Watoto

Today we are in Kampala. Kampala is obviously the Capital City of Uganda and a place we have used as a hub for our visits to Jinja and Murchison Falls.

Today is Easter Sunday and for us as Chritians THE most important Christian Holiday, remembering the death on the cross of Jesus on Good Friday and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Kampala is also known in Christian circles as the centre of Watoto Church, home to the Watoto Children’s Choir and it’s Sponsorship Program for underprivilidged children.

When we planned our Uganda Trip we quickly realised we were going to be in Kampala on Easter Sunday – so what better place to visit than Watoto Church. They have several services on a Sunday (8am, 10am, 12noon, 2pm) at a number of locations across the city and we opted for the 12noon service at the nearest centre. 

Watoto Church Building (one of many)

As we arrived we passed through a security cordon – bags were searched and we past through a security screen) certainly the first time I have been frisked going into church but security is tight everywhere in Kampala at the moment – especially those places Western or Christian!

Entering the building we were directed upstairs to the auditorium, the main hall must have seated 1000 and was full. We tried upstairs where another 300+ were seated and squeezed in. The auditorium was enormous.  

     

Worship was lead by a group of four singers/musicians backed by other musicians and a large choir on either side.  

     

The songs were all new to us but easy to learn and very much in keeping with the Easter Theme.

Notices focussed very much on the outreach programmes and a collection was taken. The preacher was from an affiliated church group in Canada it was a  very powerful sermon.  The theme Resurrection Power focussed on the commission given by Jesus to his disciples and Christians down the ages, after his resurrection.

People were welcoming and friendly. Though with so many the idea of tea /coffee at the end and any social interCtion was limited. Much of this in such a large congegation occurs through cell groups. This was certainly the largest church service I have ever been to and an amazing way to celebrate Easter Day.  

       

Happy Easter everyone.