To God be the Glory
If one word was to describe my trip to Tanaga Primary School, Kyenjojo, Uganda, it would be ‘humbling’. But one word will not do. I went to Africa to give and serve as best I could, however I could not have imagined that after the two weeks was up I would have received, undeservedly, more than I gave. This is my story.
I arrived at Tanaga School worried. Worried I was deceiving myself, those depending on me and those supporting me. For the past few years I have been physically unwell. For a man my age I lacked the energy to complete a full working week. I had to be careful to rest properly and recover well following a difficult physical day.
So waking up the first working day after the awesome, humbling welcome from the local children, villagers and teachers, I worried. I worried about the food, the heat and the living conditions; I worried I would not last the distance because of my propensity to get sick easily.
I worked hard and tried not to complain all week, I’m sure I did complain a little! But as the days wore on my strength wore thin. People began to notice and by Friday my appearance was of one the worse for wear. I was asked to rest often. I realised I got agitated and snappy (sorry to those on the receiving end). I knew what was coming. I knew I wouldn’t have a second week in me so I poured everything I had into that Friday.
I woke on Saturday morning very ill - head, stomach, every muscle, physically weak, I was emotionally drained. But Saturday 11th of October 2008 was a crossroads for me. This day became an answer for many prayers for me and a turning point in my life.
The arrival of Pastor Dennis
Dennis Epwonu came to the site that afternoon in obedience to God. He was introduced to me as ‘the man who prays for miracles’. As he spoke it was apparent he was a Godly man, resting in the Lord’s promises and walking in the Spirit’s power. He told me of the Lord waking him early that morning to pray for a sick Mazungu (white man). He believed I was that man. So, by the tree in front of the school building, he laid his hands on my shoulders and prayed. He prayed with conviction and truth, drawing on scripture easily, making the promises his own on my behalf. I felt a surge of emotions as I listened. Tears appeared on my cheeks, I took 4 deep breadths and instantly felt my strength return and the aches and pains vanish. I was healed.
I have never experienced anything like this for myself before, I was awestruck - speechless. He began to testify more to me of what the Lord showed him a week prior to this day, things he saw for my life supported by several scriptures, which he wrote down and gave to me. He encouraged me to begin to thank God now for what was yet to take place, for things He has done in the future already. He shared how this team of people will bless their families and churches back home in a mighty way by their testimonies of God and that God will expand His kingdom here in Ireland.
“Claim the promises for ourselves, believe them for ourselves …” “Stand on these promises as you pray and trust God to do exceedingly, abundantly more than you can ask or imagine. Amen,” he wrote.
Everyone on the team was blessed by what happened and some in a particularly special way. Things he said about Avril (my wife) and I were confirmed by others and reconfirmed each day (come and ask in person for further blessing). The Lord moves mightily and wants to give life in abundance - it is our own ‘self’ that stands in His way. I went to Africa hoping to be set free, praise God by His mighty power he has begun a good work in me. May He bring it on to completion.
I said at the beginning that I was worried, even though I know that we are told “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God ” (Php 4:6). And pray I did. I have been praying about many things for a long time - yet I remained worried. This trip and the meeting with Pastor Dennis was God’s way of reminding me that He does hear our prayers and that He will answer them in his perfect timing if only we trust in Him.
As if to underscore this truth yet further, the day after my return home we received our long awaited planning permission to renovate and other situations we have been praying about for four years were also resolved.
To God be the glory great things he has done!
