Our trip out to Uganda was nicely uneventful. Steady rain on arrival reminded us that it was the rainy season, and Uganda was pleasantly cooler than I last remembered. We were met by a Kampala hotel rep who got us to our hotel room for 8am, the hour drive to Kampala helping us reacclimatize to our new environment. Our driver was a Christian refugee from Pakistan seeking political asylum and had been in Uganda for 4 years now. Most people are trying to leave Uganda as economic refugees to the West. Clearly one man's place of flight is another man's refuge. It was our place of refuge, as we treated ourselves to an hour and a half sleep following our broken night on the plane.

I was with brother Kevin Rawlings from Handsworth, who had lived in Uganda for 6 months and was therefore more experienced of Ugandan living than I was. This was useful, as I was able to bounce ideas off him and reach solutions that were more likely to succeed in the Ugandan culture. He also taught me to be more at ease with mosquitoes and catering than I had been. Despite his tutoring I never fully managed to get my whole hand covered in food when eating like the Ugandans. We went for more basic accommodation, although I am not sure if my wife Faith would have appreciated cubicle unisex loos and ants in the sinks. For diplomatic reasons we tried to live like the Ugandans, and I did try and keep my picture-taking to a discreet level. Despite efforts, it was difficult to hide my wealth. My glasses, camera, mosquito tablets and gold wedding ring all gave away the fact that we lived with economical prosperity that they dream of. This always prompts requests for help - reasonable and unreasonable.

Another area where we were the rich white man was with our hired vehicle. This was difficult to avoid if we wanted to make effective use of our time. This time we had many books and mosquito nets to distribute, so our van was a distribution medium. On the last trip of John, Sue and Wayne the van was plagued by breakdowns. We had stressed that we should not go for the cheapest available van. In the event brother Paddy Wambi got us a reliable vehicle, for which we are thankful to God. He turned up with the van, brother John Ouma, smile and a big hug.

The first day was at the capital Kampala. Brother Godfrey Musana arrived shortly after our alarm went, and reported on some preaching he had been doing in Mubende district. We took the names of the students in this new place - the first of many on our trip. Correspondence course work is vital in areas like Mubende where there is no brother. It allows the truth to go to new areas. No doubt Sue will be chasing you to take on new students in due course. It is such an essential part of our mission to preach the gospel in Uganda and to grow them spiritually. The rest of the day was spent getting money out, confirming our return flight and preparing for the Western leg of our trip. We bought mosquito nets and English and Luganda Bibles.

I had come with a mobile phone, so I started the nightly ritual of ET phone home. The first night brought the news that my father had been received into fellowship. For the first time in my life I am in fellowship with him. I cheer. This is the joy of fellowship. On the other hand, my family is missing me. This visit is a sacrifice made by them as much as me. It is not just those on the visit who do the work, but everyone else involved ensures that the growth of the truth in Uganda is a great team effort.

We left Kampala at 7.15 am with brother Steve Waako. No time for breakfast - at least Kevin and I agree that sleep is more important than food. So we were up and out in 25 minutes. We met sister Mary Flerria Najjingo at Masaka - arriving before her, so we had sodas (coke and bitter lemon) and chips while waiting.

On the Mbarara road we pass a sign saying "In God we Trust - Drug Store". It seems funny that they - and we - trust in God, but in fact go straight to the doctor when we have a problem. Perhaps we trust more in medicine than God. Asa was like this and suffered the consequences. Let us trust in God more than doctors, and prayer more than health care.

We arrived at the Pelikan Hotel, Mbarara after 4 hours travel and then chose the cheap rooms in the annex. A student was waiting for us. He was in the police force as a crime investigator and tried to convince us that he could function as a Christian with a clear conscience in his job. Police force jobs are relatively well paid and one often finds students in these roles. He did take an oath of special allegiance to the government forces and the duties required by this did conflict with Christian living. We left him to reflect on his position.

We also interviewed Muhangi Johnny that day. He passed and so we baptised him in the shower of the hotel. We had brought a builder's bag from the UK and some plastic lining. It took us about an hour to fill it in the shower. Apart from that, and the flooding as we emptied it, it worked fine. It would still be easier to find a near-by stream, but there are times it would come into its own. Our new brother Johnny works in a hotel 6 days a week from 7am to 8pm, and only sees his family one day a week. This time commitment to work is quite normal in Uganda, but it does mean some people struggle to find time to (say) answer the CC questions.

