The team and I have been in Lira for almost a week now. We are getting acquainted with the town and people. It has been a whirlwind of emotion and thought already. The ministry contact we are working with has been a great encouragement to me. The pastor is a humble man who loves Jesus way more than me. He is passionate about equipping the body of Christ and about the people of the body serving by doing what they love.
This week i have been praying that i would be a good student of this place and the people of Lira. I have been asking Jesus to show me what he is doing in this place. I have observed and learned so much already from these people. The brokenness and suffering of this place is like nothing i have ever witnessed in any other country i have been to. I have stood back and listened to the stories and seen the hurt in the faces of these people and been blown away at all that i am hearing. Their daily reality continues to shock me and i continue to ask Jesus what he is doing in this place and what my hands can possibly offer. I have been embarrassed by my lack of work ethic when i stand next to the Ugandan women at the place that we stay. They are outrageously resourceful, good with their hands, and absolutely hospitable. They exemplify the Proverbs 31 woman in every way. I am learning how much i don't know. I see joy in these people that i know nothing about. I have witnessed a depth of grace in the faces of the prisoners we visited that is unfathomable to me. I watched 75 men, who are in prison because of various crimes, jump, dance, and sing in worship with more gratitude, passion and zeal than i ever have in my life. It has been deeply humbling and i am excited to see God work through me as someone who has nothing to offer these people.
I have a few stories that i hope to share within the next week or so of how God has been working and opening doors to share the gospel and encourage the weak with people since being here.
Thank you all for keeping up with this blog and for all of the support and love you have shown to me. I appreciate the prayers so much.
Ways to pray for ministry and myself this week:
-That the gospel would refresh and propel me to action this week
-for wisdom and strength to lead, encourage, and challenge the team well
-That God would work through the weakness of myself and the rest of the team
-For open doors to share the gospel and encourage the discouraged
-Unity and boldness for the team
-Continued good communication between myself and the ministry host
PS. I am fully funded. Praise report!
Love to you all.
