Discipleship in Action

"I am so thankful for people that have given up their lives to be here."

This was said in the most humble way and was meant to encourage me, but it also provoked some thoughts this week. I did give up my old life. But you know, this is my life now.

Silas enjoying his new bed

Uganda is home.

A few weeks ago one of my friends in Masese said, "I'm always going to remember your friendship." We were in the middle of folding laundry, so I laughed and said, "Because I fold your clothes with you?" She stopped and said, "No, because you do the normal things with me."

I don't say this to seem ultra-spiritual or make you think that I've got this all figured out -- because I don't. I live life with my friends here, and hope that they see Jesus. I'm not brave and I don't have an amazing faith. But I do have an amazing God that gives me the strength for each day. He does the exact same for you.

I just happen to live in Africa.

This week has had incredible highs and lows. My dear friend, Esther, has been born again! Whew. I always pass by her house when I enter Masese and on one occasion she asked if I could come back to her to talk later. When I returned, she asked how to believe. She was giddy! "How do I do it? Do you pray? Do I pray? Do I have to DO something?" No, just believe. Jesus does the rest.

Esther -- my new sister! 

This week she has been full of conversations surrounding the spiritual realm (witchcraft is a thing of daily life in Masese) and the fact that Jesus speaks Karamajong! Her own words were, "I saw a Jesus Film where Jesus spoke English, and I was sad. Then I saw one where He spoke Karamajong and asked my neighbor about it. She said, "Don't you know that Jesus speaks all of the languages of the world? He knows every tribe." Auntie Katie, He even knows Acholi!" -- the "hardest" language of Uganda, or so my friends call it. When I asked if I could share this, she said, "Yes, I want everyone to know that He speaks every language. Especially Karamajong." I told her that I've been praying specifically for three women in Masese, and now there's only one left that is not a believer, upon her saying, "Oh! Let's go get her! We need to bring her to Jesus!"

Justine and Emily

Along with the excitement, Masese is still Masese. Today was incredibly painful and I so badly just wanted to sit under the jackfruit tree and cry. Would you pray that Satan would lose his stronghold over Masese? Pray that people would be delivered from alcoholism. Alcohol is cheaper than food or tea, and it fills you up. When you get a lot of really poor, really drunk people together, it doesn't end well. But friends, God is working.

Grace

A bit of news for you today: I'm going to be calling this home for a while! I'm going back to America for the summer for a few weddings and support raising, and will hopefully be returning back here in early fall! While I'm excited to see friends and family, my heart hurts to leave this place. 

However, when I was asked in Masese who was going to lead Bible study while I'm in America for a while, my translator and friend Irene said, "Oh, I am." It was a matter of fact. I love it.

The discipleship model. Focus on a few, then they focus on a few, and they focus on a few. The model continues and multiplies on its own. What an incredible joy to be a part of this in Masese.

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation, and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death." -- Psalm 68:19-20

Eternal life. What joy!