The first court case for Prayer Mountain is won!

We were praising God on the steps of Masaka’s Court House this morning as the long, stressful criminal case against Pastor David and Elder John finally came to an end.

The verdict should never have been in doubt. After all, they were charged with criminal trespass on our own land - a charge brought by trespassers themselves! However, once the case against them was sanctioned there was nothing for it but to go through the trial. Finally, joyously, the Magistrate acquitted them of all charges today!

Back in July last year they were arrested, and held in Police cells overnight. We managed to get them bailed the following day, but for 9 months and 19 court appearances, David and John were ‘bound’ by the court. The Magistrate took 45 minutes to deliver his ruling, and they were the longest 45 minutes of our lives! But as he systematically went through all the 'evidence' and the different elements of each charge, it became evident that the Prosecution had failed to prove its case. No surprise there - because there never was a case to answer!

When we heard the final words ‘Not Guilty’, we just couldn’t stop smiling. Our opponents had packed the court expecting David and John to be lead off to prison, and were left looking rather confused. News quickly spread, and Church members not at court made the whole of Nyendo vibrate with song.

We give thanks to God for getting us though these cases. There are still three criminal cases pending in court against the trespassers, and two civil suits, so the fight is not over yet. But it’s a huge relief to have won this particular battle. For now, we just pray that the State doesn't appeal the verdict.