Christian: Easy in America, Hard in Africa

By the end of the week, some of the team members were saying how easy it was to be a Christian in Africa and to some extent I agreed with them. After all, when you go and share the gospel from hut-to-hut all day and almost everyone you share with accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior, how can you not feel successful. However, I was not feeling like it was easy to be a Christian in Africa. God was continuing to prune me and it came to fruition on Friday.

Friday, July 2

This morning's devotional was given by Stephen. He said his passage of scripture was Micah 6:1-8 and that he had already picked it out before he even knew Mike had spoke some on it earlier in the week. Stephen may not have known why God laid on his heart the same passage, but I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was definitely for me!! After Stephen spoke, we listened to our final voice from the states. My daughter Hannah shared with us her voice and prayer for us. She shared about hearing God's word and not doing it. I was overwhelmed and could not hold back the tears. From the beginning of the week I had prayed and asked God to give me his mercy and compassion. God spoke to my heart as he taught me through Micah 6:6-8. God had showed me how hungry and desperate the people of Uganda were to hear the word of God and how the children longed just to touch our hands or receive a wave. God spoke to my heart as I was convicted of how even though there are so many precious moments acquired from sitting at Jesus' feet, He also desires to show me the powerful, awesome moments I can have with Him when I follow in His footsteps. God lavished on me on Friday, the importance of obedience to His word through the hearing of Micah 6:6-8 one more time and the voice of my daughter through the reading of the Word as she spoke about the ramifications of hearing God's word and not doing it. I was overwhelmed and it wasn't even 9:30 AM yet!!!

After the devotional time, Jamie, Scott and I headed out to visit two schools and then to Lulwanda. Scott and I gave our testimonies at the first school. I shared about how I had sometimes felt alone, unloved or cared for and how God had changed that for me. As I was closing up my time, I looked straight into the eyes of those precious children and with tears coming to my eyes I told them that God loved them. It was at that precise moment as my eyes met theirs and as the words were coming out of my mouth that the Holy Spirit overpowered me and God opened my eyes to see into the souls of these children and I experienced just a taste or maybe you would call it an emotional jolt of God's mercy and compassion for these children. It was overwhelming and it was all I could do to keep my composure. I could do nothing else but offer a prayer of thanksgiving to my gracious, heavenly Father and sit back down in my seat. God continued to do his work at the school as Scott also shared his testimony and Jamie preached and shared the gospel. Several children prayed to receive Christ.

Me and one of the youngest girls at the first school we went to

Scott and Jamie praying with the kids

At the next school, Jamie and I gave our testimonies and Scott preached and shared the gospel. The Lord laid on my heart a different testimony as I shared about going through hard times, putting myself through college, and Scott loosing his job. God showered his blessings and grace again upon the school and many children prayed to receive Christ.

Secondary students praying to receive Christ

We headed out to Lulwanda for a short time after visiting the schools. I was able to spend some time with Sarah as she read to me and showed me around some more at the home. It was nice to be able to strengthen our relationship.

Our sweet Sarah

That night I shared with the group how it was easier to be a Christian in America because no one really holds you accountable. In Uganda you have to do what you actually preach and teach. Hannah's words rang so true to me, I must not only hear God's word, but I must do it. I must share the gospel in Tomball as well as in Uganda. I must show mercy and compassion to my family, children, and the people in Tomball as well as in Uganda. It was a wonderful day and God has changed my heart.

The main scripture I shared at the schools:
You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word.
Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments.
Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word.
You are good and do good; Teach me Your statues.
The arrogant have forged a lie against me; With all my heart I will observe Your precepts.
Their heart is covered with fat, But I delight in Your law.
It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statues.
The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Psalm 119:65-72