While ministering in the town of Kitale, Kenya it became evident that our team was larger than was needed for the church we were serving. Sensing an opportunity, I asked Ombima, our host, if it would be possible for us to travel to Uganda. He agreed that it was doable and so we rented a taxi and five of us traveled the windy, bumpy, one-hour drive. With us was Pastor Charles, who was born in the town of Suam, Uganda, the small border village next to the Suam River that separates the two countries. We asked God to lead us to a key contact in order that we might sow the seeds for future disciple making in Uganda.
At the border, Brian and I were required to pay $30 for a visa to enter Uganda. But the Kenya official upon learning our stay would be brief, waived the fee. The Ugandan official across the river told us we needed a visa. But we shared that we only wanted to go into the village and pray that God would bless his country. We also asked if we could pray for him. His demeanor changed and he bowed his head with us as we prayed.
Aggrey, Alfred, Paul and Charles
As we came into the village, a man was standing by the road in a bright, green shirt. He asked what we were doing and Charles excitedly exclaimed that he knew this man, Alfred. He was an elder of Suam PCM Church. Alfred invited us into a building across the street. He had been standing there waiting for his pastor and in God’s perfect timing connected with us. Soon, Pastor Paul Malewa and another elder, Aggrey, joined us. As the three of them sat around a table with us, we shared our vision of raising up disciple makers.
Ugandan children on the road to Suam
Meditation
Acts 20:33-35—I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands have provided for my needs, and for those who were with me. In every way I’ve shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Our three Ugandan brothers have never received discipleship training. They are hungry to learn how to reproduce healthy disciples in Suam and across their nation. But Joseph, the disciple-making leader we left in place, lives over two hours away in Eldoret. It would cost them $30 just to get there. This brings up a poignant challenge. In America we have all we need—ready access to Bibles, radio teaching, discipleship materials and even strong mentors. But in many parts of the world our brothers and sisters are not just without Bibles, they lack even the means to travel where they can be trained.
Application
If God has blessed you with resources, why not be a Kingdom builder? If you would like to help sponsor training in Kenya, Nigeria, Benin, Uganda, Zambia, India or Peru, it is not hard. Simply contact us at First Cause. We will invest your money in building strong, healthy disciple makers. Every dollar you give goes to where you designate. We take no percentage for administrative costs or overhead. We want every possible cent to get into the hands of those who are most needy. It takes a team to raise up teams! The days are short, the need is huge and every joyful sponsor makes a difference! I hope you’ll be one!
