Pastor’s Corner 8-15-2025

Hello church friends!

I bring you greetings from Uganda where I am making new friends at a place called Wonder Afrika (www.wonderafrika.org). As many of you have heard, my father first developed a relationship with these people five years ago. It took me a while to believe the stories he was telling me about their deep faith and incredible hardships. This is an orphanage and primary school started by one gentle, soft-spoken man named Nicholus Bbuule. Like us at Spirit of Life, Nicholus has found fulfillment of his calling by opening his home and extending hospitality to those God calls us to serve. 

Our Psalm this Sunday describes God's heart. God loves orphans and widows (Psa 82:3), who are a biblical stand-in for people who are vulnerable and alone. Sometimes, the world seems to be in favor of those who take advantage of the needy (Psa 82:2). This is true in Portland and Uganda. Both place abound with predators dealing in manipulation and harm. In Uganda, sometimes even the government is set against acts of service and helping those in need. It takes courage to live as Christ. 

This Sunday worship will be lead by the Rev. Bonnie Cochise. I'm jealous of you and wish I could hear her preach. I am grateful to you all for the opportunity to explore the world of God and acts of service in Uganda. My heart yearns to see you all again, exchange stories, and break bread together.

Faithfully,

Rev. Joshua Kingsley