We Christ-followers have strange weapons. They are not made of anything physical. They do not cut or jab or puncture. Where the weapons of this world achieve success by bringing death and subjugation, our weapons bring life and freedom. The Spirit we have been given is one of power, love and self-control. Strange weapons indeed.
As students are preparing to begin a new school year here, I dearly want to send them back fortified with these strange weapons. Education in Uganda is supposed to be free, but when it is free there are no teachers or supplies or food. Our district, Nakapiripirit, recently scored the worst on end-of-high-school exams across the entire country. Living in Nakaale, any quality education will have to be gotten through boarding schools. The tuition fees and school requirements can add to unthinkable amounts for many village kids, especially for high school and beyond. The mission has selected twelve young Christian men to sponsor in their education as it has shepherded their growth in faith through discipleship by the mission’s pastors, interns and visitors. These men must support the work of the church, must get good enough grades, and conduct themselves as a witness to Christ. We’ve seen these particular men grow in leaps and bounds in recent years. There are two graduates from technical school (training in basic mechanics like welding and car repair) who have returned from Mbale to the village, started their own small businesses and assist with the ministry of the church. It is such a delight to see them worshipping as families, teaching the children and discipling the younger men still in school. Another graduate completed a basic nursing program and is working at the clinic. I recently heard from another clinic staff member that he was teaching her from the Bible regarding appropriate styles of worship, and she was convinced by him! He reportedly has chosen to stay close to home working at AYPC, despite being offered more money to live away from his wife and child.
The men we are sponsoring are in various levels of education: sophomore, junior and senior in high school, nursing school, certificate in agriculture, diploma at Knox School of Theology and, Lord willing, a university student who aspires to become a doctor.
We pray that they know who they are in Christ, even remembering the sermons they themselves preached at a recent youth conference the church hosted about becoming a new creation in Christ. May the Lord fortify them with His love, joy, and peace ever growing in Christ-like maturity to face the trials ahead with hope and faith. Please join us in interceding for them before the throne of our Almighty God.