From my last blog you all know that I am struggling with the environment here in Uganda. The poverty is different and frustrating, ministry is harder, I feel more tired than ever and sometimes I question if Jesus is really enough to offer the people here.
We’ve been going to the same area for ministry and every time we go there I think of practical ways to make this a better place. They could establish a “trash zone” where everyone is responsible for bringing their own trash and even have a designated day to burn it. If a well was built then the kids wouldn’t have to carry dirty water back home; they would have clean, pure, healthy water. I could raise money to buy clothes and shoes to pass out to families. The list could go on and on.
And here we are, missionaries from America, telling them about Jesus. That He loves them and wants a relationship with them and all they have to do is receive the free gift of salvation. We have seen many people accept Jesus into their lives and it has been amazing to personally pray with them, walk them through scriptures and answer questions. But I still can’t help but feel like I’m not doing enough. The physical needs are still here and nothing is being done to improve the situation.
Then I meet people from the church we’re working with. People like Pastor Joseph and his wife, Beatrice. They live by faith every single day. Money is so tight they only eat 2 meals a day and sometimes their kids aren’t able to pay for school. I know the Pastor could go out and find another job that brings in more money but he is being faithful to what God has called him to do. Jesus is enough.
Ida is 22 years old and she has been my translator for door to door evangelism. When I heard her story the other day it broke my heart. She grew up in a Muslim home. Her mother died when she was 11 from asthma; they didn’t have money for an inhaler so….you know the rest. She became a Christian 5 years ago and her father and siblings constantly verbally and physically abuse her for that decision. She has remained faithful to the church by not only attending but also serving even though her home is very far away. Jesus is enough.
Elijah and his mom, Sarah, live at the church. If it was a church in America it wouldn’t be an ideal place to live but definitely better than living on the street. Well, this church only has 2 walls and half a roof. Sarah has a husband and 4 other children but when she committed her life to the Lord, they disowned her. So she took her youngest child and traveled 100 kilometers to be a part of Pastor Joseph’s congregation. Her and Elijah sleep on the mud floor, under a pew and wear the same 3 outfits all the time. Jesus is enough for them too.
So even though these stories may make you feel slightly depressed, as I sometimes feel, it is a testimony and encouragement to me. That Jesus truly is enough and He is worth everything. And when I go to these villages and to homes that people in America wouldn’t even want their dogs to sleep in, I can offer them Jesus. In doing so I am offering hope, love, life, joy, forgiveness, grace, mercy, salvation and eternal life. Jesus really is enough.
