I specifically allowed a few weeks to go past me since returning from
Uganda before writing my feelings down in order to allow my thoughts to
settle. However, my thoughts and emotions are still very much stirred.
In one short week I learned more theology then 20 years of reading and
studying the Scriptures had. Reading through the Bible cover to cover
several times and I missed so much. There is no way I can describe the
way God has used this trip to change my thoughts, attitudes, passions,
priorities, and my walk in Him. But I'll do my best here.
If I could describe this experience in one word it would be Humiliation. It was
absolutely humiliating to be in the presence of these people. My first
encounter with an orphan came the very first day when we visited Bethany
Village. As we were walking around and touring the village a little
girl about 4 years of age shyly followed us. She wore a tattered dress,
was barefoot, dirty, and had something in her hands she wanted to show
us. Turns out she had some old plastic parts from a radio or something
that looked like they could have been the buttons. As she showed them
to us I could tell that they were a little treasure in her hands. Resty
was her name if I remember it correctly. I could go on and on about the
children of Uganda.
absolutely humiliating to be in the presence of these people. My first
encounter with an orphan came the very first day when we visited Bethany
Village. As we were walking around and touring the village a little
girl about 4 years of age shyly followed us. She wore a tattered dress,
was barefoot, dirty, and had something in her hands she wanted to show
us. Turns out she had some old plastic parts from a radio or something
that looked like they could have been the buttons. As she showed them
to us I could tell that they were a little treasure in her hands. Resty
was her name if I remember it correctly. I could go on and on about the
children of Uganda.
But, I want to focus here on the adults. The people God has risen up to care for these kids are amazing people.
Image living in a small 4 room mud walled hut with no water or
electricity and raising 15 children, many of whom are not your own. I
was most struck with the statistic that 75% of the village of Buloba is
made up of young children. The adults in this community are some of
the strongest believers I will ever meet. I was also amazed how they
never really were complaining when describing their needs to us. Their
living standard is so meager. Their daily life is such a hardship. It
struck me how they never get a break or holiday from their daily
struggles. Every day is the same fight for the basics of living and
caring for so many orphans. Yet their hearts are so full of the Lord
and of his joy. Their faith is so basic and yet so strong and assured.
It's a mistake to think that they don't have the same worldly concerns
as I do choking out my faith and robbing me of joy. In fact, they have
more day to day concerns than I ever will. The difference is that their
concerns and worries are not self-inflicted. Most of mine are. Their
hope is in Him alone. And for that I am both ashamed and inspired.
Ashamed of all I have been given and not given back to Him. And
inspired to do more, to pray always, to never forget them or the
experience God has given me through this trip. And mostly, to become
completely sold out and dedicated to the Great Commission.
Image living in a small 4 room mud walled hut with no water or
electricity and raising 15 children, many of whom are not your own. I
was most struck with the statistic that 75% of the village of Buloba is
made up of young children. The adults in this community are some of
the strongest believers I will ever meet. I was also amazed how they
never really were complaining when describing their needs to us. Their
living standard is so meager. Their daily life is such a hardship. It
struck me how they never get a break or holiday from their daily
struggles. Every day is the same fight for the basics of living and
caring for so many orphans. Yet their hearts are so full of the Lord
and of his joy. Their faith is so basic and yet so strong and assured.
It's a mistake to think that they don't have the same worldly concerns
as I do choking out my faith and robbing me of joy. In fact, they have
more day to day concerns than I ever will. The difference is that their
concerns and worries are not self-inflicted. Most of mine are. Their
hope is in Him alone. And for that I am both ashamed and inspired.
Ashamed of all I have been given and not given back to Him. And
inspired to do more, to pray always, to never forget them or the
experience God has given me through this trip. And mostly, to become
completely sold out and dedicated to the Great Commission.
As we walked
through the community on the last day visiting and witnessing we lead
several new believers to the Lord. I could not help to feel as if I was
walking in the New Testament. It's as if God was telling me that I have
read the Scriptures enough, and now its time to start living them.
Truely! My advise to anyone who is considering going on a future trip
to Uganda is- GO. This trip was expensive (over $2,000). But, this was
the best money I have spent in quite a while. I understand how the
money and time away from work are hindrances for allowing others to go.
It's difficult to get away and travel so far from home. But, then once
arriving, you'll see what difficult really looks like. Please keep
these people in your thoughts and prayers. The idea that believers in
the United States are praying for them means so much to the believers in
Uganda. They really do love us at Cornerstone.
through the community on the last day visiting and witnessing we lead
several new believers to the Lord. I could not help to feel as if I was
walking in the New Testament. It's as if God was telling me that I have
read the Scriptures enough, and now its time to start living them.
Truely! My advise to anyone who is considering going on a future trip
to Uganda is- GO. This trip was expensive (over $2,000). But, this was
the best money I have spent in quite a while. I understand how the
money and time away from work are hindrances for allowing others to go.
It's difficult to get away and travel so far from home. But, then once
arriving, you'll see what difficult really looks like. Please keep
these people in your thoughts and prayers. The idea that believers in
the United States are praying for them means so much to the believers in
Uganda. They really do love us at Cornerstone.
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