upgraded to this permanent building, they desired to host this year's conference.

Baby Jordan is deeply loved by everyone who comes in contact with him. My brother, Luka, absolutely adored Jordan and even went back to Pingere with my parents the Sunday following the conference to see the precious baby again.

Photo credits to Grace

The conference took place from Monday evening to Wednesday afternoon. The first evening, Grace and I walked with some friends to a relative's house so the girls could bathe. Without deodorant in African heat and facing constant dust, Ugandans take bathing seriously. Every morning, the youth bathed before coming to church. In the evenings, they were given another time to bathe.

Beautiful creativity to patch the door with jerrycans (the plastic containers used to carry water).

In our village, all water in fetched from a borehole (pump). But in Pingere, several families got their water from wells.

We attract a cloud of kids wherever we go.

Painting their eyebrows and brushing hair before returning to church. Girls are the same everywhere :)

Praise, worship and preaching before supper and bed.

Luka spent the night with his friends (and all the other youth). Grace, my dad and I returned the next morning.

I deeply appreciate a father who's gifted with ability to make God's word clear.

First, Dad preached on the theme verses: James 4:7-8. He showed submission as that of a sheep giving absolute control to its Good Shepherd, as portrayed in Psalm 23.

Later, Dad spoke about resisting the devil. He showed how the devil has human fingerprints, because he works through men. We were admonished to take care, lest we ourselves do the devil's work for him or follow his lead when he works through a close friend.

Lastly, Dad preached about using our gifts for the Lord. He began with the question, "Was it a miracle with David killed Goliath?" He proceeded to show us why he believes it's not a miracle. In Judges 20:16, the writer records that a regiment of the Israelite army was 700 men who could hit a hair with their slings and not miss. These same men feared to face Goliath. Saul himself, though a head taller than all the Israelite men, would not fight. David, because his eyes were focused on the Lord not the enemy, was willing to use his talent for God's will.

Dad also prepared a super fun game for us. He spray painted nine letters at the church and two hosts' homes. Split into teams, we had to find the letters, then unscramble them to reveal the message: God lead us.

No wonder my blonde hair and white skin stands out, for I immediately noticed this precious girl, Kaka, whose hair and facial features were remarkedly different than Teso folks. Turns out she's from a tribe across the lake. Kaka sang in many of the choirs even if she didn't know the words :) I don't think I was the only one who absolutely adored her.

The line up for every meal.

no matter the roof

looking up to

see God there

calling to you

Luka amazed me with his endless patience through many sermons. He sat attentively, took great notes, and actively participated with others. I'm beyond thankful for godly siblings who appreciate life in Uganda and seek after God for themselves.

The second evening, I went with a different group of friends so they could bathe at (yet another) relative's house. This time they allowed me to help fetch water from the well.

The man in the background came by, wondering where I was from. When he asked my friends in the local language, they told him they'd found me in England ;)

my story

matches not

do I fit,

Lord, what

do you

desire

for me?

to love

as You

love, to

serve and

listen

gently as

You do

Stunning picture of God's creation praising Him!

Tuesday night, a dust storm hit. I've never seen anything like it! As if we were in the dessert, sand whipped over the compound. We were hardly able to see. Those of us who were outside before running for shelter had dust in every exposed crevice. Dad, Luka and Luka's friends had to rush to take down the tent and bring the boys' things inside before the intense wind blew the tent away! The kitchen staff also hurried to bring the huge pots with not-quite-ready food inside. Dad described the plates he helped bring in, saying they looked as if they'd been neglected outside for a month. The wind even forced a sparrow inside the building, though all the windows were closed tight (it must have come in through the space between the roof and walls).

After the dust came a heavy rain. Everyone (including the motorcycle, which had been driven inside between the rows of chairs) sat to wait for the shower to pass. This made for a 10:30 pm supper. But what else can you do when half of life is lived outside? We spent our time chatting with friends or trying to rest (if you can rest well leaning forward on your chair).

Dust from one's face and neck after the storm.

Dad, Luka, Grace and I slept in the van. I cherish these seemingly simple memories together.

Unfinished building used as the kitchen.

The last day an invitation was given for those who had walked out of God's will to come and resubmit themselves to Him. Awe for God's grace and majesty colliding fell upon me as I watched these four come forward, weeping before the Lord.

Everyone joined in prayer for their own selves. God again answering prayers as He powerfully moved many to worship Him!

Because of money donated by the government reps, we were able to have fish for lunch the last day (rather than a baked beans-ish soup, which had been served for every other lunch and supper).