lifestyle 9 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Nostalgic Return to Church Leaves Me Drunk on Scents and Surprised by Survival
A writer, once active in his school's Scripture Union but drifted away from faith, accepts a church invitation from a young couple who met through prayer groups. Amid overwhelming scents and energetic worship, he feels nostalgia and vows to return soon. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/entertainment/sunday-found-me-in-church-nearly-drunk-on-scents-please-5417324
During his time at Namilyango College, the writer was deeply involved in the Scripture Union, with God central to his routine. Over time, he drifted away, embracing life’s pleasures and rejecting what he saw as judgmental church doctrines that clashed with a ‘live and let live’ ethos.
He admits missing elements like the community spirit, hymns, gothic architecture, and structured prayer life. Last week, a young couple—whose romance began in a church ‘cell’ group and was strengthened by prayer—invited him to service, stirring nostalgia.
Arriving mid-morning, he sat in the back, overwhelmed by a mix of scents and the joyful reunions of congregants. Nervous waves met curious glances as the service erupted into loud prayers to the God of Israel, speaking in tongues, singing, clapping, and jumping.
Fearing he might ‘combust’ as a self-proclaimed pagan, he endured without incident. After an hour, offerings were collected, and a youthful pastor gave the blessing. Post-service coffee with friends led to reflections; he humorously revealed mimicking their tongues with his own ‘pagan vaunts’ while picturing mountain tops.
Relieved at not bursting into flames, he plans to return in two weeks.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)