Grace, even for me

When was the last time you were overcome?

Were you overcome with joy? Fear? Anger? Anxiety? Hope? Excitement? Synonyms for this word are overwhelmed and overpowered. What emotion are you commonly overcome by?

Today in church we talked about Peter's denial of Christ. We saw how Peter was overcome with guilt of his own sin as he went out an wept bitterly (Luke 22:54-62). The verse that reads, "And the Lord turned and looked at Peter" (22:61a) was discussed as we tried to imagine the look on Jesus' face as His eyes met Peter's. Was it a look of anger? Disappointment? Frustration? Or was it a look of compassion? Was it a look of love? Judas, just prior to this, had betrayed the Lord. Later on we find that he, too, knew the guilt of his sin. However, his guilt led him to anguish and finally, death. Sin leads to death. Here we see Peter, also knowing the guilt of his sin. What was different? \

In that moment, Peter knew his sin and felt the grief that comes along with separation from the Lord. Sin separates us from God. In the 40some days to come he would again be called by Jesus to follow Him then speak to thousands on the day of Pentecost. This is the man who denied that he even knew Jesus.

I wonder at how the Lord worked in his heart during those weeks. I marvel that this is the man who sliced off a man's ear and was repeatedly rash with his words and actions. Why did Judas' guilt lead to suicide and Peter was the rock on which Christ built the church?

He knew grace.

He had to. Grace is being given that which we do not deserve. Grace is hard to accept, especially when you recognize just how undeserving you are of the gift. Grace transforms. Grace heals. Grace restores.

Lately I, too, have known guilt. I have felt the weight of my sin and seen character flaws and have wept at the thought that He still has so much work to do in my heart. Last night one of my dear friends here said such a simple statement that cut through my guilt: "Receive grace." That was it. She encouraged me to know that I am forgiven and move forward. While sin is a blatant act of disobedience against a Holy God and not to be taken lightly, neither is His forgiveness. He died for that.

If you have a moment, pop over to YouTube and listen to Overcome by the Digital Age. It is a powerful song of being overcome by His grace. The last verse reads, "Like a snowfall that blankets the earth, my sin has been covered. I'm overcome. The price has been paid; the war is already won. The blood of my Savior was shed. He's overcome and I'm overcome."

I don't know where you are right now. Maybe you are better at understand grace than me. But maybe you need to hear this message too. Maybe you need to hear 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Maybe you need to hear two little words today, too. Receive grace. Know His power and judgment over sin and fear the Lord, but know His forgiveness, too. Know His love for you.

A Heavy Heart with Hope

The walk out of Masese

Some days when I leave Masese I'm excited to be able to see how God is working there. Some days I leave exhausted and discouraged and overwhelmed. All days, I'm thankful that He has conquered sin and loves these people. They are His people.

Today was a good day. My dear friend and I hid away in her dark, small little house as we tried to stay warm and dry from the torrential downpour taking place outside. Her house leaks and creaks and the water pours in even if the door is closed, but we are happy. We sit and talk about what to do about the future and seek wisdom as it is promised to us in James 1. We play with her sweet little daughter as she's just learning to stand and make jokes and laugh and laugh. We lay on the floor together and she shares how she's struggling in her marriage. She shares how she's afraid of getting beaten each night when her husband comes home drunk. She shares how she's afraid of getting sick as she knows her husband is not faithful. She shares how she lives in fear each day.

Maureen and Elizabeth

The thing is, this isn't just her. 

This has become one of my biggest burdens here. I hurt for them because this is their normal. This is expected. As I look at how godly men treat their wives, and even how I've been treated in the last few weeks, I notice how vast the difference is within Masese. Now, there are incredible men of God there as well. However, most of my friends are not married to such a man. I hurt because my friends have never been respected, honored, cherished, desired, or loved. I hurt because I can't fix that. 

God is working here. I need that reminder tonight.

The only way things will change is if God gets ahold of the hearts of men in Masese. Transformation needs to happen from the inside out. 

