The valley point that changes lives

Fellowship. Ever since its inception in 2012, Vadieshkol has been changing the lives of youth. Under its theme Reach, Raise and Release the members believe this is only the beginning of a reign of spiritual fun youth. Some popular members of the fellowship are gospel artistes Timothy Gumi and Lecrae.

It is no news finding a group of youth holding a house party in the neighbourhood. Why wouldn’t they organise one and yet there is a free five bed-roomed house, free drinks up for grabs and most importantly, there are ‘women’?

However, when on a seemingly sunny afternoon, you find a cluster of individuals between the age bracket of what one would term as budding adults gathered in a home and absorbed in worship, then you might wish to pause for thought. And this is what exactly takes place every last Saturday of the month at “Vadieshkol” fellowship.

The cluster therein
Vadieshkol is a Jewish name meaning “the valley of a cluster”. The inspiration for the name came from the fact that Rev Dr Medad Birungi’s home where the fellowship is always conducted is located in a valley in Namugongo. The over 50 youth aged 15 to 25 from Namugongo and the nearby areas like Naalya and other places like Nankulabye that religiously turn up for the sessions represent the cluster.

The reverend was shocked when his 20- year- old son, Barnabus proposed the idea of starting a monthly fellowship at their home in Namugongo. “I was utterly shocked, but at the same time over-joyed when Barnabas my then world class notorious boy proposed to me such an idea,” says the 50-year -old father of five. And without a thought about it, he gave his son the go ahead. “I was seeing God using my son to help inspire and redirect several other young ones.”

Changing young lives
For Barnabas, it was the strong desire to disciple his peers towards Christ that drove him. Through this fellowship, youth like Andrew Emmanuel Achire have been able to confront their demons.

“I had to deal with lust. It had been a problem which I thought was not worth telling anyone. Not even my parents,” admits Achire. However, from the time he joined Vadieshkol, he has been able to freely share his challenge with his peers. “The solutions they offer are great. I have learnt how to appreciate women for who they really are and also I’m no longer lustful. Thanks to Joel Jassu, my mentor, who I also found in this very fellowship,” he says.

How the fellowship is conducted
Rev Birungi says there is hardly a specific pattern on how the fellowship is conducted except that as expected, the sessions kick off with praise and worship mostly led by Cathy, an Senior Six vacationist, and then later on intense prayer is conducted.

“Since the fellowship is youth oriented, we pray mainly for issues affecting the young people,” he says. Issues like getting employment, and also how to get happy families in the future, since most of these are not yet married, stand out. The sessions then conclude with testimonies from anyone and a cup of tea coupled with a few snacks.

“This has also been a good way to lure especially those with complications like ulcers and other food related challenges. Thanks to Mr Stephen Happ and World Shine Ministries who have relentlessly and fully catered for our finances,” notes Jassu.

“However, our network of connection is spread across the board and so we get to listen and interact with different colleagues. Today, it is one of our peers, tomorrow, it is a renowned preacher from Uganda or elsewhere and the other day it is someone else. Generally, anyone with the conviction can share a word. At Vadieshkol, we actually don’t preach. We share and learn. Those two are different,” Barnabas says.

Some testimonies
Birungi reveals that since he responded to God’s call of leading the fellowship, he has continually developed into a more effective and fruitful leader. “Even at campus, my lecturers always assign me the duty of being in charge of my entire class and I have not disappointed their hopes and expectations. Thanks to Vadieshkol.”

And this is not any different from Jennifer, a Senior Six student of Mengo Secondary School who says through Vadieshkol, she has been able to yet again find people she can regard as family after three years of being an orphan.

And with new ideas like the formation of brotherhoods and sisterhoods which are aimed at constant follow up of every member of the fellowship and as well discipleship of everyone who is part of the fellowship, the fellowship only hopes that they could be the next biggest catch for all young people who have a reason for living.

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