Summer bible school in Uganda

The first blessing we experienced was the long-awaited running water in bathroom and kitchen – just a few hours before the arrival of 21 guests from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. All members of the party mastered both the entry formalities and the first experience of driving on Uganda’s roads, both of which are unique experiences for those not used to Africa!

The group was of mixed ages: the youngest participant was 18 and the oldest 61. There were 19 women and 2 men.

During the first two weeks the Bible school took place. We met together in the mornings for Bible study with the staff and native teachers of Vision for Africa. Our teachers were Maria Prean, Pastor Ambale, Pastor Sam, ,Pastor Michael Kimuli and Pastor Patrick. The theme was the kingdom of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. Each teacher presented his/her theme with great fervour, humour and a good touch of African/Austrian enthusiasm. During the lunch break, black and white ate together, whereby we were introduced to poscho (maize mush) and beans, and the Africans ate spaghetti bolognaise. It was a good opportunity of getting to know each other and the different cultures.

There was practical work in the afternoons. We joined in the Compassion Ministry, where in groups we visited the poorest in the neighbourhood. We distributed clothing and shoes, spoke about our faith, and offered to pray with people. Some afternoons were “work days” – here we did cleaning, building and gardening. Classrooms were prepared for the start of the school year, a house was built for a poor family, and in the garden hundreds of pots were filled with earth for the planned rose growing. We often learnt just as much during the afternoon as in the morning, for whilst working together we discovered not only different ways of working but also many similarities between black and white children of the King. There was a lot of laughter, (try explaining the principle of a solarium to a black African!) surprises and simply good fellowship.

In the evening there were worship times where the events of the day were reflected on in songs and testimonies. These were moments of special blessing, and the presence of God could be clearly felt. Many a “muzungu” (white person) enthusiastically joined in with the African spirit and sense of rhythm.

At the weekends we went on various outings. The most impressive of these was the visit to Vision for Africa’s prayer mountain. We walked along the boundaries of the property and claimed the land for the Lord by building altars and proclaiming freedom from curses and occult practices. Earlier it was often the case that rain fell on the land around the mountain but not on the mountain itself. Yet rain is necessary for the thousands of newly planted trees. Since the weekend we spent there it has rained every day! The staff there who look after the plants are amazed and thrilled at God’s working.

During the third week it was time for the safari! We started out early in the morning and eight hours later – after being shaken about on bumpy roads full of potholes – we stood in amazement before our grandiose lodge in Murchison Falls Park. In the evening we set out on our first game drive (a tour through the park) and turned into avid photographers. We felt as if we were in God’s personal creation studio – nature, sunsets and the animals – it was simply overwhelming. The three days safari was wonderful, and we returned with elation and full memory cards!

The last days of the Bible school flew past, and we all agreed that it had been a time of great blessing.

Even if there was not always running water – we now know how to flush a toilet with rain water and to take a shower African-style!
We are also experts in setting up mosquito nets, and Imodium is a word that some of us got to know! Uganda made a great impression on us, and the time with our Father and our brothers and sisters will continue to have a special place in our hearts.

(Daniela and Sandro Furnari, hosts during the Bible school)