Would you pray that God would raise up men for the harvest in Masese? Pray that men would be convicted of their sin, see their need for a Savior, and cling to the cross. Pray that hearts would be softened and that the Gospel would be preached constantly to land on the good soil that I'm choosing to believe God is preparing. Pray that God would continue to lavish my friends with His love -- a love that they have never even seen a glimpse of on earth. 

Pray with hope. I have hope that God is working. Hope, not wishful thinking, that He has not left Masese to be overtaken by darkness and the power of the Evil One.

The sunsets here astound me!

It is now rainy season here, which means scarves and sweaters and tea and an excess of mud at all times. Currently, I am cuddled up under a blanket with a cup of chamomile tea as the pitter patter of rain on my tin roof harmonizes with the booming thunder. I'm thankful for nights such as this. I'm thankful that God can use the rain to cause me to sit and rest for an evening. I praise Him because even when my heart is heavy, I know His love abounds. I know His grace extends. I know His goodness has no end.

Everyone, meet my boyfriend. :)

No goldfish here. This is how I buy water!

Friends, when you're discouraged or worn from the burdens on your heart, grab a cup of tea (or coffee, depending on the time of day) and read Romans 8. He is good. His love covers. 

My sweet Alika is getting so big!

Warrior

It's easy for me to see myself as a princess.

I like flowers, rainbows, butterflies, and skipping when no one is looking.

It's easy for me to claim Zephaniah 3:17 and Isaiah 43 for myself. It's easy to hear, "Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away" from Song of Solomon and know that I'm deeply pursued and wooed by my Romancer and true Husband.

Sunrise over Lake Victoria

It's less easy for me to see myself as a warrior.

Toto (mother) with Alika

I know that we're in a spiritual battle. I've fought in prayer against the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers, and spiritual forces of evil in this present darkness. I have heard testimony after testimony of people delivered from demons and how God preserved a remnant of His faithful ones amongst a primary school. I have seen things and known the spiritual realm in a very real way.

And yet, sometimes I forget.

I forget that Satan holds people in bondage until I sit and listen to stories of demons and tales of talking trees and people who live in the water. I hear the fascination in the tale, but also fear behind each story. Dear friends of mine who are saved by grace admit to me that they fear. They fear because they can't explain the things they've seen themselves and what has been passed down through their tribe. They know that God is more powerful, but they fear because they know that Satan is working.

The sun has spoiled many of the crops

Last week I had the privilege of spending a week in Napak, a district in northern Uganda. We stayed with my friend Sarah's family and got to know her toto (mother) and crazy, hilarious tatas (grandmothers). We stayed in Iriiri and traveled around to other trading centers -- we certainly got our exercise! We ate a lot of food -- my friend William realized that my stomach is about the size of a golf ball, so thankfully he was able to sneak my food when I didn't want to offend! We talked about cultural differences -- how women are supposed to sit and dowry (they are offended that we don't give dowry for the women, after all the mother does for the child and she doesn't even receive one cow!) We heard stories of the animals there and even received an ostrich egg! We laughed harder than I can ever remember. It was a good week.

We also saw a people who stand in fear.

Napak is surrounded by mountains!

Suddenly, I remembered that this battle is not against flesh and blood. I recalled that Satan uses every tactic to hold people in bondage, and here the biggest chains are alcoholism and fear. They fear the spirits they know are present. They fear death. They fear evil that is very real.

But then again, don't I also fear? I've had demons in my room, and I shook with fear. I've talked to a man possessed by demons, and I went home and cried. In the [physical] spiritual battle here, I've always had dear friends to encourage me and speak truth of God's power. But what if I hadn't known that myself and hadn't been reminded of it from others? Where would my faith stand? How could it stand?

William gave tata a soda!

