The Rugumba's Updates

In a few days, Mercy church will be celebrating 1 year of glory existence.

Vena and I are currently in United States to participate in a missions conference at one of our supporting churches here in Bakersfield. We will then visit LA, Oregon and Chicago and then go back; it is a total of 2.5 weeks. We had to cut this trip short because we left behind our 2 month old baby, Rille, that we are adopting.

I shared to church on the topic one mile wide, one inch deep church. This represents some of the elements of the church in Africa. It is important to note that there are several aspects where the African church is a mile deep in areas like prayer, Faith, worship and the world can learn from the church in Africa.The church in Africa over the years has experienced several revivals, and this has led to more conversions that the church has limited capacity to disciple.

Matthew 28:19-20 English Standard Version (ESV)-“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The church has put a lot of emphasis on conversions and little efforts on making disciples. This has led to a mile wide and inch deep when it comes to Discipleship.

One of the main causes of this, is lack of education. It is common for some churches to start when a group of people convert and one steps up to become their leader. Many pastors have not received training; first formal training and also basic education. In the pastor’s fellowships where we meet as pastors of different churches, I have come across pastors who cannot read or write. According to UNESCO, 1 out of 3 African adults cannot read and write. For most of these adults, their parents could not provide for their schooling.

The only source a pastor has to study God’s word, is through hearing what other preachers preach and what is popular. This has led to a rise of heresies and false teachings, like the cheap grace and prosperity gospel, which is widely believed.

Throughout my sermons at Mercy church, I have always challenged members to read and study God’s word. Two weeks ago, a lady came to my office and her desire was to learn English so she can read the Bible. I was moved and asked church members who would like to learn how to read and over 40 people signed up. We have put together a team and next week we shall have our first language class.

I am excited that by next year our school will be open. This will give us an opportunity to provide education to more underprivileged children and to raise them to become tomorrow’s leaders or pastors who will change Uganda for God.

We still need money to pay off the school and start on renovations. You can make a financial contribution toward the school project by clicking on the link below and write Mercy school in the memo. https://childrentolove.givingfuel.com/give-now

Ways To Pray for Us:

• Pray for us as we are hiring a new teacher on our staff to help with special needs kids school.
• Pray for safe travels and good health on this trip.
• Pray for open doors to share about the work in Uganda.
• More child sponsors.
• Money for our new school.