Tim’s Uganda Ministry Trip
May 14-30, 2010
Before the Trip
Africa! I’ve asked the Lord to be able to minister on every continent in the world…and have never been to
Africa. My CRM friend and A*C*T*S (Assessing, Coaching, Teambuilding Strategically) teammate Paul
Ford has followed the Lord’s leading to some of the most amazing places in the world. He’s often led the way
through the relationships God gives him and then invited us to minister with him or continue the ministry as
part of a team. The Lord gave Paul relationships in Uganda that opened the door to relationships and training
with several ministry organizations—YWAM (Youth with a Mission), the Anglican Church and the
Pentecostal Assemblies of God.
After training in Uganda, Paul was invited to develop a training program that would include three teams over
1-2 years. I was invited to be on one of those teams to especially bring training on the ministry of coaching
integrated with our DYMI (Discover Your Ministry Identity) resource that Paul developed. John Blake, who is
also on our A*C*T*S team, had been to Uganda twice already. He was designated the team leader for the trip.
We were “Team 2.” He also invited his dad, Ken Blake, who is a Wesleyan missionary to Germany to join our
team. Although I lead the A*C*T*S team, I was glad to come under John’s leadership for the trip. Africa was
a whole new adventure! You can see Arua in the upper left hand corner with Kampala in the lower center.
The distance between them is about 160 miles.
To go on the trip, I had to raise about $3,500. I did a lot of it through Facebook, our family letter and our
Roehl Report online newsletter. It was interesting to set up a Facebook page (Tim Roehl International
Ministry 2010) and invite people to support us through a link. Many did!
I had about 23 donors contribute to help with the trip, with gifts from $25 all the way to $1,000. Our North
Central Conference leaders gave $1,000…they’ve helped me train leaders in many places over the years. Over
240 people became “Facebook Friends” of that page (you can still join if you want). So many people told me
they are praying for me! So humbling…I’m so grateful!
Had to get eight shots…everything needed to be updated…got seven in one day. They were very expensive.
The plane tickets were over $2,000…not too bad.
John, Ken and I did several Skype calls to prepare…John in Atlanta, Ken in Germany and me in the Twin
Cities. Getting the schedules to work out with the Ugandan leaders took awhile, but John got things worked
out. Steve Hoke and Dan Perrine (“Team 1”) gave us some insights about things on one call.
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After I’d already committed to the Uganda trip we began our pastoral ministry at LifePrint Church, so I had to
get the ministry bases covered here. Thankfully, we have a good staff and great people, so those things were
handled well. I’m glad they were willing to honor my commitment to Africa.
The Trip
Travel
Planes--Getting to Africa and coming home were 24-27 hour trips…Minneapolis to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to
Nairobi, Kenya to Entebbe, Uganda on the way there. The trip went well. On my flight from Minneapolis to
Amsterday I got bumped up to first class! I met John Blake in Amsterdam and we flew together from there,
getting in to Entebbe about midnight on Saturday the 15th. Pastor Timothy and Patrick met us at the airport.
We got to a hotel about 1 am and slept for a few hours before having to get up at 4:45 am and leave for the bus
station to catch a 7:30 am bus in Kampala, about 35 miles away from Entebbe. It was too dark to see much,
but even that early people were walking or riding bikes along the highway.
Bus—We took the “Gaa Gaa” bus line (named after a national bird). The bus station was congested and the
area looked like a war zone with pitted streets, strong smells, garbage and other things. I found that other
forms of transportation included small motorcycles (200 cc and under) called “bouda boudas” and small mini
buses that were designed for up to 14 people and often carried more.
Our bus tickets cost about $30 for the 160 mile trip. We got two seats right at the very front of the bus almost
right on the windshield. Trouble was, those two seats were only big enough for one person, so one of us had to
lean forward and while the other could lean back…for seven hours. It was a hot, sticky and not very
comfortable ride. We saw the beautiful countryside with lots of people and lots of poverty. Small stores,
really just shacks, were plentiful until we got out of the city. Houses were made of bricks with tin roofs. As
we got out further into the country, we began to see mud huts with thatched roofs. I knew I was really in a
third world country then.
The bus made many stops to
take on passengers. At each
stop people tried to sell us
things—food (nuts, fruit,
live chickens, corn,
cassavas) or carved animals.
My sense of the poverty of
the people was powerful- a
land so poor…yet so
beautiful. Thatched roof huts in some places…other
buildings advertise cell phones. Many contrasts.
