Blogs

Extending the Kingdom of God Hand in Hand

November 20, 2008 - Read all blogs

Prepare the Way Ministry and Christian Intercessor’s Church of Lugazi joined hands to be a part of extending The Kingdom of God in the earth. We had planned a day trip to one of the islands in Lake Victoria to bring the life of God to an sometimes forgotten people. Due to the inconvenience and expense of the long trip, most Ugandan pastors find it difficult to come to the island and the people have a barrenness of soul.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our team of about twelve men and women drove to edge of Lake Victoria. As we got out of the van, we noticed that the small fishing community was buzzing with the activities of the day. On the shore, men were building fishing/passenger boats which were about 8 feet wide and 35 feet long. Down by the water’s edge, a very interesting activity was taking place. Men were lifting people to their shoulders and carrying them from the shoreline through the water to the boat which was anchored about ten or fifteen feet off shore. Although this was acceptable protocol it somehow didn’t agree with my American definition of manhood, and I declined the offer to be carried to the boat. In my mind, I also questioned whether they could have lifted me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We spent the next two hours riding in the boat toward one of the islands in the middle of Lake Victoria. We arrived and unloaded in a small community of houses, not large enough to be called a town. After disembarking, we walked up hill about 2 kilometers or 1.5 miles. The land was dry and barren, and it was very hot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

True to typical Ugandan culture, we arrived at the church about 2-3 hours late. The praise and worship had been going on for quite some time. Upon our arrival, the service officially started. There were customary greetings and welcoming of the guests. In the spirit, I sensed such a deep dryness over the people. I spoke on a people who will respond to the Lord. I preached a two part message. After the first part, we broke for lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we gathered again after lunch, I sensed a hunger stirring in the people. Before preaching I called for those who wanted to be saved, come into the Kingdom of God, or get a fresh start with the Lord. At least two thirds of the congregation responded. I laid hands on each one and prayed for them. The people responded and were now ready to have their hearts and lives challenged and changed by the Lord. At the conclusion, I spoke of the effects of being half-hearted when it comes to the Kingdom of God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I could see that the hearts of the people had melted and they wanted their lives to be changed by God. I waited for the direction of the Holy Spirit and then said, “If you want God to soften your heart, raise your hand!” Everyone raised their hands. I responded, “You raise your hands every time! Raising your hands doesn’t change your heart. If you want God to invade your life, stand to your feet!” Everyone stood to their feet. Next I said, “Don’t you see that you are responding in the same religious way that you always respond! You always stand to your feet. You’ll walk out of here and be just as half-hearted as when you came in” I looked out the door at the back of the church and saw that there was no shade and I knew it was a very hot day. “If you really want God then you have to respond differently than you always respond. Show God that this time you are sincere. If you are serious about wanting God to change you then follow me outside.” Everyone streamed outside into the heat of the day. The neighbors in the community were watching what was going on, and they began to laugh at the Christians. God was moving on His church and they didn’t seem to notice or care that they were being mocked. Breaking out of the same half-hearted response brought down the glory of God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pastor Nehemiah, Pastor Josiah, and I began to pray for everyone. God was touching His people and they were being broken. Men and women were crying and trembling. They knew that they wanted and needed God. One of our team members was on the ground crying, “I am always a deceiver. I am always like Jacob.” She had allowed the words of the message to speak deep into her heart and convict her. People were allowing God to fix what was broken in their lives. After prayer, many who had fallen just stayed on the ground crying out to God and letting Him minister to their hearts. Some were healed and many others were set free to live.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the service we headed home. I climbed into the front of the boat so I could look back and watch the shore disappear into the horizon. The trip did not seem as long. My heart and soul were stirring within me.

I have learned that when the Holy Spirit leads me a certain way to respond to it. I am learning to yield before I can explain, define, or describe it. Sometimes the things God tells me to do don’t seem logical to my mind. My mind is being transformed to think God thoughts rather than always from the perspective of a man. I am a co-labored with Christ to destroy the works of the devil.

From my heart,

Pastor Bill Campbell

---