The rain was steady and the waves were high while moving atop the second largest lake in the world. In recent weeks Lake Victoria has grown even greater in size, holding more water than ever and reaching levels that we have not experienced in more than a decade. By God’s grace and practiced skill our team navigated passageways between islands and submerged stones for two hours until the boats lining Kazi Fishing Village on Bugaba Island came into sight. We had come out by God’s love with the Gospel in our tool belt to strengthen the leaders of His church with the presence of our team. And as the rain slowed to a drizzle and we plugged in the sound system, people began to slowly emerge from their soggy homes to hear the message of the Cross.
In this first night of ministry we showed a film on the life of Jesus and immediately afterward 11 people gave their lives to Jesus. Just two hours later an additional 20 people were saved. with a new believers’ class the next morning to help the spiritual babies begin their new life with Christ. By the end of the week, nearly 50 individuals had placed their lives in the hands of God after hearing the Good News of His salvation, and many were baptized in the lake just steps from the church building where they will have ongoing fellowship as they seek to follow Jesus.
The great harvest we are seeing on the islands is the fruit of great mutual cooperation between the leaders of nearly every church in this region. They often take time to pray together for these events, and come ready with something to offer: songs, drama, or just the readiness to swarm the village with the message of the cross and pray for souls. Their unity is remarkable, and we are privileged to join with them to see God’s kingdom come in their backyards.
As we are working to expand our reach beyond the borders of Uganda into Kenya and eventually into Tanzania, it has become imperative to consolidate resources within our existing island regions. Between our public meetings, this particular event hosted the delicate process of bringing the leaders of over two dozen churches spread across eleven islands together to be served by one regional leader. And while the conversations are not always easy, there has been a good outcome with enthusiastic support from the leaders.
The last night as the film played on, our generator surged and blew out our projector. We have often experienced technical problems surrounding our film show, and need more prayer support for these eternity-critical events where people are seeing the Gospel portrayed before their eyes in their own language.
This mission is quite typical of our monthly events held throughout the villages of Lake Victoria. And as we criss-cross the water, we are actively seeing the level of faith, of hope, and of love for Jesus and for fellow man rise to levels we haven’t seen in over a decade of fruitful ministry.
My name is Edward writing from Tanzania,Iam saved and I love Jesus Christ of Nazareth,I have a passion to serve the Lord though am not yet equipped with the ministering bible training
I don’t whether I can get a bible and ministry training from you.
Praise God Edward! I will have someone contact you directly.