Church Visit

This church visit is one I remember well. We had just left the Nakasongola Prison. We drove for about an hour, got lost, but then arrived. When we pulled up it did not look like a church. All we could see were a few homes and so many children. As we got off the bus, I made eye contact with a little girl around 3 years old. She kept looking and me, and then hiding her face, and then looking at me again. As we were led to the back of the homes where the church building was, she grabbed my hand and walked in with me. I let her sit in my lap while we were waiting. I told her she was beautiful and she repeated back to me in English, “You’re beautiful.” Everything I said to her she said back. When we worshiped, she tried to sing the words in English, and when we sang songs in Luganda, she copied everything I did. Looking into her eyes, I knew there was a story behind them. She was beautiful, intelligent, and strong. She listened so well to the message that Mr. Ownby gave. The people were so thankful for our presence there and were so joyful.

After the service, the women in the community made a huge meal for our team. The way they presented it to us was by setting it up like a banqueting table. They made one really long table that all 40 of us sat at. The hospitality they showed us was incredible and so sacrificial. Mr. Garner told us that typically when people make meals like this one, a loan is required, but this is how they welcome and show hospitality. It’s a special type of love that they show. Even to people they have never met, they will give all they have to express their gratitude and thankfulness. It’s so humbling and emotional to be on the other side of that sacrifice.

I will never forget the face of that sweet little girl who wanted to be loved, who was beautiful and had so much potential. She is so special. I will never forget the hospitality of that church body, and the love they showed to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I am so thankful we were able to visit them and encourage them. I am holding onto the lessons they taught me.