The Church in Motion: A Testimony of Vision, Obedience, and Light in Darkness

The Church is meant to be alive and in motion—called to be salt and light in a broken world. As Christians, we are all part of the Body of Christ, actively participating in God’s redemptive work. The Church stands at the center as a place of worship, fellowship, and discipleship, united in glorifying Jesus Christ and spreading the Good News.

This is the story and testimony of a Church that chose unity, obedience, and faithfulness under extremely difficult circumstances.

Since 1988, the Church in the Aringa area of the Yumbe District in Uganda has grown and developed as one Body, made up of believers from different denominations. This movement became known as Here is Life, an organization born out of oppression, suffering, and the scattering of the Aringa people.

Yumbe District is unique in Uganda, with a Muslim-majority population of approximately 76%. During the rule of Idi Amin, many young Aringa men joined the army. This had two devastating effects on the Church: many young people converted to Islam, and after Amin’s overthrow, the Church suffered greatly. Christians were persecuted, many were forced into exile, and the Church was brought to its knees. For safety and acceptance, many believers chose to live in other parts of Uganda.

Yet some remained.

Those who stayed asked a courageous question: How can the Church be salt and light in such a dark and hostile environment?

In response, Here is Life was formed in 1988 under the visionary leadership of Canon Isaac Jaffer Anguyo. This was not the initiative of a single church or denomination, but a united vision where all denominations in the Aringa area chose to function together as one Body of Christ.

The vision of Here is Life is clear and enduring:
to see people come to faith in Jesus Christ, grow in their discipleship, and experience holistic transformation—spiritual, social, and physical.

From its humble beginnings to today, Here is Life has achieved much. The organization not only proclaims the Gospel but is actively involved in social development programs that uplift and strengthen the community. It stands as a powerful testimony of what can happen when the Church unites in obedience to God’s calling, even amid persecution and hardship.

Here is Life remains a living example of how the Body of Christ, working together, can have a profound impact in fulfilling the Great Commission under the most challenging conditions.

Incontext International is committed to supporting Here is Life as a strategic mission partnership. Despite significant progress, the organization continues to face major challenges and ongoing persecution. There are urgent needs for skills, resources, and financial support.

Incontext International has conducted an on-site, informed assessment of the needs and opportunities and would be honored to share this with those who feel called to pray, partner, or become involved.