Kampala Christian Church Network

I would like to take some time to describe how the things work around here and inform you of some friends I have met and give you some ways to pray about them:
(I apologize for the length)

The Kampala Christian Church Network (KCCN). The IMB Missionaries here work with a group of about 10 Ugandan Pastors. The KCCN focuses on reaching the slums of Kampala, which are vast. Throughout the week hundreds of house churches(small groups ranging form 5-20ish people) meet, study the bible and have fellowship. Many meet outside, anywhere there is shade. Others have the luxury of meeting in some type of building. Then on Sundays, these house churches meet together at about 8 “Celebration Points” scattered throughout the city. Our main focus is to work on establishing an ongoing ministry to children at these house churches and celebration points. We are to train leaders to teach the children. Other than this, we will be working alongside the local leaders, going to Bible studies, prisons, hospitals and schools throughout the week. In addition, I would like to build relationships and make friends with the people we come into contact with throughout town.




There have been about 3 Ugandans that I have already gotten to know very well and am meeting with at least once a week. Please be praying for them.

Joseph - Joseph is a very bold and determined man. He is about 24 years old. He is really funny. He tells us often that he "loves us too much." I met him when i visited a celebration point in Namuwongo. But later I found out that he works as a guard at the Shelton's (my supervisors) home. This is really cool, because i get to see him pretty often. Willie and I have been getting together once a week with him to have a Bible Study. So far, he has planned what we will study. He really has been struggling because no one he lives with is a Christian. He is really wanting some good friends to be able to talk about things with. After reading about the next guy, you might understand a little bit better how to pray for Joseph.

Bosco - When i met Joseph in Namuwongo, he took me to see where he lives. When we arrived, all of the guys he lives with were sitting around. One of them was Bosco. Joseph introduced him by saying, "This is Bosco, he is preparing to accept Christ." I thought that was kind of interesting. Then the next night i arrived back home. (By the way security around here is pretty serious. Most places have walls around them with barbed wire or broken glass, along with guards.) When i got home, one of the guards walked past me, and I realized it was Bosco. It was really exciting. What a coincidence. He had been here every night from 6pm to 6am. It's been really good with Bosco. He's been a good friend so far. He approached me about learning about the Bible. He did not have a Bible, so we eventually found him one. Initially when i heard that he was "preparing to accept Christ," I thought that was a little weird. I know there is a time in every Christian's life where God was preparing them to accept Christ, but i think most people don't realize that this is happening. Anyways, I really respect his desire to understand, before making the most important decision of his life. So we have been getting together a lot to talk about stuff. The first study was about "Who is God and who are we?" I've been giving him a paper with a list of some scripture on it. So he is looking it up and when we meet again we discuss it. He enjoyed this, and insisted that i make a test for him to take. This went very well. He understands now that God created everything and wants a perfect relationship with us. He understands that we are all sinners, and that everyone needs Jesus' salvation. He was able to "explain all these things to me. The next lesson is going to be "Who is Jesus?" Please be praying that through this study of Jesus, Bosco will accept the gift that Jesus has offered us all.

Sharrif - I met Sharrif at a celebration point this last Sunday. He has been without a job for 8 months, since he has been out of prison. He is a really cool guy. We got to hang out and talk yesterday for a few hours. He is going through some tough times. Please be praying that God would provide him with a job or money to go back to school.