My Journey with God to Africa - Day Nine 29-06-2009

"Live in Harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose"
1 Corinthians 1:10


What a verse to start the day with today. It would prove to be more accurate as the day went on.

I awoke this morning and as I got ready I felt led to read scripture. I took my Bible and went out on the balcony. I had wondered what God would reveal to me and if it would be something I would bring with me to share in the worship service this morning.

I opened my Bible up and Jonathans sunday school bookmark had brought me to a page in Matthew. As I looked down there was a verse highlighted, the only one. It was Matthew 6:19-20 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal." If there were ever a group of people that would need this scripture, it would not be the Ugandans. They have very little and are always so thankful for what they have.

I glanced over and another verse caught my eye. It was Matthew 6:1-4 "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and the in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you."

Suddenly my heart sunk and I began to cry. Everywhere we went it was like a processesion and I was so afraid that we were guilty of sounding a trumpet, and all the while giving to the poor. "Oh Lord, Please forgive me and I'm so sorry if you have found any of this in my heart!" As I lifted my my face with tears streaming I was led to Psalm 66:19-20 "But certainly God had heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer Nor His lovingkindness from me." Wow, I absolutely love when God meets us where we are and through His word both rebuke any wrong doing and once we've asked forgiveness heeds our prayer and still loves us...Glory to God!

I had come inside the room and asked Sharlyn if she would join me in the other room with Jan and Jeanice. I expressed my concerns of any wrong doing on our parts or mine in particular in our giving. Together we prayed that if it's conviction being felt that God would reveal it and replace it with only things that would be glorified by Him. I love this group of girls!



Pastor Ruth arrived and we headed to Royal Palace Church led by Pastor Steven Onamuna and his wife Roselyne in Mairo Aboro, Tororo. Once again we were greeted like royalty. Women and children would take our hand and kneel down before us. I kept praying, "Lord, let it be for your glory and nothing for us." I felt near tears everytime someone would kneel down. We entered in and the praise and worship had been started. Drums, singing, triangle bell, dancing all up and down each isle. I was thanking God at this point as I saw the excitment in Sharlyn's face. She was hoping for a chance to share in a music and praise celebration with drums. Thank You, Jesus for your thoughtfulness every step of the way!



The church was packed wall to wall and then some. As the worship continued you could see the love for God in each one of these precious faces. Some had tears, some sang with eyes closed as if they were singing a song of prayer directly to God. The youth groups had come up and sang songs of praise. It's always so fun to see the children, from primary to young adults sing. Pastor Steven had made an announcement to the older youth to only pick one song of the several they had planned and to ONLY sing ONE song. They sang about three! LOL



After the praise music had ended pastor Steven had come forward and introduced some of the members of his church. He let us know how Pastor Ruth was a big part of the growth in his church. She had been with him when they had only a handful of members. Now they had standing room only. He and the congregation were praying and believing God for a piece of land in which to build a new church on. I'm praying and believing too.
Pastor Steven had suggested that each team member come up and give some words of encouragement. Before we did he began the service. His first few words were about not blowing our trumpets before men...whoa! Only God could orchestrate that. Something that was so tender on my heart from the moment I read the scripture was now being spoken again by a pastor that had no idea of the significance it would have on my heart. Well needless to say as I approached the group I tried the best I could to tell them how that verse had effected me. All that would come out that they could make any sense of was "I love you so much" and I had to sit. Each team member made their way to the pulpit and gave some encouragement or words from the heart. I can't tell you enough just how much God had moved in our lives. I kept thinking back to the mission workbook I read before our trip and how it stated "we are not there to bring treasures, but to find them right where they are". Thank You, Jesus for the many wonderful treasures we were given each day.
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They closed the service with tithe and offering. Two separate entities. One basket was set for those that made income during the week and was designated for their tithe, the other basket was for those with an offering to God and the church. I was so touched by this! Again another nugget for my heart. The hearts of these brothers and sisters in Christ are rich, even though they are poor. Women had brought forth crops from the gardens as an offering to God. I couldn't help but wonder what a spectacle it would be if someone in our church brought crops to put in an offering plate. There is something seriously wrong in our churches and worship. Am I the only one that thinks this way?

