August 1999

Report on Ministry Trip to Uganda

General

~    Welcomes and hospitality were as always generous and gracious at all times, especially towards George and William, without exception.

~    Every effort was made to provide us with food suitable to our taste and to avoid what was known to be less desirable.  Particularly commendable was Yuventino (the cook on crusade) who offered to cook me an omelette when goat was the only meat available. 

~    Accommodation again was as good as could be found and quite satisfactory.

~    Transport was as good as it could be, though Milton’s car is inadequate for the task.

Kigumba 

~    A brief stop-over to greet Francis Omaya who had anticipated our coming and gathered a few believers together to welcome us.  Much appreciated.  Good to be able to have a break and maintain fellowship.  The church there is surviving, but lacking growth due to the difficult situation and poor resources.

Seminars and Crusade at Olilim

~    Once the teething problems were overcome, such as the lay-out of the performance area, the ropes etc., the crusade meetings were generally good; well attended, excellent response, with the team performing well and much joy at the end of each day.  Few significant miracles occurred this time, probably the most outstanding being the partial healing of an epileptic boy.  The variety of people responding to the call for salvation was broad, male and female, young and old.

~    The films shows were once again disappointing, with excellent opportunities lost. Of a possible five showings, only one succeeded in having both sound and picture.  People left disappointed.  No film was shown on Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday due to failing to set up on time, projector not working, or rain.  Friday night had picture but no sound.  This is an area that really does need attention.

~    The team appeared to work well together, though I noticed a couple of disagreements.  There was no need for extra members, except that Gabriel, the Team Leader appeared overworked with too wide an area of responsibility as he was leading worship as well.

~    Seminars did not really happen due to lack of people, though surely singing etc could have been done without the sound system to attract people and indicate it was on?

~    The overseeing pastor appeared to have no idea at all what to do with those who had responded to the appeal.  This needs always to have been established in advance, and Peter informed of what is required.

~    The ropes and set-up of the musicians and performers surely by now must be known, and in future this should happen automatically.  

~    Sunday’s first meeting of the new church was excellent.

~    the contributions of George and William, though unrehearsed and unprepared were very well received.

Teso Youth For Christ

~    a very well worth while trip to meet up again with Patrick Esamuk and Emmanuel, together with some 20 or so young people and the pastor of their church.  Good to renew fellowship, especially for George.  I accepted their invitation to be a Patron, and also to speak at the forthcoming Youth Convention in December.

Victory Outreach Church

 ~    again it was good to maintain the contact with Johnson and Charles, and to share with them something of their experiences in endeavouring to pioneer the Cell Church model within their cultural context.  I feel this kind of interaction is more valuable than the “set piece” seminar type session.  We’re learning together as we progress.  I would like to be of more help in  linking them to other genuine cell churches. 

Celebration Church, Agwata

~    another most encouraging visit, to see this church progressing and growing little by little. Impressive was the land purchased and the building erected and almost complete.  The pouring rain only served to prove the desperate need to construct a church building as soon as possible.  Nice to dedicate so many babies and children especially my namesake!  Also to eat again with Faustine Atim, father of Peter Marchand Junior.

Sam Olet and Boke Christ for All Outreach Team

~    the broken relationship between Sam Olet and the Elim church needs much prayer and mediation. In respect of the request of Bishop Tom we withdrew our financial support. Subsequently, the relationship has healed but Sam has now left Elim and overseas his own network of churches, the Living Waters Fellowship of Churches. We have resumed a limited amount of regular monthly financial support.

Power of Jesus Around the World Convention

~    as the Head Boy from the local Senior Secondary School had graciously requested George to help him obtain an English Bible we stopped en route for Dokolo to give him one, and spent an interesting 30 minutes with the acting Headmaster, a Christian, and ex-student colleague of Milton’s.  Much could be done by supplying this school with Christian literature.

~    see separate report for the Convention.

~    the welcoming party on return by some women from All Nations Gospel Church was very kind. 

Farewells

~    it is worth noting that the hospitality issue can prove to be quite a problem to us.  William was ill for two days as a result of drinking so much soda on the last day.  We want to accept such kind hospitality, but our bodies cannot always manage it.  We need help and cultural advice on how to handle this.

Conclusion

~    I felt effort was made to rectify the unfortunate incidents of the previous visit, and much was done to rebuild damaged relationships.  We want to continue to invest into northern Uganda, and hopefully further afield.

~    communication between Uganda and UK remains one of the most frustrating areas, and the sooner we can link properly through e-mail the better.  Fax is proving helpful, but unreliable.

~    re crusades, I would like to produce a small Guideline Document of what I expect as essential and basic in hosting an overseas preacher at great expense to himself, his family, church and other wider responsibilities.  Only time and the pressure of work is preventing this at present.

~    the financial report received from Milton was extremely well received and most helpful for the Trustees.  We thank him for his concern for proper accountability.

~    my apologies for the lateness of presenting this report, but I am seriously under pressure due to Priestfield 2000.

Okello Peter Marchand

5 October 1999