Langham Preaching Facilitator Mercy Ireri in Mbarara, Uganda

While 80% of Ugandans claim to be Christian, the influence of both nominalism and prosperity teaching is extensive. The need for the Word of God to be preached faithfully, clearly and with relevance is great. However, while the very first LP seminar was held in Uganda, some momentum has been lost in recent years. This is why watching 44 people gather for a Level 1 seminar in Mbarara in SW Uganda brought such encouragement to many. There were a number of people on hand to contribute. It was quite a team! The Principal (Rev Canon Amos Magezi) and Vice-Principal (Rev Johnson Twinomujuni) of the host college, the Uganda Bible Institute, were gracious in their hospitality and committed in their participation. And then long-time LP advocate, Julius Twongyeirwe, was joined in the training programme by Emmanuel Oladipo, Mercy Ireri, Jenny Brown (Senior Associate Minister, All Souls) … and Barbara Tumwine, who brought the week together.

Although a pharmacist by training and more quiet by personality, Barbara brings plenty of vision and determination to her role. As ‘Uncle Emmanuel’ observed, “Barbara is setting a good pace and there is a wide recognition that what she is doing in the Southwest needs to spread to other parts of Uganda.” A network of key people is beginning to express their support and so there is a growing hope for Uganda. As is the case right through East Africa, it is the breadth and strength of the regionalized preaching ‘fellowships’ that is carrying the national movements forward. Every single participant in Mbarara committed themselves to such a group – and resourcing these fellowships better is an urgent priority for LP all around the world.

For more information about the Langham Preaching programme, visit www.langhamapartnership.org/preaching.