A week away!

The blog has been silent this past week as I have been in Uganda and a part that had no Internet. In fact, there was no electricity at all as well as no running water. I was visiting an area called Amidakan near the village of Otuboi (north of the town of Soroti). I'll add a map to show where it is.

I had been invited to teach for a week in Kamidakan Baptist Bible School. The school was established by Peter Ayabu, a brother of Pastor William Eyika from Dagoretti Corner in Nairobi. (I travelled with William's wife, Grace and Ps Julius Orina.) Peter is also on the board of the Uganda Baptist Seminary (chairman). The Kamidakan Bible School currently going through the process of becoming as satellite campus of the UBS.

Staying in the village was an experience that I will never forget and neither will the locals. You see, only a few "muzungus" (white people) have ever visted there. Those that have have not stayed in the village but retreated each night to the town of Soroti. I was the 1st "muzungu" to actually sleep in the village for 6 nights. It caused a lot of talk!

Throughout the week I spoke with the students of the Bible School together with a gathering of local Pastors, some of whom teach in the school.

To say that I felt out inadequate is an understatement. But I constantly read and re-read "Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)
[19] Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel."

During my preparations (I was given the requested topics 2 days before arriving in the village) I had not noticed that one Bible verse repeatedly appeared throughout the week - "2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."
Definitely a fitting verse for a Bible School. Thank you God. You never fail.

One extra highlight of the week was meeting and hearing the local choir (see photo with instrument). I recorded a number of their songs and when I return to Australia I will create a CD to send back to them but also to sell as a fund raiser for the Kamidakan Bible School.

I also thank God to protecting me throughout the week both in travelling and while in Amidakan. The Australian government website (www.smarttraveller.gov.au) lists the area as "Do not travel". I never felt unsafe at any time! Thanks God.