"There were nine on our team from Smile International working alongside teachers and other staff at the Stephen Jota Children Centre in Kampala, Uganda, where each of us were challenged and transformed in different ways.

The house where we were staying was right in amongst it all and I think this is what made my experience so special. As I entered the gates for the first time I was mobbed by at least ten children all trying to hold a hand, an arm, a leg, just anything!!! And all crying, "Mzungu, Mzungu!" (White skin). I soon settled into a ‘routine’ of games, dancing, singing, painting, gluing, etc. Hearing the laughter of these children, who all come from extremely impoverished backgrounds and many of whom have lost at least one parent, was just amazing. The most incredible thing about these children though was their passion and love for God. At lunchtime some of the children would just disappear into a classroom for an impromptu prayer session and every Friday afternoon was left open for student-led worship time. Rhythms being beat on empty water bottles, the clapping of hands, the children singing and shouting their praises to an almighty God – wow!

On Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings each week, we heard amazing testimonies, sermons and prayers and really enjoyed joining in the wonderful worship. The people have a remarkable love for God, an inspiring understanding of the Bible and a contagious passion for prayer, miracles and life. The most amazing thing that I heard from them is so simple to remember, but so difficult to do – Know it. Believe it. Live it. Know everything the Bible says, believe everything the Bible says, live everything the Bible says and you’re sorted."

Read Sarah Wright's report on her trip to Uganda in our Team Reports PDF (570 KB)