Wow! What a day it's been. We've been busy moving about today, reconnecting with old friends and meeting new friends. I cannot believe how much work and the endless hours Pastor Robert has already invested into the people of Bweya by getting to know them, reaching out to them in service and sharing the Gospel. He is reaching out to what many North Americans would deem as "beyond the least of these". I met several gentlemen today who Pastor Robert has reached out to and through building relationships with them, has put them to work with the construction of the church. I've learned and seen in action, the story of the "widow's mite" here in Bweya Village. The people here are simple and they don't have much. However, they understand and practice the art and biblical mandate of "giving." They may not have the financial resources, but they sacrificially give what they have. Example: "Joy," a widow with a very young child, has no money to offer but she gives back to the Lord through making sure the grounds are clean at the church. A young man, "Daniel," doesn't have ANYTHING but since he lives near the church property, he looks after it to make sure no one takes it over. Here in Uganda, if you are not on your land or if it is not fenced, individuals will move in and take over your land. So, he gives to the Lord by serving to protect our physical investment of 3 acres and a church building. We, North Americans, could learn so very much from the Ugandan people about giving. We need to consider looking at "giving" from a different perspective. How about instead of asking, "How much will I give?" ask yourself, "How much will I keep?" It all belongs to the Lord anyway!
Our day began with a visit to our sister church, Gaba Community Church, as well as visiting the office of ARM (Africa Renewal Ministry), another indigenous partner of ekissa. After that, we were invited to Pastor Peter's home (the founder/senior pastor of Gaba Community Church and the founder/president of ARM). It was good to see him again. It was a time of catching up and sharing of a few economic development ideas for the people of Bweya.
Having seen the physical building of Bweya Community Church yesterday, we learned it lacked a small portion of the roof being completed. So, the team decided this was an area where we monetarily needed to financially bless the church. We headed to the "roofing" store where we purchased the remaining supplies to complete the roof. Within an hour there was a team of 5 guys scaling up handmade ladders and swinging from rafters made from eucalyptus trees to nail the galvanized tin on the roof. It was really quite interesting to watch them work. I'm all about some heights but geezzz, I'm sure glad the Lord didn't ask me to shimmy up that ladder!
Upon our arrival we learned that Mr. Robert, the Ugandan man ekissa purchased the 3 acres from, has recently lost his mother who was in her 90s. Shortly after her passing, Robert's 104 year old, blind father fell which resulted in a broken leg. THEN, Mr. Robert himself suffered a heart attack. This greatly grieved my heart as Mr. Robert is like my Ugandan Grandfather. He is in his mid 70s and is a strong, hardworking, yet gentle man who has a heart for the Lord. He has so much to offer the people of Bweya and they have so much to learn from him. Please pray for this dear sweet supporter of ekissa. We tried to visit him today but he had gone to the international hospital to see a heart specialist. We hope to see him tomorrow as we desperately want to pray over this man.
It's been fun to experience this day with Neel, as this is is first EVER mission trip and his first time to Africa. I've enjoyed getting to know him and he has a great appreciation and respect for the people of Uganda. I'm continually amazed at the things he says. Neel has a practical, business, creative mind which is greatly needed here. He hasn't come with his "western mind" but is taking time to learn from the Ugandan way and then coming up with ideas which could enhance life here in Bweya. There is no mistaking that God has sent him here, and I don't think this will be his last trip! One of the most profound things he shared this evening around the dinner table was, "I now understand the importance of coming and 'being' here. It's more important to be present than the activities we might do." I could only smile at his comment. If only others could understand this concept. Jesus' ministry was simple and it was about relationships - the only way to make progress with "strange people in a strange land" (referenced in the book of Ruth--meaning a different people group), is through building relationships. Neel also is experiencing that we as North Americans need to realize while we have resources to assist the Ugandans, we have a lot to learn from them. There is a real opportunity for a genuine "exchange" of knowledge. Way to go Neel...and yeah God!
There are a few needs which have surfaced and I would like everyone to pray about their possible involvement. The church needs chairs. We had considered building the benches but for the sake of practicality, it makes more sense to actually buy plastic chairs. We have these same chairs in the US. I have seen them in white and dark green. They are a simple plastic chair with arms that can be stacked. These chairs are $10 a piece and the church needs between 50-100. We are talking about $500-$1000. This may seem like a lot but if 10 people gave $100 this could be accomplished. At the moment there are about 5 short benches and about 10 of these plastic chairs I referenced. Everyone else must come and sit on the ground...not the floor...the ground! There is no cement floor, it is truly the earth. Ask yourself if you would be willing to go to church and stand for the entire service...I wouldn't want to.
Another need is financial assistance with a new sound system. We're talking about $200-$300. The church is a good size and when it rains it's very loud on a tin roof. No one can hear their neighbor, let alone hear the pastor.
We also need about $500 to build a small hut home on the 3 acres for the land overseer of the church. This man is in great need and he's caring for his youngest son as a single parent. He has lived a very rough life and not treated his body well in the past, but now an important, active participant of Bweya Community Church.
These are some immediate financial needs you could pray about. If you have interest in assisting with alleviating these needs, please contact ekissa at 336.971.4855
One last thing I wanted to share...for the mission team that traveled this past June 2011, I want you to know, I have seen the fruits of your labor from our house to house visits! A great number of the people now attending the church are coming as a result of your visit! This information was shared to me from Pastor Robert. Never underestimate the time you spent walking through the village, shaking hands, asking for prayer requests and simply showing them the love of Christ by praying with them. Several of them were Muslim as well! So thank you for being willing to come to Bweya Village, Uganda and giving of yourself! I believe this is how Jesus would "do church"...outside of the "walls" and outside of the box!
May God continue to richly bless you in order that you can richly bless others in His name.
Please continue to read our blog at www.ekissa.blogspot.com and pass it around to others who may be interested in what we're doing.
In constant need of His grace,
Sarah
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