Millie - A Woman of First's.

She is a trend setter. A lady of first’s; - First lead alto for the Watoto choir and the creative mind behind Gospel Dancers. Hers was the first wedding with a dance procession in church. The first married lady to dance on the Kampala Pentecostal Church stage and the first mother to return to the dance ministry. She was the first female worship leader at Kampala Pentecostal Church now Watoto church. 
She helped shape the church's perspective on music and dance and started a revolution that spread through several churches. “I want to church the un-churched” she would say, “to appeal to young people who think Christianity is boring”.

I crank up the volume as I listen to the Lamb of God album: Hosanna Music led by Jim Gilbert and reminisce...

She walked into the coffee shop at Kampala Pentecostal Church in a light blue dress with floral print. A fresh university graduate. She struck me as down to earth; natural hair, simple shoes, in a dress that fell right below her knees – the kind of girl who shunned attention but whose personality and gifts drew her into the lime light.

She studied in Gayaza High School, Namasagaali College and Makerere University. She married the Kampala Pentecostal Church technician, who became a pastor. Growing up in the same neighborhood we called him “B.M” (Bad Manners), many years later he was a changed man. A man of the people. We call him Uncle Alex, or Aleku like my brother is wont to say.

As a young wife and mother with ideas and a vision, Millie was set to change the world but she struggled with stereo type attached to the roles life had placed in her hand. Passionate about evangelism, committed to the dance and music ministry it was a battle to comprehend where family and the duty of wife and mother fit. It was church vs home vs work. Office assignments had to be accomplished, food prepared, children fed and husband loved. On the other hand it was essential to preach the gospel and practice for a weekend service.
Still single and at the university we tacked our feet in and bit our finger nails, marriage and motherhood were a mystery, we had no clue what Millie had gotten herself into.

 “I see this ministry growing big, we need to win souls for Christ” Her hunger was insatiable. She wrote the ministries vision statement and dreamed of where it would go.

One Sunday afternoon the worship service dragged, like she was carrying a grinding stone up a hill. The congregation stared back at her, the drummer slurred, the air was thick with an intangible heaviness. She stopped in the middle of the song, handed the microphone to Dunstan who just happened to attend the service and run out of the church. Dunstan, a little puzzled but aware that the service had to proceed picked up the song and led. I was reminded that even the strong have tender moments, inside the armor a warrior is a child. A reminder to look out for our leaders. Pray for them. Support them.

Today Millie’s life and work may seem tucked away in Luweero district but through her and her husband God has changed the Bombo community. She is called “Maama”. She leads worship, she teaches, she counsels; She is administrator and head mistress; she is an aunt, friend, sister and these are only a few of the several hats she wears. The little town of Bombo is being restored through her life and work. Her husband Alex is the Pastor of Bombo Pentecostal Church.

Together with a team of doctors they conduct an annual mission - the Bombo Medical mission to provide free medical care to the community. Lines wind for miles as patients que for free dental, optical and physical care. Alex and Millie bring healing to the body and soul to the Bombo community.

The passion with which she is engaged in the community may lead one to assume Millie was raised in Bombo but nothing could be further from the truth. The circumstances that led her to this community are embedded in a curious case of love for a man, love for her God and love for people. She understands the challenges of the people in Bombo and they in turn cling to her for solutions, for prayer, provision, counsel and mentorship. Fifteen years ago, Bombo was not on the raider of her life chart. I thank God for Millie’s servant heart and her trust in God to lead her where ever He will. For now it is Bombo and she has blossomed where He planted her.

If you wonder what the future holds, place your foot where God shines a light. Live a life of trust without borders and you will be amazed.

So now I’m on a mission to purchase all the Hosanna Music because I’m sure each song will tickle a memory of another influential person.