The Gospel goes to Uganda
Alex Miller, Staff Writer
Students prepare to make the 8,000-mile journey to the poverty stricken country of Africa, all for the sake of the Gospel.
In mid-May, Jody Jennings, director of the Baptist Student Union, or BSU, will be taking a group of students to Uganda to minister in the village of Hoima.
Uganda has a total population of 39 million people. Out of that total, approximately 429,000 of them are unreached with the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“God is still shaping the ‘where’ of my future, but I also think He used the people of Uganda to grow my heart for people in general of every nation, culture, and language,” said sophomore Carsen Taylor.
While the official team has not been formed, and the dates remain tentative, Jennings expressed excitement and high expectations for the trip. Jennings and his wife once served in Africa through the International Missions Board, and since 2004 have enjoyed annually taking groups of students there.
This past winter break, they took a group to Uganda, and the impact upon the students who went was evident.
“We traveled to a village about two hours away from Hoima,” said sophomore Glenna Hallinan. “When we arrived at the village, everyone came out of the church and started singing and dancing. It was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. That moment was my favorite from the whole trip. I can’t get it out of my head.”
In May, the team will be working with the Hoima Baptist Church to spread the Gospel through avenues such as vacation bible school and sports ministries, particularly basketball clinics. They will also be working on leadership development within Hoima Baptist Church, as well as serving the children at the Hoima Baptist Children’s Home, or HOBACH.
As exciting as the outreach activities are, Jennings spoke with great passion about his spiritual expectations for this trip.
“My first prayer is for the Ugandan people to experience salvation and growth,” he said.
However, he also hopes to see the team expound in their faith and potentially surrender to missions.
“I want them to understand that the Gospel is for all people. I would love to see some of them surrender their hearts to a life of full-time ministry,” Jennings said.
For years, the L.I.G.H.T. Team ministry and BSU have been providing students with many opportunities to share the love of Christ abroad and this upcoming adventure is no exception.
“I think it’s crucial to go and experience another culture,” said Hallinan. “It gives you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and experience God in a new way.”
If you’re interested in the Uganda trip, please contact Jody Jennings at jody.jennings@ngu.edu or call 864-977-7158 for more information.
