And it made me question…why…Why have we taken the journey…abandon the familiar…and pursued the unknown.
I just finished reading a must read – The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns (CEO of World Vision) where he tells of a pastor in Cambodia who was suspicious of World Vision’s work in their community, convinced that they had their own hidden agenda.
“Why would these strangers help us?” He thought.
“One day I decided to confront them, and I went to the World Vision leader and demanded to know why they were here. His answer took me by surprise. He said, ‘We are followers of Jesus Christ, and we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are here to show you that God loves you.’ (Stearns p. 71)
I loved the straightforwardness of his response. Often times we seem to hem haw around about our motivations, skeptical of how they will be received. But at the end of the day, I know I am here because Jesus gave me a new heart, a heart that beats like His.
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and given them a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 11:19
We hit the ground in Kenya…but two teams immediately headed to Uganda to serve for the month. I have spent the month between those two teams, serving in Lira and Gulu.
The devastation that occurred in this region of Northern Uganda was captured in the Invisible Children documentaries. We have learned not to ask IF someone was affected by the rebel attacks, but HOW — because it is a safe assumption that ALL have suffered.
With much left to rebuild — their faith is contagious as they praise God for four years of peace and hope for a future.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations…Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. Isaiah 61:4, 7
Everlasting joy sure looks good in Uganda! 🙂
