The Village - Time to Celebrate

On Sunday, we were ready for the big day when we culminate our visit with a church dedication service. But, before that we had some other opportunities to build community by sharing in the celebration of baptism.

Ralph, along with Pastor Fred (the district overseer), baptized 13 folks in a little area that the people have used to make natural bricks - located near the entrance to the village off the main road.  What a great experience to join into as these souls demonstrated outwardly what had already taken place in their hearts:

Let the world know that Jesus Christ is my Savior AND Lord!

After this celebration, we went to the village and the new church.  Wow. On Friday, it didn't seem likely that the roof would be complete by Sunday, but there it was!  All that remained was the task of bricking in the front/back and finishing the crown along the peak.  This church was so excited about being in the church that they were mostly inside by the time we got there.  Our typical process of ceremony includes the unveiling of the plaque and the ribbon cutting before we all enter.  So, everyone had to exit the church and gather outside to wait.  Ralph had already washed up and changed clothes from the baptism but we still had to wait for Pastor Fred, too. 

Once he arrived, we unveiled the plaque and cut the ribbon, releasing the flow of all who wanted inside.

We were introduced, Ray delivered the message, gifts were exchanged, testimonies were spoken, and songs were sung.  We had fun singing for them as we tried to make it as interactive as possible - including the old Christian Camp song, "Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah! Praise Ye the Lord!" where we had the whole church standing up, sitting down, back and forth. It was a lot of fun as we celebrated Jesus.

The gifts included: goats, pigs, bananas, VBS shirts, an American flag, a bike for the pastor, 12 Bibles in two native tongues (Lugandan and Luchica), chairs for the new church building, crayons, the colorful parachute, balls, and so much more

Before all was done, we also joined in the dedication of 17 babies.  Sherry and Kimberly assisted Colleen as the babies were anointed and the congregation and the parents declared their intent to join together to raise these children in the way of the LORD to be shaped into His likeness as they mature.

After lunch, we returned for the most solemn wedding I've witnessed.  Both the bride and the groom did not appear to be happy about being there - but discovered later that this was cultural. In fact, the couple had been together for some time in the African tradition as a couple, but wanted to come forward as Christians to be joined in the sight of God and the witnesses there. After I delivered the wedding message, Rev. Tim led them through the vows.

Our time with the village, having come to a close, was upon us. Pictures were taken, hugs were exchanged, and we were on our way home.  This is my 6th such departure and it is a bittersweet time as we reflect on what we've done and how we dislike leaving our new-found family.  Because of our connection to this congregation, even in these short few days, we can say with some certainty that it's not goodbye - only, farewell.