Next day we were up at 6.30 and off. Our timing was becoming like the Ugandans who get up at 6 and retire late. This was not to last as we both needed our beauty sleep. We travelled to Kasese area in the extreme West of the country, travelling through the rift valley and the QEII national park. We were fortunate to see the QEII elephant herd plus baboons, buffalo and antelope. Arriving at 10 am I interviewed while Kevin taught 30 students under a tarpaulin. There are many students at this place (Kisinga) and there was obvious interest in the word. In the afternoon, Kevin and I reversed roles. By the end of the day, both the candidates had passed, and we were able to travel to a stream and baptise Kule Remegio and Isaac Bulea Cox. Isaac was in tears of joy following his successful interview and his long road to finding the truth.

These baptisms represent a significant step in the truth in Uganda. For years we have only had one or two brothers out West, and the truth was struggling to make progress. 95% of our brothers and sisters are in Kampala and east of it. Now there are 3 brothers at Kasese and 8 brothers and sisters in Bushenyi/Mbarara/Masaka. The truth is growing out West. Much revolves around brother Godwin Mugasi's personal effort, aided by correspondence work. Now he has helpers. Godwin even wrote a leaflet in English called "Am I in the Right Church?", because we were losing students to the JWs in one area.

Godwin has translated a number of CBM leaflets into his local language, and has now translated some internet home pages. This allows Runyankole-speakers to access the leaflets from the internet. John Mathias has used his web skills so that all the translation work can go on the web. God willing, in the next year we will have the pages translated into about 7 Ugandan languages. Godwin agreed to start translating Bible Basics into the language of the west of Uganda - Runyankole. This is a long term project, but he is hoping to do one study a month. He considers it vital to allow the truth to blossom in the West, and the CBM are supporting this project.

We were able to distribute Bibles to advanced students. We purchased 100 English Bibles for our trip, and most were gone by the end. About 30 Luganda Bibles were also given out as well as 10 Runyankole Bibles. Not just in name only are we the Christadelphian Bible mission! Some of the Bibles given out were so that ecclesias could run Bible classes and collect the Bibles back at the end. Even so there is an ongoing significant need to provide Bibles.

The next day took us back to Mbarara and student teaching at a Primary School near the meeting hall. The Mbarara ecclesia meet about 5 km outside town. About 15 students attended, although Godwin was disappointed with the turn out for a Saturday. Our visit was during school terms which makes it difficult for many students to attend. Those who are residential and who were taking exams were unable to attend during our visit. A student called Sunday Moses has completed the course was ready for interviewed. Twice we tried to find him at his school - unsuccessfully, even though he had been informed of the visit by Godwin. Even on the last day we tried to arrange for him to come to Kampala for interview, but it was exam time and his school would not release him. Do not be disappointed if your student was not seen. There are many reasons as to why they may not turn up - timing, distance and money being the most obvious reasons.

During our visit, the US gay bishop was inaugurated within the Anglican church. This caused an outcry in Uganda, since homosexuality is illegal in Uganda. As far as they are concerned, the Anglicans have just appointed a criminal as bishop. I am sure we have sympathy with this. There are other aspects of Uganda society that we will also find appealing. Abortion is also illegal. Blasphemy is not heard in every day conversation, because God is respected. There is also not the joking about things to do with defecating and urination, since these are just natural events that are part of daily living.

This is not to say Christadelphians will find all things Ugandan appealing. Mob justice does occur where an adulterer may be put to death. This can even happen for a stolen bike. Many of you will also have received requests for help, and it is a Ugandan way to try all routes to resolve financial or other difficulties. Many of these requests will not be for necessities. During the visit, we explained our new guidelines of how the CBM will help for our brothers and sisters. This advice is captured in a new handbook for ecclesias which we circulated. Welfare is a harder issue for students. What we must not do is to encourage them to be baptised for the help or potential help they may receive. I know this is a difficult issue, and there is actually no firm advice which covers all problems.

