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A Distant Grief: The Real Story Behind the Martyrdom of Christians in Uganda
(A DISTANT GRIEF... . . . is about the persecuted Christians in Uganda and is a compelling witness to the Western Church. It confirms the truth that in suffering is the glory, richness and power of Jesus Christ known fully. The force of the underworld is expressed as the book recounts the diabolical mind and actions of Idi Amin. But Christ is sufficient and wipes the tears from the eyes of His martyred saints and the burgeoning Body of believers in East Africa.
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 1, 2021
A sobering account of life in Uganda under Idi Aman's regime. Powerful accounts of Ugandan believers being transformed through faithful witness in the face of brutal suffering. I was moved by Kefa's reflection on brokenness: "We must become okumenyeka. We must be "broken," even as Jesus was broken for the world. To be broken is to have no pride, for where there is pride, there is no confession and no forgiveness. The broken one is he who is broken to heal a broken relationship. He is the one willing to 'give in' who doesn't find his identity in being in the right.
February 2, 2020
Unreal. I wish someone would republish this book. The history and the stories are both haunting and moving. A gripping true story.
September 21, 2013
I remember reading this book in 1983 and what stuck with me the most was the church reading scripture over the sick or dead and they would be healed. They would read all night, taking turns and healing would miraculously occur!!! Arriving in Uganda in 1983, I fell in love with the church that hopefully and faithfully pressed onwards. When the Word was read or preaching took place they were silent and soaked up every word. When they prayed it was like a jet taking off, all praising and petitioning the Most High together. When they sang it was with actions. He was our sword, our shield, our buckler, our deliverer. They walked 5 miles to church and stayed all day, walking home late filled with the comfort of God's nurture and the inspiration of Christian fellowship. Oh, Lord, empower and protect the Ugandan Church even today, In Jesus Name.
May 19, 2015
I first read "A Distant Grief" in the early 1990's. It is a very powerful story that is not at all just about the persecution under Idi Amin, which is an incredible story in itself, but it is about those deep themes that recur in the life of a Christian who desires a closeness with God and a life of the greatest meaning. It is also the story that gives simple, but deep and powerful answers to problems that perplex many believers today, such as the problem of superficial, misdirected, or self-serving churches and the "white mans religion" branding of Christianity. The author shares his own journey of faith with candor and humility, admitting his own mistakes and what he learned, and the triumphs which he knew were not from his own talents.
God has brought me near to Uganda, and in fact I'm writing this review from Kampala today, where I am nearly finished with my second reading of this great book, having been delighted to find it has been reprinted after having been out of print for quite a few years.
God has brought me near to Uganda, and in fact I'm writing this review from Kampala today, where I am nearly finished with my second reading of this great book, having been delighted to find it has been reprinted after having been out of print for quite a few years.
August 8, 2008
I first read this book the year it was published, 1979, and was profoundly disturbed by the brutality it chronicled and moved by the incredible courage of Ugandan Christians during the reign of terror by Unganda's brutal dictator, Idi Amin. I picked it up about a month ago and read it again. Against the backdrop of our post 9/11 world, it took on new significance. I had not realized that Amin was indeed a Muslim and one of his goals was to turn Uganda into a Muslim state. His teams of Nubian assassins were sent out to do the unbelievably brutal job of ridding the country of its Christian population. This aspect of Amin's dictatorship was largely hidden from the world and kept under "wraps" for a long time. The courage and refining of the Church during the awful years of Idi Amin's reign of terror is indeed a testimony to the power of the cross and the indestructable nature of God's redeeming love.
February 28, 2008
A difficult read about Christians being pursecuted under Idi Amin from a remarkable man in the middle of it all. The imagery stays with you and draws you into connection with the global church who live everyday in realization that what the Gospel claims is very different than everything else out there. Whether or not they believe it can at times mean life or death, and for us, it does have the same significance, whether or not we grasp it.
September 1, 2008
the true story of a pastor in Kampala, Uganda during the reign of terror brought forth by Idi Amin during the 70's. Great stories of hope/redemption alongside horrendous events that unfold in the life of this church.
January 27, 2013
This vividly portrayed testimony of suffering Christians in Uganda is both memorable and moving. I can't say that I "enjoy" reading such difficult stories, yet this one effectively tells the "story" and leaves you with hope all the same.
April 19, 2015
A heartbreaking story of God's goodness in Uganda. A rare book that I hope to read time and again.
I couldn't put this down and read it in two days (most of it in one) - which is a feat in the midst of the chaos of my life.
I couldn't put this down and read it in two days (most of it in one) - which is a feat in the midst of the chaos of my life.
June 21, 2013
-Very moved by this book. Amazing (stunning) portrayal of events during the reign of Idi Amin.
July 17, 2016
Loved this book. Interesting historically and spiritually. It's graphic, but it also portrays the gospel in a very tangible way that Americans aren't familiar with.
September 14, 2011
Excellent and intense, to say the least.
April 3, 2017
This book is the author's account of Christian faith, joy, courage, suffering, and martyrdom during Idi Amin's reign of terror in the early 70's in Uganda. So many is those days faced death daily. Sempangi tells of how people would claim to be converted and they quit asking them if they believed in Jesus Christ and rather asked, "Are you ready to die for Jesus Christ?"
He writes of the work going on in his own heart and life during these times. It was chilling to read of how he narrowly escaped, only by God's grace, and went to seminary at Westminster in Philadelphia. He reveled in the study and discussions, but found himself drifting into an intellectual Christianity without the fire and zeal of his days in Uganda. It is a constant struggle we Christians face as we seek to have our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength engaged in the love, study, communion, worship, and work of God.
I highly recommend this book. It is also a valuable historical account of a time the author lived through.
He writes of the work going on in his own heart and life during these times. It was chilling to read of how he narrowly escaped, only by God's grace, and went to seminary at Westminster in Philadelphia. He reveled in the study and discussions, but found himself drifting into an intellectual Christianity without the fire and zeal of his days in Uganda. It is a constant struggle we Christians face as we seek to have our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength engaged in the love, study, communion, worship, and work of God.
I highly recommend this book. It is also a valuable historical account of a time the author lived through.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews