Mission Africa 2024!

Ministry in Uganda

Our journey to Uganda from Trinidad and Tobago spanned two days, involving two connecting flights before we arrived at Entebbe International Airport. The experience was one of relief and eager anticipation as the team awaited our arrival at the airport. My travel to Africa was with Christian Union Church, under the leadership of Bishop Chandler, pastor of the same church in St James. We embarked on this mission as part of Bishop Aaron William's Ministry, which is known as Divine Problem Solving Ministries International. Bishop Williams hails from Trinidad and Tobago and is a former convict, who has since become a Bishop dedicated to advancing the kingdom of the Lord. His work has extended across Africa, particularly in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, for the past eighteen years.

Just landed in Uganda

Meeting Bishop Aaron Williams and his team for the first time was a tremendous experience. This mission granted me the opportunity to serve on the African continent, a blessing for which I am immensely thankful. 

Though the drive to our initial destination stretched a bit long, the sheer excitement of reaching Uganda overshadowed any fatigue. During the journey, I took note of the distinct red soil, and dusty landscape dotted with vast empty lands and similar-looking towns that differed only slightly from one another.  The streets were lined with paved and unpaved roads. The place reminded me of Haiti when I visited back in 2017. A small diversion through traffic allowed us the pleasure of sampling jackfruit, a local Ugandan fruit with a unique taste that improved with ripeness.

Jackfruit snack plate

locals carrying produce 
as we journey through the traffic

A local clothing store

Vendors selling roasted chicken
& cold drinks on the roadside

 The Famous Boda Boda 

A common sight throughout the travels were the boda bodas, Uganda's motorcycle taxis and key mode of transportation, capable of ferrying anything from mattresses to televisions and accommodating up to six passengers depending on size and weight. Their smaller stature relative to larger vehicles grants them the agility to navigate tight spaces, sometimes even taking pavements, a useful trait during peak traffic hours.

There were some culture shocks. Amidst the cultural shock was discovering the phrases " short call" and "long call" which meant a quick restroom break to urinate or defecate. The joke was on us because we thought it meant a phone call...

Mobile shops & local businesses

Some boda boda and local people

Ministry in Katosi/ Mukono

Our first meal was so delicious. It was one of Uganda's local dishes. I can still remember the taste like yesterday. 

Our first local Ugandan meal-
Chapati, salad & fried fish 

The following day, we went to spend the weekend working alongside another ministry. We worked with Bishop Timothy Kakooza's Ministry. He is the pastor of Katosi Pentecostal Community church in Mukono, Uganda. He is also the founder of the church. He has planted several churches and opened babies and children's homes, Christian schools, medical clinics, and computer centers. He genuinely cares about making a difference in the lives of others for the kingdom of the Lord.  We were so blessed to have been allowed to visit some of his ongoing and completed projects.

One of the Children's homes founded
by Bishop Kakooza

One of the schools founded
by Bishop Kakooza

I was astonished that virtually all the children's hair was completely shaved or cut very low. Later on, I found out that the reason was that it was more manageable and affordable. Some also prefer to have it short. 

Most toilet facilities were pit latrines. I had to strengthen my carves and stoop very low. I eventually got the hang of it. Even in the public banks, they had pit latrines. 

A modern pit latrine

One of the events we attended was the celebration of the Christian Family church's first Anniversary service. The pastors of the church were Bishop Kakooza's daughter and her husband. It was a splendid service. 

Christian Family Church 1st
 Anniversary Service

Our first Sunday morning service was spent at Katosi Pentecostal Community church. I got to experience true Ugandan/African praise and worship. Let me tell you, those Ugandans can praise and dance! I was just in awe of how they danced passionately to the Lord. 

Some children from Katosi
 Pentecostal Community Church

After worship, Bishop Chandler shared the word. He shared about the spirit of excellence. That Sunday we attended three services. I shared my salvation testimony and a message to the leaders. It was indeed a blessed time with Bishop Timothy's ministry. That weekend was filled to capacity with ministry engagements. 

