Village Bible Church || Aurora | Indian Creek | Sugar Grove | IL

We arrived in Mbale late last night after a three hour ride from Kampala.  Awaking to a bright sunny day, the team was informed over breakfast that we would be engaged in door to door evangelism in Mbale and surrounding villages today.  Our VBC team was partnered with the ABIDE ministry group of young men with whom our missionary Matt Kehn works.

The group to which Deb and I were assigned met at Busagama Church of Uganda.  Pastor Fred Waniaye accompanied us to several of the homes near the church.  It truly was an amazing time for us as the Holy Spirit went ahead of us and prepared the hearts of many we would talk to.  We met both believers and unbelievers along the way.  The difference was striking as we witnessed such joy and peace among those believers we encountered.

On one occasion, our group was drawn to a group of men repairing their boda bodas (motorcycles) along the roadside.  Our group, made up of Ugandans and Americans, was able to share the gospel.  At least one man received Christ on the spot.  Others showed interest and asked several follow up questions.

The highlight of the day for Deb and me was when Pastor Fred announced that he was scheduled to speak at one of his parishioners’ 70^th birthday celebration.  To our surprise he asked me if I would be willing to give a greeting and speak from the Scriptures at the celebration.

We learned in our pre-trip orientation sessions that being asked to speak with little or no notice was the norm, and that we should always be prepared to say “yes.”  So, I did.

The next thing I knew was that Deb and I both were whisked away on the back of a boda boda.  (That’s right:  Both of us and the driver on the same bike.)

While we were in transit and I was wildly trying to think what I would say, I asked Deb if she remembered where in the Psalms it spoke of God watching over the “man with gray hair.”  I thought it would be appropriate for a birthday celebration of a 70-year-old man.  Deb could not remember, and suggested that I just mention it using my own paraphrase and not worry about quoting chapter and verse.  We arrived at the party, and we met the excited birthday boy.

Now, you must understand that I do my best to avoid exaggeration, especially in spiritual matters.  So what I am about to write is no exaggeration.

As we were waiting for the program to begin and I was prayerfully preparing in my mind what to say, I simply opened my Bible randomly to the book of Psalms, hoping that I could perhaps find the Scripture about which I had been thinking.  I opened to Psalm 71 and began to read it to myself, and I came across just what I had been searching for—Psalm 71:18 “So even to old age and gray hairs oh God, do not forsake me until I proclaim your might to another generation.”  So, I was able to share this scripture and speak of it to the celebrant.

From Deb:  While Dave was preparing and speaking, I was looking through various Scriptures and trying to recall appropriate songs in case I would also be asked to offer something.  None of my ideas were coming together, so I just rested.  After Dave finished, I wasn’t asked to speak or sing, but only to lead in prayer.  I am always ready to do that!  The Holy Spirit gave me the words.

These may seem like small matters, but it amazes the whole team how God through His Spirit seems to script our interactions with people to bring glory to His name.  It also greatly encourages us and confirms that we are indeed in the middle of His will as we minister in Uganda.