Pastor Gary Skinner launches memoir at Watoto amid pomp

A cool and warm Thursday evening, June 20. There could not have been a more appropriate atmosphere for the launch of  Where Faith Lit the Way for Watoto Church founder Pastor Gary Skinner and wife Marilyn.

In 1984, during a civil war, they planted the church in Kampala, to speak hope and life to the nation. Today, Watoto Church is a cell-based, community church with more than 38,000 people gathering in-person and online weekly to celebrate the value and purpose they have found in Jesus Christ.

The launch that took place at Watoto Church Down Town was an elegant affair that was attended by the cream of Uganda’s public, private sectors, literary enthusiasts, church lovers and followers of one of the most respected religious leaders in the country.

Where Faith Lit the Way is a compelling chronicle of God's miraculous faithfulness in the lives of Gary and Marilyn, who have both served as visionary leaders at Watoto Church in Uganda and around the world.

The event commenced with worship and praise songs. It was a beautiful moment when Gary, dressed in black jeans, white sneakers and a grey jacket, stormed the stage and started reading some chapters in the book.

In the book, Gary thanks the people of Uganda for welcoming them and making them part of this great land, which they now call home.

Gary and Marilyn have three children - Timothy, Rachel and James.

The book also reveals how Gary fell in love with Marilyn, and how he consulted Jesus about their possible relationship.

“One day, as we were performing, I looked back from where I sang. Marilyn was doing her thing on the keyboard. She winked at me. To this day, she denies it never ever happened, but I know what I saw. It took my breath away,” Gary said.

You need to read and find out how his father-in-law responded to him when he asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage. That experience taught him to live a life of love, surrendering to God, listening for his voice and take the steps of faith.

“This is our story. But it is more than that. It records what Jesus can do through people who choose obedience. It is the story of what an all-powerful, all loving God can do in and through each of us when we say yes,” reads part of the introduction.

 In 1984, when the Skinners were planting Kampala Pentecostal Church, which later became Watoto Church, they did not see what God had in store for them and their little family, they never imagined that the church would turn out to be a vibrant, servant hearted transformational community church it has turned out to be.

The book reveals a man who has fulfilled his purpose in life, who has been through so many difficult, painful and terrifying situations to build God’s Church in order to accomplish extraordinary things.

“We have had to sacrifice a great deal. We have laid our lives on the line for the call that God put on our hearts. But Jesus has never failed us. Not once has he let us down.  We have not only seen the tough side of life, but have witnessed miracles of provision and protection, God’s goodness and unfailing grace,” Gary wrote.

When you read further, you find that the book is an inspiring account of courage, obedience and faith over fear. It’s a true story of tragedy turned to triumph and a provoking testimony that God can accomplish something marvelous in and through your own faithful obedience to his call.

“Today when Marilyn and I get the chance to see a Watoto Children’s choir presentation somewhere in the world, it thrills our hearts to realise that three quarters of the children on the platform are children who were rescued as babies and have begun their life journey of discovery and purpose at Watoto,” Gary says.

What people said in the endorsement pages

Justice Julia Sebutinde, the vice-president and judge of the International Court of justice, said she is who she is today because of the values that they were instilled in her by Pastor Gary and Marilyn.

“The Godly values of integrity, honesty, Justice, mercy, empathy, and hardwork that the Skinners and Watoto Church instilled and nurtured in me, over the years, account for who I am today and have immensely contributed to my incredible career as a judge in Uganda and a judge at the International Court for Justice,"she said.

American preacher Joyce Meyer said their partnership with Watoto has been very fruitful.

"The work they do with children is incredible. Many lives have been saved and transformed,” she said.

The Minister of Justice, Norbert Mao, said the story of Watoto is a powerful testimony of the power of love without measure. As an individual, he has witnessed the transformational work of Watoto in binding the wounds of war torn northern Uganda.

“Thanks to Watoto there are many points of light in some of the darkest spots in one of Africa’s most volatile regions. The inspiration and passion Gary brings to his ministry is the live wire connecting those points of light,” Mao, said.

Where Faith Lit the Way is available at all Watoto Church campuses and Power FM offices from June 21, 2024.