Bishop Chandler shares the word
at Katosi Pentecostal Community Chruch

Sharing a message with the leaders at
Katosi Pentecostal Community Church

Afterward, we were extremely exhausted. But, nevertheless, we thank God for all the wonderful things he did in Katosi! We returned the following day to Bishop Aaron's ministry. 

We rested, recuperated, and prepared for the next upcoming ministry.

A visit to the orphanage
ran by Bishop Kakooza and his team

Bishop Chandler strikes
a pose with the employees of the orphanage

                                

Ministry in Kamuli

We visited one of the churches in Nabirumba #1 in the district of Kamuli. The lead Pastor of that church is Kenneth Omoding. On the church, compound was a constructed borehole or water well. This water well was constructed by Devine Problem Solving Ministries International. It is a blessing to the residents in that community and beyond. Residents would walk for miles and miles just to get water from the well. It served over 1,500 persons in neighboring villages such as Busana, Bwoko, and Bulondo. 

Our 1st visit to Nabirumba #1

Sharing my testimony
at pastor Kenneth's church

The Borehole at Nabirumba #1

Photo with some members of
Pastor Kenneth's church in Nabirumba #1

 

In Addition, we also visted a second area called Nabirumba #2 in the Buluta village. This village has a church, a school, and a garden. They are all under Bishop Aaron's Ministry. The garden was used to plant and harvest food like sweet potatoes, corn, yams, rice, etc. This produce has been used to feed the children at the school and assist less fortunate members.

The school is Devine Education Centre and it has 150 students. It has 7 teachers and the head of the school is Suzan Namiripo.

Her husband, Anthony Balwiire is the chairman of the school. He also works and manages the school and all the church programs.

                                                           

Sharing the love of Jesus
with the children

Children greeting by
 bowing as an act of honor

Bishop Chandler prayed
 for the children in Balutta

Some children from the village
came to welcome us

People from the village including the children came out and welcomed us. They would kneel and bow to us as a form of honor when they greeted us. It is a part of their culture when they greet or welcome someone. They sang for us and we joined in. It was a blessing to experience the warmth and love of the local people.

Having fun with the children

Lira City Conference

After eight hours on the road from Kamuli to Lira City, we had a close call with Bishop Aaron Williams. He became unconscious and had to be rushed to the emergency room, where he later regained consciousness. Thanks to all the saints of God who prayed and interceded on his behalf.

Bishop Chandler sharing the word
at the Lira City Leadership Conference

I was privileged to have been one of the main speakers at the Leadership conference along with Bishop Chandler. The theme of the conference was the "spirit of excellence". It was a two-day conference. It was held at the Agape Bible Church in Lira City. The leaders were very encouraged by the messages shared throughout the conference. I got the opportunity to share with some ladies from the church. We exchanged experiences and testimonies about the goodness of God in our lives. One of the ladies was going through a challenging period and testified that our time of sharing lifted her spirit and gave her so much courage. I bless the Lord for what he did and continues to do in the lives of so many.

Some leaders from the conference

Prison Ministry in Lira

We had the opportunity to visit the men's and women's prisons in Lira City. I was surprised to see that the prison was so close to the road, with little to no protective wall or burglar-proof around the prison. There were prisoners outside sweeping the yard with full access to escape. There were only a handful of prison officers outside the prison. An escape could have been possible. But Later, I understood why they won't even think about escaping. Once caught, the consequences would be too severe. Also, the prisoners who had more freedom to do outside chores were soon to be released. Bishop Aaron encouraged the inmates by sharing his personal testimony about his conviction to a now born-again believer in Christ Jesus.

The rest of the team brought greetings and we worshipped the Lord along with the prisoners. The men's prison had a little over one thousand inmates.

   

Male prisoners at Lira prison

     

Male prisoners at work

Bishop Aaron shares his
testimony with prisoners
inside the prison

The women's prison had a significantly lower figure than the men's. They had a little under 200 inmates.

The Lord used me to encourage the ladies to live for him and we all rejoice in the Lord together. I was shocked to learn that if a female prisoner is sentenced and she is pregnant the child remains with her in prison until she has served her time. I saw female prisoners and their young babies in the prison. Some babies were a few months to a couple of years old. In most cases, there isn't anyone available to take care of the babies or the children. This is one of the main reasons why they remain with their mothers in prison.

