Sojourner #036: On The Ground In Africa

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Testimonies of Faith, Perseverance, and the Power of the Gospel in East Africa, by Bo Parker

When many people think of Africa, they think of conflict between warring governments and tribal leaders, scores of unreached people, and abject famine and poverty. While those things certainly categorize many parts of the continent, when I think of Africa I am reminded of God's faithfulness, and of those He has raised up to serve His Church.

In October of 2023, God graciously provided me with the opportunity to travel to East Africa, where I spent a week living and working amongst a group of around twenty pastors in the city of Entebbe, located inside the Wakiso District of Central Uganda.

Most of the men that I came to know during my time there hailed from every corner of the presidential republic, though some had even journeyed from the war-torn nation of South Sudan; traveling many hours by van and Boda Boda (a term used for motorcycle taxis, originating during the political instability of the 1970s, where taxi drivers were renowned for their ability to transport smugglers "border to border"). Each man leads within a church, gathering their congregations wherever they are able. Some meet in buildings they have built, while others gather in the shade of the trees.

During our time together we studied the book of Acts, walking through Paul's missionary journeys, beginning our sessions after breakfast, pausing our study only for meals and fellowship, continuing this pattern throughout the week.

We spent much time covering the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, its implications for today, His role in equipping us for Gospel ministry and indwelling all those who believe, as well as many other topics. As we journeyed through the book of Acts, we made an effort to act out the story, telling it in such a way that everyone was able to understand it. In doing so, we learned how to better communicate the truth of God's Word.

No matter their age or time in ministry, each man recognized the need for the Gospel to go forth, and each have surrendered their lives, devoting themselves to the cause of Christ. They willingly serve their tribes and local communities in love, and shared stories with us of what the Lord was doing amongst their respective peoples.

One man explained that a neighboring tribe practices animism, worshiping man-made statues of animals, telling of how they did not like that he worshiped and taught the people about the one true God.

Those who serve in South Sudan, a nation ruled by violence and corruption, shared with us the struggles that many refugees are experiencing as they cross the border into Northern Uganda. Speaking with one of them on the phone a few days ago, I listened as he told me that a refugee camp was being relocated due to a lack of necessary food and supplies.

Hearing their stories, it was evident that their hearts were broken by the events taking place in their country. Yet even in the midst of their pain, they would say: "God is good.. He is faithful."

Though afflicted in every way, cast down, and beset on all sides, they rest in knowing that they serve a sovereign King who loves them, the living God who is faithful to keep His covenants, even in the midst of the struggles they face.

Even now, they continue to look to Him by faith, carrying the name of Christ to every tribe, and serving His Church. Please, join me in praying for these pastors as they share the good news of Jesus Christ throughout Uganda and South Sudan.

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How You Can Pray

As you earnestly consider the work of Christ's Church in Uganda and across South Sudan, we ask you to please pray earnestly, in pursuit of God's gracious providence, for our brothers in Christ Jesus. Here are a few specific ways that you can pray:

1) Give thanks for God's sovereign work in calling and equipping the faithful pastors across East Africa - praise Him for His faithfulness to His people in the midst of every trial (Lam. 3:22-23).

2) Pray for strength and perseverance for the pastors and elders laboring in difficult and oftentimes very dangerous contexts - ask that they would, by God's grace, remain faithful expositors of the Word and shepherds of the folk of God (2 Tim. 4:2).

3) Ask for provision, as many churches gather in truly humble settings, and many leaders serve in the midst of great poverty, large-scale displacement, and immense persecution (Matt. 6:11).

4) Lift up the Church in East Africa - that it would be grounded in sound doctrine, marked by true love and sincere holiness, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit - reaching every tribe with the Gospel of Jesus Christ the righteous (Eph. 4:11-16).

5) Pray for the lost, especially among the unreached and animistic tribes - that the light of Christ would pierce through the darkness and bring many to saving faith in our Lord and Master (Rom. 10:14-15).

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