9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” –Revelation 7:9-10 (NIV).
After a bumpy ride down an unpaved road the van pulled over to the side, and we walked the rest of the way to the church. Our first church visit in Uganda on a Saturday morning. Still having some jet lag, but excited to meet our partner churches, we followed the leaders on foot to the church. Along the narrow pathway, the stench of a trash filled ravine filled the air.
Then there was the bridge. Across the ravine of trash and stagnant green water was a bridge that we had to cross. We crossed over the ravine on wooden slats with no handrails. “Lord, help me keep my balance!” was my prayer. We all stayed upright. Thank God.
Step by careful step was the way forward. I really didn’t know what to expect when we turned the next corner. Then I began to hear the music. The music grew louder with each step. It was coming from the church. Loud praises to God. Music to drown out any doubts as to Who they believed in. Music of praise was there to fill the community with joy and invite anyone in who wanted to join in a relationship with Jesus Christ. They welcomed us with arms wide open. It was like coming home to family we hadn’t seen in years.
In a community of poverty and hopelessness, the church was alive and rich in so many ways. The church had a dirt floor and walls covered with colorful tarps. It was decorated beautifully and a banner behind the pulpit that said, “Jesus is the answer.” No matter the problem, they had the right answer. Jesus. They worshiped. They danced. They sang. Hugs and signs of welcome we all around. Even among the children. The children participated. I personally loved being with the children in worship. In fact, in many of the churches of Uganda there were more children than adults in worship. Young people helped to lead with gifts of interpretation into the languages, music leading, and dancing. The first worship service lasted about 3 hours by the way.
The second worship service was the same. On Sunday, the worship was with the same exuberance, the same joy and energy praising God. In fact, Monday was the same.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were the same. Joy in worship. Praise music. Dancing. Joy. I repeat: Great JOY! Three-hour worship services full of joy in the Lord.
I saw a glimpse of what John wrote about in Revelation. Chapter 7 describes when all those who have been in relationship with Jesus Christ, who belong to God through the blood of Jesus are as one before the throne of God in worship. Here we were together singing praise to God from different nations, speaking different languages. Tribes and people may have a different starting place and yet, if we are born again believers, we are family. Thanks be to God. Today we have interpreters, then we will understand fully. Today, we may have different life and church experiences, but then it will all be redeemed in the presence of Jesus Christ where our eternity is with Him. No matter the bridges that have to be crossed in life, the obstacles we face, where we started from, in Christ, we have belonging. It was a message from God’s word that rang true through every worship service and still rings true at home. Through the salvation in Jesus Christ, we are family.
You will be learning more about what Global Partnership looks like in the months ahead. The GMC of Uganda is alive. The gospel message is spreading quickly. We can support them in the planting of churches, training of pastors, ministry with children and economic empowerment. We can also learn from their habits of faith sharing, prayer and evangelism.
Rev. Christopher Ddamulir, Conference Superintendent of the Uganda GMC, along with his staff of Wilberforce Bwire, Kalunge Ken, Iryn Komijni all led our group and took good care of us. Those traveling from NC were Kim and David King, Mike Phillips, Doug Miller, Brad Hopper, Greg Jenks, John Frank Howard and me.
“Salvation does belong to our God who sits on the throne!” Through this salvation, we have brothers and sisters on other continents. We don’t look alike, but the same blood runs through us. We don’t talk alike, but we know the language of God’s love. Our churches are different, but we are the church together. They have shown us a glimpse of heaven and what awaits for us through their joy in worship. For now, join me in prayer for and anticipation of the good things that God has in store for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9).
With thankfulness to God for each of you!
Rev. Kari Howard
Associate Conference Superintendent