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Along the way I saw a live baboon and a herd of elephants. Many goats were along the way, a few pigs and
also chickens. We cross the Nile River. We were in the heart of West Nile virus country.
We finally arrived in Arua to a crowded bus station. John called the YWAM folks and after a half hour
someone came.
How people get around— some cars, but not nearly as many as we have with steering wheels on the right side
of the vehicles…lots of motorcycles, many bikes (with a seat on the back where women often road side saddle)
and many people walked. The pickups I saw had lots of people riding in the back. The mini buses designed
for 14 people often held many more. People are used to being close.
During our time there I rode in the back of the pickup more than once or in one of the four-wheel drive
vehicles at the base. Things are usually in tight quarters.
YWAM Base
We got to the YWAM base and began to meet people…for John it was a reunion with people he knew. First
we had something to eat at the home of Sam and Agnes Abuku, (called “Papa” and “Toto” for Dad and Mom
as parents of the base) where John and Ken stayed. Sam and Agnes are one of the two main leadership
families on the base. I stayed with John Wright, a Brit married to Vikki from Spokane, WA. Vikki was gone
getting ready for a 50th anniversary YWAM celebration at a city called Jinja. I never did meet her, but enjoyed
John and their three kids—Aiden, 8, Noah, 5, and Cassia, 4.
Wrights and Abukus began
the base about eight years ago.
Sam and Agnes had pastored
a PAG (Pentecostal
Assemblies of God) in Siroti
of about 3,000 but felt led to
join YWAM. Through a
series of divine leadings, the
two families started the base.
What they’ve done in just a
few years is amazing. They
serve leaders in many
denominations, provide training and raise up new leaders. Bosco, Mario and William were planting church
among an unreached people group in the mountains. They could only be reached by hiking several hours over
difficult terrain. About 1,000 people in seven villages have never heard about Jesus before.
The YWAM base is about 40 acres fenced in with a stream running
between two hillsides. A walking bridge symbolizes their mission—“to
be a bridge of healing to the nations.” About a dozen families call the
base home…married couples and their kids and a few singles. Some of
the families I met were Sam and Agnes Abuku, William Omal and his
family, Bosco and Edith Tuli and their family, Yolan and Dorothy Bingi,
a young leader named Peter and some others. Lots of kids ran around
playing together. It was fun to watch them. The more I got to know the
YWAM team, the more impressed I was with them. They are sharp,
intelligent and passionate for the Lord.
The YWAM base had some single family homes made of plaster covered bricks with
concrete floors. There was no hot water and all the buildings were solar powered. A
stove and fridge at John’s were run on propane. Other buildings were nicknamed,
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“Scotland” and “India” were like small motels with eight rooms. Entire families lived in some of the rooms.
There were several buildings under construction, thanks to the gifts of a Swiss businessman. They had to use
the money for buildings…wished they could have more for ministry.
Found out that John had access to internet through a USB modem and was willing to let me use his computer.
I had internet access! I hadn’t brought my computer along, not expecting to have internet access. That was an
answer to prayer. I was able to get online every day…allowed me to check mail and give Facebook updates on
the trip.
Food—lots of hot tea with sugar, sometimes made with lemon grass water. Rice, beans, cassava, homemade
peanut butter or sauce, ground nuts (like peanuts), potatoes and corn are staples. There was lots of fresh
fruit—pineapple, mango, bananas (ten kinds they say!), avocados, papaya (they call it “popo”). We did get a
little meat each day—chicken, beef or goat. My first time eating goat…it doesn’t taste like chicken, but it’s
OK. One day we had Nile Perch. We had popcorn a few times…what a treat! There was bread with buttery
spread and some days fried bread like donuts without the holes. John Wright made French press coffee each
morning…that was good! Some days we had eggs. A bottle of pop was about 1,000 Ugandan schillings (50
cents) and almost cool. No ice. The diet is heavy on starches without much variety, but we were well fed.
Weather—we were near the equator. Sunrise was about 7 am, sunset about 7 pm each day. It was “winter”
there—they only have two seasons, rainy and dry. The nights were cool, the days hot and sticky. The sun was
very intense, so shade was vital. There was no air conditioning. A breeze was wonderful.