Bitter Sweet Ministry in Barlonyo

We visited the community of Barlonyo which is in northern Uganda. This community experienced a tragedy back in 2004. A rebel group led by Joseph Kony massacred a large number of people. Some of which were women and children. They mutilated, burnt, and tortured many residents. A small number of persons survived. One survivor shared his account of what had happened and how he hid himself and survived the ordeal. His children on the other hand were killed. There were numerous grave sites in the very same spot where the massacre occurred. It was a bitter time because of all those who lost their lives. But sweet, for those who survived and the many developments that have taken place in the community since the tragedy. 

The memorial site of
the Barlonyo Massacre

Although the community had experienced this calamity, many came out to greet and welcome us. It was still a sweet day of dance, song, and much celebration. We assembled under a huge mango tree because they did not have a church building. Some of the residents requested more boreholes and churches for their community.

Villagers gather under a mango tree
 for a time of celebration

We participated in commissioning one of the latest boreholes or water wells in that community. One of the most heart-wrenching moments was when one of the villagers said they were extremely thankful for the well because they no longer had to drink from the same water as the camels and goats.

The Commissioning of a borehole

A social worker who worked in that area mentioned that the borehole has helped even with young girls being able to go to school. The girls no longer have to walk for miles, to carry water.  They would have had to stay home from school because of the time and distance to retrieve the water. The borehole also gave them a sense of protection from the exposure and dangers of pedophiles that would usually be lurking in the bushes along the way.

Later on, we were hosted by one of the locals and her family. Madame Jane and her daughters. They prepared a delicious Ugandan meal for us. It was a beautiful time of fellowship. 

Photo of us with Madame Jane & her daughters

The delicious meal
prepared for us at Madame Jane's home

We also shared a live report about our experience, alongside our host Bishop Dr. Aaron Williams. It was broadcast from Uganda to Trinidad & Tobago on the Street 91.9FM radio station.

The next day, we left Uganda and journeyed to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Magahi City

Finally, we were in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is on the Ugandan border. So we just walked across after we left Uganda's immigration. When we crossed the Ugandan border and entered the town of Mahagi in the DRC, there was a huge difference between the two countries. The soil was lighter in color and the place was very sandy. Mahagi did not have any paved roads and it was extremely dusty. After we left the Congolese immigration and drove through the town it was like we were driving through a desert or a sand pit. Even with windows winded up, we coughed a lot because of the dust.

Our first visit to Mahagi Cathedral

Our first stop was at one of Bishop Aaron's churches. We were warmly received by vibrant church members and villagers from the community. Later on, we tried local Congolese food and it tasted so good. The pepper was very flavourful. 

  Local Congolese Bread- Mapa  

     

Local Congolese meal-
Posho, Rice, Greens & Beef

Prison Ministry

The following day, we visited the prisons and were extremely shocked to learn that the prisoners did not have access to clean drinking water. They also cooked their own meals and would have two to three meals weekly. And that's on a good week. They are kept in their dirty clothes with no access to water for drinking or bathing. They would usually get to shower once every two weeks give or take. 

Prisoners preparing to cook their meals

There were about twelve prisoners who appeared to be very sick with no access to medical treatment or medication. They showed severe signs of malnutrition. They looked like skin and bones, so much so that you saw their rib cage through their skin. It was a very disheartening sight indeed. 

Bishop Chandler prayed for those who were sick and believed that the Lord would intervene on their behalf.

Sick Prisoners
being prayed for

                                                           

Bishop Chandler
praying for inmates

We could not tell the difference between the prisoners and the prison officers because they all wore regular clothing. The prison officers did not wear any official uniforms. 

Bishop Aaron Williams praying
for the male prisoners

The Devine Problem Solving Ministry donated beans and snacks to the prison. We worshipped and prayed for all the inmates. I was blessed to have shared a word of encouragement with the women inmates. 

