East Africa Mission Trip – First Update

I promised I would give an update on my blog while in Africa. So here’s the first.

“Jonathan, if you want to go on an adventure, go on a mission trip to East Africa.” Those were the words that came to me while listening to the valedictorian give her speech at my daughter’s graduation.

She didn’t say exactly those words. But instead, she was quoting J.R. Tolkien as Bilbo Baggins was embarking on an adventure, and so was I.

Now, to be fair, I didn’t come all the way to Africa because of a midlife crisis or because I was seeking to find myself. Rather, I came because I was invited, twice actually. The first time was through my developing friendship with Bishop Argwings Yoto, and the second was by Stephen Higgins with One Child.

I’m glad I said yes to both of them. Although it resulted in me committing to twenty-four days spread across three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, I’m glad I did commit to this journey because it won’t be my last.

My trip so far has concentrated on Uganda. We spent the first two days in Kamapala’s slums. Don’t be offended by that word. That is how the Ugandans refer to these impoverished communities. When Americans think of “slums,” we often think of broken, poor communities. These are the same but so more severe.

Remarkably, just like in American slums, one can find strong faith. For example, I met with a beautiful grandmother who is raising her grandson. She was delighted by our visit. Her faith radiated through her smile as she praised the Lord.

But not all the homes we visited expressed such faith. That is where the excellent work of One Child is making a difference. Click on the link to learn more. Their organization sponsors children, enabling them to attend a Hope Center where they receive education, training, uniforms, and meals. That “compassion” then reverberates back into the community, making the Gospel known through acts of mercy, kindness, generosity, and hope.

From Kampala, we traveled to Jinga to Bavuma Island, the largest island in Lake Victoria and part of the Bavuma district. There, we met an Anglican priest, Revd Brian, who is doing tremendously hard work without any substantial compensation. But with the help of One Child, he has launched a school that educates roughly fifty children each day.

Part of my job on the island was to be a bishop and provide encouragement to the ongoing work that’s happening on the island.

Anyways, there’s a whole lot more happening. But I’ll update you more. I’m super sleepy!