I loved and was loved, I cried and I rejoiced. Uganda has changed me and I can't wait to go back again. Part 2

      Before you read Part 2 of Robert's testimony we want to share a little about the men's conference. This conference was the first one of its kind. Whole World Ministries in partnership with Revival Tabernacle Church believed it was time to begin these conferences. For 8 years Whole World Ministries has done women's conferences in partnership with Rukungiri Community Church and each year they have grown in numbers and impact. The most recent one had 1,007 attendees from 247 different churches. This first men's conference had 120 attendees. Everyone was amazed as it is difficult to pull men away for two whole days. Because of the response next year's men's conference is predicted to double in size. Enjoy the rest of Robert's testimony.

        A two-day men's conference and two Sunday services at Revival Tabernacle gave us the opportunity to again minister to large crowds. The men's conference was obviously men only, but Sunday services were filled with young and old, both male and female. The Spirit of God did not disappoint at either event! I believe that generations were changed because of the partnership of Whole World Ministries and Revival Tabernacle. Men learned how to laugh! They learned how to cry! And they did them both at the same time. It was freeing, it was refreshing, and it was right on time. 2 Corinthians 3:17 tells us, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom". Freedom reigned at the men's conference and at both Sunday services!

        Finally, we arrive at what impacted me the most. We spent 3 days in different villages, hours outside of Kabale. Some of the roads were more like goat trails, but we made it to our destinations without to much concern. I will never forget the first village! We drove for what seemed like hours into the most remote location I've probably ever been to. Dwellings were tiny. They were stick built with a thatched roof and dirt floor. I sensed oppression and it grieved my heart. But as we neared the church where we were ministering, something shifted. There was a celebration going on - a party! It was for us! We were greeted by dozens of young people dressed in their best clothing! They were excited, they were enthusiastic, they were joyous. They welcomed us as if we were family they had waited a lifetime to meet. After about 15 minutes of singing and dancing, they paraded us to the church, and we spent the day with them. I estimate 100 people in the church, another 100 outside, and probably 100 fringe people who were curious about what was going on, but too apprehensive to come close. Salvations! Healings! Deliverance! What a day we had. We prayed together, we ate together, we passed out food to the villagers. At the end of the service, the people of the church began to bring pineapple, sugar cane, sweet potato, eggs, matoke (a starchy banana that is more vegetable than fruit), and chickens. Though they had almost nothing, they were bringing a first fruit offering. I wept. Honestly, I had been crying since we first drove in. But here in this moment, I CRIED! It wasn't a hurt sort of cry. It was beautiful!

     So there you have it. My first trip to Uganda. Those who know me, know I used to say that I grew up poor. A true statement by American standards, yes. But I can't make that statement ever again. I've seen what poor looks like. And it changed me. And I can't wait to go back!

Robert Hicks