Worthy of Worship?

Pastors Tony and JJ, our partners in Masaka, provide leadership to two children’s villages (Masaka/Kyotera), with another (M’bira) about to launch. (Pictured below from left to right: Trace Thurlby, Pastor JJ, Pastor Tony Applegate and Scott Kice)

M’bira is truly a grass roots church. A few years ago, Pastor JJ went into town regularly to buy food. In the process, he developed friendships and shared the Gospel. People began accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior! Soon they asked JJ to help them start a church, which initially met in someone’s home.

This January, they built their first building (pictured at right). It’s simple, rugged, and beautiful. “In Jesus We Trust” their chalkboard proclaims, and it’s true. Soon, they will begin the adventure of caring for orphaned and abandoned children in their community…another inspiring, true story in a wonderful week of such stories. On such trips, it’s possible to idealize aspects of the church and cultures in the Third World.

Despite its beauty, make no mistake, life is difficult in Uganda. Witchcraft, political corruption, and jealousy oppose the work of the local church in caring for children fending for themselves in poverty. These challenges make the victories more meaningful, and remind us not to put the country, the leaders, nor the work itself on a pedestal. Only Jesus is worthy of worship. He alone can give beauty for ashes, and He is doing it in Uganda and around the world!