Reflections of Uganda

Happy 50 Years Scripture Union of Uganda!

 

My first Scripture Union Uganda Camp experience was in April 2010 in Mwiri, at Busoga College located on top a high hill next to Lake Victoria, not far from Jinja.  Only 3 weeks prior, I arrived in Uganda from the USA ready to serve with SU for 1 year.  I honestly didn’t know what the next year might involve, but I knew God had a great plan.  I enjoyed working with secondary school students; especially walking through life with them in discipleship.  SU seemed like a great fit for me.  

The theme for the Camp was “Transformers, not Conformers.”  I quickly learned of the excellence and Biblical Truth which SU strives for, especially during camps.  Guest speakers spoke powerful words which challenged and encouraged the students.  The Worship Team easily got everyone singing praises and dancing to our Lord and Savoir.  I even learned that although I was a female and normally called Auntie, within SU I was an UNCLE (You Need Christ to Live Eternally)!  But some of the most impactful time was small group Bible Study.  This is the heart of SU; studying God’s Word and discipleship.  I was passionate about the SU Mission.

After that first camp experience, I returned to Gulu, Northern Uganda excited to serve as the area SU representative.  Each time I walked into the Head Master office of a new school and shared that I was with Scripture Union, I was greeted with a warm welcome.  They knew SU.  Everyone who’s ever attended secondary school in Uganda knows SU.  They know and understand the great impact SU can have on the students.   They’ve seen students from difficult backgrounds have hope for the future; for eternity.  They’ve seen lives transformed through the SU ministry.   

I didn’t know it then, in April of 2010, but I know it now; God had great plans to transform ME through SU.  As a missionary in a foreign country, we too often think we are the ones sent to impact or transform a community.  I am certain I made a positive impact on many of the students I interacted with; yet, I think they had more of an impact on me and my life.   Through the SU staff and volunteers they taught me what true trust and faith in the Lord really means.  Through the students of SU clubs at secondary schools around Gulu, by how they lived their lives with hope, I learned of God’s Sovereignty through all situations and all life circumstances.  Serving with Scripture Union Uganda was the most transforming 1.5 years of my life.

After 50 years in Uganda, Scripture Union, you’re doing it! You’re living out your mission throughout the nation of Uganda.

“Children and Youth following Jesus filled with hope and transforming the families and nations of Africa.”

May God continue to greatly bless this ministry which I and thousands of others have been blessed and transformed by.

--written for the SU 50 Years Jubilee Celebration and Fundraising Dinner in Kampala, Uganda, Nov 2013.