After the service we were led outside to greet the congregation. Again, we were greeted so warmly. Once the church had cleared out we were led back inside for lunch. We each washed our hands in a basin and prepared to eat. Lunch consisted of beef, rice, cabbage, and yellow bananas for dessert.





As we ate lunch Pastor Steven talked more about his ministry and told us of the nursery school he runs. He has several children in the Royal Palace Nursery School. Many are dropping out as parents are not able to afford the fees for school. When I asked him what those fees were he replied, "15.00 per session, which is 3 months, with 3 sessions per year." It just amazes me that children cannot attend school for 5.00 per month, less than .16 cents per day. Jan and I looked at each other and I knew she was thinking what I was thinking, sponsorship! The 5.00 per month pays for the rent of the building, teacher fees and a small snack at the end of the day. Even if you had 10 children a month = 50.00, and 2 teachers those teachers are getting less than 25.00 a month salary after rent and food are deducted. Just amazing! God provides the needs. We will have a sponsorship page soon for these precious babies!

Before we left the church a gift was given to the church to help start the funds for land. We prayed that God would multiply it and we all believe He will.


As we drove back to the hotel, we all were quiet and smiling. Our trip with God to Africa has been a life changing event. Each day as we drive to our hotel we always pass this sign below. We can't help but giggle at it, but it is so Africa. Pure and simple!




As I sat writing this it was drizzling with a dark sky and background rumbling. It was peaceful. A cow below our second story balcony stood chewing the wet grass. In the distance you could hear horns blowing, warning bikes and pedestrians of it's arrival. Motorbikes zoom down the street in a hurry to their destination before the rain pours hard. I will miss Africa, as God has given me so many gifts here to tuck in my heart. I look forward to seeing my family very soon!


"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours." Romans 1:12

My Journey with God to Africa - Day Eight 27-06-2009

"And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved" Acts 2:47


This morning we were able to sleep in some, which was nice. We held the women's conference today. Pastor Ruth had personally invited over 200 widows/women today. She ministers to over 800 widows/women in Tororo and the nearby areas. Her heart for the women is evident and her desire to bring the Love of God to them even more so.

We had planned on starting around 10:00 am, and as I've mentioned in previous blogs time schedules in Africa just aren't as rigid as they are in the states. Where we would be frantic that time was wasting, they are calm and take their time to get things done.

As we pulled up to the conference hall the women were already inside singing praises to God. Many had been there since 7:30am, waiting in anticipation. It was refreshing to the soul.

We all started out of the van and I happened to be first. I was facing everyone in the van and we were all in conversation about the early arrival of these precious women when suddenly a high pitched shrill, (something called trilling) came running up behind me and about scared me to death! A similiar sound of a battle cry, but for the women in Uganda it is used as a gesture of joy, anticipation and great enthusiam for the Lord. No doubt the look on my face as I jumped 3 feet in the air was priceless as the rest of our team giggled at the sight! LOL

As we began to enter the building more trilling came from the women inside. It was a strange thing to witness for me, but fun I must say.

The morning started out with praise and worship. Many of the songs the women sing have a story in scripture and motions to them. One in particular was about being delivered from bondage out of egypt. They sang and began placing items on their heads and walking around as if they were leaving egypt headed for the promise land. As they sang, it was pressed on my heart to share with them that an important part of making it to the promise land was obedience. Many of those that were delivered never made it to the promise land because of their disobedience.

Pastor Ruth had gone through the formalities and introductions and then let the women know that the rest of the program would be turned over to me, to me? Many of you may know and some may not that public speaking is not my strength in gifts. I have expressed this to God many many times, and for some reason he just does not take me seriously! This trip would prove to be a turning point for my fear of speaking. Before this day, or trip for that matter it would have made me ill to speak in front of a large or even small group. Today however, I had no fear at all. You could feel the presence of Jesus in the room, and the verse "if God is for you, who can be against you" kept coming to mind. I actually began to enjoy talking and felt very much at ease. Thank you, Jesus, it could only have come from You!