The female inmates kneeled
 as the team  prayed for them

Our Visit to the Refugee Camp

We visited a refugee camp called (Shaka Refugee Camp). This camp housed more than 500 families. Over 3000 persons were displaced in this camp. Some had to flee from rebel groups that invaded their communities, attacked families, and left many homeless and destitute. Some families have lived in the camp for approximately one to four years. 

Shaka Refugee Camp 

Bishop Chandler donated finances towards acquiring mattresses for their medical clinic. This camp was run by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) & US Aid. This particular organization would assist in relocating families to countries such as the US, Canada, Europe & Australia. They are there to provide some measure of relief for the people. Bishop Aaron and his team also work closely with the camp to assist the refugees.

A refugee shared her
experience with us

Our Visit to the King

We paid a courtesy visit and prayed for the king of the War-Palara kingdom, HRH Rwothang'A Ogwaru Nyipir III. One of his eight kingdoms is the region of Mahagi in the DRC. He currently has jurisdiction over 400,000 people along tribal and territorial lines. It was an honor to have met an earthly king. But nothing can compare to having a close relationship with the King of  Kings!!! The man Christ Jesus my Lord and Saviour.

The Tribal King 

The team strikes a pose with the King

A solo photo with the King

We also shared about our experience in Congo on a local radio station. This station was 103.6 FM and is one of the largest radio stations in Mahagi. It has been estimated to reach 1.5 million listeners in the Congo and neighboring countries.

Sharing our experience on a local radio station
in DRC Congo

Sunday Morning Service

We went to church at the Cathedral in Mahagi which was constructed by Dr. Bishop Aaron Williams and his ministry. I shared my testimony and Bishop Chandler shared the word. Bishop Aaron closed the service with a challenging word. Some refugees from the camp accepted our invitation and attended the service. It was a lovely time of fellowship.

Some members of Mahagi Cathedral

Sunday Morning Service at the Mahagi Cathedral

Bishop Aaron Williams 
being prayed for at the Mahagi Cathedral

Some refugees who attended
 the service at the Mahagi Cathedral

Our return to Uganda

Nebbi Town 

After almost one week in Congo, we returned to Uganda for the last leg of our mission trip. We stopped in Nebbi, the West Nile district.  We were hosted by pastor Alex. He is the pastor of Nebbi Community Fellowship Church. We visited his church and he also took us mountain climbing at Nebbi Rock.  

The following day, we journeyed back to Kamuli. Kamuli is in Central Uganda. It took us almost 12 hours to cover the distance of approximately 500 kilometers, 312 miles. We made two stops, for an hour each. One to change a tyre and the other to eat and use the washroom facilities. Mainly, the roads are a mixture of well-paved two-lane highways and unpaved road portions, that are dusty. The Ugandan government has embarked on an extensive road development project, which would greatly benefit the country.

Our host-Pastor Alex

Our Second Visit to Balutta Village

Our second visit to the Balutta village was an honor. This was the beginning of a new term for the school. We interacted with students from the Nursery and Primary School. 

The students sang and displayed their wealth of knowledge in the way they communicated with us. 

The school was built by Bishop Aaron Williams Ministry about 3 years ago. It is strategically located in an underserved rural community comprising several villages.

Distributing sweets to the students
of the nursery & primary school

 

Students kneel to pray

The children would receive breakfast and lunch daily. Some of the children were without shoes and uniforms. This is one of the needs of the school. It is completely funded by sponsors and donors. This includes the payment of salaries for teachers and the raw materials that are used in preparing daily meals.

Students line up to receive a cup
of porridge for breakfast

The Heavens rejoiced!

As we prepared to leave Uganda, Ms. Sylvia, one of the hotel staff committed her life to the Lord Jesus Christ! We were extremely grateful that the Lord used us in many ways to bring glory and honor to his name.

Sharing Christ with Ms. Sylvia

This has been an impactful experience and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to be the hands and feet of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I sincerely thank all who prayed, donated, encouraged, and showed support in one way or the other. Without your support, this trip would not have been possible. 

I thank the Lord Jesus for his provision, peace, protection, and guidance throughout this journey. He is the reason that this opportunity was made available and possible.

 

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post.

May this scripture encourage you just as it has done for me.

Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.