The Transformation of Uganda: First Report from Uganda Journey of Compassion, January 2016

Steve Stewart's picture

I arrived in Kalonga three weeks ago for a three-day pastors’ conference. About 150 men and women gathered from near and far for many hours of teaching and training. By the end of our time together, most of these leaders were really understanding about multiplying ministry by releasing others into their gifts and callings. This is a titanic shift in what they have been previously taught about how to be a leader. They left the conference with a much bigger picture of the Gospel. They also embraced the truth that, according to Mt. 28:18-20 and 2 Tim 2:2, if you want to be a disciple, then you must make disciples, who make disciples. Most of these men and women returned home determined to do exactly that.

On Sunday evening, the team arrived in Mubende, the small city near Kalonga where we are staying. Monday was spent in orientation––primarily teaching some of our foundational values and practices; Biblical themes; preparing them for work in the medical clinics; and sorting meds, clothing, toys and school supplies. On Tuesday, we took the team to my beloved Kalonga. This is the town where Impact Nations has worked over the past three years to bring about community transformation. As in the past, this trip was full of delight for me. We first went to our initial widows’ community––twelve plots of fertile land where 12 families have homes, gardens, banana trees, chickens, pigs and goats. As always, we were surrounded by throngs of happy women and their children (and grandchildren) who excitedly and proudly showed us the latest improvements. We saw flower gardens, vegetables of all sorts, cooking and storage sheds, and several home improvements. We were aware of just how much production was happening from this land. Everywhere I looked there was new, vital growth. When I consider the hopelessness that marked these women’s lives only two short years ago, I am greatly moved with gratitude to the Lord, and a deep respect for what each of these families have accomplished.

The school children invited the team to a presentation of singing, dance and drama. They incorporated a number of elements of the transformed community into the drama, including sewing machines, water filters, crops, and even laptop computers. Various groups and classes performed a number of dances. Then Pastor John spoke about how Kalonga has changed, and continues to change. Following this, they showed the team the sewing school (now re-located to a larger facility) and the computer lab for the students; in the evenings, it becomes a community internet café. (Ironically, Kalonga has wifi, but no electricity!) Many of the team then took the bus to see the farmland.

The farm is currently 20 acres, but is about to add five more acres to accommodate the growing cattle population. As always, I found the farm to be a beautiful, peaceful place. It is about 15 minutes from the town, surrounded by green hills. We began with five cows; now there are 19, with three more calves on the way. There are currently 34 pigs; every couple of months, more are sold at the market. The cows and pigs are providing a steady and growing source of income. We walked about 600 meters down the hill to the pond and the pump house. From there, water is pumped up to the top of the hill to a water tank for the cows and pigs. As well, we now have an irrigation sprinkler system for the various crops. Recently, they gathered in a large bean harvest––enough to feed the orphans and the teachers, with lots left over to sell at market. Now, because of the sprinkler system, for the first time ever, they were preparing to plant a new crop of beans over several acres without having to wait until May for the next rainy season. Besides the beans, there are many kinds of vegetables, pineapples, cassava, corn, and over 450 banana trees. We were only going to visit the farm for about half an hour, but it took 90 minutes to see all that they are doing there.

All day, wherever we looked, we saw a people who are making the most of every opportunity offered to them. Their hard work and thankfulness are an inspiring example. 

Add new comment

Add new comment

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Results

Results 11 - 20 of 490

Pages

Naturally Supernatural

Naturally Supernatural

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 161 Pages

A step-by-step guide on “abiding in Christ” or how to let go and let God live naturally and powerfully out through you. Disarmingly simple. Mind-blowingly powerful.

Price: $14.95

Unleashing Healing Power Through Spirit-Born Emotions

by Mark Virkler and Charity Kayembe | 314 Pages

Experience Healing for Your Body, Soul, and Spirit through Kingdom Emotions!

In Christianity, emotions are often considered to be misleading and untrustworthy—a lingering part of our fallen nature that distract us from God’s truth. But our emotions were created by God, and though the enemy may seek to manipulate our hearts, Jesus sets us free! This practical teaching will empower you to see emotions as unique channels through which the Holy Spirit works to bring miraculous life-transformation, deliverance and healing.

Price: $16.99

Your Extraordinary Life!

by Mark & Patti Virkler | 197 Pages | $14.99 Retail

Can you imagine starting new believers off with the Holy Spirit! What if the first thing you were taught as a newborn Christian was how to connect easily and daily with the Holy Spirit Who was living inside you, anointing you, empowering you and transforming you?

Save $4 off retail for this book, plus huge quantity discounts available!

Price: $10.95

Rivers of Grace

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 189 Pages

You can be the parent God wants you to be: loving, encouraging, trusting and able to raise up your children in the way they should go, fulfilling their own unique destinies. Parenting was not intended to be a burden, and anyone who tells you differently has bought into a lie. You will learn to enjoy parenting as an exciting, joy-filled, divinely-ordained opportunity, not an wearying responsibility.

Price: $14.99

4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice - Teen Edition

by Kay Velker and Mark Virkler | 164 Pages

Get your teens excited about hearing God's voice, two-way journaling and receiving divine vision! Keep them from going through teenage rebellion by teaching them how to hear from the Lord personally every single day of their lives. Give them a foundation that will let them accomplish more than they ever dreamed possible! 

Price: $9.95
4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice Pre-Teen Edition

4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice Pre-Teen Edition

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 39 Pages

This book will ensure that your children learn to hear the voice of God. Generally young people can hear God’s voice easier than adults can! And by teaching them the four keys early on they will clearly recognize His voice as they grow up, positioning them to readily experience His maximum grace and goodness every day of their lives.

Price: $7.95

49 Lies Book – 49 Religious Lies Jesus Told Me to Stop Believing

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 112 Pages

If you have ever believed any of the following lies, then this book is for you: "Emotions are soulish;" "Money is evil or secular;" "It is wrong to seek vision;" "Don’t trust experiences;" "God gave me a mind and expects me to use it;" "Politics are evil;" God is always beating on me;" or one of 43 more such detestable lies...

Price: $11.95
Am I Being Deceived?

Am I Being Deceived?

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 110 Pages
Do you know where the boundaries are? Do you know the distinguishing traits of true Christianity, phariseeism, and the New Age Movement? You will after you have read this book. Set your borders straight, your vision high, and your passion at full steam ahead. Come explore true Christianity, phariseeism, and the New Age Movement.
Price: $12.99
Apprenticed to Leadership

Apprenticed to Leadership

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 74 Pages

Apprenticeship: "Soaking up the spirit and anointing of another."

Apprenticeship is the most time-honored approach to learning. It has proven itself through all of history, was used by Jesus of Nazareth to disciple the Twelve, and is being restored in America today by progressive educators.

Price: $10.95

Come Alive with Jesus

by Jesse and Kara Birkey

Jesse and Kara Birkey introduce a moving devotional with a daily word from God that will help you hear and experience Him in ways you never have before.

Price: $19.99

Pages