“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. …”
Matthew 28:6
Dear Friends and Family,
He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!
This time of year is always a great reminder of why we believe what we believe. It is the reason for counting the cost and giving all we are to sharing the Gospel with the world. There are many religions in the world but it is Christianity alone that has a risen, an alive, Savior. The resurrection of Jesus is our proof and our hope in everything God has promised us through his Word, both for this life and the kingdom to come.
As this is the foundation of our faith, we took time to celebrate each part of the resurrection story with our family at Arise Christian Fellowship. We began with the Triumphal Entry or Palm Sunday. In Uganda, it really starts on Saturday as the street hawkers begin selling palm branches and people begin decorating with palm leaves. Even the public transport decorate themselves for Palm Sunday.
Keeping with tradition, at church we also handed out palm branches. It was so amazing as we celebrated Jesus’ Triumphal entry through song and teaching to see the church participating with the waving of the palm branches. It made me feel as if I was in the story. The choir had special music as well as singing the very familiar Hosana in the Highest songs. Brian gave a message on Jesus, the Passover Lamb. He talked about being aware of Jesus’ coming and cleansing our temples, us being the temple of the Holy Spirit. He walked the church through the week that would lead up to the Last Supper and the first communion. As a church we were planning to have a Good Friday supper together and he encouraged us to pray and really check our hearts as we prepared for taking communion as taught in 1 Corinthians 11:23-27.
As Christians we are called to share the gospel with all people, all over the world, beginning in our own neighborhoods. In some countries this can be a very dangerous undertaking. We are very blessed in Uganda to be free to share the Gospel anytime and anywhere we want to. It is not uncommon to see people on the street corner or outside a shopping center sharing the gospel. At Easter, Churches here often publicly act out the triumphal entry and the crucifixion. As a church we also go out and share with the community as well as have teams that are praying for those who are sharing and those who are hearing the gospel. Below are two pictures from other churches around Kampala acting out the Easter story and one picture of our leadership team praying for the activities taking place during this season.
On Good Friday we gathered as a church to remember what Christ did for us by going to the cross and dying for our sins so that we might receive salvation and eternal life if we believe. All the children stayed in the sanctuary to hear the message of the cross. As a church we took communion and shared a meal together. It was a beautiful time of fellowship.
On Resurrection Sunday we celebrated Jesus rising from the grave. The children and some of the church members had special songs prepared and Brian shared about the gift we have been given as believers because of the resurrection. The worship and message all left me in tears as I reflected both in thankfulness and repentance, knowing that Jesus loved me so much that He died for me and now through His resurrection I also have the promise of eternal life. May we remember these truths all year long. May we always share this precious gift with those we come in contact with so they can have the hope we have.
Thank you for praying for our family and for the people of Uganda.
In Him,
Brian, Jill, Luke, Laylee, and Liana
PRAYER REQUESTS
- We are so thankful for the many ways the Lord has blessed us and for everyone who supports us and the ministry in Uganda.
- Please pray for all the people who have heard the gospel through out this season. Pray that their hearts will be soft and that the word is deeply planted.
- Pray for all of the Christmas/Easter Christians who came to service this past month. Pray that they were stirred up to live everyday for Christ.
- Pray health and safety as there as been much sickness going around as well as terrorism threats.
- Pray for Jill and the children as they continue homeschooling. Pray for patience for Jill and a desire to learn for the children.
- Pray for the Kanyike children to get called for their citizenship interview.
- Pray for Brian as he pastors and leads the ministry team at Arise Christian Fellowship.
- Please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Kanyike Family support team.
