Scriptures looted after Bible Society vehicle crashes

n Bible Society staff inspect the wrecked distribution vehicle

KAMPALA, Uganda —Two members of staff of the Bible Society of Uganda had a narrow escape when their van swerved to avoid a collision with an oncoming vehicle and turned over, coming to rest on its roof. There was further trouble in store, however. While they were waiting to be taken to hospital for a check-up, bystanders came and looted Scriptures from the wrecked pick-up.

Ezra Ndagije, the Bible Society Program and Marketing Manager, and Isaac Ashinda, the Society’s Office Attendant, had set out earlier from Kampala to deliver some New Reader Portions to the town of Kisoro, some 500 km away, for distribution. Dan Shyaka, a relative of Mr Ashinda, was travelling with them.

At about 1.30pm traffic on the road was light and everything seemed normal until Mr Ndagije, who was driving, began to feel the pick-up pulling towards the right. Finding he was driving in the middle of the road, he swerved to the nearside, managing to avoid a collision with a truck carrying two 20-ft-long loaded containers coming the other way.

“God save us”

“I heard a bang and prayed ‘God save us’,” he said. “What happened between then and when the vehicle came to rest I cannot tell. After some time I realised we were alive in the upside-down pick-up. I couldn’t believe that God, in his infinite power and love, had graciously saved our lives.”

“That day I witnessed afresh God’s power and mercy on his children. There are many questions crossing my mind but one thing is certain: God’s protection is real and ever present.”

Gathering their belongings, they crawled out of the wreck and Mr Ndagije used his mobile phone to ring the Bible Society to tell them what had happened. Then he called a friend in the town of Mbarara, some 25 km away, and asked him to collect them and drive them to hospital.

“What happened next was a shock,” he continued. “We saw the callousness of humanity when people started coming to loot the Scriptures in our presence — some were even thanking God for his unique provision!” All the Scriptures which had not been spoiled in the accident were taken.

The three went to hospital in a taxi. Mr Ndagije was feeling unwell and was put on a drip, but X-rays revealed no broken bones or damaged tissue and all were discharged that evening.

Released

After making statements to the police in Mbarara, they went back to the scene of the accident to try and ascertain the cause. Mr Ndagije was released on bail pending police investigations.

“As I ponder on the incident,” he said, “the words in the Book of Isaiah come to mind: ‘You survivors in Israel, listen to me, the Lord. Since the day you were born I have carried you along. I will still be the same when you are old and grey and I will take care of you. I created you. I will carry you and always keep you safe.’ [Isaiah 46:3-4 CEV]

“That day I witnessed afresh God’s power and mercy on his children. There are many questions crossing my mind but one thing is certain: God’s protection is real and ever present.

“Let’s continue to pray for wisdom and guidance as the case continues, and for provision of the vehicle especially as we are busy with end-of-the-year distribution programs.”

And enthusiasm for Bible Society work is evidently undimmed by the experience. “As long as we have breath,” he said, “let’s share the good news with those who are yet to experience his saving grace.” (WR 363/24 - 10.01) [PHOTOS]