We arrived at the small church with only half the floor being concrete; the other half was still dirt. I was instantly struck by the simplicity of the structure. The church is clay bricks with the tin roof. The congregation sit on simple wooden benches facing the front of the building with only a wooden table to consecrate elements. There are no pictures; there is no elaborate cross; there are no statues. Nothing to distract members from prayer. A few elders were wetting the dirt floor to minimize the dust, just like I have seen at Constellation Field. Within minutes the missionary team had transformed the worship space into a makeshift medical clinic and dentist office. The team of six doctors saw patients all day stopping briefly for lunch. The dentist performed numerous tooth extractions. Countless people had their blood tested for virus and disease. Everyone I need visited the pharmacy for prescriptions. Team COTHA distributed nets, counted and organized pills for the pharmacy, and prayed over anyone requesting.
The prayer concerns were no different than many I have prayed back home - relief from physical pians, that a spouse would come to church, blessings of a child or healthy delivery, provision of needs. The one to truly break my heart was a young lady whites husband had brought home another woman and violated their marriage vows. I don't know a single American wife that would allow this, but the practice is all to common in Uganda. Having to pray for this man tested my faith but God provided the words that I could not fathom. Brief rain storm arrived in the last hour to bring the temperature down. Many of the Ugandans were chilled but team COTHA welcomed the relief!
Since the day began with a devotion on sharing each other's burdens, I paid close attention to others burdens. I am amazed at what the generosity of our Apostles in Action funded for this remote village. I was humbled by the villagers openness to share their prayer concerns with total strangers. I am in awe of the way the team checked on me, and each other, all day to make sure we were drinking and healthy. Burdens were lightened because we all shared what we could. God is good!
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Have a great day!
Trish