Calvary Chapel Kitgum, Uganda

Once upon a time there was a man who moved with his pregnant wife and five small children from suburbia America to dirt road-mud hut-rural Uganda. Before he even stepped foot on the ground, the people named him "Pastor." (er... "Pastah" to be more exact.) He now leads a church, which is quite a biblical church. The Bible calls God's people The Church, not a building. Good thing, because we meet under a donated mango tree! People come and worship and learn of the true and living God. Parents in the surrounding village send their children with babies strapped to their backs to learn about Jesus. We usually juggle 80 kids. It can get a little chaotic, but we pray over them and hope they learn the truths in the Bible being taught faithfully week by week. We pray they see the love of Christ there in that open Sunday School hut, and tell their parents who choose to stay home. Solomon needed wisdom. We beg God for this too. Join us in this prayer?

An hour of prayer takes place before service begins.

I attempted a "toddler room" a few weeks in a row.
I realized it's just not culturally applicable.
Siblings are responsible for the babies.
It's just the way it is... I'm not here to change the culture!

The "Sanctuary."
Children stay during the time of singing, and then go to Sunday School.
There are usually a few turkeys wandering through.
(I think that's one on the right!)

Tyler teaching with an Acholi interpreter.
Most people speak decent English,
but it's always better to learn in your own language!

Sunday School.
Notice the boy touching Jonah's head. We are a distraction.
Everyone wants to touch the "munos," which means "white people".
Eventually, they'll get used to us. Until then, the kids get poked and checked out.
The adults look behind their ears and pet their hair.
The little girls think Lilah looks like a baby doll.
Everyone asks to hold Elisabeth... I usually keep her on my back during church for safety.
When Zane's daughter was about 2, someone took her home with them to show the neighbors!

The teachers.
Sunday School is also English/Acholi interpreted.
I've mentioned our neighbor Julius before.
The tall teacher is his sweet wife Caroline.

Too many children for everyone to have a seat.
No one seems to mind!

Big sister taking care of the baby during class. They came alone.

Everyone loves to sing...

Playing after church.
The grounds we "borrow" for church are beautiful and immaculate.

Little girls.
They may wear rags through the week,
but they're always in dresses and looking their best on a Sunday!
All the girls either have very short hair or extensions.
Their hair just doesn't grow more than a few inches.

Worship practice happens after church while the children run around and play. 

Many people come for worship practice, even though only 2 or 3 lead in front.
Singing is such a strong part of the culture. I think they just can't get enough!