A local church in Moyo, Uganda, provided its premises for a family conference. About 40 pastors came with their wives and children, whom they could not leave alone in the camp.
For the pastors, it was the first experience to sit with their wives, ask them questions and answer their questions. I saw how it is not easy for them to step over cultural barriers. The wife, in most African nations, is the property of her husband! She is a thing, a subject … They did not even agree with the thought that they were also created in the image and likeness of God!
When I asked the husbands to take their wives by the hand and look into their eyes, the wives did not dare to raise their eyes. Some looked away, others looked at the floor or at the wall but none of them ever looked in their husbands’ eyes! I asked: “Does culture forbid you to do this?” They replied: “Yes, if we look in our husbands’ eyes, it is a sign of disrespect”.
I had to clarify that there are cultural traditions that have nothing in common with the Gospel. All of us, both men and women, will look into the eyes of our Redeemer. We will meet with God face to face! Are we really entitled to look at God, but not at our husbands?
The head of communication, Edward Dima, once again urged all wives to turn to their husbands and look them straight in the eyes! We heard many thank you prayers and requests to pray for their marriage relationships. The Lord began to heal hearts in this nation and in this country!
Ministry in Uganda – Willy Dick