Sunday In Soroti

Today, Dave started the team with a short devotional before we left Akello to go to Nakatunya PAG (Pentecostal Assembly of God) church near Hope Children’s Village.

His words penetrated the spirit of the team and became who we are. He spoke of being so close to the Master that we would have the dust kicked up by His sandals upon our garments; that everyone would know we had been close to our master. He also spoke of how the disciples were not chosen for their circumstances and stature, but in spite of them that Christ would receive the greater glory. This fit like a glove with Todd’s message this morning during the service about how we did not choose Christ, but He chose us and to a purpose. Our ministry is all about empowering the people to change their circumstances, not just fixing the symptoms, but destroying the sickness.

The spirit of worship moved in the 3 hour church service and promised to remain with us for the rest of the day, a remnant may endure through the entire trip. The power of The Holy Spirit to move upon and among His people when they unite and ignite to glorify God the Father is an unmatched indwelling of glory. We have become souls possessed for the crown of Christ.

Today we climbed Soroti Rock, a tall, out-of-place, mass of stone directly in the center of Soroti. It is not only the tallest point to be seen for miles around, but is the only real elevation in the area. It is several thousand feet tall but not a difficult climb by any means for a seasoned climber. This was a day for the team to get to know the real Uganda: visiting the local church, climbing the Rock, and seeing the beauty of Uganda from such a majestic point.

However, the beauty of the landscape paled in comparison to what happened at the top. At the top of Soroti Rock is a hut and several towers and there were several Ugandan men up there. Dave, our missions coordinator began talking with one of them and told him that he was in the US military. The man began to talk more with him and Dave shared his testimony. The man then prayed and accepted Christ into his life! Such a great God moment!

When we came down from the Rock, we found a group of 20 or more children waiting for us. Michelle Allen gave several of us tracks to pass out to the children and within moments their numbers doubled as other children saw what we were doing. I shared with them what the track said, Christian preached the “Andrew the Gospel Worm” illustration to them, and Mike Partain taught them “Jesus Loves Me”. I’m so proud of our team today!

Tonight we ministered to the Suttons and all went to their house here in Soroti for an American dinner to encourage them in the work and remind them of home. Everyone needs a little bit of home wherever they go; we are that for our missionaries and it is a blessing to bless them. Andrew, Rachael, Bailey, Andrea, Hannah, and Lilly are doing so well, they are impacting Uganda for Christ and we get to be part of that! As the night grew later we gathered around the piano, Wes and Mike picked up guitars and we sang some old hymns and praise songs, just glorifying God and praising Him.

Andrew shared some thoughts with us about what he had learned while in Uganda, and then the team, as a group prayed for the Suttons and their ministry. Never has a group of people been more blessed than we all were during that time. We were overwhelmed by the power of the Holy Spirit and left refreshed and encouraged ourselves. I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Follow the Hope Missions International Facebook page for pictures and my personal blog: theanonymousnovelist.con for my thoughts and feelings on the trip.

–Jared Allen