Category: Gospel and Culture

This evening we fly out from Kampala, Uganda to Chicago, Il. This two week trip seems like it has been a month and a half, largely because we have done and seen so much, from village to urban African life. Our host, Pastor Gerald, has been very gracious, opening lots of minstry doors for the team. We have learned so much. Pray that the Spirit would help us process these important lessons, both for ourselves and for Austin City Life.

In the next few weeks we will have a Uganda presentation to share photos, videos, and stories of what God is doing in Uganda. I have also started blogging theological insights from the trip here. I can’t wait to see my family and to worship with ACL. Thanks to all who have prayed so dilligently. We escaped any serious sickness or physical hardship, and fought the fight of faith well. Grace has been upon us, underneath us, and before us. With you in the mission, Jonathan.

This blog is written by Tara Jamieson, ACL team member and Austin nurse.

Lord’s  Resistance Army

This morning we were blessed enough to visit an orphanage composed entirely of children, ranging in ages from 7 to 18, rescued from the intense conflict in Northern Uganda. This area is terrorized by the Lord’s Resistance Army, who kidnaps children from their families and forces them into slavery. Girls become part of the sex trade, and boys are made child soldiers. Often the Army kills the family in front of the children. The violence leaves indelible marks on the children, both physically and emotionally, and the children fortunate enough to escape battle the repercussions their entire lives.

Stories of Redemption

At the orphanage, we heard the testimonies of some of the children. Luna, an 18-year-old girl, shared her desparation in becoming responsible for her two younger sisters after her parents were killed. She ran to her uncle for help, but was told, “I am not a bank.” Chris shared with Justin how his parents and younger sister were killed in front of him. Luna said that at first, many of the children did not want to hear about Jesus, but after repeated exposure to the word of God, He opened their hearts to His gospel.

After the testimonies, the choir sang songs for us accompanied with dances. We bought CDs to bring back! The first couple songs proclaimed their newfound joy in Christ. Their smiles were the most sincere and joyous things I have ever seen. Their last song told their story, describing the loss of their parents and the war-torn country they came from, but ended with praise to God for saving them. It was so beautiful to see tangible results of God’s promise to reconcile all things to Himself!

Murmuring and Redemption

I have been reading Deuteronomy these last couple months and was reminded of a passage while watching the children today. After the Israelites were brought out of captivity, Deuteronomy tells of how they rebelled against God, “murmuring” in their hearts towards God, saying that is was because God hated them that they were brought out. I thought of how often I murmur against God, thinking that my sufferings have much more to do with God’s lack of love for me than His immense love for me. I am much like the Israelites in all areas of my heart. I saw today, though, that the children singing and dancing never thought to blame God for what has happened to them. Instead of anger, they felt gratitude. Instead of feeling like they were owed something by the God of the universe, they were humbled that He would look upon their sufferings and call them out of the pit.

This blog post is by Amy Scott, an ACL mission team member and Austin school teacher.

I am a city girl through and through this is what intially struck me as we were headed back into the capitol city of Kampala. My team was like you are so giddy and I was. Its not just the indoor bathroom and shower that thrilled me but all the sights and sounds of the city.

Kampala is a city of dichotomy. We went to a really nice, almost Americanized coffee shop for lunch where we surrounded by business people and other Westerners in suits.  Then that  evening we were headed into the slums to preach at a church. You go from poverty of spirit to true poverty in a matter of minutes, and the thing is every single person needs the transforming truth of the gospel.

I am continously struck by own desperate need for the truth of the gospel to penetrate my heart and compel me to share that truth with others. Why do I deny people an opportunity to hear of a Jesus who loves and redeems us from the pit?

We just returned from village life in Eastern Uganda, where we focused on training pastors and church planters on The Gospel, Gospel Change, Community Development, and Contextualization. It was an one of the best cultural experiences I have had. Very African, very rural, very exciting. We had discussions about witch doctors, polygamy, famine, drinking—all very real issues for these pastors. The key guy we are working with, Bishop Wako, is a remarkable visionary from a small village in the area. He is seminary trained and loves his people. We were humbled to be teaching these 30 pastors and learned so much from them.

We also ministered to scores of kids. Our team loved them well, showed them Jesus, and taught them Bible stories. Tara shared the gospel at a school with about 300 kids. Justin preached at a church last Sunday, while J.D. and Jonathan preached elsehwere. Mary and Amy have been great with the kids. We are all learning so much. This has great partnership potential with ACL in adopting a pastor and working with orphans, kids, or community development.

We teach again today and tomorrow, but in the city of Kampala. Pray for me. My voice is weak and my throat is rough. Pray for deeper gospel experiences in our team. We are having them and want more. Pray for our ladies as they miniter to children this week at various churches.

Ever Grateful…

Jonathan