August 22, 2009, Saturday
The Lord called me by name to awaken me at 3 a.m. this morning. The Holy Spirit prompted me to pray for my son and then I worshiped the Lord listening to my worship music until I went back to sleep. I love it when the Lord wakes me up and especially if he calls me, “Sandy.” to wake me. I know he has something for me to pray about. Glory to God! I don’t know what is going on with my son but the Lord does and he is always faithful to care for us.
This morning Steven came to Phil’s house so he could accompany us to the church. Badru and I don’t know where it is and Steven is one of the builders for SOK so he worked on this church. Today I missed Godfrey and Richard. We drove to Bugiri Town and then turned onto those bone jarring dirt roads and drove about 45 minutes to the village. I think of the Rattler roller coaster every time I’m on the really bad roads that jerk you back and forth and side ways too. Steven speaks some English but not fluently so he can’t translate. Badru is fasting today because the month of Ramadan has started for the Muslims. He is still watching the Jesus film everyday and I know the Holy Spirit is wooing him.
When we arrived I was greeted with many children and adults in the church singing praises to God. Nakyegereka Christian Church (Charismatic Episcopal) was built by SOK and dedicated in 2008 in memory of Joseph Watson, Choctaw Country, Mississippi. We set the equipment and the long extension cord wouldn’t work today, so we had to put the generator closer to the church and the voltage regulator outside of the church. The generator worked okay, thank you, Jesus. We played music while we waited for the Bishop to come so he could translate for me.
I taught about 100 people the Ten Commandments, Salvation and Holiness. It was difficult today because Bishop James isn’t used to hearing my English. In addition the Bishop spoke in Lugandan and then Pastor Dana translated into Lusoga. At times I didn’t know if anyone really understood. After teaching the commandments with the pictures, having them repeat them and review them, most still didn’t’ know them, so we repeated them again. It was hard teaching today and I really missed Godfrey.
During the film I rested in the shade and then when the food was ready, the Bishop, pastor and other church leaders had me join them in a circular hut for rice and chicken. I had already eaten my chapatti and drank some water so I wasn’t very hungry. I did eat some to be polite. Bishop James was very appreciative of the teaching and the film. He is Bishop over about 30 Episcopal churches in Bugiri District and wants me to bring my program to the other churches. I told him I’m leaving next week but to contact Peter for scheduling when I return, God willing, in January. While we were eating the power to the machines went off. When I checked the generator, someone had unplugged the cord. Perhaps someone tripped on the cord and it disconnected but I have a feeling someone unplugged it on purpose. After reconnecting and restarting everything, the people were able to see the whole film without further problems.
I asked the Bishop if he would take the microphone after the film and ask people who want to be saved to come forward and pray with them. He said he would do that. However, at the end of the film, he didn’t. He had the people sing a song and then asked those who were saved to raise their hands. The people who raised their hands were present during the teaching and indicated they were already saved. Oh, how I missed Godfrey and Richard. When they take the microphone, people come forward and get saved. Many pastors and this bishop don’t take the opportunity to bring others to salvation. I’ve primed the pump but they don’t draw any water!
The pastor of the church wasn’t present at the end of the film, so I gave the Bibles to the Lay Leader, Steven. Bishop James translated and the people were very excited to get the 8 Bibles and 100 Books of Hope for their church. James said he planned to come to this church tomorrow and would preach about the teaching and the film. He was very appreciative and he wanted me to come to his house after the film. I told him we needed to return to Iganga since we had the truck that transports the orphans. He insisted his house was on the way. However, he wanted Badru to drive in the opposite direction. I said no that we were going the same way we came. James and his son got in the truck and said their home was on the way. As we drove, James had Badru stop and I knew he was telling Badru to turn to the right, even though I didn’t understand the words. I said no. I told James that Badru and I were going to Iganga as I pointed straight ahead. I told him he and his son could get out if they wanted to go to their home. They got out and we said goodbye. I was determined not to go in another direction! James wasn’t happy but as we left them and drove off, Badru was very happy. He said in English, “Thank you very much.” I know he wants to get home by dark because fasting is from sun up until sunset. If he gets me home before dark he can get home by dark and eat. I forgive James for trying to manipulate and control me with his half truths and lies. Also I forgive him for going against my wishes and asking Badru to go to his house anyway!
At the house I showered and rested and journaled. Tomorrow is Sunday and we will leave early for the long drive to the church. I’m tired and hungry but happy and peaceful. Thank you, Lord for the good day.
Thank you for all the people who learned more about you today. Katonda mulungi! God is Good!
