Politics Here

The busyness of politics make for challenges for the ministry. I thought David put it well in a recent communication to his Presbytery.

"With the upcoming elections (presidential and many others), in Karamoja and throughout Uganda, campaigning is quite a focus of attention and can be a distraction to ministry. Just today, when we reached one of the villages where we lead a Bible study every Thursday afternoon, there was absolutely no one around as all had been suddenly called to attend a political rally for a man running for a position in our local district. In keeping with the common practice, after hearing the candidate’s speech, filled with all of his promises to greatly improve their lives with paved roads, electricity etc., the crowd is treated to a generous round of the local brew as an advance ‘thank you’ for their votes. Sounds like a good time, doesn’t it? Much like American politics I guess, except for the booze. Hard to compete with that. But we press on.

We have been working on teaching stories chronologically through the Bible, showing how the gospel is revealed in all of the Scriptures while calling men to repentance and faith. We have been working hard on translating it into Karimojong in such a way as to be clearly understood in this language and culture. Not only do we teach the lessons ourselves, but we put copies in the hands of many others hoping that the message will be spread and be used of the Lord to satisfy a hunger for his Word among this people. We do also continue to lead a meeting where we put these materials in the hands of church leaders and others seeking to learn and to teach God’s word to others.

Using these same materials, we have also been doing much teaching among a particular indigenous church. The pastor and members seem so blessed and express such appreciation for the ministry that we wonder if more time should be invested in already established indigenous churches rather than in starting new works. Please pray for God’s wisdom as we seek His will on this matter saying – ‘Here I am Lord, send me. But where exactly should I go?’"