My trip back to Kampala from Yei last week was challenging to say the least. Since I was to travel to Kampala with the same transport company that lost the Bibles, for security reasons, therefore, I chose to go through Arua, instead of Koboko, to catch the bus going to Kampala. My “friends” in Koboko, were still trying to provide answers to my missing Bibles. I hear they want to pay for them.
I arrived Arua rather late but in time for my trip to Kampala. As I waited for my bag to be searched, I made a few local calls with my cell phone. Custom officers at the bus station search every luggage for contraband goods and whenever a bag is opened, every eye around is looking to see what’s in it; what’s in your bag tells your story.
I boarded the bus early so I could get a space for my carry-on. I placed the bag right over me in the roof rack and took my seat. I felt ready for the long ride. Suddenly, I remembered I’d not locked the bag after it was searched so I got up and locked it.
The guy whose seat was in front of mine came in after me. He was a young man in his mid-twenties I guess. He tried to force his bag in beside mine, but the space was too small. The opposite rack was free but instead of taking it, he quickly dropped his bag on his seat and dashed out of the bus. He didn’t get back until after 6minutes or so. At that time, I was already searching for the cellphone. Some kind lady suggested I tell her the number so she could call it.
“Pity ma, I can’t remember the number. I don’t use it often…”
I’m now on my knees looking under the seats and feeling very silly with my last response. This was no cheap cell phone. It was a gift, and a good one too, bearly 3months old. With 61 passengers waiting for me, I ran off to where I sat at the lounge maybe I left it there. Pity!
Finally, I gave up, sat down and began to think. Then I remembered. I had it with me when I was locking my bag. I kept it beside the bag in the roof rack while locking it and this guy in front of me was the only one to go there and he acted really strange when he was trying to place his bag beside mine. Did he see the cell phone there, take it and dash off to turn it off outside? I leaned forward and asked him. He denied. After much thought, I was convinced he had it.
I started thinking of my options. I settled to let him go but not without a counsel. I must say something that he won’t forget too soon, a sentence that could lead him to Jesus. But my mind was blank. Anger was not letting me think or even pray. I thought of offering him the spare battery and the charger as parting gifts.
When we entered Kampala; he signaled he’s getting off before the terminus. When he did, I followed him. He had something in the trunk and demanded it; I stood by, waiting for the conductor to give him his stuff before giving him mine. To my shock, it was a brand new bow with several arrows, which he’d purchased at one of our stops, where arts and crafts are sold.
I quietly entered the bus and kept my final words and gifts to myself. Wisdom told me I was beaten. The stakes were higher now and I’m not going to heaven on this guy’s terms. He can keep the phone.
I now know why self-control is the last fruit listed in Gal 5:23; it takes the longest time to mature.
Kingdom Exploits With Uche 