During the 20-year-old LRA war that started in 1987, reports show that an estimated 1.6 million displaced persons were pushed into squalid camps and thousands of abducted children forced to become soldiers porters and sex slaves.
Born-again Pastor Ben Ochola delivered essentials for survival to several victims of this devastating war during a mission trip to Gulu district, located in the northern part of the country.
Together with his team from Make Jesus Famous Global Tabernacle, Pastor Ochola also visited the Women’s prison in the area, and ministered to many at the local church as well.
The 7th December, 2019 initiative happened in union with Jesus Above Family Church (Gulu) headed by Pastor Bruce Magala.
“A few months ago, the Lord laid it on our hearts to reach out to the people in Gulu: The prisoners, elderly, and victims of the Kony’s atrocities this Christmas,” he remarked.
“Not only did we visit but also preached the gospel of Christ and many people gave their lives to Christ,” he added, quoting Hebrews 13:3
The passage reads, “ Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”
He also quoted Proverbs 19:17 which says, “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord and He will repay you!”
Remarks on Jesus’ birth
Pr Ben observed that there’s never been a birth that is celebrated across the whole globe like the birth of Jesus.
“I believe it is because of the purpose of the mission of the child,” he said. “Mary was taken by surprise. She wasn’t expecting it. She didn’t merit it. The angel told her, ‘you are highly favored. God is with you.'”
As a lesson from the Christmas narrative, Pr Ben urged believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, and expect the unexpected.
“Whenever God shows up, things never remains the same. Jesus never just makes a casual visit. When He visits your life, business and home, things will change for the better. We believe that this Christmas is not an ordinary Christmas. Something beautiful is being birthed. Something is changing and the hand of the Master is upon your lives. Mary never expected it. And therefore expect the unexpected miracle to happen to you,” he said.
“Christmas means something new has come to the earth. It is God pursuing man. When Adam and Eve failed in the garden, God never gave up on them. God began to pursue Adam and Eve even though they ran away from Him. The coming of Jesus is the revelation of God’s love to us. He says, ‘no matter what has happened to you, I love you, no matter what you have done, our relationship might have been tampered with, but I need you back.’
“Hear the Word of the Lord. God has not given up on you. He says, ‘My love for you is bigger than the mistake you have made. My love for you is greater than any failure you have experienced. That is the Redeemer that was born. That’s why Jesus came, to bring back fallen man. That’s why His path is so unique. Let this uniqueness be made manifest in your life,” Pastor Ben Ochola said.
