August 2010: The Big One!
”I Do’s” Revive Hope and Realize Dreams
Last month I was privileged to witness the answer to prayers that my old friend, Pastor Isaac (pastor of a church in an IDP camp near Gulu), had been praying for over 45 years! The answer to prayer took the form of a giant wedding—“Nyom, Maleng Madit I Gulu, “ which means “The Big Holy Wedding in Gulu.” The wedding took place on June 12, 2010 in Gulu’s Pece Stadium. On that day the hope of many was revived, the long lost dreams of others realized, and faith in God’s sovereign love and protection magnified! For almost 25 years Pece Stadium was a refuge from the dangers of the war that surrounded Gulu. Every night, hundreds gathered within and around it’s walls to sleep and seek protection from the rebel soldiers who would come into Gulu at night to kill, cause mayhem and kidnap children. Now, peace has returned and on this beautiful 2010 June day, that same stadium had been transformed into a sanctuary in which 140 couples took their marriage vows before God and over 5000 witnesses. These vows reflect a “taking back the ground” of some the war’s devastations—slow erosion of social institutions (including marriage), community, moral standards, healthy relationships and the impact of the local Christian church.
Over the past three years Aloysius and Esther Kyazze, SOM staff members, have been conducting workshops in and around Gulu on Christian marriage. Monthly meetings were held with local pastors and community leaders to educate and inform people on the dangers of polygamy. Public forums were held to discuss some of the challenges faced by young couples such as the expectation of a large dowry payment by the bride’s family. Monthly overnight prayer vigils were held and local churches were encouraged to pray for the strengthening of families through marriage. Then, about a year ago, an idea began to develop to host a wedding in Gulu, a big wedding.
Once the idea took hold, local businesses, churches in Uganda, as well as churches in the USA began to donate. Look at this list!
- 140 men’s suits, shirts, neckties and dress shoes from a supporting church in the USA.
- 140 weddings gowns (loaned from a shop in Kampala), 140 traveling dresses donated from another supporting USA church.
- 140 wedding cakes (one for each couple) plus one large cake to serve over 5000.
- 70 cars, drivers and fuel to transport the couples to the stadium in a parade through the city of Gulu.
- Thousands of flowers and hundreds of yards of ribbon for flower bouquets and decorations (each bride had her own bouquet).
- Food prepared to feed over 5000 at the reception that followed.
- Local traditional dancers and church choirs to provide music and entertainment.
- Building supplies to build the large central platform that served as a head table.
- Tents and chairs for all the guests.
The final week of preparations involved all 140 couples coming to Gulu town to prepare for the event. Brides stayed in one end of a compound and the grooms at the other. Space limits what I can share of that week but each day began at 5:00 am and went late into the evening including:
- Daily worship, Bible study, songs of praise and sharing
- Full medical check-up that included testing for HIV
- Fitting of wedding bands for each person
- Fitting of suits for men and bride gowns for women
- Over 60 volunteers each day cooking meals and helping keep restrooms and dorms clean.
It truly was amazing! During those years of preparation for the “Nyom Maleng Madit I Gulu,” I had lost contact with Pastor Isaac. But on June 12 – there he was –in tears. As we embraced and renewed our friendship I ask why he was crying. His response was quick and direct . “These, my brother, are tears of joy, for today I have seen over 45 years of prayer answered. Today I have seen hope revived and dreams realized! For today, the people of Gulu have honored God by publicly lifting up His plan for marriage. Today, families are being brought together and their futures made secure by the bond of Jesus Christ. I am ready to go to heaven today because seeing those 140 couples on that big platform and hearing their families and friends sing praise to God – I have a glimpse of what heaven will be like. Hallelujah!”
Can You Help?
Although Sports Outreach Institute (USA) was involved in the background rallying churches for suits and dresses, and even though I was in touch with Aloysius over the year of planning, nothing prepared me for the work, detail, and spirit that emanated throughout Gulu during my time there in June. Sports Outreach Ministries in Africa has a fine staff that takes full responsibility for challenges set before them. Will you consider sending a gift for staff support and discipleship in Africa to encourage and further the work being done? Now that’s a worthwhile wedding gift!
A note about the newsletter: we want to know what you think! Please take a moment to fill out the enclosed postcard and return it to us or email us at info@sportsoutreach.net to make your thoughts known. This means a lot to us, thank you!
Rodney