Jul 22 2007
Sunday in Uganda
Please bare with mispellings and grammar…I’m not good at that, plus I am very tired when I am writing this. I woke to my last sunrise in
Jinja, Uganda for this trip this morning. I read a little in Daniel and Romans and spent a good bit of time praising God. There is something about being out of the normal routine that many times enriches my time with the Lord. After breakfast at the Gately on the Nile Guesthouse, we loaded our bags and headed to church about 20 minutes away. On the way, we stopped to ask directions to a place on the way to church that Paul wanted to stop by, from a young lady, she was Caucasian, which you don’t see much of. She was carrying about a year old little boy, an African baby. It turned out she knew some people that Paul Myhill knew and hopped in the van with us to ride to the place Paul was looking for. While we were there waiting for Paul, the conversation of religion came up with this young lady. Pete, Joe, Jim and Jason were visiting with her and discovered she was not Christian, in fact she said she didn’t believe in anything. You have to understand all the circumstances surrounding this to appreciate it. She has been in
Africa for 14 months. She is from
England and her initial plans were to stay for a couple of months. She ended up taking care of an orphaned newborn named Phillip from the Ammas Baby Cottage. Phillip, the baby with her today, was the reason she stayed so long. Phillip has been adopted, and he is on his way to the states on October 2. Anyway, this young lady is in
Africa, not being paid, living meagerly, taking care of a 14 month old who isn’t hers and wouldn’t ever be. I was blown away because this 27 year old single girls showed more signs of Christianity, as a proclaiming unbeliever, than most believers. The immediate question that filled my mind was how do we tell her about needing Jesus when she was doing things that exhibited Christian behavior. She had, in the past several months, lived with a missionary family who were, what I understand, outspoken followers of Jesus. I immediately succumbed to the feeling of inadequacy, hopelessness, and failure in hoping to lead this young lady to Jesus. Joe asked her if she ever read a Bible, she said yes, but she thought if she would believe anything it would be Islam. That really was a blow to us all. The conversation moved on with other thoughts and then the opportunity came to where the door was opened to us sharing with her that the reason she is in Africa is because of this need she has inside of her to share love. We began to discuss why we are like that, who made us that way, or is it just chance. We brought Jesus into the conversation often. A little while later in the conversation moved to her sharing with us that she was open to believe something. We got to pray with her. In essence, we were able to water seeds that had been planted. I believe this young lady will be in the Kingdom soon!
We arrived at Father’s Divine Love church shortly after 10:00a.m. Pastor David Livingstone met us with a warm welcome and led us into a service that had obviously already begun. We were shown to our seats, in front of the church facing sideways so we were actually facing the side of the praise team pastor, and entire church. The ironic thing is we didn’t sit in those seats for about an hour after we went in. There were probably 125 people in a room about the size of two, two car garages. There were even people standing on the outside of the building participating through open windows. One lady began singing a song and then everyone jumped in, no music. Then a little while later the sound of drums began, then a small keyboard. This lady switched places of leadership with another during the middle of one song. The other lady led for a while then Pastor David literally jumped in and began to lead music. The worship in music was inspiring and fulfilling. The beauty of it is, I didn’t have a clue what was being said…it was all spirit. Talk about who cares about style or sound. The Spirit of the Lord was so evident that it didn’t matter what was going on…Jesus was being exalted! Pastor David spoke on Genesis, Exodus, John, and almost everything else in between. It was a great service full of truth. One woman was introduced into the Kingdom through this church this morning. Church was dismissed a little before 2:00p.m. It was a very long service, but it was right. I’ll take a 3 hour service full of spirit any day! We had lunch with the leaders of Father’s Divine Love Ministry. It was rice, some sort of meat(?), malt-o-meal type cornbread, and pineapple. It is not the most appealing food, but the fact that we were sharing that meal with our African brothers and sisters made it satisfying. Our van left for Kampala/Entebbe around 3:00p.m. We stopped by Pastor Hudson’s church in Lugazi on our way to
Kampala. His worship service was just finishing when we got there right after 3:00p.m. A side note, none of these people in these long services were concerned about burning lunch, tired legs, hot buildings or childcare. They were loving the sacrifice of serving and worshiping the Lord. We were able to see some of the children from Lugazi again today. Little Paul came running up to me and had a letter for me. It was so sweet. He made a homemade envelope out of a piece of faded notebook paper with my name neatly written in pencil. Around my name were stickers with lambs and other animals. In the bottom left corner was his name. I hugged him and spoke some encouragement to him, and then loaded in the van to leave. I couldn’t wait to open and read what was inside.  I unfolded the homemade envelope and found two smaller pieces of paper, one folded. The folded piece was thick and had something inside. It was a picture of Paul. The note around the picture said to my American Dad. (pause, long pause). Yes, even as I type this my eyes fill with tears at this unexpected and undeserving honor of this child referring to me as that. He told me that he was so happy to be my son and he even penciled a prayer for me that included safety as I travel and protection over me and my American family.Â
And, if that weren’t enough…he wrote another note to
Jackson. (HUGE PAUSE) I remember only telling him the names of my family once. He remembered
Jackson. I am not going to type what he said to Jackson…I want Jackson to be able to read it before everyone else…after all, it is addressed to Jackson. I thought about little Paul for the entire two hour drive to
Kampala.
