You could visibly see the stress on their faces as they arrived. Some had lost their children. Others have faced financial struggles. Still others endured relationship and familial strife. More than anything, these pastors in Uganda needed encouragement.
You see, when COVID-19 hit Uganda, the effects of the lockdowns hit their communities hard! And unfortunately, under-resourced pastors, who were not spared from the devastation caused by the pandemic, were left to deal with the emotional, spiritual, and psychological aftermath.
Now, they finally had a chance to gather, give and receive encouragement, share stories, and gain much-needed strength to continue serving the Lord and their communities.
A Hope-filled Meeting in Uganda
So, on March 15, the Bright Hope team in Uganda hosted the partner church pastors at a gathering called Hope in Challenging Times. At the event, our team cared for the spiritual, mental, and physical needs of the pastors who poured in from Oyam, Luwero, Jinja, Bugiri, and Buikwe.
After everyone arrived at the hotel, the worship team led a heartwarming worship session that set the mood for the conference.
Every church leader in attendance had experienced the consequences of the two-year lockdowns. More than ever before, all the pastors from Bright Hope’s partner churches in Uganda needed these four days of mutual encouragement.
After the first teaching on standing strong in challenging times, many leaders began to light up. During a time of sharing, leaders expressed what they had gone through during the lockdowns. Many testified that they wanted to quit the ministry and find new jobs. They had been financially strained and couldn’t bear to watch helplessly as their communities suffered, while there was nothing they could do to help.
Pastors Share Encouragement
Pastor Eroni Michael explained: “The hardest part is when people come to you expecting to be helped, but you have nothing to offer to them.”
Like Pastor Eroni, many felt inadequate. Others had sick family members and a mountain of medical bills. But with the encouragement they received, every single one of them returned home happy.
Pastor John Mugabi shared: “I have been going through a tough time. My children were getting sick one by one. Doctors failed to see what the problem was. But I am leaving this place knowing that victory belongs to me. I know Jesus has granted me victory.”
Every church leader arrived weighed down with worry. But by the end of the gathering, everyone felt energized to stand as examples of God’s faithfulness to their communities.
Pastors and their communities in Uganda need your help.
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