Although a team of nine of us went to Uganda, many other people were involved in the planning, providing financial and practical support, praying for us and encouraging us. The trip was only possible thanks to the help of our YWAM base, family, friends and churches.

A big thank you to everyone who donated, prayed or helped in any way. The Bible says that even those taking care of the baggage while others go to fight a battle have a share in the spoils. You may not have physically gone to Uganda, but you too were part of our team and what God did through us is also thanks to you. The pictures below show a few of the practical ways we were able to help with clothes, food and financial help.

So much happened during our two weeks there, that it would be impossible to recount every story and only God knows the long-term effect of the many things that took place.

Teamwork!

Firstly, the nine of us who went learned how to be a team. We learned how to pull together, to step out and do things we had maybe never done before. We all contributed in different ways, supporting and helping one another. The programme was intense with little time for rest, but as our guide said, we meant business and every day we put our trust in the Holy Spirit to help us do whatever He had lined up for us!

The power of testimony

We experienced the power of testimony. A testimony is simply the story of what Jesus has done in our lives. As we tell our story, we see how faith rises in the listeners to believe that if God did it for us, He will do it for them.

Every time we told our stories, people responded with faith. Many made a first-time commitment to God, others renewed that commitment or came forward for prayer for other matters.

In Kigo prison a young Catholic girl was touched by Sonja’s testimony and gave her life to Jesus. Many others received prayer and encouragement. One man we spoke to recognised that he being in prison was part of God’s process in his life, as he had come to know Jesus and was now reading the Bible and growing in faith.

Healing the sick

We also wanted to reach out to those who were sick, knowing that Jesus promised that He would heal all our diseases. Sometimes the lines reached to the back of the church. Sometimes the sick were lying on mattresses at the front.

People who had never seen God heal prayed for healing and saw miracles happen.

We heard a mute woman speak the name of Jesus and then say, “God is able”.

We saw a man with a paralyzed arm gain some sensation and believe for more healing.

In one church service we asked people who had been healed to raise their hands and 27 responded!

God doesn’t only heal in church

A large part of our activity was putting on children’s programmes in different places, including one of the largest slums in Kampala, Katwe. Through drama, games, songs and dances we showed love and compassion and brought joy to needy children.

The first time we went to Katwe we saw a girl we called Cinderella. Read her story about how she went from burning up, possibly from malaria, to running around with new clothes and shoes.

The second time we visited the Katwe slum, we asked if we could pray for the sick and were shown into a shack where several people were lying on the floor or on makeshift beds. Immediately Andrea realised that one of the women had serious burns on a large part of her body. With the help of some of the other girls she quickly put on surgical gloves and whipped out bandages and cream from our first-aid kit. It wasn’t quite what we expected to be doing there, but it was certainly another way of showing compassion.

Amazing people

For eight of our team it was our first time in Africa, and we were all struck by the people. Those we had personal contact with were quietly spoken, respectful, very noble people with a great sense of dignity. They love singing and dancing and are passionate about worship. Services last for hours and are interspersed with lively music and dancing – you can get a full work-out at church!