Uganda: For the Sake of the Gospel, Farkle Out
Today was the last day of the conferences. We were able to wrap up our time with the church leaders and mentors. Appropriately, we started and ended this day with Farkle (a game where there is no winner, but the loser has a consequence).
At the mentor conference, we went out like a Roman candle. The day started extremely high-energy as we taught the mentors to play Farkle. We followed that with teaching on how to lead by establishing and always working on your relationship with those you are leading. We ended the teaching time with encouragement about the work the mentors are doing for the kids we sponsor, giving places to go in Scripture when discouraged, and letting them know they are seen, known, loved, and prayed for by those of us in Dallas. Through it all, Chase “6th Man” Jones kept the entertainment level up the entire conference. They ended the conference with a “Say So,” which is a time of sharing what the Lord has taught you or changed in you (based on Psalms 107:2 “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so”). Women said they already had shared, or planned to share with someone, things they needed to confess but never had. One man said he had forgotten to have fun with his students and planned to bring back some of the games he learned. One woman realized she needed to go seek forgiveness from her son for things done many years ago. They were so grateful for the time and felt so much more connected to each other.
At the Pastors Conference, we taught on women caring for women, the problem of evil, shepherding, and how to share your story of God’s grace. We also used current heresy in churches around Kampala to discuss how to evaluate a position using Scripture. It was clear to us that many seeds were planted in the hearts of the church leaders of Kampala. Matthew 13:31-32 says, “He presented another parable to them, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches’ (NASB).” We left so encouraged, knowing we had the chance to plant some seeds, but that we could leave the growth to the Lord. There were many stories of confession that needed to take place and forgiveness that needed to be extended and hearts willing to do the hard work of trusting the Lord in those things. Many pastors realized and expressed that they have not done a good job of rooting their doctrine or practices in Scripture. Many planned to go back and make sure their positions and programs aligned with Scripture, and others were determined to stop just trying to fill the seats and to make disciples – not just converts.
The conference ended with final blessings and thanks from each group. Kevin got a shout-out from the conference leader for how impactful his openness was for the participants and him personally. One woman looked at us and said, “You people stripped yourself bare in front of us, and we are changed.” What a blessing from the Lord to be able to hear that pouring ourselves out in love for Him and these people had such an impact. We don’t always get to see the impact, but we know God loves to work through His word and His people.
One of the amazing things that resulted from the conference – that we did not expect – was the increased trust and respect that the church leaders in Kampala have for ALARM based on this conference.
We ended the night by teaching the ALARM staff and some of the conference participants to play Farkle. Energy and noise levels were at an all time high. Those familiar with Farkle will understand this story… As we were teaching them, we were playing to 2,000. On his first roll, and possibly the best of his life, John was up to 2,100 – which would end the game. Knowing we couldn’t end the game on the first turn, Kyle said, “Oh, John! For the sake of the gospel, you need to Farkle out!” [let yourself go back to zero]
Starting and ending the day with such high energy, we all ended the day very tired, I don’t think anyone needed a Unisom to sleep that night.
Please be praying for:
the seeds planted to grow into mighty trees which transform the city of Kampala
ALARM to be able to use its credibility to further its work in Kampala
the mentors to reach their homes safely (some came from as far away as 12 hours)
the 520 students who are under these mentors
all conference participants to be encouraged and to trust the Lord for the change He is encouraging in them