because He first loved us: CHURCH :)

Going to church on Sunday was a wonderful thing; I can honestly say that I was SO excited to go back. Which in a way, surprised me...because much of what I had heard regarding what it would be like to go back to church here were warnings about feeling like we don't really know how to "worship" here or feeling like our churches are so stoic compared to Africa's. But I think maybe I was excited because I just got such a taste of what "church" really is, of what the Kingdom really looks like. While I didn't struggle too greatly with these things that I was warned about, I did find myself having a harder time than I had anticipated. Being in church here made me yearn so much for the church and people in Uganda. But praise God it drove me to PRAY for them! And isn't that much of what this is about? I really feel like one of the biggest things the Lord has given me through my experience is a greater understanding of what it means to be a part of the body of Christ. The term "brothers and sisters in Christ" has always kind of held a sort of corny connotation for me. You know, very "cliche Christian". (Perhaps at least those of you that went to a Christian college know what I'm talking about?) Sure I know that technically when we accept Christ and enter His kingdom, we become brothers and sisters. But man! I don't think I really ever gave that concept much thought. Do you realize what an amazing thing this is?? I didn't fully understand what it meant to be brothers and sisters "in Christ" until I met the ones overseas. (Why did it take me going to Uganda to figure this out when we have brothers and sisters right here? Not quite sure.) And even now its very difficult for me to put into words what I'm trying to say...it was almost more of just this feeling inside of me. To see and meet and get to know these men and women and children who know the Lord, I felt that they really and truly are my brothers and sisters, way across the ocean....like just meeting long lost relatives. And thank God, He really knows what He is doing and has the perfect plan....because yes, leaving was very hard and very sad...but it gives a whole new meaning to the idea that one day, we will all be together again, worshipping the one true God. What a truly beautiful thing to look forward to. I can't wait for that day. And I'm forever grateful for getting to meet these brothers and sisters, because now I know how to pray for them, which is so important. Even though we can't all be together right now, we have a responsibility and a privilege to pray for one another and intercede for one another. Prayer works! It makes a difference. Instead of just praying for the nations, which is important, I now know the more specific needs to pray for ~ I've seen them. I know the names and the faces to pray for ~ I've met them and have loved them and played with them and talked with them. And I can hopefully relay these things to our brothers and sisters here at home.

One of my most memorable moments while in Uganda was visiting Pastor Peter's church. I think this church was probably more what one might envision when you think "African church". Although I have no idea what y'all envision (that was for you Christine) for African churches so let me explain. Pastor Peter's church is a small building...maybe more like a hut with straw and a tin roof about the size of...hmmm...my family room at home? A little smaller than a classroom? The adults sat in plastic chairs and the children all sat on mats on the floor. There was no stage. No lights. No band. No microphones. Just a drum and a shaker. And it seemed to be a very biblical, joyous, Spirit-filled church. When this congregation worshipped, they really did worship with all their hearts; their joy and gratitude shone through their shouts and smiles and clapping and dancing. It was like a great celebration! And the people were just so welcoming. And loving. They were truly JOYFUL to see us and have us. They received us as long lost relatives. We had learned during orientation that when asked to introduce ourselves at church it is important to bring greetings from our home church. Seemed to be a formality and just something to do because we knew we should....but when we did, let me tell you...these people were SO excited! They were excited to have greetings from you, my home church. Because they really understand you to be their family in Christ. They clapped and cheered for you! OH what we can learn from them! What a glorious thing to be a member of the family. So sitting Sunday morning at North River, enjoying being with the body of Christ, I reflected on what church is. Its not the building. Its not all the hoopla. Its not the programmed schedule and the events. Its the people. Its the fellowship. And its not isolated; we are the church with our family in Uganda and around the world. And we can marvel at God's creation. Just like individually He has given us unique gifts to contribute to the body, I believe each culture and each individual fellowship has unique strengths to contribute and different ways that they reflect His character. Just as we have things we could teach them and encourage them with, they have many many things to teach us. May we not forget we are one in Christ with our family in other countries and cultures, as well as right next door.

Isaiah 40:3-5, a few verses that have stuck with me since first arriving in Tororo:

A voice of one calling:

"In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low;the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

James 5:16

"We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. 4Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring...With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."

2 Thessalonians 1: 3-4, 11-12

"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others...Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."

Romans 12: 4-5, 10-12