Contrasts—lots of them. Such poverty. Many children. Women carrying baskets of fruit and other things on
their heads. Some women with babies in a sling on their backs. Yet, Coca Cola ads everywhere. Cell
phones…many of them. Lots of small businesses, some in tiny huts—more like shacks. Things are crowded
and dirty in the markets. Men “mowed” grass with a single blade. Meals were made in outdoor kitchens over
charcoal. Yet the people are gracious, appreciative, handsome and beautiful. The standard greeting is
“Karibou…you are welcome.”
Training
Our team trained basically the same materials three times with the YWAM folks, Bishop Isaac’s folks from
Elim Evangelistic Fellowship of Uganda and the Pentecostal Assemblies of God. John and Ken taught
“Discovering Your Ministry Identity” (DYMI). It helps people discover their unique identity in Christ, their
spiritual gifts, how to use those gifts in a team and how to use their gifts to accomplish God’s redemptive
purposes. We talk about where people see God’s joy, power and fruit in their lives. It’s powerful stuff as
people recognize where God is powerful in them, where they are weak and who they need. John and Ken do a
great job training the materials. I taught coaching. Both were received with enthusiasm and appreciation.
Sam Abuku, who is an amazing leader, was especially grateful for the coach training. He wants to raise up
more leaders and the coaching skills were just what he was looking for to work with more leaders. Things like
listening and asking (drawing out a leader’s heart rather than just pouring in by telling and giving advice) and
using a good coaching game plan so the leader can develop a plan of their own were received with such
appreciation!
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We had PowerPoint a
little, but mostly used a
white board or chalk
board and paper flip
charts. Having to make
my material simpler
forced me to get to the
heart of things…and I
felt it made the training
better.
When we finished training the YWAM folks, they gave us such wonderful words of thanks…they recognized
what a sacrifice we had made to come to Uganda to serve them. I felt like they are the ones who are teaching
us about sacrifice. They gave us gifts of a woven bowl, Ugandan tea and coffee.
One day we went into town and I bought cloth (15,000 schillings, about 7 ½ dollars.) The rate of exchange is
about 2,000 schillings to the dollar. Edith made me an African shirt and a top and skirt for Shirley. They all
fit!
Anglicans—We were supposed to do three days of training with the Anglicans, but they forgot to schedule the
event. We did meet with Bishop Joel, who oversees about 600 churches with 360,000 people. He is
apologetic and asks us to come back. John Blake did a great job of visiting with the Bishop and seeking how
we can serve them. At the end, we prayed for him. He knelt as we prayed. I felt like it should have been the
other way around.
Elim Fellowship—Bishop Isaac of Elim Evangelistic Fellowship of Uganda (connected to a group from Lima,
New York) asked us to come do training for his leaders when the Anglicans bowed out. He oversees a
denomination of about 1,200 churches, most in rural settings where having a bike would be a great gift for a
pastor to do his work. We got out to the village of Okufura (Oh-koo-fur-a) about 10 miles from Arua. We
went out of town onto a dirt road, then onto a smaller dirt road to the village of Okufura (Oh-koo-fur-ah).
Okufura has a church, some thatched roof houses and a school that has over 600 students. Sending children to
school is important…public education is not real good. It is expensive, but families make sacrifices.
We trained Isaac’s leader each day for three days…starting with about 5-10 each day and ending with about
25-30 by the end of the day. They were pastors, teachers, young leaders, lay leaders, women’s leaders… all
glad to receive the training. Isaac translated for us…sometimes adding more that we say. There were some
wonderful discovery moments. We have to make sure of what we teach…they believe what we say! We have
tea and our meal in a thatched hut. It is remarkable how cool it was in the hut. We have rice, a little beef and
cassava (like a white yam without much taste) boiled and also made into a doughy bread. We ate with our
fingers like they do and they appreciated it.
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Isaac pulled me aside one day and thanked me for something I had
said. I had put my arm around him and called him my friend. That
really meant something to him. He says he is glad to be my friend.
I also met a young man named Nathan…about 16. He’s only been a
Christian for a short time but is eager to learn. I sat and visit with
him during some of the practice times. He also said he is glad to be
my friend…and he means it. Friendship is a powerful thing…they
don’t take it for granted.
Sunday
Isaac asked us to come
minister at his church.
John and Ken gave
testimonies and I preached.
I spoke in two services,
one in English and one that
was interpreted. There
were a lot of children and
young adults. Getting to
preach was an unexpected
honor and went well.
We went out for lunch with John Wright and Sam…debriefing about how the training had served them and
what they needed in the future. They want us back…ask me to return to do more coach training. I may wind
up coaching one or more of them by Skype.
