Three reflections from our recent trip to Uganda

Reflection #1

Morning glory in Jinja, Uganda, source of the Nile. Skilled fisherman ply their trade along the currents. Cormorants, young and old, are fishing also. Four otters come close to greet, as monkeys fly from limb to limb in the canopy above. Storks walk the green carpeted hill and stand atop Acacia trees. Kingfishers skim the surface and pilot the peninsula.

The sun rises over the hills, casting red glow, emanating into golden glory. The fulsomeness of creation invites awe, wonder, and gratitude. Jesus’ healing presence and power is fully present; I am here to rest and receive.

Peace like a river, attendeth my way. It is well. It is well. It is well with my soul.


Reflection #2

The African fish eagle has planted herself firmly on top of the bountiful tree in the center of the river, no one her equal or rival. She is clothed in splendor, her demeanor regal. Her white cap and breast reflect the sun-kissed rays of evening glory. Her coat contrast speaks stature. She is Queen of the River Nile.

Three kites circle through with their evening meal. They find various perches to enjoy their catch. The pied kingfisher drops down from his shallow perch to the water only to bounce back up again, almost apologizing for his unsuccessful ventures. Did he catch anything? Maybe after his third try. The open-billed stork joins the party, coming in for landing like a 747, natural, but always a bit awkward, like he had to teach himself to fly.

Evening song, a creation hymn to YHWH’s glory.


Reflection #3

It occurred to me in a moment’s notice. I went out the door to listen to the Muslim call to prayer. As I sat in the dark on the steps to listen, I looked back on the Nile River flowing below, and then gently gazed at my guesthouse, a small circular hut with a dim light inside. I had been enjoying reading about an early 20th century missionary/anthropologist to Northern Rhodesia (modern day Zambia) whom I admire, indulging his cultural insights and his love and respect for African peoples. I realized in that moment how different my life is from that of family/friends back the U.S. Yet, I am grateful. Ours is a good life.

At long last -- SSPEC General Assembly

Last week the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SSPEC) held their General Assembly (GA). That sounds like it would be a rather dry and officious meeting, but the long days were filled with lots of worship, prayer, animated discussion, laughter, and of course reports. One thing I enjoyed most was watching people from different parts of the country rejoice in seeing one another again. The repeated handshaking and expressions of delight and surprise as people from remote regions reconnected showed the deep level of connection that people had when they were all displaced or studying together in Khartoum.

The worship team was present through long days of meetings

Members greeting each other

Since Presbyterian structure includes governing by elders and by group decisions and not by a single authority, the General Assembly is a significant governing body and where a lot of the decisions are made and reports are given. Representatives from all SSPEC congregations in South Sudan and also of South Sudanese in neighboring countries are expected to attend. For SSPEC, it was the first time since 2013 that they have been able to hold a General Assembly, due mostly to insecurity in South Sudan.  They had hoped to hold the meeting in October, but it was postponed because many people were not able to attend.

Delegates in the meeting

I was told by a number of people that discussions would get heated and it might feel like people were about to start fighting, but then everyone would cool down and the matter would get resolved. “That is just the way it is in GA”, they said. And sure enough, I watched discussions play out like that. People were given an opportunity to ask questions or to share their opinions, and after a period of discussion there would be a conclusion or they would move on. I appreciated that even those who disagreed about a certain topic could laugh together later. 

Praying for pastors to be led and enabled by God's Spirit

On the last day of the GA was the election for new leadership. The executive committee is now completely new, and the previous leadership showed humble grace in stepping aside and supporting the new leadership. Everyone I talked to seemed pleased with the election and to support the leadership, whether their choice of candidate had been selected or not. The day after GA ended, the old and new leaders met together to hand over the responsibilities and to share information. At the end of the week, the entire old and new executive committees came together to pray and to express their hopes for the church going forward.

The former and current leadership gather together at the church offices.

Thank you to those of you who prayed for this meeting, and please continue to pray for wisdom and vision for the new leadership as they seek to encourage and enable the spiritual mission of the church. We pray that God’s people here will grow in unity as they focus together on Jesus Christ, our source of true life and peace.