Exciting Times in Uganda

It was in 2022 that the cry and need in Uganda were of such that we first went to assess the possibility of a work there.  Many Ugandans who had previously attended other Ellel centres travelled up to 12 hours to meet together for a single morning of fellowship – which didn’t finish until late in the night as the excited group shared their hearts for the healing of their nation!  The unity that developed so quickly was palpable and genuine. God was doing something in these people, and they established an intercessory group that was aptly named, the First Fruits of Ellel Uganda.

The seeds had been sown and nurtured in a hidden ground of personal prayer.  Now we were seeing the tender shoots develop and be cared for by this incredibly committed group of intercessors.

In 2023 Ellel teams from South Africa, Rwanda and Kenya had a dynamic follow-up visit including an invitation to the consecration of an Anglican Bishop, facing the reality of wars, bloodshed and tribal conflicts, the reality of the camps of South Sudanese refugees, and an insight into the long-reaching impact of the East African Revival. The complexities within this nation are unique and tangible.

Just a couple of months ago, in July 2024, our team from South Africa and Kenya returned to Uganda for an extended mission trip to North Karamoja region and to Entebbe in the central part near Lake Victoria.  The focus of the two conferences and church visits was the equipping and healing for leaders and ordinary people within the church. It was an incredible time of spiritual warfare, long but powerful days in high heat, visiting various communities, and seeing God do amazing things in people’s hearts.

Our team listened to very deep stories and it is clear that only God can fight the battle for these people and give grace to look to Him and not the multiple layers of suffering, trauma and injustices.

During the trip, there was such warm and lavish welcomes for our teams.  The people laid out banquets of local food, such was their gratitude for what God was bringing to their communities.

Uganda is also known as the Pearl of Africa, a name that we can wholly connect with.  There is much ruggedness and hardness as a nation that has faced many difficulties, where there is murder, cattle-raiding, bloodshed, witchcraft, poverty and division.  But, in the heart of this, there is a stunning beauty and precious uniqueness that only God can bring to the fore.

Ronel, Ellel Africa Leader says, “The churches in Uganda are filled with people, but the absence of healing as part of discipleship is huge.  There is a deep need for the understanding of the loving Father’s heart providing for all the needs of the people’s hearts. To relinquish all other ways.”

A pastor from the smallest tribe in Uganda (the IK tribe) gave a powerful testimony of the Ellel teachings they had received, saying, “They are new and now the church has a task to seek God for the spiritual cleaning of our land. Our eyes were opened to the effects that sin and trauma have on the land. We want to pray that God help is to respond to His truth in our area.”

The head of development in the Anglican diocese said: ‘So many partner programmes come to help us and speaking about social transformation through behaviour change. Our problem in Karamoja is not our mindset, it is our hearts. Our community development programs addressed issues of the mind, these will not bring everlasting change. I will make sure we incorporate what we received here to see permanent change as hearts are transformed by Jesus.’

Ronel concludes: “Isaiah 60 was a scripture we received for this mission and we want to trust the Lord for His leading and that ‘His glory with rise upon the Pearl of Africa’ for His name’s sake. Our lives were touched and blessed by the beautiful people. Our desire is to simply be available and come alongside the church in her calling to embrace the healing of Jesus in her mission to disciple the nation.”

Last month, and as a next step, seven key leaders in Uganda were identified and sponsored to attend our 12-Day Course in Kenya. We trust this further equipping and personal restoration will bear even more fruit in the nation of Uganda.

Isaiah 60:1

‘Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.’

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