The overall theme for the conference was about the fruit of the spirit. We had the privilege of handing out to each widow a booklet of the gospel of John. Each of the team would teach on scripture from this book so that each women could go home and meditate on the verses. We had been informed by Pastor Ruth that many of these women had been lied to by other preachers, telling them that God loved some more than others. We were more than happy to reveal to them that he loves us all the same!



We all knew that we would speak on a verse from the book of John, but each of us really had no idea what exactly would be said by the other. Again, Gods fingerprints were all over this day. As each of us spoke, our messages would lead into the next like a well orchestrated masterpiece. I don't know why we all look or seemed so shocked by it, after all,it is God we're talking about! ha!

Sharlyn gave her testimony of the heartbreak that comes from abuse as a child, and how through Gods grace she was able to forgive. Noone on our team had any idea that she would share such a difficult story. I was so proud of her and felt such a blessing to be called her friend!
Jeanice would share a story of the widows mite. Many of them were able to relate to this story. I love how Jeanice speaks on Gods word. She speaks from what God places on her heart at the moment. It's amazing to see God at work through her.

I was able to share about the fruit of the spirit and how it's only through God and a changed heart that we are able to produce these qualities in our life. Jan had given a message of salvation. What a powerful witness she is for Christ! Her words are strong yet gentle, they ring out His truth in every detail. Through her ministering four widows came forward and gave professions of faith! What an awesome sight to behold. Many had raised hands that they too excepted Christ.



A guest speaker on behalf of the Ugandan women was present also. She gave them hope for the rights of women in Uganda. The women are still oppressed by men in Uganda and it's been until just recently that they have a found a voice and are being heard. It's another example of how blessed we are in the United States.

We took a break and headed back to the hotel for a few minutes. It would be a welcome break for Jan as she still was not feeling well. She decided to stay behind and rest the remainder of the day.



As we arrived back at the conference the women were enjoying a lunch of rice, beef, and cabbage that God had provided through the wonderful donations that were given through garage sales. You have no idea how grateful these women were. Pastor Ruth had motioned to us to get in line and have some lunch. As we looked around we realized that no one was eating with utensils, they all were using their fingers. We decided it might be best to sit this lunch out. Although this custom is very foreign to us to eat with your hands, it's completely normal and exceptable for the people of uganda.
After lunch the women come forward and we handed each one a new garden hoe, seeds, toothbrushes and some candy. Again, these wonderful gifts came from donations that were so graciously given for this trip. The women were excited, some trilling again as they waited in line. It was not the most glamourous gift to give a woman, but I can tell you that it would be the most practical and useful, and would continue to help them long after we were gone to provide food for their families.





As Sharlyn, Jeanice and I were setting up the table for quick and easy distribution we noticed some school children coming home. They were waiting up in the balcony and watching. We checked our supplies and saw that there were plenty of toothbrushes and sweets to hand out to them when the women had all been given their gifts. Suddenly, what was about a handful of children, turned into a line of them outside the door! We were all too happy to extend Gods love and provision to them. It seemed as though our heads were down and we were reaching and handing, and so on, when all of a sudden Pastor Ruth said, "don't give to this one!". We looked up in bewilderment, and she smiled at us and the child and said, "he's already got, look at his face he is smiling, trying to trick you out of another". Well, there you have it! A kid is a kid and they were trying to get back in line for another round of candy. LOL

As we headed back to the hotel we could help but smile at another God driven day!

