On most Sundays here in Bundibugyo, I attend the church that is right outside our door, Bundimulinga Presbyterian Church. But it is always fun to visit other churches in the area and yesterday was one of those days. Anna and I walked to New Life Bubandi yesterday morning. It’s a really pretty walk and the further we went, the more the “traffic” decreased. Now that dry season is here, everyday is blazing hot but it was still pleasant at 9 am and it was nice to stop and greet smiling elderly women as we went.
The church service was fairly typical. We arrived at 10:30, after being told that it started at 10. The service began around 11. The church building is a small, concrete rectangle with a tin roof and a dirt floor with a few wooden benches inside. We were greeted warmly and worship began, accompanied by drums.
As people trickled in and we sang, I was blessed by the true worship surrounding me. The believers in that building had real joy. As I’ve dealt with my health issues, it is easy to become self-focused and lose my joy and faith. But these believers reminded me yesterday that you can still worship amidst difficulty and it can mean so much more when struggling to maintain joy.
My favorite song from yesterday was Okwesigwa Kwaawe (Great is Your Faithfulness). The translation isn’t exact but I’m going to write the chorus lyrics below. The tune and tempo are a lot different than the Great is Thy Faithfulness I grew up with but it is beautiful.
Okwesigwa Kwaawe
Okwesigwa Kwaawe, Ai Yesu, Bukya, Bukya Kuloho
Your Faithfulness, oh Jesus, is Always, Always There
Koona Eki Ndukwetaaga, Omukono Gwaawe, Taata, Gukakimpa
All that I Need, Your Hand, Father, Gives Me
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