Ugandan Church's Remarkable Growth
The pastor of an East African megachurch credits God for the remarkable growth of his congregation, and for saving his nation from dictators. Jackson Senyonga's Christian Life Church (CLC) in Kampala, Uganda, has grown from seven people to 22,000 since 1995.
God moved on Senyonga's heart 8-1/2 years ago to do His work, he said, telling him that He was tired of his "small mind" toward God's work. The young church-planter continued in prayer until God instructed him to start a church in Kampala, the capital. "The Lord told me that if I would obey, He would use my obedience to touch my city, my nation and the nations around me," said Senyonga, 35.
As a result, Senyonga and his wife, Eve, saw CLC grow from seven people to 2,000 people during two weeks of 1995. Within its first 10 months, the church had swelled to 7,000 people. Located in one of the worst neighborhoods of Kampala, the church grew because thousands of unbelievers began to see God's power at work in their own lives.
When a local witch doctor came to CLC to place a death curse on Senyonga, people in the community flocked to watch the pastor drop dead. After three days had passed and Senyonga was still teaching and preaching the gospel, the witch doctor and others quickly gave their lives to Christ. That demonstration of God's might prompted thousands of others to accept Christ and join CLC.
CLC's members support a radio and TV ministry, and they minister to the community with food and clothing, educational training, counseling, and they support other needs. Senyonga is also reaching out to help other pastors and leaders fulfill the Great Commission.
Pastor Daniel Nkata, who works with the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International and is founder of Reachout Village Ministries, which helps orphans and underprivileged children in Uganda, said Senyonga is a godsend. "He's helping churches come together in unity because he's a man for the people," Nkata said.
Senyonga said although his nation was birthed out of witchcraft and controlled by demon worshipers, it is being transformed by prayer, the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
"The Lord called Uganda as a nation to tell other nations about the simple message of Jesus Christ," said Senyonga, who was left to die in a garbage heap when he was 3 months old. "But we had to pay a terrible price to carry that message."
The pastor was referring to the horrific acts of violence suffered by many Ugandans from 1971 to 1979 at the hands of now deposed and exiled dictator Idi Amin. During Amin's "reign of terror," he was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people - including Senyonga's father. Tortured, beaten and forced out of their homes, people nationwide were forced to their knees to petition God for mercy.
When AIDS swept through the country, the people cried out to God, and once again He moved. Today, Uganda is one of the only African nations that has seen a decline in HIV infections, and the nation is experiencing spiritual and community transformation in political circles, the marketplace and the church.
Many of Uganda's politicians are acknowledging God in political affairs as they seek Him for wisdom. Prayer has been initiated in state-government offices, and some judges pray before they convene for court, Senyonga said. In a historical move, the nation's president, Yoweri Museveni, issued a proclamation in 2000 declaring that God is the God of Uganda.
Originally published November 07, 2002.