Friends, do you know that you are a warrior? Do you know that we fight against the spiritual forces of evil in this present darkness? It's easy to be pursued by God and rejoice in that, and do! Be wooed by the Lord. He is so passionate for us. But at the same time, we are His warriors. We're told to put on the armor of God.

He told Joshua, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you may go."

I want truth to penetrate through to the Karamojong tribe. I want truth to penetrate in my own life. I want to know and make it known that spiritual warfare is real and powerful, but God already won the victory on Calvary and we will stand in His victory in eternity.

William, Toto, and myself our last day

So Jesus said... "If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Tata Anna, oh they made us laugh!

Would you pray?

• TRUTH would be proclaimed and received amongst the Karamojong
• Satan would be bound and chains would be broken in Masese
• That I would fight with His strength in prayer in this spiritual battle
• That I would have eyes to see the spiritual realm again, and faith to know that He is all powerful
• Freedom would be known

interruptible for the one

I like to sit on my veranda and watch the birds. Beautiful metallic starlings, brilliant blue kingfishers, and vibrant black and red goneleks stand out against the ever green grass and trees that contrast the blue sky and Nile River. I like to buy flowers in town and walk home as I wave and say hello to all of the boda drivers whom I pass each day. I like to bake apple pies, a lot! I like to watch movies in the evenings. I like to write letters and keep in touch with people in America. I like these little moments. 

I also like to sit in Masese as we argue about the color of our blood and whether or not America has trees and cows. I like to laugh with Lydia, my “bodyguard” as she once again beats me in arm wrestling. I like to laugh with Christine as she dances and models for us, inevitably, every time I see her! I like to laugh with Sarah as I chase her son Michael, who secretly likes me. I like these little moments. 

I don’t lead crusades here. I don’t have programs or projects. My days are filled with relationships. The only things on my schedule that are set throughout the week are prayer with two friends over Masese and Bible study with three women. The rest of my days are filled with these beautiful relationships with beautiful, messy people. Days are filled with hopes and dreams and prayers for chains to be broken and people to walk in freedom through His grace. 

Last week another missionary and I were conversing about the busy schedule of another friend here. Her response was, “Well I guess everyone here is busy. And if they’re not, they’re doing something wrong.” 

I knew what she meant, but it hurt. The mindset that we have to go and go and go and do better is human nature. It’s counterproductive to sit with someone for five hours straight as they tell you their hurts and fears of the future and rejoice over the fact that there is hope in Christ. To sit with one person for five hours? Think of all the multitudes you could reach in that amount of time! Think of the programs and projects and agendas you could fulfill with five hours. 

Think of how Jesus always met the one. Think of how He was able to be interrupted. 

Jesus was interruptible. 

In the book The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan, he talks about how Jesus was always willing to lay down His agenda for the day to meet someone personally. 

“Jesus! My daughter is sick!” 

“Jesus, my brother died!” 

“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!”

He was going somewhere when He was met by these people, but He was willing to be interrupted. His destination wasn’t diverted — He was on the road to Calvary from the beginning — but He always met people personally along the way.

I want to be interruptible. That’s not human nature, that’s definitely not my nature even. I get annoyed when my plans are thwarted. However, by the grace of God, He is teaching me to meet the one. He is moving in my heart to lay down my plans each moment and be able to come when people call out, 

“Nalem, my daughter is sick.” 

“Nalem, my husband is an alcoholic and I don’t have a place to stay tonight.” 

“Nalem, where am I going to shift when the roads come in?”

Those calls are devastating and I’m not able to meet them. Sometimes I can point them to someone who can help. All the time, I can pray. I can sit with them for hours and hear them. Sometimes, all we want is be heard. 

I don’t have this whole “missionary” thing figured out. All I know is that God has called me in this season to labor for His Kingdom in Masese III. I know that He has given me time and patience and endurance to love a tribe and people who are often overlooked in this region. I know that relationships are hard and long and messy, but God has called me to invest in the one. Discipleship ministry isn’t easy to write home about, because sometimes you rejoice in the softening of someone’s heart, and the next minute you’re broken over hearing they went to the witchdoctor to place a curse on someone. I don’t have numbers or photos to share, but I do have stories of God’s abundant grace being enough in my life, and His steadfast love [hesed] pursuing my friends even when they run. Even when I run. 

