April 11, 2018
Today we continued the pastors training. Again, I taught 4 sessions with a Q&A at the end of the day. The topics for today’s sessions were specifically requested yesterday. We spent a lot of time teaching on the role of a pastor and the structure of the church. God really burdened me to bring teaching that emphasized encouragement. The morning was teaching but the afternoon was preaching. We had an incredible time of worship. It’s hard to understand how preaching through an interpreter there could be such a moving of the Holy Spirit. There was a seamless rhythm to the messages. They seemed to connect with everything that was said. The interpreter did a fantastic job, but it was more than that. His presence was real today. I am humbled that He allowed me to be a part of what happened.
During the Q&A, I was asked by Pastor Butch to address false teachers. As I probed him for exactly what he was looking for, I discovered something very disturbing. There is a long history of traveling preachers that go to the villages and tell the villagers that if they will give them whatever they have that God will bless them; in other words, a prosperity gospel.
Once I heard this, the questions about money issues the day before made more sense. I was again humbled as God brought scripture after scripture to my remembrance that spoke directly to this issue. Honestly, I can’t say that I was prepared or even well read on this subject. Somehow, God spoke through His Word to provide clarity for these pastors. The questions and the study went on for what seemed like hours. God was showing off today!
Kristine, Doug, and Debbie worked with the kids again today. They are exhausted, but they really influenced the children. I’m very proud of Kristine and her willingness to serve.
With sad hearts we left the pastors conference. The children ran after the van literally climbing all over the sides and back. We were very moved by their affection.
This evening we traveled to Torroro. Torroro is a pretty good size town. In Uganda, I suppose it would be considered a small city. Our hotel is actually pretty nice. The shower is still in the middle of the room, but it’s clean!
While we were traveling to Torroro, we crossed the Nile River. I was surprised at how moved I was to cross a river that is connected to so much of human and north African history. We weren’t able to stop for a little while, but it was still a special moment for Kristine and I.