I forgot something form earlier in the day. While we were at Father’s Divine Love Ministry, three little children, not one of them could have been more than 2 years old. There were two little girls and one boy. They had I.V. ports in their hands…HIV children. One named Josie really stole my heart. Many children grab your hands and arms, there is so much going on that it would be nothing not to look down to see who was holding onto you. Today, when this little hand grabbed me, I looked down and immediately saw the I.V. port. My heart just melted with compassion. Josie was holding my hand and looking at the ground. My thumb rested on her I.V. port. I got eye level with her, pulled her face up and her giant shiny eyes looked deeply into mine. I said, “Josie, you know Jesus love you?â€Â She just smiled and looked back at the ground. Many nights I will sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children†to Jensen. Well, I began to sing that to Josie. When I sang, “red and yellow black and white…I lost it. I had always sang that song to my little girl…now, I was singing to a little girl, close to Jensen age…but totally different. She was a different color in that song. The entire love that Jesus does have for the little children was intense in my life at this point in time. My eyes are filling with tears as I think back to Josie’s eyes. Lord, I lift up Josie to you… I pray that my family and friends reading this right now will also lift Josie up to you in healing, protection, and care that only you can provide. Father, I pray your provision is perfect for this little girl tonight and for her life.Â
Whew….this is tough. Â
We checked into our hotel in
Entebbe, Uganda a little after 6:00p.m. We are about 4 miles away from the airport we will fly out of tomorrow for
Nairobi, Kenya. Entebbe is a suburb of Kampala, the capitol of
Uganda. Coming from Jinja to Kampala is like going from Siloam to
L.A. It is really different in size. Our flight leaves around 11:00a.m. on Monday. I am sad to say that I will probably not have internet after tonight. I will have some major blogging to make up. I have really enjoyed sharing my thoughts and heart through this. God is, no doubt, using this to refine me and remind me of what is truly important…HIM - ALONE. I will do my best to post pictures of Josie and our worship tomorrow morning before we head to the airport. I encourage you to pray that we American believers embrace what African believers have…authentic love and hunger for Jesus.Â
All the team members are great…Pete is ornery, Jim is funny, Joe is taking care of all of us, Mike is always helpful, and Paul is so stinkin’ gentle spirited he puts the rest of us to shame. This is a great group of men and I would not trade this for anything! Hopefully more later…. Jason
21 Responses to “Sunday in Uganda”
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Jason ~
I thought I was done crying for today.
I am so glad that God has allowed you and the other guys to be where you are right now to love on those sweet babies. I wish you could bring Paul home with you! I know it is hard to see small children who are sick, I can’t imagine how much harder it must be to leave behind such sweet children who don’t have Mommys and Daddys. I am looking forward to when you can download new pics in the morning. I hope you sleep well and get plenty of rest before you begin your next leg of this journey. We miss you terribly and can’t wait until you are home with us again. We love you!
Julie (and Jackson, Judson, & Jensen)
Jason,
I knew God had given you a big heart, but He is obviously enlarging it even more. Thanks for sharing about the worship service. How amazing that when God is foremost nothing else matters much. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and thinking of us even when you are exhausted! Tell your traveling companions “Hello.” May God continue to give you strength and health. We’re praying for all of you.
Jason,
Just reading the blog for the first time today. I am just amazed and feeling truly humbled by your descriptions. I felt my heart swell and eyes tear more with each day’s entries. It takes special men to be able to have such a heart for God–and be willing to travel across the country to spend time with children who soooo need to be loved. Know you are in our prayers!! Will do a better job of keeping up so we know what the needs are each day. Give papa Pete and Mr. Jim a big hug from our family—we’re sending one to you too–just don’t know if you can hug yourself!!!
Pasha
Jason,
Bless you for taking the time to do this for us. It helps us all so much to know what is going on. I have a difficult time reading for the tears. Thanks for making us feel as though we can see you through your wonderful writings.
We had a good sermon this morning. I got to talk to Julie for a minute and will call her tomorrow to see if she wants to borrow my DVD player for the car.
There are so many towns and churches reading your letters. I saw a comment from one of my Texas cousins the other day.
Tell my guy I love him and miss him and hope he is doing well. He probably will not be bringing the recipe for the cornbread.
Prayers for you all,
Pat
Thanks so much for taking the time to “jot” down the days events for us. Thanks too for being willing to share your heart! As I read your comments, the tears just start streaming down my face. Even though I am not with you physically, it sure feels like I am! God is using you and this trip to touch so many lives….in Africa…Siloam Springs…Jonesboro…and on and on! May God conitue to surround you with good health and safety. To HIM be the glory!
Lots of love! Betsy
Jason Me and meghan sit here in awww at this amazing story. It really sounds like you had an amazing day! We are praying for the little girl Josie and hope that God continues to work through you! we love you and miss you tons!!
