Uganda November 2015
As Ambassadors for God’s Kingdom, we have been called by God to represent Him throughout the earth. The earth is His and He has no boundaries! Our Father in Heaven created us to fulfill His will on earth. No matter where we have been, no matter what we have done, our God is a God of forgiveness and redemption. And today He has invited us to be a part of His end-time work. As we make ourselves available to Him, He will restore our souls and ignite our hearts to join Him on the most amazing journey of our lives.
Having just returned from Uganda for the 13th time, I am in awe of the power of God and humbled that He would send me to represent His Kingdom to the people of Uganda. I was once again united with my friend and co-worker Pastor Fred Muyimba. Pastor Fred and I have been working together for about 12 years. He is the Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Ministries, which is based out of the capital city of Uganda, Kampala. God has placed in each of our hearts this passion and desire to plant churches, to raise up leaders and to teach them from God’s Word. We have had the privilege to plant 35 churches throughout the villages of Uganda.
After arriving in Uganda, the next morning we were off to Fort Portal with our leadership team from Pastor Fred’s church. It would take us about 6 hours, and once we arrived God would be at work. I truly believe when God sends me on a journey like this, it is a divine appointment. The theme of our leadership conference was, “Our God Reigns.”
We invited all the pastors and their leaders from the surrounding villages, as we were hosted by Pastor Solomon and his church in Fort Portal. I would once again have the honor and privilege to teach and train these leaders so they could go back into their villages and do the same. These leaders are like sponges, they come and soak up everything God has for them. They have this amazing passion to learn more about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They open God’s Word with great faith and believe that His Word is for them today. They want everything that God has for them and they will do anything to get it. Here I am teaching them, and yet I always learn so much from these pastors who have a deep desire to serve God and to share with others the hope of the Gospel.
Taking a break with some of the pastors in front of Pastor Solomon’s church where we held our conference
We would start each morning worshipping God and preparing our hearts for a full day of prayer, teaching and outreach. There are never two days the same, as we trust the Holy Spirit to guide us. As we spent each day together, we would often take a block of time to let the pastors share from their hearts on what they were learning and how the Holy Spirit was speaking to them. I am always amazed at their insight and depth of understanding of God and His Word. A good visual to describe how I feel can be summed up like this: As I hold the word of God in my hand, it is like a match, and as I touch these pastors with His word, they light up like a candle and shine forth as beacons of light.
Each night we would gather to worship, have a message from God’s word and then an extended time of ministry where we would lead people to Christ, pray for the sick, and watch the power of the Holy Spirit set people free. It is very difficult for me to describe to you what truly happens during those times of ministry. But one thing I know for sure, God is at work and those He touches will never be the same. From young to old, the power of God would touch these people and they would find healing and hope for their lives.
If a picture speaks a thousand words, there is nothing more powerful than what God has done at this water baptism.
Our last day of the conference, we had a baby dedication and then a water baptism in a river about 5 miles from the church. About 30 babies were dedicated that day; Pastor Fred prayed over them and then I anointed them with oil and prayed that they would fulfill the very purpose that God created them. As I looked into the eyes of each child, I couldn’t help but wonder how God was going to use them to bring glory to His name. After the baby dedication, we were off to the river where 60 people were water baptized. What a powerful time of ministry that is. It makes the Bible come alive as you watch each person confess their faith and take that step of faith to go under that water and then arise to the call of God in their lives. As we packed up and headed back to Kampala, I couldn’t help but sense God’s great pleasure with all that was accomplished and the lives that were changed for all eternity.
Bucks for Bricks Update
Having just returned from Uganda, I had the opportunity to see our campaign, “Bucks for Bricks,” becoming a reality right before my eyes. Our goal through this campaign is to raise $50,000 to build six new churches in the villages of Uganda. It is a big goal because we serve a big God! I am happy to report that we have raised almost $20,000 towards our goal. The money has been sent and the pastors and their churches are at work literally building their new churches one brick at a time.
One thing I know for sure, I cannot do this alone. So many of you have joined with ETM and wanted to be a part of this vision. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being obedient to the Holy Spirit and for giving of your resources to make a difference around the world. When the pastors receive these gifts they are literally speechless and moved to tears. They know it is a miracle of God that He has provided for them. I can’t imagine what it must be like when the pastors share with the people what God has done for them.
Again, I want to thank all of you who have joined with me to take on such a task. God will always be at the center of a God given vision. He has this amazing plan of redemption and hope. And many times He has to tear down the old to build the new. What is God building in your life? Building is not always easy and it does take time. Trust Him as He does His work in your life. He is the master builder and wants to do something very special in you.
Would you prayerfully consider giving to this all important campaign? We can make a difference, one brick at a time.
Pastor Fred and Pastor Sydney inside the new church and looking forward to tearing down the old!
Pastor Sydney in front of his church.
Christmas in Prison
Christmas is the time of year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, God’s one and only Son. The Savior of the world was given to us as God’s greatest gift. Another important part of Christmas is to be with family and friends. It is a time of hope, shared with those you love. God has given ETM a world vision, to go and share the Gospel with all who are willing to listen. Later this month, I will join with Warriors for Christ as we go into the prisons of Colorado, sharing the Christmas message with those who need a powerful touch from Heaven. Would you join with me in prayer that the power of the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of these men, and that many will receive God’s gift of forgiveness, redemption and hope? May God richly bless you and your family as you celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas season.