Families—most families have
many children (six or so).
About 90% also care for other
children—orphans or other
family members. They make
real sacrifices for each other.
We have a meal at Bosco and
Edith’s one night (left). Mario
and William come over. They
are very burdened for
Sudan…divided by Muslims
in the north and Christians in the south. We know so little of what’s going on in the world! Part of Sam and
Agnes’ family are in the right picture.
Monday, May 24th saw the YWAM folks leaving for Jinja at 5 am. Folks from their Yei base in Sudan were
there, too. They have some powerful stories to tell. George, who is a Yei leader tells of going way out into the
bush to confront a witch doctor and idols who hold great power over people. After hours of praise and warfare
prayer they take down the idols and burn them. The power of Jesus is awesome!
We head back to Entebbe by plan, a prop
plane called Eagle Air. Seeing Uganda
from above was beautiful. I’ve seen it
from the ground through a bus window
and then from the air. The flight is about
an hour and a half and goes smoothly.
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Timothy meets us at the airport in Entebbe and we head into Kampala to begin our PAG training journey.
We met Simon Peter, General Superintendent of the denomination at their offices. The PAG has over 4,500
churches. They’ve grown much since beginning only about 40 years ago. Simon Peter is a tall man and
carries himself like a leader. He’s led the denomination for 15 years and is obviously greatly respected.
We go out for lunch with Simon Peter, Timothy,
Benjamin (Secretary/Treasurer) and Monica, their
secretary. We go to a nice restaurant…I had tilapia,
French fries and the pop was almost cold. We learn much
about them. Simon Peter’s vision is for them to be a
“sending and serving denomination.” That will fit in well
with what we’ll train. We make it clear that we are there
to serve them and are under their direction and authority.
After lunch we head out of Kampala where traffic is very crowded. Timothy takes us by way of back streets
which are rutted dirt roads…so much poverty again! We went about 70 kilometers (45 miles or so) to the Nile
Ministry Training Center out in the country. It’s a place built by an American to train leaders and then given
to the PAG. We stay in a guest house…the beds here have very thin mattresses and we always sleep under
mosquito nets. The showers are a bit warmer. All the water is very soft…they collect rain water. Nice! The
setting is beautiful.
My room at the guest house
Beautiful Uganda sunset over the guest house
We begin training on Tuesday…about 40 pastors and leaders. There are five of their 24 bishops there. We
train in an open sided tabernacle…beautiful. We begin each session with singing and prayer…no instruments,
just our voices blending together in sweet harmony and the percussion of our clapping. Wonderful worship!
The training goes well…we blend in with Simon Peter’s bigger vision in what seems like a supernaturally
synchronized way. John and Ken do a great job. My coach training goes really well. They are so used to
telling and giving answers that the power of “listen, care, celebrate” is especially impacting. I taught an extra
session on “How to Bring Jesus to Your Community” and the Lord showed up in an incredible way! We had a
long season of passionate prayer and worship. It was awesome!
When I taught the “G*R*O*W” coaching game plan and sent them off to practice, it was great to see them
apply the skills…and they testified to how much it would change their ministry! Blending DYMI and
coaching was so well received…new to their thinking yet they saw it as an essential part of where God is
leading them as a denomination. What an honor to serve and influence them!
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On Saturday we had one last session and at last it was time to go home…a little shopping, a final lunch
together with Timothy, Samson and his wife and John and then to the airport. The trip home was about 27
hours…a little hairy in Addis Ababba (Ethiopia) where they didn’t have my boarding pass and bag check ready
until the plane was boarding, but the Lord put things together as I flew back through Amsterdam and then
home. It’s always so wonderful to hear the immigration guy say, “Welcome home” when I get back to the
USA.
After a week home, I feel pretty good…thankful for good health…I finish the malaria medicine tomorrow. It
does take awhile to readjust to the time and culture changes again.
My trip of sixteen days had been amazing in so many ways. I’ve traveled half way around the world by plane,
bus, car, in the back of a pickup and on foot. We’ve trained over 100 leaders in three places from three
different ministry organizations…and they will in turn influence so many more! So many wonderful
memories…and I’m praying about whether the Lord may have me go back. I’m willing…to go wherever He
leads! May the seeds we planted and the skills we equipped Ugandan leaders with continue to bear fruit in
many empowered lives, healthier teams and churches…and a greater harvest in Uganda and beyond!
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