The Why:
“Have you ever wondered if there’s something more out there? If there’s more to life than empty traditions, routines, and working 9-5 everyday to achieve the impossibility of the American dream?
It’s because there is. There is a generation of radicals whose heartbeat is to see a changed world. It’s a generation that’s dissatisfied with the status quo and is actively rising to the challenge of seeing the world transformed through tangible expressions of God’s love. World Racers are seeing lives changed in nations all over the world.”
It’s never been about you or me…It’s always been about the kingdom! The story below is not mine but it is a former racers. I wanted to share with you the impact that one person can have on someone when we take our eyes off ourselves.
“It was another beautiful day in Uganda. Evas, our ministry contact, picked us up from home to drive us to meet another Chilli Child. Evas’ ministry, Chilli Children, provides services for children with disabilities, and provides chilli peppers so that parents can generate income to support their children who have special needs. Before we left, Evas opened the trunk of her car and grabbed a bag. Reaching in, she pulled out a handmade musical instrument, four dried fruits tied to a stick to create a shaker, then tied together in threes. “The family we are going to see today makes these using fruit they grow on their property. They dry them so the seeds make the noise. They sell them for 5000 shillings. You can buy them if you want. It’s to support Isaac.”
I looked at the shaker and thought, Well, that’s cool, but there is no way that is fitting into my backpack. And I don’t particularly feel like spending the money.
Four of us squeezed into the backseat and one sat shotgun as Evas drove us down the rocky dirt roads towards Isaac’s house. Evas parked alongside the road and we piled out of the vehicle. She led us down a narrow dirt path, past a few houses, past the tomato plants and through the grove of banana trees.
We could hear Isaac before we saw him. As the banana trees gave way to a small homestead, we saw Isaac sitting in his wheelchair in the shade, screaming excitedly as we approached.
Evas introduced us to Isaac, who has cerebral palsy, and to his parents, an elderly couple who were, Evas said, “born again.” Their love for Isaac was obvious; they welcomed us gladly.
Isaac’s dad showed us the bush where the shaker-instrument fruit grows. His mom brought out some mats for us to sit on, along with a bag of the instruments. She laid the instruments out on top of the bag for us to see, and I was happy to realize that they were smaller than the ones in Evas’ trunk, and I could probably fit one into my backpack. They also brought out a bag of dried chilli peppers. These two “income-generating activities” are the family’s main means of supporting Isaac.
Four of us each purchased a shaker for 5000 shillings (less than $2) apiece. By this time Isaac had calmed down and was watching the scene before him with a smile on his face as his parents stood nearby. We asked the family to get together for a picture, then prayed as Evas translated.
After praying, Isaac’s mom shared that they had purchased a new mattress for Isaac the day before. The mattress cost 30,000 shillings, and they had 5000 to use as a down payment. They had no idea where the rest of the money would come from, but put their trust in Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. With our shaker purchases, they were nearly able to pay off the rest of the mattress purchase! “Mukama asiimwe – Praise God!” exclaimed Isaac’s mom.
And I’m ashamed of myself because why did I ever want to keep my less than two dollars? Praise to the God who uses us in spite of our own selfishness.
Praise to the God who provides for His children!”
-Debbie
“Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering.”- St. Augustine
Prayer points:
- There would be unity on my team.
- Finances would come in ASAP (still needing $1,169 for the first deadline, tomorrow)
- My heart would continue to be prepared for leaving my home.
- Fundraisers would raise WAY more than expected
Thanks guys so much for loving me so well. I appreciate all of your time talking with me encouraging me, helping me financially and praying for me and over me. You guys are truly the best supporters EVER!!!
over & out,
Lynzie
