Well it's been almost a week and so far I am loving my time here in Lira, Uganda. This week has consisted of a lot of learning. Learning the local language (Luo or Langi), learning the layout of the town, learning about the ministries we may be involved in, and learning from the people here – their friendliness, humility and joy. We are privileged to be working alongside Victory Outreach Ministries (our local contact) led by a man named Pastor Johnson Ogema. He and the rest of the staff have a vision and drive for aiding their community that is educated, geniune, and contagious. Our accomodations are fantastic, we are so blessed to come back to a peaceful place where we can relax as a team (and we even have nice beds and indoor showers!). Some highlights from the first week here:
-Prison ministry – on a Sunday afternoon a group of us had the chance to go to a local prison and meet with a group of men to worship God. This group of men was singing to God with conviction and passion and it was an honor to be with them. I also got the chance to read some scripture with them (Eph. 2) and hopefully encouraged them.
-Hospital Ministry – we walked through some hospital wards meeting with women and their sick children and praying with them and just showing that we cared. this was pretty draining as I just felt somewhat helpless as we couldn't personally do much to tangibly care for them, however, I trust that they were encouraged by our visit and I know that they are in the hands of God who will take better care of them than I ever could anyway.
-Kids! There are children everywhere who want to meet with us and play with us. I wish I could share some pictures or videos with you, but rest assured they will come soon. My friend Jordan and I built a basketball hoop out of a ladder, an old bike tire and some duct tape and taught our local young friend, Emmanuel, to play basketball…fun! I love just carrying these kids on my back, spinning them around, tickling them, and laughing with them….good times. Some kids from the area around our "hotel" came up to us and took us back to their home where we talked with their parents and just learned more about the way they live – remarkable hospitality and willingness to meet with total strangers.
Random side note: I'm on a quest along with the other guy on our team, Jordan, to protect the hotel's free roaming chickens from a "chickenhawk" which will occassionally swoop down and snatch a chick. So now every time we see a big shadow fly over us we run and grab a rock to throw at it..we have to have some fun right?
p.s. i don't have malaria
God bless all of you,
-john
