There’s this notion that when you go on the Race, you’ll be doing plenty of things outside your comfort zone. Bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, or hiking a volcano might be some adventurous things you could try. If you choose to go even further, you might do uncomfortable things like choosing others over yourself, loving kids even if children’s ministry isn’t your favorite, or talking to a random stranger even if you’re terrified. While I’ve definitely had my fair share of step-out-of-your-comfort-zone moments, the most difficult was from this past Wednesday.
Here in Uganda, our main two aspects of ministry are teaching/spending time with kids at a home our host created a year ago as well as hosting a children’s sports camp very Wednesday and Saturday. The sports camp consists of an hour and a half of playing games with kids from all around the area. We want to offer them a space to be a kid because that isn’t something most of them get to experience due to the fact that they basically raise their siblings. It’s not uncommon to see a kid as young as 6 or 7 caring for their infant brother or sister. Sports camp gives them an outlet to just have fun for an afternoon every week. Since we want to make sure these kids get to hear about the Father’s love for them, for the last twenty minutes of the afternoon, everyone gathers to sit on the parachute and listens to someone giving a message.
Let me rewind to our team time from two days prior. We got to the part of the night where we had to choose a speaker for the message less than two days away. We already decided on the process of choosing, now it just had to be done. Picture the TV show Survivor. Everyone casts their vote as to who they want to be eliminated by writing out said persons name and the one who has the most votes has to leave the island. That’s exactly how Monday night went down, except the person with the most votes would give the message rather than being banished from the country. With three votes for and two against, I was chosen to speak.
Just to be clear, the last time I was asked to give a message at church, I was given a week and a half to prepare and thought that wasn’t nearly enough time. HA. This time I had a day and a half. I couldn’t do it. The person who always has so many thoughts was drawing a blank.
What am I supposed to talk about? I can’t talk to kids. I can’t relate to them. How am I supposed to do this? Lord, give me something. I can’t, but you can. What do I do? SPEAK.
The day before I had to speak, I had nothing. Nighttime rolled around and bedtime approached yet still nothing. I reached out to one of my wonderful friends who happens to be the head of our children’s ministry back home and asked for help. She sent me some outlines of previous sermons and I went from there. I read the verses each sermon pertained to and chose. After some time, it was decided. I would talk about Moses.
I knew I wanted to talk about being able to be used by God no matter who you are or what you’ve done. I figured Moses would be perfect seeing as he couldn’t speak well and also killed a guy. God likes to use the most unexpected people. I like that He does that. It turned out to be perfect because my friend Job (the first kid I met and played with at sports camp) happened to not be very nice and push a kid while we were playing a game. At that point, I knew my audience. It didn’t matter whether any of the other kids listened, but I wanted him to. I wanted him to know the Lord still loved him, still delighted in him, and could do mighty things through him. More than just telling Job about the Father’s love, I wanted to show him. Yes, I did tell him what he did was wrong, but I let him know he was still loved. I continued to play with him and was just as excited to see him every camp thereafter.
I feel like sometimes in everyday life, we see the bad things we do and want to hide or run away, but the Lord wants us to run to Him. We can come up with excuses as to why we can’t come to Him or follow what He’s asking to do, but really, if God can use people like Moses, David, and Paul (people very important in the Christian faith aka people who had a hand in the death of others not for the Lord), then God can use you too. Really, though. There’s nothing too bad you’ve done that can stop the Lord from using you. Whether you’re hesitant or afraid, I believe in you. You can do hard things. There’s grace for you too.
It’s been incredible to see the ways God has provided long before I even stepped foot overseas! My final fundraising deadline has come and gone and the reality is, if I don’t meet that goal soon, I won’t be able to stay. I’d very much appreciate if you would prayerfully consider partnering with me to see the love of the Father brought to nations all around the world. I need $4,231 in order to continue this World Race and I’m fully believing that the Lord will provide. He shows Himself to be faithful always and this time is no exception! If you would like to support me financially, you can simply click the “Donate” button and go from there!
I love you all and am thankful for all the love and support I’ve received throughout this season of life! I couldn’t do this without you!!
With a grateful heart,
Sam
