Out of Africa – A story to tell

No matter how many times Amy Compston has shared her riveting testimony – and it has to be in the high hundreds by now – it always sounds like the first time ever hearing it.

That happened again Saturday when she told her story during the dedication of the property for the Amy For Africa Christian Academy Secondary School. But the setting in which she told it had to be a first. It was in front of an audience of mostly Muslim men and women from the community where the new property is located.

I was watching and listening to Amy as intently as ever, even though I’ve heard her share the story hundreds of times. It is the story of our life before becoming a child of God and it even had the Muslim audience engaged in her every word. The “reruns” of Amy’s story still makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck.

It so effectively shares the gospel in a relatable way. As she was telling about “being a drunkard and loving it,” some of the Muslim men listening offered a hint of a devilish smile. Her story is so real that is relatable in some way to almost anyone. But it’s her delivery, and passion, and obvious love for the Lord who spared her from a life of addictions and heartbreak that makes the story resonate. Whether you are a believer or a non-believer, you are touched by this story of redemption that she tells so well.

Aside from her husband Chris, I may have heard that story more than anyone else. But watching her Saturday was different. It was letting everyone know – even this Muslim audience – that her life is changed because of Jesus Christ. She makes it clear. End of story.

Saturday was a big day, an encouraging day for the Amy For Africa ministry. God is moving. As the P7 students are preparing to finish at the school near Jinja, they needed a place to go. Prayers have been a part of this growing process for two years when the Lord laid it on the hearts of Chris and Amy. It has been two years of asking the Lord, “What do we do about property?” And then the answer comes. This 11-acre property has loads of potential for a new school and more. And even though the property is in a Muslim community, it was made clear on Saturday that Amy For Africa’s organization were followers of Jesus Christ.

Moses, our country coordinator, spoke only a few words but they were powerful gospel-breathed words that “God has come into this place,” setting it up nicely for what was to follow. Then Amy’s mesmerizing testimony had to make them wonder about the power of this Jesus who took away her sins.

As if more were needed, my brother, a workhorse during this mission trip, declared the gospel in a sermon that, while brief, had sting and reality to it. He introduced everyone to the name above all names, Jesus Christ, saying that every knee will bow, including his own “nearly 70-year-old knees.” And then he closed in prayer from his knees.

What. A. Day.