by Colleen Stevenson

The last weekend of November, the Women of the Church of God in Uganda held their annual Women’s Retreat at the CHOG headquarters in Kampala. Joining us were Rev. Arnetta McNeese Bailey, executive director of WCG (U.S.), Che-Che Mobley, incoming president of WCG (U.S.), and six other women who were dynamic in their relational skills, teaching, preaching, and singing.

The last day of the retreat was combined with the celebration of the Ugandan church’s twenty-fifth year of existence. Everyone was wearing bright yellow cloth printed with the “Church of God of E.A.(U) celebrates 25 years,” and the day began with a march around the village and headquarters with a band. The place was simply glowing with yellow.

Wonderful singing, dancing, and testimonies took place. Also, presentations of a goat, turkey, and gifts to the U.S. WCG delegation and speeches by the legal representative, Rev. Moses Abasoola, and missionary Tim Stevenson were a memorable part of the festivities. Guests from Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Sudan, and Kenya were in attendance, as well as district leaders and executives from around the country. The theme for this time was from 1 Samuel 7:12—“He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far has the LORD helped us’” (niv). A large lunch of traditional foods was shared, and then the merriment continued.

The church in Uganda has gone through so many challenges since 1983, and still does, but this time and place was a time to celebrate all the achievements and growth that have occurred here. The church has branched out to neighboring countries, planting churches, started outreach into the Lake Victoria islands, and established new programs, such as Tumaini Aids Prevention Program (TAPP) and Jjaja Njagala (I Love Grandparents), which reaches out to the elderly.

Near the end of the day, a large, beautifully decorated cake was cut, and all—young and old—enjoyed a piece of that. What a day of joy and one that will not easily be forgotten!

The growth and development of the Church of God in Uganda is just one example of how our Church of God missionaries extend the ministry reach of the local church: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Act 1:8 niv). The generous gifts from local congregations and caring individuals supporting the collective ministries of the church reach people for Christ, just like the people of Uganda.

To learn more about the ministry of Tim and Colleen Stevenson, your career missionaries, click here.