One God

We went to church today. We arrived at KPC (Kampala Pentecostal Church). We waited outside the church building with everyone else - gobs and gobs of people who were lined up at the doors waiting for them to be opened. It was like what we would see at an entertainment park or a concert - they were lined up and they were ready. Oh if we could be just half as ready and eager as they back in the States! We entered the sanctuary which from the very first sound as the doors opened you could sense the Spirit of the Lord. The worshippers were energetic and we were welcomed. After we climbed into our pews I stood amazed, humbled and finally free! The church recognized our group, we were welcomed and then again free to worship our one true and living God.

About KPC -

KPC sits approximately 1200 people in each service, and they have four services on Sunday and one on Saturday evening. KPC also has five locations, named - KPC Central, KPC North, KPC East, KPC South and the latest; KPC Gulu (for those who have been effected by the war). Each location and each service makes KPC a congregation of 17,000. KPC has over 1400 cell groups to unite the church and bring a sense of connection.

KPC started by their pastor; Gary Skinner and his wife Marilyn. They both had a conviction from the Lord to have an English speaking church. Having an English speaking church has transformed the community, it's way of thinking and unified the country. Being that Uganda has over 66 tribes, each having their own language or dialect it has brought people together.

In 1986 God had led Pastor Gary to the facility KPC Central is at, however the old government had owned the building at the time. In 1980 fighting was taking place between the old and the new government which had caused many, many, many people's deaths (as well as the AIDS epidemic was taking many lives during this time too). It took until 1986 until the old government was overthrown. With the new government in reign, Pastor Gary approached officials and had asked for the building. Much evil had been taken place in the building but it was in the central of town and reachable for many. The government granted the request. The church came in claimed the building for God, God redeemed the facility and the land made it new and what started with 75 people is now over 17,000. Praise be to God!

It is KPC's purpose to reach out to the community, and because of that purpose Watoto was created because of so many orphans due to the war and AIDS epidemics. KPC is not just asking people in other countries to get involved but are constantly challenging members of their own congregation to be involved in some capacity.

KPC rocked the house! Everyone was singing, dancing and lifting hands with NO shame, NO embarrassment - the way I need to become.

I appreciate Watoto's heart and how they share their vision by getting the word out. As I ponder Gulu, a place boys were kidnapped by soldiers, tortured and threatened to kill others - even those in their families, how they were brain-washed by the authorities in charge that God told them it had to be done. How I think of the challenge to reach these people because such evil was done because of God (from what they were told), and now the name of God is evil to them. And as I think of how even the girls were kidnapped to be sexual awards to the soldiers. And now the church and Watoto is reaching out to these "messed up" kids, pouring God's love and truth into these "messed up kids", counseling them and rebuilding this nation one person at a time. Praise be to God!