The Weapons of Our Warfare Classes in Uganda
by Rev. Henry Musana
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour. It has really been a busy year for us. The Lord opened such wonderful doors of ministry to us. In September we had a privilege to have two classes in my nation of Uganda. The first class was in western Uganda in the District of Isingiro from 22nd to 25th September. This was hosted by Isingiro Christian Centre, pastored by John Asiimwe and Florence Tumwesigye.
To me as the coordinator of this class, I felt this was the most organized class I have ever taken part in. We started on time each day, and the Spirit of the Lord blessed us with His presence as Rev. Tim was ministering. Many testified that Rev. Tim teaches with such simplicity that it is very easy to see the scriptures living. This reminds me of the Maasai lady that said that Tim is just like an African. Also there was such unity in the team of ministers: Jay Pearson from Baton Rouge, and Daniel Bucher and David Mantock of Switzerland. When these men come over, it is a time of great refreshment for me; they are such an encouragement.
Thank you Workers Together With Him for accepting to come to such places for the Lord. I believe that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.
The five days we spent in Isingiro was a great investment in the lives of Pastors and church leaders who came. We had an audience of around fifty people. Some of them had to walk long distances from the mountains to come for this class. Others could not go back to their homes, so they had to sleep in the church. I want to thank Pastors John and Florence for such great work and honesty in the Lord. That is the road to follow as we have more opportunities to work together.
We left Isingiro on September 26th for our 4 hour drive back to Kampala. Daniel flew back on this very day. On the 27th was a big day in my life. Rev. Tim and the ministers that remained ordained me in ministry. I had never attended an ordination occasion so I did not know what to expect, but the presence of the Lord was heavy on us. Many of the people who attended said they had never been in an ordination ceremony like that; in other ordinations it is more of a show off, but for this you would see that being an ordained minister means much more than the title and position. All in all, the occasion went well with the blessings of the Lord. I will ask you to pray for me as I carry out my duties as a minister of the Lord that I remain faithful to Him, that I may not be corrupted along the way.
On the 28th we drove to Mbale in Eastern Uganda for the second class organized by Rev. John Opio of Christian Life Teachings International. The class went well and those that came were changed, as they realized that the Lord has supplied all our needs and the weapons we need for our warfare are also supplied. Ever since I met the team of Workers Together With Him, some five years back in Tanzania, I have wished the whole world could hear this message.
So many people think the things of God like ministry are very hard, there are many responsibilities, and no one can do it. That is very true; you can’t do it in your own strength. In John 15:5, Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” But Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” In us, there is no strength to do the things of God so we have to rely on God’s strength. Someone may ask, “But why does the Bible tell me to serve God with all my strength?” He tells you to serve Him with the strength that He has supplied. He gives you strength, but you can use it for something other than serving Him. Haven’t you heard people who say, “This is my life to do anything with”? But is that true? God has given them life, but they are not using it for Him.
When God gives a responsibility, it means He has given the ability. I like playing with words, and in the word RESPONSIBILITY, we can hear two words, RESPONSE and ABILITY. When God gives you a responsibility, He wants you to respond with the ability that He has given you. The Lord is not a taskmaster who gives a task without the tools. In this class, there were so many of these truths, and I believe everyone went back to their churches with a new understanding of God's Word.
I thank John Opio for putting on the class in Mbale, and especially for the good working relationship we have had for all these years.
I am persuaded that Workers Together With Him cannot do all these trips without some people standing with them. I want to thank the families of Rev. Tim, Jay Pearson, David Mantock and Daniel Bucher for allowing these ministers to come to far places like Uganda. The Lord bless you. I also thank those who have supported the ministry in finances. You are touching lives, and the Lord will reveal this to you when you see Him face to face. God bless you all.
Letters of Appreciation
We thank God for the ministry of Rev. Tim and his team from workers Together With Him. This team conducted a school from 22 to 25 September 2007.
We were much blessed through their teachings as Church leaders, especially in knowing that our God is the only supplier of our needs as ministers of the Gospel. Also to have God’s wisdom and knowledge as ministers will help us to overcome many challenges as we serve in His kingdom.
The class was a blessing to us. It was attended by 55 students of which 15 were pastors from different churches and denominations. Those who completed all 24 sessions were awarded certificates of completion.
On behalf of myself and Pastor John Asiimwe who hosted the seminar, may I say God bless Rev. Tim and his ministry partners for extending their ministerial work and resources to us in Isingiro, Uganda.
Pastor Florence Tumwesigye
Isingiro Christian Church, Uganda
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Like a walking stick in the hands of an old man which makes his walk steady and sure, so are your teachings for the rural pastors in Africa!
The Mbale WTWH class was unique in a sense that God used Rev. Tim to speak hard words which I believe were an eye-opener for many of us.
It is natural for a normal person to react whenever he or she faces conditions that do not favor him or her. During my youthful years, I was taught that to be a man one must at all costs defend himself against his opponents in this life. However, when I became a Christian I was then introduced to the opposite approach – Love them that hate or persecute you!
To me in my carnal mind, Christianity was the weakest thing one can embrace. I asked myself, How can I love those who mistreat me, hate me, or even want to harm me? But as I read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, I learnt my lesson.
Believers in Christ depend on the power of Christ; they no longer glorify in the flesh. Apostle Paul had a thorn in the flesh, and the only way this thorn could be endured was through dependence on the power of Christ. Like Apostle Paul, many of us might have gone through challenging situations in this life and ministry. I suffered from threats at my own family, infirmities, necessities, and persecutions of all sorts. Thank God! His Grace is sufficient at all times.
When Rev. Tim was sharing from this same passage of scripture I was encouraged and lifted in my spirit to continue in God’s work knowing that God is in charge of all situations. God gives His undeserved strength and grace to all who depend on Him, not on the arm of flesh!
May the Grace of our Lord be sufficient and may His strength be made perfect in our weakness.
Rev. John Robert Opio, President
Christian Life Teachings International
Mbale, Uganda
From the January 2008 edition of the Vine & Branches
© Workers Together With Him, Inc.