"Evangelization is a process of bringing the gospel to people where they are, not where we want them to be...When the gospel reaches a people where they are, their response to the gospel is the church in a new place." Vincent Donovan Missionary to Tanzania

My Journey with God to Africa - Day Seven 26-06-2009

I woke up in the middle of the night with an urgency to pray about the upcoming women's conference to be held the next day. I'm not sure why, but it seems that God always presses on my heart to pray when I'm asleep, and as I awake I sometimes am not sure if I'm delirious, dreaming, or if it is in fact God. The thoughts that were running through my mind were words to be spoken about women being given unique qualities about them as life-givers, life-savers and nurturers of their families. These qualities are what separate us from men. I was also being led to pray about true salvation. I sat wondering what kind of response I would get from these words, but going to say them nonetheless. When we are truly saved through Christ there is a newness of life, the old ways pass and a new life emerges. We begin to bear fruit in our lives. If we are not seeing change, or bearing fruit we may want to consider if we are truly saved.
I dozed on and off meditating on these thoughts, and suddenly my alarm went off.
I noticed that I had 2 text messages from Nichol. She had sent me the news that Michael Jackson had died, and it was really making her very sad. It hit me as very sad news, but in a way I didn't expect. My first thought was, "who cares!". I felt that it was really sad that so many today would mourn an idol, a mere man, when so many would die of starvation and noone would care. I was irritated at the world and feeling very sad.
I went into the restroom and was surprised at the fact that we had NO water. This would be a mess on many levels..no toilet, no sink, no shower. Luckily I had showered the night before and there was enough water in the shower pipes to wet my hair. Sharyln on the other hand was not so fortunate and had to make due with wet wipes she had brought.
I went online with the few minutes I had and saw that Farrah Fawcett also died. A sad day for many people. Michael had died at 50 of a heart attack and Farrah at 62 of cancer. Both major icons in the entertainment industry.
I thanked God again for Sharlyn and her infamous coffee! As we got ready for the day I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with sadness in so many ways, one of them being that this would be our last day with the children at smile africa.
We went down stairs for breakfast and met with Pastor Ruth. She had confirmed that we would visit the slums of Tororo today to visit some of the homes that the children from smile africa live in. She had gotten permission from government officials for us to enter this area. They want to make sure that anyone that enters this area are in there with the right intentions and not to exploit these people.
We would also take time today to visit the widows tailor shop. It would be another busy day.
Here in Africa there are very few time commitments. You get there when you get there and not a moment sooner or later. LOL
We loaded up the van with supplies we would bring with us for the kids, and the families in the slums.
As we pulled up to smile africa, the kids were so excited, screaming and yelling at the van. Sharlyn was overwhelmed and teared up at their excitement when we come. Again, it was so wonderful to see God move our hearts at different times during our stay with the children. Although I will say that tears seemed to roll almost everyday and several times a day!



We unloaded the gifts God provided for the children. We had a limited amount of time this morning, so we asked pastor Ruth if we could spend 5 minutes with the teachers and children showing them how to use the parachute. She agreed this would be fine.





As we began unfolding the parachute, Pastor Paul,one of the workers that round up the karamajong children came over to help us unfold the "tarp". They had no idea what this was and how much fun they were going to experience. Slowly but surely groups of children came over to see and soon there was a large gathering of children. I began to worry about the little ones underneath the parachute, that they might get trampled. Sharlyn showed the teachers the different techniques you could do with the parachute. It was so much fun to watch. Soon, the soccer balls came into play and they bounced it up and down on top of the parachute!


There were other items that were given to the teachers for the children to do at a later time, we still had much to do outside of smile africa. Last night Sharlyn had put together a little care packages to give each teacher with small tokens of love. These teachers work tirelessly each day with the children. We put 30,000 schilling in each bag which amounts to 15.00 USD. They make this each month, 50 cents per day. Pastor Ruth was so excited that the teachers were recognized this way, I could see tears in her eyes. Each teacher was so thankful for God to provide this way.
While we were waiting at smile africa food was being purchased for the families we would visit today. Once it arrived we loaded back up in the van and headed out. It was hard to leave the kids knowing we would be gone most of the day and we would not see them after today.



We stopped at our fist area I thought to myself that it didn't appear too bad. We got out of the van and started to walk. Jan had some concerns about walking long distances and pastor Ruth suggested she could stay at the van, but that it was not too far. We forgot that ugandans are used to walking very long distances..so when they say not too far it's all relative to what you're used to! We headed down and alley behind a store front and there sat a young woman reading her Bible, as we passed her and turned the corner we would see that it was much worse than it seemed. The smells here alone can make you ill.



