2nd Post from Uganda team

Sunday 8/7/11 in Kamonkoli

Nothing in the US can compare to worship in Uganda. The spirit of worship present from the oldest to the youngest was contagious. When is the last time you gave your best in the offering plate at church? As the offering basket was passed this morning coins, eggs, and corn were given as their best to God. Would you ever expect to see your 80 year old grandmother dancing in the front row of church? “Mongeri” did just that as the oldest woman in the congregation. Children were ushered to the front stage to make room for overflow that continued all throughout the service. There were 300 adults and 400 children present for worship with many listening from outside the building and in the small balcony. “BC Homes” a favorite returning guest made an appearance with Julie in Sunday School sharing with the children the story of Elisha and Elijah. The children were leaning forward in anticipation watching “BC” perform.

VBS today almost 440 children were present. Our schedule did not quite go as anticipated, but as all who have been on mission trips before, flexibility is the key, and God’s plan was executed. In crafts making salvation beaded bracelets with over 100 children at the same time, seemed to be a daunting task. However, the Holy Spirit intervened and calmed the children and the “it can’t be done craft” turned into “We did it!”

After completing VBS the children were lined up, in 4 lines of 100 children each, to distribute clothes which were donated by many team members at home. We started out with 15 beautifully handmade pillowcase dresses in varying sizes. We had no difficulty in locating girls to replace their raggedy, tattered dresses, many not even fitting or zipped up. The smiles from a simple dress, that we know will be recycled for many years to come, were indescribable. For the remaining children some chaos ensued with the excitement of the new clothes. We had them separated into boys and girls and specific sizes, but matching the clothes with the child was no easy task. Towards the end we were frazzled. No longer were we working with complete outfits, but we were lucky to provide just one short or pair of bottoms. It was at this point our team was faced with the reality that we can’t fix it all. The needs are too great. The number of children represented at church today is only a fraction of the children in need here in Kamonkoli. We need more resources, more hands and feet, and continued prayers. Tomorrow the women will begin home visits in the bush and the men will start construction on the new chain link fence.

Since being here several of our team members have received news of family emergencies back home, so please pray for them here and the family members left at home to deal with these situations without them.