Pastor Umar Mulinde and his wife Evelyn in their church in Kampala, Uganda

I was able to sit down with Pastor Mulinde in a Tel Aviv hospital recently. He is here in Israel recovering from this attack that occurred in the parking lot of his church in Kampala Uganda. It wasn’t the first time Muslims had tried to kill him. Since he converted from Islam he has been shot at, escaped from attempted stoning, and attacked by a man with a sword.

“I take the gospel to the Muslim community because I was born a Muslim. Most of the ministers in our congregation are ex-Muslims. Our issue is not hating Islam, but speaking the truth.”

Pastor Mulinde’s parents were staunch Muslims; his father built two mosques and served as a local Imam. He had numerous wives, marrying up to four at a time, then divorcing the older ones and remarrying. Umar is one of 52 children. He himself was a sheik (Islamic teacher) before he found the truth that salvation is found in Jesus alone. When he came to faith, his family drove him away with clubs and machetes.

“Just think!” Umar exclaimed. “Only 12.5% of Ugandans are Muslims and 80% regard themselves as Christians. And 30% of the people are real bornagain believers. But Uganda is considered an Islamic state and is regarded as a member of the UN Organization of Islamic States.

“The Muslims hold great power. Why? Because Muslims are united to do evil. But the Church is not united to do good.” (Of course, believers face the enormous challenge that persuades many of Uganda’s political leaders to bend over backwards towards Islam the massive amounts of money given by oil-rich Muslim nations with the goal of Islamizing the people.)

Umar now has a congregation of 1000 people with about 35% of his membership former Muslims.

Umar Mulinde preaching at one of his many campaigns. His passion is to reach Muslims
with the truth of the Gospel and to bring them to salvation.

Mulinde is known for debates locally and internationally in which he often challenges Muslims regarding their religion. His extensive knowledge and ability to quote the Koran in his preaching has won him friends and enemies. Often contesting the principles of Islam, he has relied on police protection during revival campaigns throughout Uganda.

“Mulinde poses a big threat to Muslim extremists who cannot convincingly challenge the truth as he engages them in debate,” said Dr. Joseph Serwadda, an area church leader. (Compass New Direct)