Jason,
This is truly amazing. Josie is the perfect example of how God works through people’s lives. I haven’t felt this close to someone that I don’t even know in such a long time. She seems like a really sweet little girl. I cant wait to hear more about the trip! Keep safe!
Wow Jason.
It sounds like you had an impactful day. I hope the rest of your trip is just as amazing. We’re all praying for you, still!
Jason-It is so neat reading everything that God is doing right now through you in Africa. My heart just breaks and fills with compassion everytime I read your blogs. I can’t wait to see more pictures. I’m praying for you!
Jason,
It is amazing how God works, and how His plan came together for you to be able to make this awesome trip. It obviously is a life changing experience for you. You are with some great guys! I pray God’s protection on everyone, and thank you for the updates. Love and prayers, Brenda
Jason-
My eyes just filled with tears when I read your blog. I know I have told you this before but you and your family are so special and have a burning heart for God. It must be so hard seeing all of those children hurting and some without parents(I wish you could bring some back but it would be hard to bring just SOME) but you are planting a seed and showing them that God loves them and that is the best present that they could have. Keep up the blogs and we will keep up the prayers back here in Arkansas.
In Christ, Jeremy, Lori and Kiley
Jason,
WOW! What an amazing experience…. I am sure you will never look at life the same again. We take so many things for granted. I truly can’t wait to hear more about your trip and see all of your photos. We have been praying for you that God will keep you and the other men safe on your trip. I can’t wait to share with Macy some of the details about your trip to Africa. Thank you so much for sharing each day. We have truly felt like we have traveled with you.
Just a quick story about Macy….
Macy’s mission project at VBS this week was going to the food pantry. Before we pulled out of the parking lot on Tuesday night she said, “Mommy, I want to work in the food pantry when I get big.” When I asked her why she replied “Because I want to give food to nobody who doesn’t have any.” We plan on working in the food pantry before school starts. It warms my heart that even at 4 years old she wants to make a difference with people less fortunate.
We love you very much, Jason and can’t wait to see you! We will continue to hold you guys up in prayer.
Love,
Derek, Gina & Macy
Oh Jason….after catching up with all of your blogs, and reading about this absolutely amazing adventure…..I’m a blubbering mess!!!!! I’ve seriously gone through at least half a box of Kleenex. It’s so touching to read how greatly the Holy Spirit is working in (and through) all of you guys. My heart is broken for all of these precious children and adults who, no matter the circumstances or situations, continually rely on the immeasurable and amazing love of God. I pray that God continues to use you throughout the remainder of your trip, and that he brings you back here with a renewed heart, and an even stronger faith in Him!
All my love and prayers, Mal
JK
I AM IN AUGH? I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU, THAT YOU HAVE RECIEVED THIS OPPURTUNITY TO GET TO BE APART OF THIS MISSION TRIP. I HAVE READ EVERYDAY, AND TODAY AT WORK I HAVE READ YOUR LAST UPDATE, AND SAW THE PICTURE, I HAVE RUINED MY MAKEUP,THANK YOU VERY MUCH.. JUST KIDDING. I CAN NOT EVEN IMAGINE HOW MUCH JOY YOU ARE HAVING MEETING THESE CHILDREN, AND LEARNING FROM THEM- I AM SURE WHEN YOU LEAVE YOU WILL BE BLESSED WITH EXCITEMENT AND LIFE CHANGING EXPIERENCES THAT YOU WILL COME BACK TO SHARE WITH OTHERS. YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS ARE IN MY PRAYERS. ENJOY EVERY DAY YOU ARE THERE REACHING AND TEACHING TO THEM.
LOVE YA,
CANDAICE
WOW!!! YOUR LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!! I CAN’T PUT INTO WORDS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO READ ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES. I JUST WANT TO HUG EVERY ONE OF THOSE KIDS. AND I WISH I COULD BRING MEDICINE TO ALL OF THEM. BUT, I KNOW IN GOD’S TIME, THEY WILL ALL BE HEALED. I COULDN’T HAVE PICKED A BETTER GROUP OF MEN TO MAKE THIS TRIP. I’M PRAYING THAT ANGELS WILL BE ALL AROUND YOU AND THAT EACH PERSON WILL SEE GOD WHEN THEY LOOK INTO YOUR EYES. YOU REALLY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE KINGDOM. TELL PETE AND JIM THAT THEIR FAVORITE DRUG DEALER SAYS HELLO. I TRULY WISH I COULD BE THERE TO SEE THOSE PRECIOUS LITTLE PEOPLE. TAKE CARE AND KEEP WRITING. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. WE LOVE YOU ALL.
LORI
Jason,
I love reading your daily blogs. What a humbling experience you’re having. God is so incredibly good and wonderful. It’s so true that we get so much more out of our service to others than what we give to them. I can just see you sitting there typing out your daily blog and just weeping with the thoughts of that day. Thanks so much for letting us share in this little way all your experiences. We’re praying for you each and every day. Be safe Brother Kelly. We love you.
The Clarks
That part about the little girl made my heart melt. Like, woah….
God is super amazing,
Kirt