Demographics tell us a lot about Uganda. 48% of Ugandans are age 0 to 14, and another 21% are 15-24 (CIA statistics). I am pretty sure I read someplace that 28% of the population is 15-25 years old, but I can’t find where I read that. So 69% of the population is 24 years old or younger, and maybe 76% of the population is 25 years old or younger. Think about that for a moment. A country with few skilled people to pass on those skills to the next generation. A country with few Christian elders to mentor the next generation, but also a country that is currently very open to the Gospel. What an opportunity!
Many Ugandans claim to be Christians but also follow more typical African beliefs that a man’s value is determined by the number of children he has. This has lead to polygamy being accepted, and a very sexually promiscuous society. This has contributed to the continued devastation from AIDS, a major reason for the lack of people over 25 years old.
Many people in there early 20’s have not yet settled in their hearts what they believe about God and eternity. That leaves 7 out of 10 Ugandans potentially still searching for truth. From what we have learned so far it looks like God is at work in Uganda pursuing the hearts of this next generation. There seems to be a hunger for the Gospel, discipleship and pastor training.
Judy and I have been exploring a couple of ways we might join Jesus in what He is up to in Uganda. We will be leaving for Uganda May 24th and returning June 5th. The purpose of our trip is to see if God is calling us there.
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