Uganda Mission 2010
After all the travel disruption caused by the Icelandic volcano Pastor David Rhodes and Ann Rhodes took a bus ride from Bridgend to Heathrow Airport on their way to Uganda on Monday 26th April 2010. They had an overnight flight with Kenya Airways to Nairobi, Kenya, with the expectation of a quick dash to make a connecting flight to Entebbe. This flight was however, delayed until 12.30pm and they were glad they were able to contact their contact in Uganda to tell of the delay.
Eventually they arrived in Entebbe Airport where they met Godfrey Mawa, a Ugandan evangelist, and Pastor Joseph Byaitaka. They were then taken to the Commission International Mission Centre in Kampala where they met up with some of the team they were to both work and live with: Monika Apoo, Teddy Byaale and Caroline Nakato.
On the Wednesday afternoon the first of three leadership sessions were held in a conference room in College Inn, Wandegeya. They had been told that people would be slow in coming but when they arrived the place was already packed and worship was already in full swing. These meeting were scheduled from 4pm to 8pm. David spoke about how God uses us despite our weaknesses and gives us authority to minister. Prophetically keys were then given out to individuals in a powerful time of ministry.
After ministering to the leaders they had to move quickly on to Makerere University Christian Union. This was a once in a semester Inter-halls meeting and over 200 attended. After a time of lively worship Ann and David spoke to the gathering. David spoke about the keys again and because of time limitations asked people simply to stretch out their hand and receive keys as David prayed for their release. The meeting had to finish at 10pm but they continued to minister to individuals until 11.45pm
The leadership meetings continued on Thursday at College Inn and David spoke about how we need to experience the Glory of God. At the end of the meeting many pressed forward to receive prayer.
Friday was the last of the meetings at College Inn and David spoke on the theme Revelation explosion. At the end of his message Ann shared some personal insights on hearing from God. Earlier in the day the Lord had spoken a word: “This is the control tower, you are clear to take off.” It was amazing to see every leader stretch their arms out to take off to a higher level in God. At the end of this meeting David and Ann prayed that each one present would individually hear for themselves what God was saying.
David and Ann left quickly with Godfrey to go on to the Friday night all night prayer meeting with a Sudanese church, Makerere Christian Fellowship, with Pastor William Wudu. It was after 12.30am that David started preaching on healing questions. Following the message people were invited to come forward for healing. Many testified they had been touched. One boy of about 7 really blessed them when he requested prayer for wisdom! The visitors were given Sudanese names: Ann to be Kiden and David to be Longun.
Saturday was a day of rest together with the team and anyone who visited the house!
On Sunday morning David and Ann were invited to Glory Church International with Pastor Nankuda. David preached on healing questions and there was a tremendous response from the people. David and Ann went backwards and forwards along the rows of people wanting prayer. Interestingly at the end of the meeting they were introduced to a pastor from Zaire who knew David and Ann would be at the church through a word from the Lord.
They then went on to The Call from 2pm to 7pm at Makerere University main sports ground. The Call was for National Repentance over witchcraft, human sacrifice, corruption in public offices and increased immorality happening in Uganda. The meeting was called by John Malundi and other key spiritual leaders. Lou Engels who started The Call also came over from America to speak at this meeting. The Minister of Ethics and Integrity the Honorable Buturo gave an inspiring word to the nation to take a stand for righteousness based on the Word of God.
On Tuesday the team travelled for about 3 hours to the Village of Namusaala in district of Kayunja. They set off later than expected. On reaching the village they saw a raised banner ahead of them. People from the church had been waiting for 3 hours and started to sing and dance as they saw the car approach. Soon children surrounded the car and those with the banner led a procession on to St Luke’s Church. In the church the welcome continued as the choir sang a song in Swahili. It was not long before David preached on healing despite the heavy rain and thunder outside. At the end of the meeting gifts were given to the children to their great delight and many came forward for prayer. The faith of the people to receive from God was outstanding and many indicated they had either been healed or were starting to feel better.
The team then visited Godfrey’s grandmother despite the car getting stuck in the mud. She received them with great joy. On leaving the village the car got stuck again and everyone had to push. Unfortunately the car got a flat tyre which meant everyone but the driver had to walk to the next village. This caused great amusement to the local children who all joined in the trek! After many deliberations a jack and eventually the right spanner was found.
On Wednesday Pastor Asa Tugume visited the mission Centre and told of his recent visit to Rwanda. It was a joy to meet him after previous contact through the internet.
That afternoon David, Ann and Godfrey had the privilege of going with Pastor Joseph Byaitaka to the local prison. There they met the new prison governor who encouraged every prisoner to listen to the Word of God. They were allowed to minister for half an hour in an open courtyard. David spoke near to where the men were sitting, with a group of women on the other side of a small fence. 8 of the men indicated they wanted to receive Jesus then David prayed for about 20 men for healing. Meanwhile Ann went with Godfrey and Joseph to speak to a small group of women prisoners and saw 2 women saved and prayed for 7 women including one of the prison staff.
That evening David and Ann went with Godfrey, Monika and Caroline to Prayer Mountain where John Mulinde has a conference centre and where people visit to pray over Kampala and the nation of Uganda. They spent time individually praying as the sun was setting.
For some time the landlord of the centre used by Commission International wanted the team to move out. On Thursday Godfrey received the keys for a new place for them to live and work from. David and Ann visited the new house and prayed around the property. They were moving in on the Saturday.
On Thursday evening David and Ann were invited to Light of the World church. A year ago they had 800 members but now they have 2000. That evening David and Ann went to minister at their prayer meeting where about 500 attended. David spoke about preaching the whole gospel and then prayed about receiving keys and healing. The meeting finished at 9pm but some then came forward for individual prayer.
On their last day together, the whole team went to Lake Victoria where they paddled in the warm water and then enjoyed lunch. They then went on to Entebbe Airport to say some emotional goodbyes. Fortunately there were no delays on the way home via Nairobi and Heathrow.
David and Ann received a warm welcome wherever they went and the team became like a family to them. Many expressed a hope for a return visit in the near future.
