Once again!

Ibanda Mission : 1st - 7th feb 2009
Any one who has been on a typical African mission trip and more particularly Ugandan; will not doubt if I said it is the most humbling experience ever known.

Imagine going to a place with no food, or even accommodation and just trusting in the Lord, and praying, believing He’s more than able to provide. To a lay man, this is extremely crazy; just as the Bible says that the Gospel of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.

We boarded the bus from Kampala very excited knowing everything was under control; only to be disappointed. I mean, spiritually, you’d say it was under control. Physically…chaos!!

We arrived at 3:30pm, after 6 hours on the road, very hungry and tired, and you would think this is what was written on the faces of the students? Well, as a matter of fact, on every face, you’d instead see a lot of determination, and a very radical spirit, very ready to transform, to preach the Gospel to every single soul, even the stones, if they ever had ears. I loved what I saw. It all reminded me of my campus days as a missioner, though you could clearly see that there was a lot more here. Oh! I just love the way God uses students.

Later, probably after 10.00pm, we finally got our accommodations, and had to sleep 5 people on 2 mattresses! It was a very humbling experience indeed, and I believe it made a very serious impact on all of us who attended. The students were too shocked when I got out my sleeping bag and slept together with them, shared showering basins; since about 24 ladies had to share only 2 basins. I was humbled. They were humbled.

I also had to give my own personal testimony, and this probably had a bigger impact. I am usually not good at talking about myself. On this particular day, I believe God really wanted me to tell it out. He gave me real eloquence as I spoke. I thought I heard myself preaching!! I have never done this before! Oh! May the Lord be most greatly praised!

My best experiences came during times of prayer. It’s so good to know that no matter what you do, God still loves you. For me, this was more than enough. I got all the assurance I’d need for the rest of the year, if I can put it that way.

I also went with Ole-Johan and Jakob Nils, the two FK exchange students working with FOCUS Uganda, and it’s been nice to know that they had a great time, no health complications, although I believe it was hard on them to walk all the long miles we had to cover, sometimes in rain, sometimes in sunshine. I bless God for the good health that He granted them. I tell you, you can never go for God’s business and come back complaining in any way, unless you haven’t accomplished what you were sent to do!!

All in all, I could never put a price to these experiences. It’s been so wonderful hearing what the students had to say about the mission, especially in relation to Christ’s final command to all Christians in Matthew 28:19. I tell you, these students are so determined to see this happen. Different students were heard saying very radical things like, “we didn’t come here to win food, but to win souls!” “We’d rather sleep on the road, as long as souls are being saved!” “We cannot sit here eating when souls are out there perishing!” “One of the sweetest and most interesting things is seeing a lost soul being found and saved.”… and so much more. I mean, these students have become too radical for Christ. They want to see God’s kingdom come very soon, and you know this won’t happen until the Gospel has reached all the ends of the earth.

Let’s pray for them that God will keep this fire burning forever because sometimes, it’s very easily lost.

 

Mission Programs

We would wake up at 5.00 in the morning, pray till 6.30, or 7.00 am, wash up for about 45 minutes or an hour, walk to the church (which was a 20 minutes walk) for breakfast. We were then put in groups of 2s or 3s. In these groups, we then went from door to door, preaching, encouraging and praying for people. This wnet on till lunch time. We then went to a particular place, usually the church in that area for lunch (they always prepared this, if they knew we were in their regions. They are so hospitable.) After lunch, we then walked to a ground where we had a crusade – this involved praise and worship, preaching, healing session, altar call (more than 100 people came to Christ through this!), and then we prayed for people with different needs. From 6pm, there was a movie – Jesus film for the local people, while the rest of us walked home. Sometimes 7km, sometimes less; occasionally in the rain, but no one seemed discouraged by any of this. Actually, we were more than encouraged. You’d occasionally hear comments like, “God has chosen today to anoint us live!” I loved their humorous nature.

Once we arrived, we’d have supper, evaluate the events of the day, then pray till midnight, after which we were so tired to even wash up. To be sincere, very few people showered in the evenings…haha!!!

All in all, I cannot put a price to all these great experiences.

