Eastern Skies

I have been home for almost a week and have had time to reflect on my time in Uganda. That, along with a host of inquiries about my experience continues to nurture my reflection on the past 8 weeks.

Reflecting on a "trip of a lifetime" is hard but let me try; or at least let me begin. Perhaps in time I will see it differently. For now these are my thoughts.

First, I noticed that while I was in Uganda I slept better than I normally do - I had dreams more often and could remember them. I left rested! That surprises me in light of the fact that I worked long days while I was there. The work was different then pastoring a church but it was nonetheless a lot of work. I am thinking that the change of pace, the change of demands on me and the change of environment gave my inner core time to be restored. I have never thought of life in ministry as debilitating but perhaps the past 32 years have slowly depleted my inner core and this trip restored me within. I think it did! PTL!

Second, in Kodiak I work with people of all ages and levels of commitment but in Uganda I worked with young men all of whom are committed in ways that sometimes put me to shame. I have taken some time to just think about my level of commitment and am challenged to make some subtle but important changes. I did like working with men; I thoroughly enjoyed working with the staff at the school and I was prepared to just "unload" what I had learned over the last 3 decades in ministry. The effort was tiring but meaningful for me. I think I came away rejuvenated to continue growing and learning so I could perhaps go at it again with more wisdom and effectiveness.

Third, I preached 6 times while I was there; three times to the students and three times in village churches. The students didn't need a translator, the village churches did. The interesting thing is that all 6 messages were about the same length. Lesson: It can be said with less words - it just takes more concentration and effort. One thing that happened after my last effort in a village church was the Pastor opened the floor for questions and answers. That was enlightening and I think I will try that sometime after a message.

Fourth, the West does not have a corner on understanding the Word of God; we certainly have resources to unravel it but making universal application is truly a local effort. I faced questions that never come up in the West and I faced challenges that only a Ugandan bush Pastor could speak to. Thank you men, your questions and insights were valuable and while I was the teacher you taught me.

Fifth, as the Gospel "sun sets" in the West the Eastern skies of Africa are lighting up. God is at work in Africa as people are being saved; churches are being planted and laborers are being trained for a harvest that will stun the world. Thank you for letting me be part of your training; you remain in my thoughts and prayers as you serve the Lord where the Eastern skies announce the coming light.