As our team approaches the downhill slide for our time here, I have a flood of emotions with regard to all we have experienced and shared during this time in Uganda. Many of these blog entries have been about where we've gone, what we've had the honor of doing, and our prayers for the areas we cover. However, there are untold stories...some that have truly left me broken. I wrote about the mountains of Kapchowra and the beauty of God's majesty, along with the ministry we were able to do...but I failed to write about the tragic, cultural practices that perpetuate darkness and death. Kapchowra and the surrounding areas suffer from one of the largest HIV/AIDS populations we have experienced here. The practice of tribal, group circumcision is one of them, as well as similar practices on females, which imprisons so many in the bondage of disease and sorrow. While our mission is that of evangelism, we cannot turn a blind eye to the plight of so many. Please pray that the light of Christ will reveal the darkness of such practices, and that those who stand for justice and truth will lead others to stand for the same. My heart aches as I look into the eyes of children, who's lives are being cut short, due to the shameful, sinful practices of the adults they trust. May God have mercy on them all.
We were privileged to spend the past week in the village of Kochomo. This brought another bout of sadness and reality to the effects of sin and why we are here. This village previously encountered "Baptist missionaries" who, while claiming Christ with their mouths, denied him by their greedy, corrupt lifestyles. All of this took place without the knowledge of the churches back home, who supported these people. This painful experience made the church leaders very skeptical about our visit. However, we soon displayed that our hearts and motives were pure and true. As we traveled home to home, we were met with story after story of so many hopeless lives. One young wife and mother of four is a Christian, who married a non-Christian. He told her that if she continued to go to the "born-again" church, she can find herself another husband. Since then, she has failed to attend church, suppressing her faith to the point of near despair. Another young girl of 17, had a baby at 16, with no idea of who the father is. Because she cannot finish school (as she is caring for the baby), she will either get pregnant again or prostitute herself out in order to feed her child(ren). We have had local area politicians ask us for prayer as they struggle with alcohol abuse. We have had those claiming to have evil spirits ask us for prayer, as they are tormented. And although we pray that God's will be done as we request healing, we know there is NO POWER in us! The ONLY power that can heal is that of Christ Jesus. We cannot cast out demons, or heal the sick, or turn anyone from sin - but we serve the One who can.
Kochomo was a great blessing, and we are thankful to God for the opportunity to serve there. We only wish we had more time. We experienced some soft hearts, but as with every place we've gone, there was much rejection too. Some shake their fists in anger, while others chase us out to the road. We have had both welcoming words and insults alike, yet, Christ is always glorified. Ella was, once again, in her favorite element...surrounded by many children. She is indeed a kid magnet. Not only do the children love her, but so do all the people. Her love for each child she meets will be long remembered, even after she returns home. Ella brings a bold passion to the field, as she presents the Gospel to anyone who will listen. She wastes no opportunity. Even as we are waiting to go out in teams, she finds someone around the area or on the road to talk to. She even had the chance to minister to an older man, who was partly responsible for leading Uganda to her independence. On Sunday, the man showed up at church for the very first time.
There are churches here that are in need of financial assistance. Our team was able to raise some funds for a few of them, and some back home are committed to this cause. For this we are eternally and sincerely grateful. But so many others have no help. Some churches have mere mud walls that erode with the elements, creating an unsafe shelter, others have no secure windows to protect against thieves and vandals, while another church has many children they help care for, with the meager funds they receive at offering. Please note that this is not a plea for money. I am only bringing to light, the struggles many churches here face. I do recognize we have many economical challenges at home too. I do ask you to pray for these churches here and at home, as they are trying to be a light in the darkness, and a shelter for those in need.
Finally, my burden this week goes beyond Uganda. As I catch glimpses of the news back home, and the sorry state of our nation, I am left in tears. It seems the world has clearly gone mad. While politics seems to have the headlines, I am concerned about things closer to home. Even before leaving the U.S. to come here, I have personally witnessed many I love and care for, fall into sin or at least celebrate things that are clearly an abomination to God. Please don't stop reading! This is not my judgement on anyone. I write this out of love, compassion, and fear for the souls of my friends. Even many who call themselves believers have fallen into this trap. They claim, "God is Love", which is indeed true. But do not deceive yourselves by ignoring or trying to cancel out the equally important attributes of God...He is HOLY, He is TRUTH, He is JUST...He is JUDGE! He hates sin and will punish those who remain in it. Oh friends...I have no more words, except those I plead with you in tears, REPENT! Do not continue in things that the Bible clearly warns against. It is not to take away your pleasure, but rather, lead you to life. Stop calling good - evil, and evil - good. Love what God loves - Hate what God hates. If you are a believer, share this...tell others. Do not stand idly by, condemning those with your thoughts and words, without proclaiming the need to repent in hopes that some will be saved. Do you hate sinners so much that you won't tell them the truth about sin? Have you forgotten that you too were once in their shoes? Do not be a Jonah, wishing destruction on Ninevah. Be the one who pleads with those who are blind, deaf, and heading to death. Be the light!
We have just over one month left here, and my heart is heavily burdened with what is yet left to do. If you take the time to read this blog, please take the time to pray for us and all those we meet. Pray for the people, pray for the churches, pray for Uganda, and pray for America. As believers, we know the hope we have will one day be a reality, as we see Jesus, face to face, and dwell with him forever. Never lose sight of that hope.
Kochomo was a great blessing, and we are thankful to God for the opportunity to serve there. We only wish we had more time. We experienced some soft hearts, but as with every place we've gone, there was much rejection too. Some shake their fists in anger, while others chase us out to the road. We have had both welcoming words and insults alike, yet, Christ is always glorified. Ella was, once again, in her favorite element...surrounded by many children. She is indeed a kid magnet. Not only do the children love her, but so do all the people. Her love for each child she meets will be long remembered, even after she returns home. Ella brings a bold passion to the field, as she presents the Gospel to anyone who will listen. She wastes no opportunity. Even as we are waiting to go out in teams, she finds someone around the area or on the road to talk to. She even had the chance to minister to an older man, who was partly responsible for leading Uganda to her independence. On Sunday, the man showed up at church for the very first time.
Finally, my burden this week goes beyond Uganda. As I catch glimpses of the news back home, and the sorry state of our nation, I am left in tears. It seems the world has clearly gone mad. While politics seems to have the headlines, I am concerned about things closer to home. Even before leaving the U.S. to come here, I have personally witnessed many I love and care for, fall into sin or at least celebrate things that are clearly an abomination to God. Please don't stop reading! This is not my judgement on anyone. I write this out of love, compassion, and fear for the souls of my friends. Even many who call themselves believers have fallen into this trap. They claim, "God is Love", which is indeed true. But do not deceive yourselves by ignoring or trying to cancel out the equally important attributes of God...He is HOLY, He is TRUTH, He is JUST...He is JUDGE! He hates sin and will punish those who remain in it. Oh friends...I have no more words, except those I plead with you in tears, REPENT! Do not continue in things that the Bible clearly warns against. It is not to take away your pleasure, but rather, lead you to life. Stop calling good - evil, and evil - good. Love what God loves - Hate what God hates. If you are a believer, share this...tell others. Do not stand idly by, condemning those with your thoughts and words, without proclaiming the need to repent in hopes that some will be saved. Do you hate sinners so much that you won't tell them the truth about sin? Have you forgotten that you too were once in their shoes? Do not be a Jonah, wishing destruction on Ninevah. Be the one who pleads with those who are blind, deaf, and heading to death. Be the light!
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." ~ Matthew 5:14
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