Written by Nate Whitley

There are only a few times in my life that I have been without words. Unable to describe what it is I’m seeing, feeling or experiencing. During our trip to Uganda and since my return, I have been without words. Some say certain pictures are worth a thousand words, but my time spent in Uganda has left me speechless.

We traveled to several different locations in Uganda during our trip. Bishop John Wayabire took us to a few of the churches and places where they have orphanages. Hearing about these places over the last few months pales in comparison to actually being there. Some met in little brick buildings with tarps or leaves as roofs. We even had church under a tree with several hundred in attendance. The orphans tugged at my heart at each visit. Pastor Elkins said during the trip, “We may be leaving, but they will still be here when we leave.” Each of us will not soon forget the need we saw in these children in Uganda. The saying goes, “Out of sight, out of mind.” But what if you can’t get it out of your heart or spirit?

The people of Uganda were wonderful and kind. They treated us with such honor, respect and hospitality. You could feel the expectation at every place we went to visit. The level of hunger and thirst for something from God far exceeded our own expectations. It’s easy to see why so many people are being saved in Uganda; they simply love Jesus and desire to know Him.

Bishop John is doing a tremendous work in the country of Uganda. What is taking place there is truly Apostolic. The people of Uganda are in good hands. His love for the children, the widows, and the people would astonish many. He’s a man of sacrifice, labor, and love. He finds little time to rest going from place to place making sure everything is in order and in its rightful place. He is a man who is humble and gracious in intimate conversations, but a man full of fire when he preaches to his people. You can feel his passion when he speaks about the harvest and the need there. The men who labor with him follow his every step taking care of the people’s needs. If you want to know what sacrifice is, then you must meet Bishop John. We were amazed to learn of the things he does to put the needs of this people before meeting his own needs. Bishop John is a man after God’s own heart, and a servant to the Shepherd’s flock. I admire and respect such a wonderful man of God.

The conference sessions were always kicked off with praise and worship from several choirs. I found it quite convicting to see so many people who have close to nothing worshiping and praising God like they have everything they would ever need. The worship, praise, and call and response singing always led us to the throne room of God.

Bishop Walls and Pastor Elkins did outstanding jobs teaching the people. During one session in which Bishop Walls taught on the Godhead, the Spirit of the Lord moved in and all we could do was worship the Lord. No matter where you are or who you are with, when the Mighty God in Christ is taught or preached, something wonderful is going to happen.

I was very humbled to be asked to attend this trip to Uganda and to preach the evening crusade services in Kenkebu. Somewhere between 1,000 and 2,500 people would be in attendance each night in Kenkebu.
Many had never heard of Jesus or heard of the new birth experience. But at the close of each night, we would see multitudes gather to the front of the platform seeking God and His salvation. From the conference teachings during the day to the crusades at night, we witnessed 70 people baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and at least 70 or more people received the Holy Ghost.

As much as we may have been a blessing to these wonderful people, I can speak for each of us that they in turn blessed us. I went to Uganda hoping to see many people’s lives changed with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but I know without a doubt my own life was transformed. I traveled thousands of miles away from home to do a work for the Lord, and somehow the Lord ended up doing a work in me. I’ll never
forget the people of Uganda or the work the Lord is doing there. It’s something I’ll always cherish, but something I’ll never be able to describe.

Maybe some pictures are worth a thousand words, but maybe the best ones will leave you speechless.

Nate Whitley is an evangelist with the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ.