International Missions

Jinja, Uganda East Africa

The trip to Jinja, Uganda was rather unexpected but definitely God directed.  It was as God intended it.  PWFP and individuals have been helping to support a Ugandan woman, Mariam, in order for her to have her children live with her.  Jan and Rick consider her their adopted daughter.  Her wedding was in June and because she is a dear friend (and daughter), Jan wanted very much to attend the wedding.  Mariam is a former prisoner who is very active in the mission work of Calvary Chapel, Jinja. She is secretary for the missionary there in the School of Ministries.  She teaches children and young women at orphanages, the handicapped village, and schools.  She also assists the missionary in teaching the women at the Jinja women’s prison.  She was to marry Steven, a godly man who is also a former prisoner and now a pastor who preaches at the prisons in Jinja.  God has wonderful plans for this couple.

The week before the wedding day, they had the traditional Ugandan Introduction.  It is quite a production and it is at this time the groom presents the bride’s parents with the “bride price” and negotiations take place.  There were many gifts given the bride’s family including cows, chickens goats, grain, fruits, vegetables, clothing and shillings.  After all was inspected by the bride’s family, the father of the bride said, “This is not enough!  We want three more cows!”  Everyone on the groom’s side were shocked and reacted with comments such as, “WHAT?  After all we brought, you still want MORE?”  And after a time of this protesting and groaning, the father of the bride said, “The “cows” are Love, Peace and Patience!”  And there were great sighs of relief from the groom and his family and friends.

While in Uganda Jan and other women from Calvary Albuquerque participated in women’s conferences that had been planned by Beverly Rich, the missionary.  The conferences were very successful.  Jan attended prison services in Main, Condemned, and Bgungu prisons and also the service for the officers on prison grounds.  At Jinja Main prison, ALL of the condemned section (death row) men and also the men housed in the Main section were brought together for the services.  The missionary, Pastor Jesse Rich, said this is the first time in 9 years since he has been in Uganda he has seen them bring them all together.  There were over 400 who attended.  This was and is only because of God.  It was truly by His direction and mandate that this was allowed.  There were skits, music and powerful messages.  At least one third of the men raised their hands when they were asked if they had sent prayer requests to PWFP.  Half said they had received Christmas cards from PWFP volunteers.  Several men asked for prayer and some came to receive Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support of the ministry.  (To read more about the Ugandan Mission, click on Light For The Journey, July.)