We returned from Uganda more aware than ever of the need we have of protection from heaven, and especially the prayers of those who faithfully call down the blessing of the Father on us.  

The first week in Namuwongo, near Kampala, went really well.  It was intended to limit the numbers to 100 but by Tuesday 147 had signed up.  There were pastors from Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC.  Their responses were amazing; really quiet during the presentation of the teaching but then in the prayer ministry time a lot of real encounters with the Father took place.   There were a number of situations relating to relationships amongst the leaders which were gloriously resolved during the week. We seem to forget so easily the miraculous nature of what God loves to do in our hearts when we choose to open up to Him.   

     We loved visiting Wellspring Church on the Sunday and had great fellowship with the local pastors and leaders.  It was so good to see the team that is gathering and its established core value of the Father’s Love.

     The following week we moved on to Mukono about 10 miles further away from Kampala.  We were taken about 16 miles into the bush to a retreat centre where a group of Anglicans including vicars, lay readers and intercessors gathered.  Little did we realise, as we travelled back to the hotel on the Thursday evening that riots were taking place in the town.  Eventually after being driven around some back roads, the minibus took shelter behind some buildings because there were crowds of people screaming, shouting and running in an attempt to get away from the security forces who were firing rifles and tear gas grenades.   After about 10 minutes the pastor said we should all get out and walk the 100 metres to the main road and across it to the hotel, which the team did.  We were shocked to see the main road looking like a war film; tyres burning in the road, smoke and tear gas hanging heavily, stones and debris littering the highway, no people at all except the security forces some 50 m away.  We ran across the road into the hotel and the gates were locked behind us.  Later from the 4th  floor we watched the riot police chasing people in the streets around the hotel.  There were constant fusillades of rifle fire and the loud popping of the tear gas grenades.   So on advice from the British High Commission and our Ugandan friends we stayed at the hotel for the next 2 days until the situation calmed down.    Thanks to many praying friends, the situation which was forecast to get much worse (over 20 people died in the 2 days), actually calmed down and normal life resumed after 3 days.  It was disappointing not to finish the school although we heard that they had testimonies in our absence.  The testimonies centred around revelation of the effect that their childhood experience had had on their lives and their relationship with God, and secondly how they were currently treating their own children.  One man said he was going home to repent to his children for the things he had done to them.

       It was disappointing not to get to Mbalala for the last weekend.  However we were so aware of His presence and the direction of the Holy Spirit as we prayed each day.  Friends came to the hotel and wanted to plan for next year!!!   The team were amazingly unfazed by the situation.   We continue to honour the Father for His care over us and His hand on the sessions which produced so much good fruit.