I have deliberately not written about the churches I have visited around Kampala, in order that I could process and contextualize the experiences rather than just reacting. Even now, I am still mulling over what I have seen and heard. I must say that I am grateful to have not only been to various churches and services, but also to attend an Church of Uganda (Anglican) wedding and baptism.For the most part, I have been a visitor and observer at church services. Where I have been able to use my gifts was at Wakisa Ministries. This ministry is a 16-bed residential home for teenage girls who are pregnant. It is run by the widow of an Anglican Priest, who is also a a Mother's Union trustee. Vivian is an incredible woman whose goal is to help girls grow in faith and maturity. Through Wakisa Ministries, girls experience a time of love hope rather than a time of shame.
I was asked to lead bible studies – which I did three times a week while in Kampala. After meeting the young women and introducing myself I realized that an interactive approach would be best. So I prayed and prepared simple studies with a basic format of retelling the story, a brief teaching, a longer activity for the girls including time for presenting, and a brief closing teaching. The sessions ended or began with singing and prayer. All but this last part was translated into Luganda.
The first session, in which I had the girls act out Mary and Elizabeth's meeting while they were pregnant was truly special. Not only had these girls never been a part of this format of bible study, but it may have been the first time that blessing was spoken about their own expectant children. There was much nervous laughter and broad smiles as the “older” Elizabeth greeted, welcomed and blessed the “younger” Mary. In a country where age is one of the most significant factors in determining respect, authority and hierarchy, the upsidedown-ness of the biblical story was clearly apparent to the girls.
From there we looked at Jesus birth, Jesus' temptation, Jairus' daughter/Hemorrhaging Women healings. For the last couple of sessions, I asked for ideas of specific stories – so then we looked at Cain and Abel, David and Goliath and the Prodigal Son parable. We used drama, drawing, collage, lectio divina and in one case the girls taught the story as they might if they were Sunday School teachers. These studies were a delight. I saw the girls increase in confidence in their own reading of scriptures and their ability to share their learnings with others.
I was asked how I came up with the different activities for the studies – I'm really not sure. What I do know is that I really love helping other people, especially women who are marginalized (homeless, prisoners, pregnant) to grow in their faith. My husband calls it a gift, I see it as part of my calling. Exercising my calling across cultures was a gift. Thank you Wakisa for the opportunity to work with your girls.
