A Wonderful Miracle

Lord send me anywhere, only go with me.  Lay any burden on me, only sustain me.  Sever any ties but the tie that binds me to Thy service and to Thy heart. --David Livingstone

Six weeks!  I have lived in my Ugandan home six weeks!  It is hard to believe as I feel I just arrived but as I look back over the six weeks I see God working in such wondrous mysterious ways.  What an awesome God.

I start each morning asking God, "What are you teaching me today?  How are you changing me?"  And each day I see His works all around me.  From the gentle cool rain falling outside soothing my soul to little Sophia from the slum who captured my heart to the young boy in the slum with desperate eyes taking my hand not wanting to let go.  Everyday there is a new lesson that changes me, a new experience, a curious child, a beautiful new friend, a desperate situation.  This is all God's plan to grow me, teach me, and change me as a person therefore spreading His love and joy to others.  I am not here in Uganda for myself.  I have been sent here for others!  As said in Mark 4:26-27  Jesus also said, "The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground.  Night and day, while he's asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens."  My job is to sow the seed, but it is God's work to grow the seed.

Sophia and her friends

Many times I've walked by the small building with a cross on top.  Each time I walked by I thought to myself, "Is this a church?  I wonder who worships here?  What kind of church is this?"  Until one day my curiosity overcame me and I asked Mommy Agetha if we could stop and take a look inside this cute little building.  "Is this a church?"  I asked.  Mommy Agetha said "yes this is a Catholic parish."  As we opened the doors to the empty church I saw the simplicity of the alter with a small cross hanging above.  The wooden benches that lined the isle.  The cement floors and raftered ceiling.  Yet this is God's house and I felt His presence.

God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.--Hudson Taylor
Buwaate Catholic Church

His presence there moved me in such a way that I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to bring my Catholic Children's Bible I bought from St. Mary's Press and give it to them as a gift.  I shared my desire with Mommy Agetha and she agreed to help me find the Parish Leader so I could do just that.  She asked around to find out where we should go.  We were pointed in the direction of a house across the street.  We approached the house and knocked, but to my dismay no one was home.  I left feeling saddened by this missed opportunity but Mommy Agetha assured me we would return and try again.  She said to me, "I know when you have that special feeling inside that you should do something you must do it.  I will help to make sure you are able to give the Bible."  This is the Holy Spirit working in me.  At that time I did not know why I should give them the one Bible I had but I know now.  A few days passed and I was ready to go back to the church with the Bible.  It did not work out to go so Mommy Agetha said, "We must go on Sunday, that would be best."  I agreed and eagerly looked forward to Sunday.  Three days passed and it was Sunday.  We started our journey up the hill that afternoon.  I was excited but also a bit concerned that no one would be there once again.  I was not prepared for what God had in store for me!

As we approached the church I heard drums and children singing.  We peaked inside and saw the most amazing sight.  Children playing drums, singing and performing God's music.  My heart jumped and I whispered "thank you!" to my Father.  He knew the exact timing and brought me here to experience the most wonderful singing coming from the most beautiful, beautiful Ugandan children.  I sat on a bench and marveled at the glorious praise and how His presence filled the room.  I sat and listened, smiling, clapping and joining in once in awhile.  I almost forgot my purpose for coming because I was so overwhelmed with what I was experiencing.  We sang together, "I, I love Jesus, You, you love Jesus, we, we love Jesus, praise God Amen. Praise God haleluja, Praise God Amen, Praise God Hallelujah, Praise God Amen." A song I know I will never forget.

The purpose came back to me as the leader of the choir, Caroline, came towards me and introduced herself. I shook her hand with a strong grip and with I'm sure a huge smile on my face! "You have such an amazing, beautiful children's choir." I told Caroline. She looked a little confused I'm sure wondering why a Mzungu was there watching them. She said thank you and then waited for me to go on. "I brought you and the children a special Bible. This is the Children's Catholic Bible and I want to give it to you to share God's word with the children." I showed Caroline the Bible and the wonderful colors and illustrations it had in it along with God's precious word. She was very thankful. She said to the children, "You see children, if we are faithful and believe God will send us people and gifts like this!" They clapped and cheered and said "Thank you!" Caroline went on to tell me that they are practicing for a special fundraising event that will happen that next Sunday. She said they are wanting to build a new church and are going to have the event to raise money. "We would be honored if you would attend this event." Were the words I heard from Caroline's mouth. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and told her that I would be honored to attend. I'm so looking forward to Sunday!

Friends! This is not the end of the story! The best is yet to come. So that very next day I wrote an email to St. Mary's Press to share the story and the pictures with them. They have been a huge support of me and God's mission for me here. They replied within minutes of my email. In their reply they said, "We are now going to send 24 Children’s Bibles to be shared with the children of the parish choir if you would be so kind as to deliver them for us." I read their reply over and over again with tears running down my face. God performed a miracle and allowed me to be in the middle of it! You see the day I was prompted to give my Bible to the parish I had no idea why, but God did. He orchestrated everything. And now I go back to the scripture Mark 4:26-27. I realize I am to scatter the seed for Him. If I am obedient to do this when He asks, God will grow the seed. When I allow God the privilege of shaping my life, I discover new depths of purpose and meaning for me here in Uganda. This is a joyful thought to realize that I am a chosen vessel for God -- perfectly suited for His use.