10 January 2011
By far, Uganda has been one of the most exciting places for Restore Tour: Child Soldier No More. With 9 live events at Watoto church last week, the team came face to face with audiences from their homeland. For many Ugandans, this was the opportunity to experience the depth of the tragedy of their own people in the North, who had experienced a senseless civil war for more than 20 years.
“By and large, the production has been received very well in Uganda. The response is overwhelming and we are geared up for the next leg in Australia and New Zealand,” says Jackie Owgal, Co-Team Leader with Joe Ogwal.
Hearing grueling real-life stories from the children live, audiences were often stirred to tears, giving a standing ovation for the courage displayed by the children and taking a step further to support the cause.
Joan Achieng from northern Uganda says, “Thanks Pastor Gary and your team for bringing the story of northern Uganda to Kampala. It was such a reality and emotional time for me, may the good Lord richly bless you and may His healing power continue to bring complete healing and restoration.
"I was personally challenged regarding my forgivingness. The production portrayed an epitome of forgiveness and love, forgiveness that heals and love that restores,” a blogger said.
“How can I get involved and help?” Jo Begumisa frantically asks on facebook.
For the children, it was the first time they were standing before fellow Ugandans and did know how the audiences would react.
“I was scared. I thought that the Watoto children who are not from northern Uganda would laugh at us. But I was surprised with testimonies that came after the event. So many children have been convicted to forgive members of their extended families who have hurt them as well as seek forgiveness from those they have hurt,” says Beatrice Oyella.
Hearing grueling real-life stories from the children live, audiences were often stirred to tears, giving a standing ovation for the courage displayed by the children and taking a step further to support the cause.Joan Achieng from northern Uganda says, “Thanks Pastor Gary and your team for bringing the story of northern Uganda to Kampala. It was such a reality and emotional time for me, may the good Lord richly bless you and may His healing power continue to bring complete healing and restoration.
"I was personally challenged regarding my forgivingness. The production portrayed an epitome of forgiveness and love, forgiveness that heals and love that restores,” a blogger said.
“How can I get involved and help?” Jo Begumisa frantically asks on facebook.
For the children, it was the first time they were standing before fellow Ugandans and did know how the audiences would react.
“I was scared. I thought that the Watoto children who are not from northern Uganda would laugh at us. But I was surprised with testimonies that came after the event. So many children have been convicted to forgive members of their extended families who have hurt them as well as seek forgiveness from those they have hurt,” says Beatrice Oyella.
All packed and set, the team departs for Australia this afternoon (10 January 2011) touching down in Sydney for the first performance at Hillsong Church on Thursday 16th January 2011. Go to www.restoretour.com to get the full tour schedule or check out the restore tour blog for regular updates.