Our time out West finished on the first Sunday with a breaking of bread at Godwin's house in Bushenyi. We had the largest group of brothers and sisters meeting out West. Kevin exhorted. Following lunch, the ecclesia had a business meeting with me while Kevin taught the students. We also tracked down two sisters who were at college, who had not seen another brother or sister for 6 months. They were obviously delighted to see us, and one in tears as we had to leave.

On the Monday we had another early start to travel through to Jinja, east of Kampala - about a 5.5 hour trip. We were met by brother John Ouma and brother Jude Kaawo. John said, "Welcome home". This was where Kevin had based his 6-month stay in Uganda, and where we now tend to base our trips around. It is currently the CBM Uganda office. In response to "I need a soda" it appeared just like that. We tried to keep our requests down to a minimum, since they will give us anything if we asked for it. We visited sister Lucy's craft shop and made arrangements for receiving some Africrafts materials. I bought some gifts for my family. We also visited brother Fred Kakaire in his physiotherapy clinic. Fred has a wonderful knowledge and likes nothing more than to challenge you with his latest scriptural thoughts.

On the Tuesday, Kevin and I split. Kevin spent the day arranging things for the January Youth camp near Jinja. JP and Sally will be leading this. I took John Ouma and went to visit a couple of water borehole companies. We were able to make a decision to "rehabilitate" the Busowa borehole using one of the companies. This would allow us to assess their expertise, with a view to drilling a further borehole at Pallisa. God willing we would be able to see the Busowa borehole complete in a weeks time. Boreholes are a good way of helping the brothers and sisters and the community at the same time. Often their water supply will be over 3 km away, and considerable time and effort has to be spent on collecting water. This has a knock-on effect on hygiene, since they are reluctant to wash hands with their precious water. The Meal-A-Day fund are working with us to set these boreholes up.

Back at Jinja that night we met brother George Otule from Pallisa. He greeted us with a strong hug that lifted me off the ground and caused me to fear for my ribs. Kevin escaped. Several Jinja brothers turn up and well after dark brother Emmanuel Gubika bangs on the door. Uganda is like that. You never know who is going to turn up. No time is safe. You are always on duty.

The next day we packed for the eastern phase of our trip. We needed to visit brothers and sisters of the Itakaibolu ecclesia. There was some doubt about whether they were committed to the exclusive Dawn fellowship or not, and we needed to establish their position. Since I used to be in the Dawn fellowship, I was able to talk about the divisive issues. In fact, this was not needed as the members we saw were all committed to our fellowship. The doubt came from one individual who did not turn up. Since this discussion took place in front of the Bugiri ecclesia, we were able to ask their opinion. They were all convinced that the Itakaibolu brothers were genuine. We marked this event by everyone shaking hands and welcoming one another. Very nice. The Itakaibolu brothers are actively preaching as well. They had brought two students to prove to them that other Christadelphians exist! We often forget the blessing of fellowship we have.

That evening we arrived in Busia. In fact the ecclesia is no where near Busia, but they still want to call it Busia. This ecclesia had never had a visit before, due to van breakdowns and timetable problems. It was now 18 strong with its own mud hall with corrugated iron roof. The leading light is brother Fred Wabwire: a live wire and full of energy and enthusiasm. He had us run a business meeting that night (our 3rd that day). We also relaxed explaining the Western habit of having pet dogs and how we look after them so carefully. They roared with laughter. Dogs are not pets in Uganda, often run wild and are occasionally kept for guarding duties.

We had a busy two and a half days in Busia. One day we taught from 11am to 11.30pm with only a short break for lunch. Dinner was still later. I'd like to see a preaching effort in the UK with that timetable! Kevin did interviews, while I taught. In fact, Fred also taught and has an excellent awareness of the first principle verses. It is a joy to work with him. In fact he is so keen, that by the end he was taking over. We did practical and doctrinal subjects. On marriage and sex, there can't be many questions that we did not answer. I am sure you would have found it interesting - both western and Ugandan answers. We had many students both days and even 3 pastors who were convinced on the topics we covered. Meanwhile, interviewing had identified 3 successful candidates for baptism. All-in-all an excellent part of our visit. Busy. And even then Fred wanted us to stay for an extra 2 days! Nice try.

