Finishing my yummy bowl of fruit at The Source Café, a man
standing just inside the doorway asked if I needed a boda. The truth is that I
did need one, but usually when it seems that someone is stalking me I prefer to
find someone who doesn’t know what I ate for my last meal. Somehow, though, I
heard my voice saying “yes” and we were off to Bugembe Prison. Along the way
this boda driver asked the usual polite questions and, when he learned that I
love Jesus, revealed himself to be a pastor.
Ever skeptical of such claims and the various cons people
use, I proceeded politely. He named his church, his head pastor, and a number
of others whom I did not know. When we reached the prison he pulled his well
used Bible out of his travel pouch – always carrying his Bible when driving
boda – in order to get at his passport. He wanted to show me that he really is
who he said he is.
Pastor Denis then told me about the time he used to do
prison ministry before he had a family and providing for them became a higher
priority. He asked permission to speak with me at the prison. Still cautious, I
trusted Carpenter John would know how best to proceed…until the rain delayed
him. Plan B…what would be Plan B? Um…God, protect us as we welcome this unknown
servant into the prison.
Thankfully John appeared shortly after I began delivering my
message and could at least offer post hoc feedback on the additional material
added by Pastor Dennis. I must say, though, that through all the caution I felt
like there might be some ministry opportunity with Pastor Denis which is why I
didn’t shut him down from the beginning. I was particularly struck by the
reality that a pastor who would rather be ministering in prison is required
instead to drive a motorcycle so that his family has food. This isn’t an
uncommon situation for pastors in Uganda but it still makes me sad.