Kacungwa

“We no longer call you ‘visitor’, we now call you ‘Uncle’ and ‘Auntie’”.

 These words were so beautiful to hear because it represents a significant transition in our relationship with the people here in Kacungwa who we have grown to love.

After a long week and half of conference and settling into Ugandan culture again, it was our time to head out to Kacungwa and spend time with our dear friends there.  School was out, so not many children were there as we normally see lining the road as we approach.  But when we drove into the village, we were so warmly greeted by the members of the church and community – so many hugs and smiles.  Like everyone else on our team, I was searching out “my” children as well as seeing people I have known for many years now.  It really is all about the people!

We knew Sunday was going to be a busy morning and we really didn’t have a lot of time.  But before

we started Sunday School and the worship service, we had to go to Pastor Sylver’s house for some tea and breakfast.  The Pastor is building a new house very near the church.  It is a beautiful house with an amazing view of the hills surrounding Kacungwa.  It was a fun time of getting caught up, but also anticipating the morning service ahead.

After breakfast, we returned to the church and were all divided up to teach Sunday school classes.  Sean (here it pronounced “Seen”) and I were teaching the high school and college aged youth.  The text from the bible we used was from 2 Samuel and the story of David and Bathsheba.  It was about how we are no just thrown into the deep end of the sin pool, but we are tempted (by a beautiful woman in David’s case) and if we succumb to the temptation may easily be drawn into sin.  It was a great time to spend with the young people.

All of our team members were teaching Sunday School and were so happy to be doing just that on our first morning in Kacungwa.

The worship services in Kacungwa are something that everybody should experience.  This small church in a village that is not even on a map was filled to capacity and let me tell you – the people here LOVE Jesus and love praising God!  Just before the message, Brandon invited

one of the boys that was in his Sunday School class to come up to the “stage” and share a bible story that he had in Sunday School.  This young future pastor did a great job standing up in front of everybody.  Sean preached with the assistance of an interpreter and did his usual great job of sharing God’s word and encouraging the church.

At the end of his sermon, Sean invited Ken & Chris to come up and lead the church in pray for Pastor Sylver and his wife Allen.  What a blessing to see a church pray for their pastor like this and bless them in such a powerful way.  I really think this is what church, at least on Sunday, is supposed to be.

After Sean’s message and prayer for Pastor Sylver, we saw a baby dedication for the new baby of our friend Chriscent and his wife presenting their new baby.  It was a little different than what we are used to at CCC, but it was a very touching moment.  Their baby is so fresh and beautiful!

Another thing that happened that was a true joy to be part of was that Pastor Sylver called students who would be attending University to come up front.  Justus (white shirt and red tie) shared a very touching testimony about how he had been able to reach university through sponsorship and partnership with CCC.  In all, there were 10 college students that came up.  Pastor Sylver said that these were the first university students from Kacungwa.  The first!  And 10 of them!  If you have ever wondered if you (we) are making a difference in lives, this is a perfect example of how the years of partnership with Kacungwa Community Church and ARM have changed lives here for the better!

It was so refreshing to be back here in Kacungwa worshiping together!!!  I can still remember my first trip in 2012 – it is both the same and better.

After the worship service, we went back down to Pastor Sylver’s new house for lunch.  It was a great lunch of local foods.  By now, we all had our sponsored children in hand and I was blessed to share my mealtime with Joel and Shafik.  It’s amazing the bond I’ve developed with “my” children.  Joel is Pastor Sylver’s son and Shafik bought his mother to see me at church.

To be honest, I’m not sure what happened to Sunday afternoon.  Each of us went different directions with different people.  It was such a flurry of activity and people.  I did spend some time talking with the college students about a possible computer lab here in Kacungwa.  They gave me their ideas and thoughts on the pros/cons and other considerations.  These are very intelligent young people who have a passion for serving.  One thing that they brought up on their own was that we could use the computer lab not just for the students, but also helping/educating people in the community.  They rattled off a list of potential job opportunities that could result as well as increasing literacy and a general sense of pride in learning.  It was a great time to spend listening to these future leaders.

It was hard to leave for the night, but one of our team was not feeling well and we needed to get back to the hotel.  Please pray that God will keep us healthy as we seek to do His work and love His people here in Uganda.  We are looking forward to being back in Kacungwa tomorrow morning.

In His service, 

Dave