As a general rule, everyone sings here. Singing is a part of every day, every function, and most certainly, a part of every Bible study. So, as my pre-teen girls from the village gathered for Bible Club, we all prepared to sing. Having formed a semi-circle, I heard the question pass around the group. “What language should we sing in today?” My face said it all as I held back amazed laughter. Listening to the girls begin, I thought to myself, do I know any songs in another language besides Feliz Navidad or Mele Kalikimaka? Eight months ago, the answer would have been no. Today, I am grateful to say I have added a few in the local village language.
Since being in Uganda, I have been thoroughly amazed at the number of languages people know. Bear in mind most of these are oral languages that were only recently written in the last 30 years. The level of communication here is fascinating because of that. The languages one speaks denote tribal affiliation, social status, diversity of family, and whether one is near or far from home. Watching how groups communicate, who translates to whom, and how often add layers to traverse in communicating the gospel. What language do you speak if those present originate from 12 different backgrounds? Will the translation convey the same depth in each language? Suffice it to say, I am glad God understands all languages and speaks to the heart, mind, and soul whether His vessels can or not.