When Peterson Sozi first asked me to come teach in Uganda originally I had planned to teach PRMI’s Dunamis track on prayer. I was scheduled to teach the same course a couple weeks later in Holland, MI, but when Peterson asked me to also teach hermeneutics, systematic theology, and ecclesiology, I knew the stakes were high. 20 rural pastors and leaders from the Luwero District outside Kampala were coming for their first two week session of “seminary” training. For many, this was the only theological training they’d ever had. Needless to say, I had to “study up” and prepare on some things I had not looked at since seminary 25 years ago. I ended up teaching about 40 hours on just the course in Biblical hermeneutics (how to interpret Scripture based on what genre of literature a given book of the Bible is). What a blessed time we had together.

Our church has been working with Back to God Evangelistic Association for about 16 years now.  The ministry operates four schools in Uganda, (with about 1000 students total), a health and dental clinic, a farm, and Capital Community Church in Kampala. While there is the wonderful ongoing work to relieve the plight of the poor and to educate children (many who are orphans), Peterson’s passion is evangelism, church planting, and raising up new leadership. Two years ago a powerful Muslim witch doctor in Luwero became a born again Christian. With over 1000 other witch doctors under his direct authority, his conversion was integral in God’s work bringing a literal revival in this region. Now there is a great need for pastors and leaders for all the new churches that are springing up. Most of the current pastors lack any real significant training in basic theology, Bible study skills, preaching, teaching, or pastoral ministry. They need a mini-seminary. While I taught an introductory course on how to interpret Scripture, this was just a beginning of much more training to come. Debbie and I are now planning to return in February 2009.

Our classroom setting was a farm in Butalale, Sseconyonda, about two hours drive northwest of Kampala. Plumbing and electricity are years away. On one section of the farm is a two building primary school with about 100 students, where the fresh water bore hole is. On another section is a goat farm and our classroom and some homes were located on another. The classroom was once a chicken roost, about 20X40 with a hay covered dirt floor. Occasionally a stray chicken would walk through, perhaps recalling better times. 4-5 pigs lived in the room next door and they were continually inquiring at the front door but were shooed away.

Our first week each pastor and myself were given 6 hours in the morning to go off “alone with God” to pray “in the bush” i.e. in the woods. What a powerful time that was for each of us, re-kindling our first love and intimacy with God. It was amazing how, without the distraction of cell phones and computers, once I got past the strangeness of the situation (a few ants and animals visiting me), I was able to pray long and loud. The hours flew by, I didn’t want it to end. After lunch we meet for about 5 hours of teaching. For “tea” about 6 or 7 pm several evenings we had a stalk of sugar cane. I even peeled some with my teeth. Better than candy. Dinner was often well after dark (about 9pm), standing around (no furniture) under awesomely beautiful starry skies, eating rice and beans, cassava, and matoka (mashed and boiled green bananas). Being the rainy season in April, we often got chased under roof by storms that would come up quickly and end almost as quickly.

On Saturday night I went back to Kampala and stayed in a hotel. Sleeping on the ground at night and bathing in the early morning using a jug of cold water and a large coffee cup was sufficient for my needs while at the farm, but the long hot shower and clean soft bed in Kampala was a true treat. That morning I went to Peterson’s church and then enjoyed the afternoon at his home. The drive back to the farm in the dark, across many tiny dirt roads made me really appreciate Peterson’s navigational skills.

The second week was more intensive with teaching, from 9-6 each day with a break for lunch. As the days went by I truly began to appreciate these pastors and all they do to bring the Gospel to their communities. They really sought to understand the Bible and to be able to teach and preach the whole Word of God. Typically the pastors work extremely long days, first at a secular job to earn some money and then in evangelism and discipleship to grow their new churches. Most of these pastors were what we’d call “quite poor,” having perhaps 2-3 sets of clothes, a pair of shoes, a belt, and a Bible. I noticed most of the men and women wore the same shirts, pants or dresses all week but they kept themselves remarkably clean. They considered themselves “rich” because they had something to eat every day, families who loved them, and God who fills their lives.

Thanks to all who prayed for me while I was gone. I literally could feel the power of God flowing through me, using me, giving me words beyond my training and preparation. Your faithfulness brought blessings to many others who will in turn go out and bless still others.