The rest of the month has been good here in Uganda. God is clearly doing things in this continent! It has been a reoccurring theme the past three months to actually see God’s kingdom break through in tangible ways. Like I’ve said in previous blogs there are countless people coming to know Jesus, getting delivered from oppression and healed of sickness and disease. One of our teams even got the opportunity this month to participate in a crusade and see a witch doctor come into relationship with Jesus and an elderly woman walk that was lame five minutes before. It has been such an honor to be here. When I first signed up for the race Africa wasn’t even on my radar. But I can say wholeheartedly that it has now stolen my heart! There are few specific things that I really love about it.
The call of worship. There is more Joy and Spirit here than I’ve literally ever seen in all my life! These people know how to dance, sing and move their bodies in a way that is beyond me. There is something about it that moves me so deeply. It’s feels almost as if I am experiencing what heaven is like.
The children. They are Africa's future! They are precious and dear to my heart. God has used them so much in my time here. I pray blessing and favor upon them, their future and destiny. Oh, and I want to adopt all of them.
The need for God. Times are tough here. They don’t have a whole lot so they actually need Him to show up. And I’m not just saying for the new car they’ve been praying for. But for the needs of food, water, jobs, money, clothing, shoes, beds….They cry out to God day and night and yet remain hopeful that He is going to answer. It is refreshing and has put a deep hunger inside of me to not be satisfied with anything less than needing God to show up.
Tomorrow starts our transition out of Africa and into Asia. We fly to Thailand. I will be honest with you, I am experiencing some sadness about leaving. There is a deep love in my heart for this land, the people and culture that I didn’t even know was there. Africa, I love you and will miss you!! I will be back, I’m sure of it.
Although, this is twofold kind of deal. As much as I am sad to leave the heart land of Africa I am so excited for Thailand. The whole reason that I joined the race in the first place was because of my passion to travel to Asia and fight against human trafficking. I am about to enter into that very thing. Two years ago I learned about the injustice of the sex slave trade and became obsessed with wanting to leave everything behind and help the cause. Then I was introduced to the world race and their partnerships with trafficking ministries. I had to go! And now I am actually being sent to the place God has been talking to me about for years. I feel so encouraged! I am seeing a promise of God come to pass.
Today I am staying close to Jesus. Excited for newness. Embracing feelings. Making decisions with confidence. Trusting. Risking. Loving. Learning. Listening. Singing. Experiencing. Resting. My heart is open, ready and alive. Thailand here we come!!
