Musings from our Bombastic Bredrin Ben - part 2

Ben Kiang continues from his previous blog about his time with River of Life Church...

Community Visits
Visiting Buggya village with Elder Betty was an interesting time and a great opportunity to go right into the heart of the local community. I was introduced to a number of women just to meet with them and pray together. All were visibly happy to see us and invited us into their homes. Each week Betty asks them for prayer requests and then encourages them with a word or a prayer. Many who we saw were newly converted Christians from all different backgrounds; one woman was formerly a muslim and another was even involved in some kind of witchcraft. Many were grateful for God transforming their lives but they also experience daily challenges of sickness and poverty. One woman we met simply asked us to pray that she would be able to provide financially for her children. A common desire among all the women was for themselves and their families to draw closer to God and form a deeper relationship with him. The River of Life is a source of light in Buggya. Not only do they visit residents weekly, but they have also planted a small church which now has a congregation of around 12 adults and 15 children, and it is growing.

White Eagle Project
The WEP is an amazing scheme which provides a home for boys and girls under the age of 18, taking them away from dangerous family situations and giving them a safe place to enjoy their childhood and youth. I’ve had such a good time getting to know the young people there. They have such energy and joy and in the short time I’ve known them I can see they are growing into strong men and women of faith. Some of my favourite memories of my time here have been spent with kids, whether it be visiting a crocodile farm, or playing cards, or joining them for meals, praise and prayers in the evening.

They have some keen video gamers, and so I suddenly became very popular when they realised I have spent far too many hours playing MarioKart Wii. Subway Surf on the mobile is also apparently a firm favourite, thus I often went long periods without ever seeing my phone. Such a range of characters, but all so friendly and welcoming. They seem to be a tight-knit group but welcomed me straight away, as if I was family. In many ways, it is easy to forget that these children have all come from difficult and often damaging backgrounds, such is the sense of happiness and hope they embody. This is testament to the constant work of the staff and how God is using the church to transform lives.

Heading home
All in all, I’ve had such a good time soaking up the new culture and having all sorts of different experiences. It has been a privilege for me to get involved with the River of Life, and everything they have to offer. Taking into account all the different ministries (including schools and prisons), the number of people that the church is reaching and the impact it having on the local community is really inspiring. As I leave to head back to London, I pray that God will continue to enlarge their territory and increase their sphere of influence in Masaka, and in Uganda. Mukama yebazibwe! (Praise God!)

‘Ask me and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.’ Psalm 2:8

See ya dude!