This morning is a very special morning. Bishop Alex Ojera and his wife, Millie, are with us again. It is always a special day for us to have them join us in worship. I first met the Ojeras in 2007 in the parking lot of the airport at Entebbe. It was warm and humid, which was typical. Those were my first steps on Ugandan soil and I was apprehensive about the whole adventure. But not for long, as I was soon enveloped by a huge smile and a warm hug … from Pastor Alex. He was someone special. I have now enjoyed 16 arrivals at that airport. It remains warm and humid. But the smile and hug have never changed.
This week I was wondering what was going through my mind on that first trip, so I went back into my Back Page archives to find out. Here is what I wrote in 2007:
Unbelievable. Incredible. Overwhelmed. Grateful. Humbled. Honored. I think that describes the reaction of the team in Bombo to the past week of ministry. We have been stretched. We have ridden a road so full of potholes and traffic that we swerved back and forth over two hours to go the 12.5 miles from our guest house to the church. We have seen deep poverty. We have seen disease. We have seen recovery. We have seen hope.
I cannot say enough at how moved we were with their hospitality. They are an amazing church with a godly man at the helm. He is a man that is about the business of biblically changing his culture, as we could only dream of doing. Alex and Millie will change Bombo over the next few years – and it will be a blessing to watch. And it will be a blessing to help.
In the 17 years since, I have witnessed much change in Bombo. The church has struggled as all churches do, but its mission to change its community has succeeded. More than I could ask or dream. And that transformation was the vision of Alex and Milie and they tirelessly served their community with the love and grace and strength of Jesus.
I hope you catch a glimpse into their hearts today. We have been on this journey together and have learned to watch for what is next. It has been our honor to be involved with them long-term in ministry. We are the recipients of God’s grace and blessing because of them. Our hearts have changed as we lift our eyes to a broader view of God’s work in the world. It’s not just about us. So welcome Alex and Millie. We are honored that you are here today. We stand with you. We pray for you. But most of all, we love you.