I have known God through the one. I have met Him there. 

I encourage you today, wherever you are, to see the one. Yes, God uses programs and projects and crusades, but don’t miss the one. I promise you, He’ll be there, too. 

And in the quietness and glamour that is missed in not being on display, read this article: Hidden. 

That is my prayer for you today, dear reader. May we be a people who seek first His Kingdom over our own agendas. 

Your Prayers

 I like rooftop picnics over Lake Victoria

"Hello Bedford Falls!!" -- George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life" couldn't contain himself after the joy of realizing what life could be. He was suddenly thankful for the things he once took for granted or secretly loathed.

Sometimes, I feel this of Jinja. On a trip to Entebbe and Kampala this weekend, I returned to my sweet little town so thankful for the familiar faces and street names and quiet. I'm thankful to live here! Sometimes I complain or take things for granted, but I love life. There is so much beauty to find if you have eyes to see.

Last week I was honest with all of you here and in a newsletter. I was honest that things have been hard over the last few months, and going into a season of unknowns has had me very unsettled. However, I have received so many kind and encouraging words, and I know you have prayed. Oh, have I known your prayers! I have never felt more encouraged in ministry and in life in general than over the last week. I would like to share some of these answers to prayer so that you know how you are working alongside of the ministry here.

Alika! 

First, as the smaller of the answered prayer -- my toe is healed! Now, I did not go to the hospital but it felt just as it did last December when I broke it before. Regardless if it was broken or not, there is no pain anymore! This is small, but walking everywhere is definitely a lot more pleasant when each step does not hurt. I am very physically healthy at the moment, which is something I take for granted often. Thank you for praying for my physical health!

Second, God has provided a friend to pursue some of the men in Masese whom I have been burdened over! Two of my dear friend's husbands have asked questions in the past, but I have never felt comfortable meeting with men in regards to discipleship. I have prayed for months for a man of God to be burdened for these men as well, and He has provided! This is not only an answered prayer for the men in Masese, but also for me to have a friend who knows, cares, and prays for the people I care about there as well. Caring about the same things strips ministry of loneliness, and I am so thankful that God provided here in so many ways.

Finally, there are still unknowns, but I have such a peace about the present and future. I'm thankful to serve a God who has been faithful in the past and who brings those memories to mind as testimony of his faithfulness. As most of you know, personally I do not have a passion for programs or serving the multitudes. I prefer sitting with a group of women and truly knowing them. With a change in pace and schedule, I have been able to do just that. In the last week I have danced (this is a type of play for the Karamojong) -- they have tried to teach me the Acholi dance ("it's as if the Acholi do not have bones in their back!") and I tried to teach them to swing dance! They have told me stories of their past and I've heard the latest drama amongst the young women I used to teach. My heart has broken over news of some of my friends turning from the Lord to witchdoctors, and I've had to have difficult conversations with a few who have clearly turned from God. I know the easy thing to do is to turn my head and look the other way, but the loving thing to do is to call them out on their sin and plead that they return to the Lord. I love these women; I wish you could know them. They make me laugh! And I know God loves them more than I could ever imagine.

I always share these photos, but these are my buddies!

To say thank you for your ministry of prayer seems like an understatement. I wish you could see how He's working through your prayers. I wish you could know the encouragement I have known. I wish you could physically see Him working here, as I can. But for now, I will say thank you. Your prayers and words of encouragement have blessed me and many others. God is using you here. I have known that deeper this week than ever. Thank you!

Would you continue to pray?

