We have yet to truly begin our ministry in Uganda. Although we have spent a day with children sponsored by Compassion International, gone to a Ugandan service at our host's church, and made many a new friend in the natives and in our team, we have yet to truly begin to speakto people about Christ.
Setback: I anxiously wait for our team to come together more closely. I know we are still in a more formative stage, but there are so many hearts that beat and ache and beat and ache for healing amongst us. Testimonies have laid waste to our over-romanticized ideals of each other's pasts, the staggering heat and relentless sun remind us of our physical weakness, and real vulnerability is bartered for the lull of chipper conversation. I do not resent these things, and I realize trust is built slowly (and perhaps I am too eager to trust?), but I long to know my brothers and sisters more fully as we venture together to perform mighty works in God's name. May it be so.
Victory: The very first day in Kampala – before we ever left for Lira where we are staying – a girl names Alice approached us seeking to become a "born again." We eagerly listened to her ask questions about Christ, salvation, and what it means to be born again. We answered with the authority of Scripture in-hand, and the LORD brought another lost sheep into the fold of eternity. God is awesome.
I admit, I still do not feel very much like I am in Uganda. I am aware of it, perhaps, but I think I am still ignorant to the true brokenness that lies beneath the pleasant smiles and courteous handshakes. We are all broken, so I ask that you may be with me in prayer, that you build me up by petitioning to the LORD most especially for our team, that we would be unified in spirit by the Spirit. Pray for me as well, that I would open my heart to the true, raw power of the Holy Spirit – that I would not resist Him.
I am thankful for Stoney Soda, for openness, for shade, for water, for water, and also for water. Your Ugandan word of the week is "Apoyo mateik (sp?)" which means "Thank you very much."
If there is something you really want to know about my trip thus far, please leave a comment. Repost this to your facebook and twitter so others can pray for me and my team.
God wins.
Benjamin Scott Campbell
@the_passport
