Dedication of Grace Lutheran Church

Grace Lutheran Church, Mbarara, UgandaThis weekend I was privileged to travel immediately after our TEE session with a few of our students back to their home congregation in Mbarara for the dedication of a new church building sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church in Roselle, Illinois.  The drive to Mbarara takes more than 5 hours and a good part of the road is considerably poor, although it is mostly paved.  My truck was full and three people were even riding in the far back - which is apparently somehow more comfortable than taking a bus, and certainly cheaper.  We arrived at Missionary Solomon Ayagri's home in Mbarara and were treated to a wonderful dinner with some Ghanan dishes and jackfruit for dessert.  We stayed at the Tripple A hotel (yup, that's how they spell it), which is a nice little place with breakfast included and clean sheets and a big towel (funny what makes a place "nice").  The showers are cold, of course, but they have showers.

Sunday morning we headed to Solomon's place and then on to the new church.  I had seen the church under construction a while ago when we went to the dedication in Ibanda.  This church building is the most impressive Lutheran Church I've seen in Uganda - beautiful architecture and fully appointed complete with stained glass windows and prepped to receive electricity when power comes to this part of Mbarara.  The church is nicely situated on a hillside overlooking a little valley. 

Solomon Salam AyagriThis church was built in 90 days and represents the culmination of Missionaries Solomon and Georgina Ayagri's 9 years of work in Uganda.  More on Missionary Solomon in a future post.  The church was officially opened, the keys were handed over, and we entered singing.  The Service of the Word was joyous and full of hopeful excitement.  I read the Gospel reading in English, followed by someone who read it in the local language.  Solomon's sermon was, as usual, full of life, full of illustrations, and full of excitement.  Afterwards, the dedication service began, with speeches and recognition of special guests and visitors.  I read a letter from Pastor Mueller of Trinity Lutheran Church, the sponsors of this building. 

Catered LunchThere were also special presentations for Solomon and Georgina as this Sunday was also the recognition of their years of service in Uganda before they leave to return home to Ghana.  A special offering was collected to send them on their way, according to the custom of this area.  While the leaders of the local congregations laid hands on Solomon and Georgina, I led a prayer over these departing servants of the Lord.  The dedication service concluded with a few more words from the master of ceremonies and lunch was served! 

Lunch was quite an affair - catered even!  There were a couple kinds of rice, fried potatoes, millet, matoke, cassava, chicken, beef, beans, greens, pop, and some other stuff I couldn't even identify!  What a glorious celebration of God's blessings.  The church building was overflowing, the little detached kitchen/children's gazebo was well utilized, and the toilets out back were nice and new.  This church is a testimony to God's work in this place, a gift just like the grace He provides, and a beacon that calls to the unchurched to come and meet Christ Jesus.  Praise the Lord for His people in Mbarara!  -Shauen