• The community of Masese is in chaos as now is the time allotted to "vacate the land" so that new roads can be built. Pray for wisdom for the tenants as to where they will go.
• Pray for the gospel to truly transform hearts here
• Pray for conviction over sin for some of my dearest friends. I so badly want them to know their Savior and walk in freedom from the slavery they are currently in. 
• Continue to pray for me as I look toward the future and where God is leading

Hope in the Unknowns

Today I broke my toe, taught kindergarten and a Bible study, had lunch with my dear friend on her birthday, and made an apple pie by candlelight with the pouring rain pattering against my tin roof.

I'm thankful for these days. I'm thankful for days that don't go according to plan, and yet have so many beautiful blessings sprinkled throughout the chaos. Lately I've been noticing the flowers and butterflies and genuine kind smiles of familiar faces whom I see each day and it has awakened a new appreciation for the truth in "this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

I am trying to learn Karamojong, slowly slowly -- as they say here. Today my friend Esther refused to speak to me in English! Then as I said goodbye to Esther and Lillian, they said "topedajok" (have a good night) and then strung a bunch of words that I knew together afterwords. Words such as butterfly, sit down, keep quiet, and frog! I'm thankful for friends who want me to learn their language and are patient with me, all the while making fun of my complete lack of knowledge!




I have been silent over the last few months because I honestly don't have words. There have been multiple times I've sat down and tried to type up a newsletter or blog post, failed, and decided to bake something instead. The kitchen is always my outlet. I've tried sitting in my front yard as it looks out over the Nile River, at my table on the veranda as the monsoon makes it impossible to hear anything but the pounding rain, and at sunrise with a cup of coffee, but no matter the setting, these words have been hard to bring to life.

The reason I fail to share is because there are so many unknowns right now. My kindergarteners graduate on Tuesday and I don't know what life looks like without a tent-making job. Masese is a mess and I don't know when the bulldozers will come and knock down the houses where my friends live. The family I'm closest to here has been in America for the last two months and another family who I work closely with in ministry as well as personally is leaving in two weeks, and I don't know what I'm going to do without them. I will be going to America for one of my best friend's weddings next month, and I don't know what I'll be coming back to in September. I don't know where I'll be or what I'll be doing next week, let alone a long term decision regarding ministry.


Bible study today was the story of God parting the Red Sea. As we discussed the story, we realized that we're the Israelites. We're faced with the water in front and Egyptian army behind. There is no way that we can save ourselves. There's no easy way out. In that moment, the only way there could be a possible ending other than destruction was if God intervened.

God asked Abraham, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
God asked Jeremiah, "Is anything too hard for Me?"
Jesus told His listeners,"What is impossible with man is possible with God."
The angel of the Lord told Mary, "For nothing will be impossible with God."

I know that God always works all things together for good, and He will receive glory for Himself in whatever comes. We know all of the right answers but honestly, we're discouraged. I'm discouraged.

However, we're also hopeful. We're hopeful because we do serve a God who is building His kingdom in Masese III. We're hopeful because this is His work, and He's allowing us to come alongside of what He's doing in the world. We're hopeful, which means filled with hope. We have an assurance in our hope. And like Paul, we're here to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. That's why we're all here. Above all else, we're here to point to His finished work.

Would you pray?

• Even in the unknowns, God would use us for His glory in the daily moments
• That God would give wisdom as to the future for those who live in Masese III
• That God would lead and guide me as I look to an unknown future in ministry
• For the Karamojong -- we've felt that Satan has a strong hold on this tribe as a whole. Pray that souls would be saved and lives transformed by the gospel.

Thank you. Thank you so much for praying for people whom you've never met, and yet are part of the Church and Body of Christ. Thank you for praying for His Kingdom to advance. Thank you for praying for me as I struggle in this season. 

Kate's Perfect World

Once upon a time there lived a young woman with gold hair and a crooked smile. She lived on the waters of Lake Victoria as it flowed to the Nile River in Jinja, Uganda. She lived in a perfect world where there was always coffee in the morning and sundresses to wear on picnics. People -- friends and strangers alike -- were always genuinely kind to her and it never rained when she wanted to see the sunrise. She sang as she washed the dishes and made the best chocolate chip cookies. Her life and her view on the world were just perfect.