Busia is an unusual ecclesia in that it has a choirmaster. This is a role that they have created. It means that they have a choir of 8 individuals who are able to stand up after 2 hours of teaching and teach the listeners in song. With their hands swaying and feet walking to the beat, and a singing leader for each song, the singing is warm, reverent and educational. They sung in English, Swahili, Luganda and Saamia. Ever thought of having a choir in your ecclesia?

After Busia we drove north for a rendez-vous with 3 brothers from Dokolo. They were now refugees from the Lords Resistance Army, and they and their families had fled to Lira. They arrived very late and tired. They had had problems coming and described stories of the rebels abducting children and gratuitously breaking adult skulls. We let them unburden their hearts and then took them to fill their stomachs. We discussed their family needs and how they needed to hire land to start growing. Like most Ugandans they are peasant farmers, and are fully dependent on the land. Of course, the CBM assisted them. Credit to them, they are still actively preaching, and have 7 students. One of the brothers had translated 7 CBM leaflets into the local language (Lango). What an example of commitment to the Lord this is.

The next morning was Sunday. We broke bread with them at 7 am so that we could both get on our ways and complete our journeys. Theirs took them to Lira and their families, God willing. Ours took us to Mt Elgon. An ecclesial problem had been resolved before our arrival, and credit goes to them for behaving so responsibly. It is by the fire of experience that our faith is strengthened and tried. They had stood their test. May we stand ours.

Monday took us to Pallisa, and a typically busy time. Home to the loveable George Otule and his growing ecclesia. There were 5 baptisms this time, and many others interested in the Bible studies. Teaching took place with translations from English into Ateso and Luganda. In fact, my English sometimes needed translation into their English. Their English is a deeper guttural accent that JP mastered when he was here. All I do is try and speak Queen's English even clearer, which never really seemed to help. My mother would have been proud of me though! Pallisa was the place where a year ago we realised that they had to travel over 4 km to get water. This year they applauded the work of the CBM and Meal-A-Day at the prospect to solving this problem.

Back home in Jinja, we received a visit from brother Vincent Odoi, who had completed the translation of Bible Basics into Luganda. Luganda is the main language of Uganda, but is only spoken by 3 out of the 18 million people. Many of the other 46 languages are spoken by much smaller population groups. The diversity of language is why we are concentrating on language translations. It has taken us about 2 years to get the Luganda Bible Basics translation complete, thanks to the perseverance of brother Vincent. It will now take another year to type up fully and correct, but at least the most difficult stage is over.

That afternoon, we travelled via Iganga to see the progress on the Busowa borehole. We stopped to see brother Anthony Kisige, only to discover two other brothers and 9 students. They wanted to discuss the truth in Iganga, and then wanted to give us a cooked meal. Ugandan hospitality strikes again. We finally get away to look at the Busowa borehole. It was 90% complete, and we were able to make a further payment to the Drilling company and make tentative arrangements for the Pallisa borehole.

The next day we were in Kampala, sorting out Bibles. We had distributed 100 English Bibles during the trip. These were RSVs because they were only 9500 Ush compared to 14000 Ush for NIVs. The RSVs were hard back and have nice lined pictures on most pages. The English is slightly harder for them than in the NIV, but the cost difference meant that we favoured the RSV. We purchased a further 50 to leave with brother John Ouma, so that he can send them to students when requested. We purchased stamps for you lot (and us), and then met much of the Kampala ecclesia. They are doing well and it is excellent to see their willingness to visit one another and students. During the visit we found out that non-Kampala 5 brothers and sisters who were now in the capital Kampala and needed to be contacted. The Kampala ecclesia also decided themselves to copy a map of their meeting place and send it to all 18 ecclesias in Ugandan to help this situation in future.

Kevin and I were able to reflect back on a positive visit. We were able to see and help Mbarara, Busia and Dokolo ecclesias, and in each case see the truth growing. All other ecclesias visited gave us positive hope for the future. That is not to say there are no problems, but that the problems are being recognised and addressed. As partners together in God's work, we are all participating in sowing the seed and witnessing the fruit being borne through God's blessing. May God bless us all. Like a Ugandan farmer, let us plant the seed, nurture the plants and be encouraged by the blessing God chooses to take.

Paul Boyd, 14 November 2003

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