 

Experiences

I must say I had very very wonderful experiences, but there’s one particular one that keeps me laughing till now.

We were having our evening prayer session, and then I felt I was really struggling in prayer. All this time I was praying for my family, office, workmates…e.t.c, and I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to cut that out and pray for the leaders of this particular student union. Immediately I started, oh, God began to take me so deeper in the prayer. It was like cold wood all of a sudden being fired up! Hope you try to get the picture am trying to paint. Felt so good! And then I began to pray for the prayer secretary, because he was the one entirely in charge of the daily prayer sessions. I don’t know what was happening, but looks like he was in the same spirit. He came and held my hands. We prayed so much. I prayed for God to increase His anointing, and I particularly wanted him to get slain. Can’t tell why I wanted this, but some crazy part of me wanted it to happen…haha!

What do u think happened instead? Three other ushers came up behind me, and all five of us were praying so much. I felt the power of the Holy Spirit so strong over me; I fell down, and just found myself laughing. First I was laughing at how I ended up falling, and then I could not stop anymore. I was so happy, and laughed for more than an hour! It felt so good. I can’t properly describe this, but just know, there are lots of experiences you can have, very nice ones indeed, if you chose to seek God beyond the daily, usual prayers we make. Try it out. We tried, and am telling you, none of those students came back the same. You need to enjoy the presence of the Lord more. We sure had a great time with The Holy Spirit. God is so humorous, people…haha!

 

From the students; Views on the Ibanda mission in relation to the Great commission:

• One of the sweetest and most interesting things is seeing a lost soul being found and saved. This mission to Ibanda is one of the steps taken by KCU in the fulfillment of the great commission. Sincerely, the ground was fertile, ready for the seed of the word of God with few cases of hard hearted people who rejected the Gospel. As for me, a lover of Machines, PA Systems, including videos and films are among the weapons that bring people from all corners of the land to hear the Gospel. As very many men have got saved as a result of being attracted by the beautiful ladies in church; machines too have and can attract people with a thought of hearing, but they of course end up being captured by Christ. How lovely, how good; never should we give up on searching for the 1/99.Emma M.
• I have seen the commitment that the team has got for the Great Commission, in love for Christ. Jesus has fulfilled His promise to be with us even when we don’t have what to say. Many thanks to God for all the signs and miracles in a way I have never seen before; with instant healings with testimonies immediately. Whole hearted prayers in a way I had not experienced before with this very team (KCU). The reception of people to the Gospel is also a unique thing, and the impact on the team; from testimonies of individuals is also great. There was also a variety of members. To have people coming to partner with us means God has anointed and favored KCU (Kyambogo University Christian Union). Emma A.
• This mission has been powerful and different. I have been ministered to and I ministered to others. Though I think I’ve been ministered to more. There has been a lot of food all around. People are so welcoming, whether they want to listen to God or not. People in Ibanda are so much religious. In the crusades, people were so involved. Messages were ministering to both missioners and the people. We had enough time for prayer, and the power of God was so strong, especially during evening prayers. Charlotte A.
• This mission is so wonderful because souls have and are coming to Christ. People have and are receiving their healing and deliverance. One particular interesting thing with the mission is the distance covered. Every time we move, I am reminded of the Christian missionaries as they moved preaching. All in all, it is wonderful and even the missionaries are getting deeper in prayer and understanding of His word. Brian N.
• Jesus told us to go to the whole world preaching and teaching whatsoever he commanded us – preaching the message of the cross and the love he had for human kind, when he gave up his life.This mission has been a wonderful experience, having been my first in Kyambogo University. I bless the lord so much that He had to bring me this far from home to teach me some of His wonderful mysteries. I thank the Lord because He has transformed me in different things. There are certain things I perceive differently. I have come to make certain decisions during this mission. Above all, I thank the Lord for having used me as a vessel to expand His ministry. Jesus couldn’t have lived on earth in His physical form even up to now, but rather He passed on His work to His disciples. I feel am a part of Him. Many souls have been saved which brings much joy. Ronie M.
• The distances we’ve moved during this mission is a testimony; all the way from Kampala to Ibanda, just for the gospel, to share our salvation with the lost and I am so sure that in the Jesus’ days, he moved long distances with his disciples to increase on his clan of followers. The healing of the sick is also a testimony. As in the days of the Great Commission, so it is in our own days in Ibanda. May the Lord be blessed.On the other hand, this mission has been interesting. Talk about the long distances we have walked –sometimes more than 10km per day, and not forgetting the rain which showered blessings upon us. Therefore, being my first mission, I have really enjoyed it and I can’t really judge because I have not gone for other missions. Blair M.K
• We are commanded as Christians to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are witnessing for Christ in partnership with the local church, because we need them to mentor and disciple the new believers.This mission has been great since the Lord approved of it and Jesus is with us according to Matthew 28:19. There has been unity and missioners swallowed their ego…etc for the sake of the souls which in turn build a good character in them. Muhindo Ricky
• Ibanda mission has been so encouraging, being led by the Holy spirit. I have experienced the power of God once again and I don’t want to live but I have no choice. God has answered my prayers, His power has manifested upon the ground. The encounter has been so different from other missions I have attended. Nyangoma Agnes Smile