Until one day it wasn't. She lived in an area with disease and death and every sort of evil. Her perfect world collapsed in the blunt reality of the real world. Her friends knew that reality well. Soon she would know the bitter taste of death for her friend's toddler who drank paraffin, the harsh truth of children being sold to orphanages with corruption on both sides of the deal, and the sting of betrayal when her best friend not only turned her back on her, but also on the Lord. She faced uncertainties as her life would be threatened and hurt as the houses where her friends lived were to be plowed down. The future was unknown and there were often more questions than answers. How could she make sense of this terrible collision?

"I need a break!" She exclaimed with tears in her eyes. "The last six months have been hard and I just want to rest." So she packed a few dresses and flew off to the land where the sun shined the brightest as the waves crashed upon the soft, white sand of the shore.

The Indian Ocean was quiet, clear, warm, and perfect. The ever blue sky and the songs of the birds were the perfect place for her to dream again. Her only concerns were the crabs on the beach and if the monkeys would steal the bread in the kitchen again. Life was peaceful and beautiful, and smelled of salt and sunscreen. There was coffee and the sun rising over the ocean to wake her up, and a bowl of ice cream and the sound of bush babies in the trees outside at the end of the day. The days stretched out before her like an endless dream, without schedule or responsibility. Suddenly, her life was perfect again.

However, dreams do not always last. One must wake eventually and return from never-never land. No matter how perfect the days spent on the warm sand were, days of harsh reality were looming before her. Could she go back, she wondered? Could she face reality after this bliss?

The memory of a song filled her mind as the anxieties of life post-vacation threatened to enter. "Find rest, my soul, in God alone. My rock and my salvation." The months preceding her escape had been hard, busy, and draining -- filled with the pain of living in her own strength. She wasn't ready to return to that. "But", she pondered, "what if I don't have to?"

No, this blue eyed girl was not dreaming of continuing life on the beach -- although the thought had occurred to her. She wondered what it meant to truly rest in the Lord and rely on His strength. People talk about missionary burn out, and to be honest, she wondered at what point she would break. But what of Paul? He had been a single, tent making missionary much like herself. However, unlike her, his threats became reality. He had been thrown in jail, stoned, and left for dead more than once. And yet, he picked up his cross and followed the Lord. How? She wondered. She had thought of how nice it would be to return to the comforts of the world again, instead of fighting for justice and seeking mercy. She wondered if Paul had ever entertained such thoughts. Surely, she was missing something.

Surely, His strength and rest would change her life forever.

And so our story does not have an ending. She will once again return to the land of witchdoctors and drunk men, but would it be different? Would she, when the waves come crashing upon the sand castles in her life, still be able to rest in her Savior? Would she, like Peter, be able to leave the safety and comfort of the boat to walk upon the waves? Would she allow the Lord to calm her in the midst of the storm if He allowed the wind and the waves to continue? She wondered if she, like the pearl, would undergo intense pain and pressure in order to be made perfect, all within the safety of the shell. Because even in the pain and suffering, she knew she would be held.

Kate's perfect world is a place where love, sunshine, and hot air balloons are ever present. However, she was just beginning to see that the Lord brought rain to bring life in abundance, and even then, in those moments of despair if the sun would ever shine again, there is rest.

I wrote this third-person prose while on vacation in Mombasa, Kenya. Life has been difficult over the last few months, but God is slowly teaching me what it means to rest in Him and rely on His strength daily. I would greatly appreciate your prayers!

• That God's strength would lead in my life always and I would know His rest
• The Jores just left on a 6 month furlough, so prayer as my team and family is now in America!
• Continued prayer for Masese as uncertainties for the future are hanging overhead
• Continued prayer for our Bible study as well, that we would see hearts transformed by the Gospel! 