As we walked down the dirt path Pastor Ruth brought my attention to a small area of bushes and said this is the toilet. There is no running water here, no sewer system. They build the "hut", dig a hole and when it gets full they move to another location.



We continued down the path and I heard giggling coming from a large area surrounded by trees. Then I heard "mazungus" coming from up above. I looked and small children had climbed to the top of the trees to watch us. There were curious on lookers all over.



The first home we visited was of a man and his family. A small mud and grass hut no bigger than most of our bathrooms. It was bare. The father was dressed in a t-shirt and trench coat and the children even less. We prayed with him and offered him provisions that would help his family for a day or two of rice and beans/posho and some toothbrushes. He seemed a bit frightened. The officials that came with us from smile africa were taking notes on the children. Although the items we left with him would not make a real change for them, they seemed very grateful.
The other homes were worse in condition that the last. Roofs with holes, walls falling in, no windows. The doors consisted of what looked like sheets. When the weather would get bad, these people were left to the elements. One home we entered comprised of a mattress, cooking pot and chicken on a nest next to the mattress laying on eggs. The room was about 5 X 7.





We walked through several areas and met with families. We prayed over them and their homes. All were eager to for us to bless them as if we had magic in our words or on our tongues to cause a change in their conditions. If this were to happen it would not be from us, it would come only from God. The children were excited to get their toothbrushes and the families happy to recieve food. Just as in every other place we visited the children loved to have their pictures taken. The parents did also, they would push their children into areas to be seen and ask us directly to photograph them.



The area suggested that their were businesses, but I highly doubt that they made money. We passed a pharmacy and I was amazed that it stood in the middle of the slums. Who on earth could afford medicine?



As we were nearing the end of our visit we began to hear drums in the background. I had asked Pastor Ruth what it was. She told me that it was a nearby village and they were rebuking us for not bringing gifts to them. That was a scary thought! At that point I was ready to get in the van!
Pastor Paul guided us through the slums and before we left he showed us his home and introduced us to his family. He was so proud of his home and said that he was only sorry that he did not have a chair for us to sit on. It was by far much cleaner than most and made of concrete. Most others were made of dirt, mud and grass. Pastor Ruth had told me that many of those living in the slums paid about 1.50 a month in rent. Which was highway robbery!
It was getting late and we were really wanting to get back to the children at smile africa. We still had a stop to make at the widows tailor shop.



We arrived at the tailor shop and the widows greeted us with songs. It's always a big ordeal to have guests and visiting a shop was no different. They would continue to sing until Pastor Ruth in her hearty laugh said, "thank you my sisters, you may cease". They began to show us what they made. Sharlyn and I would purchase items to bring home. It was nice to support them in this way. I will say that Sharlyn bought the cow and the farm! LOL She is so sweet and had many friends and family that she would bless back home with wonderful handmade gifts from Uganda. We went into the back of the building where Pastor Ruths mother stays. What a wonderful woman, and it's easy to see where pastor Ruth gets her dispostion. Her mother made wonderful jewelery as well. I was able to find a couple of pieces to bring home with me.
Time was getting late and we would need to get back to smile africa if we would see the children again before they went home. As we entered the gates of smile africa the kids were waiting for us with much excitement. As I watched them I couldn't help but cry. It's been a long emotionally draining week, but one I'll never regret being a part of. I will miss seeing them!



We jumped out of the van and began interacting with the kids and passing out more of God provisions. I was talking with the teens and told them that we would miss them. They didn't understand how long we would be gone. It seemed that time was not something they thought of more than within the day. When I told them it would be one year, they didn't seem to understand how long a year was. Uenice came up to me and in a teenage attitude told me "maybe I would come to America with you someday"..and the group of girls she was with just laughed. I beleive that she wishes she truly could.
We passed out booklets, bracelets and candy and said our good-bye's. It was like tearing out a piece of your heart to drive away from this place.
"You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving" Amy Carmichael