Mission Pictures

Hi once again! Its been really really really long since i last visited this web page!!! shame on me...hehe!!!

well, am still alive and kicking; actually very much alive, with lots of activities left and right. U know, as we conclude the year, there's just too much to do, many places to travel to, many reports to write, and so much more.

Also, i was so lucky to be asked to work with FOCUS Uganda, the IFES movement of Uganda. For me, this is a very major blessing! since then, i've been having what i call fun! i mean, am in a place i always wanted to be, atleast for the next 2 -3 years, as the Lord leads. I hope and pray its a great time for me. I love working with students. You are always forced to develop as they do, try to stay one step ahead in everything, and above all, yo lifestyle is challenged ina major way. U know, as they live their lives, they are constantly watching u; so yo challenged to live in a way worthy of praise, both before Hod and man. and isnt this what i've always looked for? If i know people are watching me, i'll always be challenged to live a worthy life. If not, what would u expect??? especially if u've met me before...hehe!!!

That was a picture of me and my friends in Nairobi, about to board buses back home, after 2 great weeks of training and fun. i cant forget those days...

well, friends, now u know am still alive. Pliz live yo comments, and i promise, this time, i'll be alot more active....haha!

love ya!

Krussetreff

Its been really long since i last made an entry. i cant even think of what i've been upto of-late. This is crazy! But now, i get to give u a highlight of some of the things i've been doing lately

We went for this Christian high school graduates camp, and had to do this very famous drama. hope u get to enjoy it.

In the drama, its me, from Uganda, Edison, from Brasil, Rock, from Madagascar, Sak-Li from Laos, Cirene, from Brasil, Ivana from Serbia, Glad from Madagascar, and Roger from Cameroun.
Thanks alot guys, for acting this with me. It was so great, and we get to do it again next sunday in Mandal.

"Andakt" på Con anima møte

Last Thursday, on 21st feb, i was asked to give “andakt” at the choir meeting (con anima). That was probably one of the best things that I have ever done with my life. Whatever kind of message God spoke through me, I can’t tell how big it was, but I imagine God really wanted to say it. I just had this very over whelming desire to pray and fast, and I probably spent half of the day just praying and praying and praying….! That is not so usual with me, but that day it felt so real!
I enjoyed it! And then when I stood up to talk, well, I can’t explain what happened out straight… but I don’t think I spoke all that on my own accord. I usually get so shy and anxious when I write down all my needed notes before I make a speech, and I never seem to follow what I’ve written down, but instead mess it up and even get confused myself. But that day, that never happened, and I had written down everything I had planned to say. Maybe I can write it for u here. If you are a worshipper, this could be a perfect message for you. But again, the Bible says that all of us are created to worship God. Meaning; we are all worshippers, predestined right from creation times. Take heed u live yo life like one!

Setting our selves aside as living sacrifices
Romans 12:1-2
God is asking us, as worshippers to set ourselves aside as living sacrifices; holy and acceptable to Him; willing to worship Him in truth and in spirit.

