06 October 2009 | Kampala en route to Mbale
After two days of travel, Tuesday morning came early. Tired as we were this morning, we managed to bounce out of bed for a quick bite of breakfast. Then, we loaded our gear into two vehicles for our 350 km trek from Kampala to Mbale. The long ribbon of highway that leads northeast from Kampala is a feast for the eyes. Uganda is a beautiful and lush country where everything grows tall or wide or however it grows, only better than in other places. The colors of everything that grows here somehow seem more vibrant.
Our journey took us past towns with names like Jinja, Magamaga, and Iganga — each bustling with the activity of early morning. Everywhere in Uganda, people start their day by shopping for fresh vegetables and fruit and meat. Looking at the mass of humanity in the markets makes you wonder if anyone is at home. I love the activity. As we drove through Namutumba, the local cattle auction was open for business. The fields adjacent to the highway looked like a sea of humanity and cattle. We drove across the Nile River and later the Mpologoma River with its banks protected by a standing army of papyrus plants.
When we finally arrived in Mbale we were greeted by Reverend David, a young Anglican vicar with a passion for God and a local champion for the least of these. I could not help but smile as I reflected on today’s venue. David had arranged for our group of Baptists from Texas to teach a group of Anglican leaders at the local Pentecostal church. We received a warm and gracious welcome. This group was eager to learn what the Bible has to say about the sanctity of human life and related topics.
We divided the large group into smaller teaching groups. The thing that impressed me the most was the posture of everyone present. Without exception, every person in the group was sitting on the edge of their seat. They had come to learn. And, everyone sat close to the speaker, as if by doing so they would be able to soak in more of every word. Within a short time it started to rain. The tin roof of the building amplified the impact of every drop of rain. But, no problem! The participants just leaned in a little closer and urged their respective group leaders to keep teaching.
I am so glad that we drove the long distance to Mbale. Those present were aware of abortion but had little understanding about how a baby grows in the womb. We gave each of them a model of a twelve-week old baby in the womb – the age at which many babies are aborted. This visual helped them understand the horror of how abortion rips apart tiny bodies with fingers and feet and eyes. These men and women are determined to speak to others about what they learned today – to speak for those who have no voice and to stand for life.
Four years ago I met Kurt Dillinger, President of Life International. He described the unborn as the largest hidden people group in the world. His words pierced my heart. For years I have been concerned about the world’s remaining unreached people groups, many of which live in the 10/40 Window. But, I had never thought of the unborn as a hidden people group. I could not remain passive but had to act by leading our missions ministry to adopt the unborn as one of the people groups we are committed to reaching — and, in this case, protecting. I am so thankful that Kingsland willingly embraced protecting the unborn and that God led us to partner with Life International to start The Comforter’s Center in Kampala. The Comforter’s Center continues to live up to its name by standing for and spreading the message of life throughout Uganda. This is a message that has many in Uganda sitting on the edge of their seats.
Go Beyond 
I am so proud of the work you guys are doing there, and I feel so blessed to be able to pray for you guys. The Spirit has been prompting me to pray things that I otherwise wouldn’t have thought of… like this morning I have prayed for your voices to be rested, strengthened and renewed. I know how important safe water, familiar food and plenty of rest are, and so I have been praying for those things as well. Continue your good works, and I can not wait to read your next blog!
By: Kelly Isenberger on October 8, 2009
at 7:21 AM
Omar,
I have been praying for you all. I know God is using each person there to deliver this important message. Lord, I pray for all the unborn that you would bring them life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
By: Gemma Torres on October 8, 2009
at 8:18 AM
Thanks for posting your experiences Omar. It is wonderful to hear the impact that is being made for the unborn around the world. We are so excited for what God is doing through you and your group in Uganda. Deanna and I will continue in prayer for all of you.
By: Richard Washington on October 8, 2009
at 1:00 PM
Thank you for this blog – I too, found it eye opening. I have never thought of the unborn in that way before. I come from Africa – it’s a beautiful land and I’m proud to be praying for Tara during her journey with your group. May you continue to feel the presence of God in everything you see and hear while you minister in Kenya. Greetings from a fellow church worker in Houston.
By: Carol Parsons on October 8, 2009
at 3:38 PM
Needless to say, we are thrilled that you are taking a stand for the unborn. Our own Kara, who is with you on this trip, came to us through God’s goodness and the process of adoption. I shudder to think that someone so on fire for the Lord may never have known life.
Thank you for sharing the events of your trip with those of us who could not go except in our hearts and prayers. God bless you all with rest, creative minds and spirits as you share God’s heart, good health and a sweeter fellowship than you ever imagined within your group.
By: Dick and Marcia Frith on October 8, 2009
at 7:48 PM
It is amazing how far the arms of Christians reach to touch the hearts and souls of people. The group of people on this mission trip are the feet, hearts and mouths of many. This trip began many years ago prior to some of the members even meeting each other. Parents, family and friends prayed that God’s will would be done in the hearts of their children and loved ones. You are blessed more than any of us can imagine by being there and seeing the results personally. But we can hardly wait to see those blessings in your eyes and through your words when you share with us your experiences. But we are blessed because we know that God’s Word is being shared through you and that the hearts of those you speak to will hear the Truth. We are also blessed because we have the opportunity and joy to pray for you daily.
By: Gary & Brenda LaVergne on October 9, 2009
at 12:56 PM
Dear Friends…
Thanks to each of your for your comments and kind words. I apologize for the late reply. We had very limited internet access in Uganda. Our team of women was amazingly good. It was my distinct blessing to serve with them in Uganda. Thanks to each of you for your prayers.
Blessings,
Omar~
By: Omar C. Garcia on October 14, 2009
at 8:02 PM