Church Blog

Uganda Update: Soccer Match!

Via Christy Sullivan, who is acting as liaison, here’s another Uganda team update from Isaac Hydoski:

First of all, Isaac says that both Matt Wahl and Jason West are doing great. They were both feeling weak this morning and experiencing the after-effects of heat exhaustion from the previous day of hard physical labor.  In light of this, they decided to stay back and rest.  When the team returned to their lodging this evening, they found the guys 100% recovered!  Thank you for praying.  The remainder of the team is in excellent health.  God is definitely answering prayers.

This morning was the beginning of the team’s ministry at the Kiburara Youth Conference.  It was also the their first experience with monsoon rain.  Immediately upon arriving at the conference sight, the skies opened and it began to pour.  It rained for over two hours, which necessitated a rearranging of the conference schedule.  Instead of preaching, the team used that time to befriend and hang out with the youth.  Isaac said that this “hang out” time was a great foundation on which the team can build throughout the conference.  Just before lunch, the rains cleared, and the conference began. 

A member of the Ugandan Parliament was there to welcome and thank the U.S. team for the work they were doing.  He also honored pastor Moses for his ongoing work in the Kiburara region.  It is quite significant for a Member of Parliament to speak at this type of event.  It appears that the Lord is greatly elevating the influence of pastor Moses in that area.

After lunch, the team was scheduled to play a “U.S. vs. Uganda” soccer match.  They were expecting a nice friendly game with some of the locals.  To their shock, they discovered that pastor Moses had advertised this match on both radio and television. Over 1,000 spectators arrived to watch.  Local radio stations showed up to cover the event. And the “local” team from Kiburara trotted onto the field in full uniform!  The players were all extremely tall and athletic and had coaches warming them up.  Isaac said it felt like they were about to play in the world cup!! 

The first half was played U.S. vs. Uganda and the U.S. team held its own (only allowing one goal). During the second half they split the teams to make it fairer.  In the end, the “Ugandan” team won 2-1.  Not bad!  The crowd loved it.  Anytime one of the U.S. players would slip and fall or whiff on a kick, the crowd erupted into laughter. After it was all over, pastor Moses told Isaac that the work they had been doing on the widows’ homes along with this soccer match was massively unique to the Ugandan people.  The U.S. team’s humility in serving would spark an interest in the local people and potentially open many doors for the gospel throughout the remainder of their trip!

Finally, Isaac mentioned that the highlight for him so far has been the multi-generational nature of the team.  Watching heroes such as Lavern Jackson, Peter and Sherly Giglio, and Frank and Sue Robb has been his joy.  These folks have had a profound impact on the team’s effectiveness, and their energy and servant heart have been a great example.

Also, a note that came from Kelly Hydoski later in the day:

Isaac called me this afternoon, and as we were talking, he realized he forgot to mention a couple of opportunities for us to come alongside the team in prayer. Tomorrow and Friday, Isaac will be leading a conference for pastors that Moses has organized. They are anticipating around 100 participants, and Isaac will be preaching three times each day. For those days, since Pastor Moses will be with Isaac, Drew Garfield will be leading the entire youth conference with help from the team and some of our Ugandan friends.

Needless to say, I’m sure everyone would love prayer for these events! Please pray for wisdom, stamina, and that the gospel would go forth as the team continues to labor for God’s glory.