Gulu and the Cross (cont.)
This concludes the rest of our journey in Gulu and Pabbo.
November 18
This was just a day exploring the city of Gulu and discovering how God can move in a stinky fish market. We got a good feel of the city and the size. Later we ran into a pastor John, a local pastor, while walking around inner Gulu. He informed our team of some open air evangelism his church was doing in the markets. After a food break, we ended up making our way over to the meeting. Right there, in the middle of lots and lots of smoked, stinky fish was an open air meeting, complete with fiery preaching, an outdated PA system, and old keyboard. It was quite a site, and God was definitely moving. Some in the crowd gave their hearts to Jesus and some were even healed! After spotting us in the crowd, the pastor invited us up front to briefly share. Devon and myself had a chance to address the crowd, and it was great. God is moving in Gulu.
November 19
On Thursday we went to Pabbo (the area we planned to erect the cross) to build the cross and get everything ready. It was a lot of waiting and sitting around, although that did give us some time to spend with the some kids and other locals. When it was all said and done (a good 6 hours) a crew of local carpenters completed the making of the cross after we finally found some suitable lumber. Before we left we found out the exact spot the cross would be and they dug the hole. All was as ready as possible.
November 20
Friday morning was the big morning - the morning of the cross. It was one full of spiritual warfare. Of course we were running a little late, which you can always expect. We got all of our last minute supplies on our way to Pabbo and finally arrived around 9AM. We only had until 11 because we had to get back to Gulu in time to catch our bus back to Kampala, so we had to rush around to get everything set up and ready as the workers finished painting and preparing the cross. The service finally started around 10. Everything felt, and I’m sure looked, like a challenge, but we kept on pressing on. We did our best to do some songs and music and get people involved. Finally, Steve was up and things got rolling as the cross was finished and erected. We had done it! We had fulfilled our mission in Gulu and we were all thankful that God had made it possible for us to be there and complete our calling. We were obedient, and God was glorified - that’s all that matters in the end. It doesn’t matter how it looks for feels, just so long as you’re obedient. So we finished up on time, then took the long bus ride back to Kamplala, satisfisfied. I believe what was done is a foundation set for good things to come in northern Uganda. God bless Gulu.
I know it’s brief, but I hope this shares the story well enough for you to get a picture of what was done in Gulu. It was a good and sometimes trying time, but as always, God was faithful and pulled us through.
There’s more I’d love to share, but it’s time to go. God bless.
P.S. For more pictures, check out my facebook (facebook.com/negreiner).
