Ignite mission to the islands: Day 4
I’m in a tent with Seth Sokoloff and Pastor David Muyanja with sounds of chattering Ignite students and a distant movie house making this remote place less than peaceful. But our team was filled with joy this evening as we gave testimony to the great things God did today and throughout the week.
Through riotous waves we traveled this morning to minister, and though soaked to the skin and shivering in the wind, we were privileged to speak the word of God to a room full of eager believers and to streets full of interested villagers. While speaking to a nominal catholic shoe seller on main street Misonzi, I asked him at one point if he fears witchcraft. “Nnyo!” (so much!) was his adamant reply. And as we continued I caught a glimpse into this culture of fear in which one curses another to protect himself from previous curses. In neighboring Kaaya, a batch of fetishes in a rented house has caused so much ruckus in the past month that one child has died and her mother only survived through an all night deliverance session with the church. My shoe selling friend could hardly believe me when I declared that Jesus has all power over those demonic things and that we actually live with fear.
At the evening crusade we sang and danced for hours, the crowd edging in close to see a couple of white guys shake their bodies in pitifully unskilled ways that slightly resemble the local cultural dance. I preached Jesus to the onlookers, and even while speaking appreciated His great love all the more. My information turned to pleading with them to repent and be reconciled to God, and many raised their hands to receive the life that was offered them and gave their lives to Jesus to live for Him.
Multiple times today, Seth and I shook our heads in wonder at the greatness of the Gospel. Freedom from every bondage, forgiveness for every sin, power over every temptation, all the blessings of obedience, help for every distress, and above all, relationship with our Maker–this is truly an abundant life!
And did I mention that I get to see my family in 12 hours?…
