This Hero Made Me Think

From the Publisher’s Grandson
History should impact us in monumental ways, but when history is only read through textbooks and summaries, that impact is often lost. My grandfather recently told me how significant it was for him to spend time with Germans who lived under Hitler, speaking firsthand with individuals who experienced such a devastating time in history made the effects of those events very real to him. He wasn’t just reading about the awful things that Hitler did, he was listening to citizens weep as they spoke of their neighbors disappearing because they dared express their dissatisfaction with the Third Reich. When he gave me the opportunity to have a similar conversation with a man who lived under a tyrant, I knew I couldn’t refuse.
During my time with Pastor Stephen Kaweesa, a man who lived as a committed Christian under Idi Amin in Uganda, I realized how insignificant many of my problems are. Why should I worry whether or not I get my copy of Smash Bros. 4 on release while men such as Pastor Stephen fight for their right to worship God? Men like this put my entire American lifestyle into perspective; I want for a new trading card while Pastor Stephan was left wanting for basic freedom and even his very life.
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Men like this put my entire American lifestyle into perspective
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Amin was a morally repugnant tyrant, an uneducated monster who single-handedly caused the deaths of untold thousands. Killing whom he pleased, shutting down Christian churches (slaughtering those that continued worship), and instilling fear all across the country, Amin stands as one of the most ruthless leaders in recent history. Despite his now infamous legacy, Amin was not always seen as an enemy of humanity. He began his climb to power as a soldier under the occupying British Army. He was favored for his immense size, having no education, formal or otherwise. His size plus his combat prowess quickly propelled him to high rank; he eventually gained enough control to overthrow the socialist-leaning prime minister of Uganda, Milton Obote.
Just as Hitler was initially hailed as a political savior, so was Amin. He made promises to restore freedoms and usher in a new era for Uganda. Public opinion of Amin would change all-too quickly.
Early into his reign, Amin presented the Christian church with a choice: cease worship or face death. Many ceased, yet many held true to their faith. Pastor Kaweesa was one such man. Not two years into his ministry, Amin’s thugs confronted him. He stood his ground, prepared to die if necessary, believing “God is with us, God is with his people,” and we must stand strong through times of strife.
He recalls that one house in which they were secretly worshipping was surrounded by members of Amin’s army. He remembers crying out to God for protection for his congregation. The soldiers entered, and commander told Stephan, “We have come to kill, but we will not.” These same soldiers immediately left, only to kill innocent civilians nearby, even though it was the pastor’s congregation who was breaking the oppressive decrees.
In another instance, soldiers broke down the door, but the first one to enter was inexplicably struck down and his rifle went flying; the other soldiers fled.
Pastor Stephan is now visiting many churches in the U.S., where he shares his experiences. It took bravery to do what he did, but above all, it took faith.
Would I be willing to do the same? After seeing his faith and bravery, I’d like to think I would.
Collin Hall
Collin is the grandson of Art and Patricia Hall and attends Providence Classical Academy in Bossier City, Louisiana. He is a summer intern at the Herald.
From the Bible: If my people humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Condensed from 2 Chronicles 7:14