The Wisdom of a Man Named Francis

A man named Francis Ssenyondo and I had a conversation the other day, while taking care of our group who were walking and talking in the streets of the slum.  We were in the Abongo slum, I think.  I was moved by what he said, so I wrote down what transpired after we finished, and then we both went on to other things, so the following is pretty close to our actual conversation.  To Francis the message is clear.  The mandate was given, and the method is simple.

Francis:  How do you run with the Gospel in America?

Steve: Well, usually we build a pretty building.  You preach a pretty message. You sing pretty songs.

Francis: Does that work?

Steve: Not really.

Francis: What do you do then?

Steve: Well then you build prettier buildings. You go to conferences to learn how to preach prettier messages. You add lights to and special effects to make prettier music.

Francis: Does that work?

Steve: No. Not often.

Francis: How do you run into the community to find the lost? 

Steve:  Well. some churches fill backpacks full of food and give them to poor children.  Some churches give away food to poor people.  Some go to sporting events and work the concession stand and sell food. (I explained a concession stand.). Some put nice words and bible verses on facebook and instagram.  Some have concerts and events invite people to come.

Francis: Does that work?

Steve: Sort of. . . Well, not really.

Francis: Why don't you go into the streets to share?

Steve: I don't know; maybe it's because it's scary.    

Francis: How sad. What are you going to do about it?

Steve: Well, why don't I bring them here, so that you can teach them how it is done. 

Francis:  Good.  Bring many.