There’s a song I know, made from Isaiah 29:13, that says:

When you lift yo hands up high
And u sing a song of praise to me
It brings me great delight
Such a lovely sight
And yes it is true
Praise looks good on you
Morning, night and day
Yo praise ascends to heaven
Like the smell of sweet perfume
Filling every room
And yes it is true
Praise looks good on you


You bring yo sacrifices
And u offer up yo praise
You lift yo voice with singing
But yo heart seems far away
More than a sacrifice
I am looking for yo heart
Holy and acceptable
And pleasing in my sight


So offer up yo lives
Holy and acceptable
A willing sacrifice
Precious in my sight
But in all that u do
Remember all I want is u


So lift yo hands up high
And worship him before the altar
Consecrate yo life
A willing sacrifice
But in all that u do
Remember all He wants is u
And yes it is true
Praise looks good on you.


To sacrifice something, means to give it up. God wants us to give ourselves; our lives, for Him to use us fully for His glory. We are living sacrifices.
The funny thing about our kind of sacrifice is that w have legs. We always move away from God’s altar, but for us to be used of God, then we always have to bring ourselves right back to that altar, and say “Lord, here I am; use me!”

I have moved away mob times; very very many times. I am a sinner, probably one of the greatest that has ever lived, but redeemed by grace, and it amazes me so much just how much God loves me and that He still finds me valuable in His sight! It humbles, me a lot and forces me right back to my knees, and to say “Lord, here I am; use me”
And still, amazingly, He’s so faithful. He’s always willing to use us as long as we are willing to offer up ourselves, to consecrate our lives for His holy purposes.

There’s a slogan I’ve adopted, and actually decided to write it to all my friends that; “there’s nothing I can do to make God love me more or less. He loves me anyway! He loves me all the same!” What kind of person would love u this much? Not any that I know of…!
(This was a serious revelation to me and I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to discover how much God loves me…!)

Maybe this is what God wants from you; that u’ll discover and accept all the love that He has for you.
I’ve decided to give my life, with all my many flaws to God so He can use me, as long as He can make me whole again and worthy to work for Him. What more is there, anyway?

Think about this; are u willing to offer yo life completely to God, for His holy purposes; holy and acceptable, not offering lip-service but worshipping God right from yo hearts?
Well, there are thousands out there that God wants to reach through yo worship. Offer yo selves and God will use u. what do u chose?

Remember that even in our sinful nature, there’s still nothing we can do to make Him love us more or less. Why not accept this love and love Him back?

So much fun working here!

Of late I discovered its just so nice working in Trondheim with these students. Am actually enjoying my work a lot, and wish I could be here much longer. I would really wish for another chance here, though that isn’t for me to decide. Depends on the God I serve…hmm…

The students we work with are very wonderful people. We have gone skiing with them, gone for movies, organized fake parties… just to spend time with us. Am not sure if others are having this much fun, but its sure fun being here, where you feel welcome, where you feel like u really belong…
Well, now u’d probably understand why I really want to have another chance to work here, if it were possible…hehe!

Check these out!

Torkel, Kjetil, Knut og Meg

Mari, Pamela, Linda and Disse

The International students meeting...

Wow! It’s been really long since I last updated this blog and a lot has happened since then: lots of exciting, very wonderful and sometimes very disappointing experiences. But well, that’s life! That’s how work is supposed to be. If u don’t experience these, then u need to review yo work afresh and see if all is right with u or what yo doing…hehe! Relax! That wasn’t meant to scare u!


Well, one of the things I’ve been working on these past few weeks has been trying to make contact with the international students, and trying to get them involved in Laget Trondheim. We formed a very wonderful team, planned a lot… It was supposed to be a meeting with some representatives from the different international student fellowships in Trondheim, with Taco at the beginning of the program.
We had a very wonderful time…BUT not everything turned out as we had hoped. We discovered that the international students sort of have their fellowships already and seem to be so satisfied wherever they are, with no intentions of getting to unite with other student fellowships. This was so disappointing especially for me who thinks and believes a lot can be achieved in this town if only the Christians, especially students could unite and work together, evangelising to fellow students and those outside, since they are still young, very energetic, powerful and with lots of wonderful ideas…. Well, I doubt if they shared this vision. It doesn’t seem to me like it’s a very big need to them anyway…so all I do is try to put my energy elsewhere, and try to deal with my disappointment… what to do? Give me ideas if u have any.
But here are some of the pictures of the evening… Hope u enjoy them!


