September 18, 2011

  • PNC here we come!

    That's right folks.  We are now experienced evangelists.  Today, September 18th, we had to lead our first sermon!

    It is funny.  We have been asked to "speak to the youth" before.  The first time, it was more of an open forum for youth and biblical relationships.  Well this last week, I was asked by another colleague (preacher) to come speak at his church, directed toward the youth.  Unfortunately, the language barrier makes most phone calls very difficult and end in expectations with me having no idea of what was said.  Sure enough, it appeared to be that case today.  I thought that maybe we would be doing another forum, or maybe offering a testimony... NOPE!  They wanted us to give a sermon, or "speak to the youth."  Yippee!

    So, first of all, the typical sermon here ranges from 60-75 minutes long.  Yes, the minimum sermon is an hour long!  Second, we did not have anything prepared, because we had no idea what we were expected to do.  So when I asked the pastor this morning, what he wanted us to talk about, he made it sound pretty clear that there needs to be a sermon.  One with the direction of having the youth take hold of their faith and use their gifts for the Kingdom.  Does that sound like something we do... no!

    However, it was too late.  When I asked, we were already on our way.

    We started on our way to church around 11 am.  We finally reached church around noon.  The first round of praise, worship, and preaching took us to about 2:30.  At that point, they break for lunch.  They were nice enough to offer us a lunch at the church.  Because we were guest speakers of course!  Then the service started again at about 4.  With a bunch of singing, dancing, and more singing, we were finally asked to come speak at 5:30.  I almost asked them how long they wanted us to speak, but I did not want to commit to a duration.  I emphasized that I was not a preacher, at least three times.  But Lizzy is, so I asked her to join me!  Together, we talked about acting on faith, listening to the Holy Spirit, and surrounding yourself with believers... all with the idea of staying focused on Faith.  Using Moses and Joshua as examples from the bible.   It wasn't horrible, but if we were better prepared it could have been better.  Our sermon only lasted about a half hour.  Too long for American church, and not long enough for Ugandan church.  Proof that preaching is not on our resume!

    Someone asked me if I ever planned on going into evangelism as a career.  I quickly said no.  And I explained that my mind is too fast to wait for an interpreter.  By the time the interpreter is finished translating what I last said, my mind has skipped the next phrase and moved on to the shiny object in the corner of the room!  So... pretty much, preaching is not on my list of things I want to keep doing each week.  (Big Sigh!)  However, I am pretty sure that I am going to have to do it again.  Yippee!

    Chad Neeley

    Construction Coordinator - WWCS Uganda/USA