We were privileged to have students from Norway, Uganda, Ghana, and Asia…
We all made dinner together and after eating, sat down to have our discussions that were of course very interesting but also disappointing in a way. Well, God only knows why it turned out like that. Maybe we would have boasted so much if it had worked…who knows? It’s only Him. Hope He has better plans… But I really hope someday there’s unity among the students here. Something we used to say when we were kids but never understood then was: “United we shall stand; divided we shall fall!” well, it now makes lots more sense that in did back then!

The Special Sauce Blessing!

Hey People!
i recieved this as a mail froma friends, and it was a very interesting story. Just thought i should share it with you all, right here! enjoy!


I went to a fast food restaurant. I did the usual thing, I went up with the menu and ordered. I proceeded to the first cashier and paid, then stood and waited for the order. After sitting there for a few minutes, the cashier requested, "Will you please have a seat; your order is not ready." I was a little upset and even impatient, but I sat and waited. Ithought, "How come other guys ordered and got their orders and I have to wait."I waited for another two or three minutes. It seemed like hours. Just as I was about to give up and drive away the cashier finally came and and handed me the order. Of course Iasked, "Hey, what took so long?"She replied, "You wanted the Special Sauce, which meant it had to be especially made for that sandwich, it doesn't usually come with that one."


This scene is a reflection of our prayer life. We make our request to the Lord. Our menu is His Word, where He has listed promise after promise. We stand before Him and request and plead and, sometimes, even beg. We go to the first window and pray, sometimes with fervent prayers, sometimes with prolonged suffering, sometimes with obedience, and sometimes not at all. We then move to the second window and wait for our order. If God doesn't answer within a few minutes, we become upset. You know the phrase,"Jesus, it's 5:00 p.m. Friday; I prayed to You yesterday, and You still haven't answered. I can't wait much longer." Why is it taking Him so long? I've seen people come after me and they received their orders right away! We even go so far as to tap on the window and ask if He has forgotten our order. We become impatient. We become upset. We become downright mad. Lord I asked for a mate ten days ago and I don't see him/her anywhere. Lord, I've been asking for a new job for two years; others have passed me by. I've been waiting on a financial blessing for ten years and Istill have more months than money. Where are You and why haven't you blessed me? And just when you think He is giving you the answer, He pulls back the royal curtain of Eternity, and states, "Please pull over to the side and wait a whilel onger." This once frustrated me to no end, made me mad, made me want to give up, made me want to holler; that is, until the cashier brought out my sandwich. Then, the revelation became clear.


Do you know why the Lord has put you on the side? Do you know why you have had to wait for this blessing longer than before? Do you know why He has put you through more this time than ever? Do you know why it seems as though He has not heard you and He does not care? Do you know why it seems like you have had to go through more tears, more pains, and more struggling this time? Because this blessing is Special Sauce Blessing! This is an Over flowing, Pressed-Down, Shaken Together, Blessing! You made a Special Order and God has been putting together a Special Sauce Blessing for you and He has to prepare it for you!


That mate you wanted . . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That job you wanted . . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That financial blessing . . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That peace on the job . . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That house . ................. . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That deeper anointing . . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That promotion .......... . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!
That .......................... . . He's putting together a Special Sauce!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,

says the Lord, thoughts of peace,

and not of evil, to give you an expected end ...

[and a Special Sauce].

Jeremiah 29:11

How many people have walked away before the cashier brought their food, and how many people have missed their blessings because they did not wait? Hang in there. Keep on waiting. You made Special Order, now wait on God's Special Sauce!

"But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles;

they shall run and not be weary,

and they shallwalk, and not faint."

(Isaiah 40:31)

They who wait shall receive a Special Sauce!