Moments from the Shelter

Alika: truth

I was just starting the second verse of “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and neighbors were coming out to listen when Sarah put her hand on my arm and said, “Katie, you sing in our local English. We can’t hear you!” 

Elise: a missionary friend living in Karamoja

After trying (and failing) to sing with my Ugandan accent, we ended up laughing and speaking the words out in prayer. It was a beautiful moment of praising Him for His goodness and faithfulness, at the same time laughing as we recognized the differences between us. 

This was followed with tea and escort (any food that is eaten with tea), and that day I had made banana cake with vanilla frosting. Oh, it was good. However, my friends aren’t used to sweet things and the look on each of their faces as they took their first bite was priceless! Esther informed me that the cake was too sweet that it made the tea seem bland. They pleaded that next time I leave out the sugar in theirs. I think I’ll just make something else next week!

Born April 14, 2015

Bible study has been going well and the woman are enjoying teaching the community. They have had anywhere from 7-15 women present each Saturday. However, they were sad to inform me that only 3 of these women are regulars. As they've pursued other women in the community they have had responses such as, "We want to come, but we have to work. You can't eat God's Word." These women love their people, they love Masese. I'm thankful that they have a passion for the Word to be known, but also rejoicing in the three regulars who have been boldly proclaiming the good news throughout the week!

Moments in Masese with these women, even when there is pain, confusion, uncertainties, death, drunkenness, rape, and every sort of evil surrounding us, are my favorite. Moments when they plead me not to cut my hair again because it’s so nice when it’s long. Moments when they pray that God would provide a husband for me, and quickly! Moments we play with their children. Moments when they try to teach me Karamojong — oh boy. Moments when we do sit and cry together over the brokenness within the community. And moments when we come to the Throne of God, lay all of our burdens, questions, anxieties, and fears at His feet, and praise Him for His grace and mercy. 

Yes, life is hard sometimes. Yes, life seems to have more questions than answers at the moment. Lately it seems as though every bit of news brings us to our knees as we throw our hands up to the One who is able. How do I even speak of these hurts that are so dear and intimate to me? 

My longest and dearest friend in Masese

I have been recognizing the importance of repetition as of late, and have been reading Psalm 91 daily. This chapter is rich in imagery with words such as “shelter”, “refuge”, and “fortress”, which paint such a safe picture, even as it talks about “hiding in the shelter of the Most High”, “abiding in the shadow of the Almighty” and “under His wings you will find refuge”. My favorite thing about this chapter is what follows, as it speaks of terror in the night, flying arrows, darkness, and destruction, it says “you will not fear”. 

“When he calls to Me, I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.” 

Safety is promised, but trouble is present. Here and elsewhere in the Bible we are told to expect trials and suffering, but also told not to fear. We have a shelter. 

Sarah's kids -- Ivan (6), Michael (4) and Alika

“I Have a Shelter” by Sovereign Grace Music has also been on repeat over the last few months. Sadly, I have now learned that I can’t sing to my friends in Masese! 

I’m thankful to live in a community where I don’t bear these burdens alone. I’m thankful to serve a God who brings simple pleasures such as chocolate and laughter and coffee in the midst of a hard day. I’m thankful that I get to laugh at myself as I run to my house in the dark, trying to choose between walking in the grass (where there might be snakes) or walking on my veranda (where there are bats). I’m thankful for all of you, who labor in prayer over the community of Masese and for me.

Two of my favorite people ever!

If you would like more specific prayer requests:

• That God would bring truth to the community of Masese
• That those who have fallen away from the Lord and turned to sin would receive soft hearts, be convicted, and return to God.
• That the injustice surrounding the children of Masese would be brought to light and that God would be glorified as we fight for justice and mercy
• That God would give wisdom and insight into the community and culture as we look toward the unclear future

It took a long time, but Ivan finally likes me! And the camera!

Freedom Found in Truth

Susan

"I told them that if they wanted food and water, they had to listen to my story. Then they came back when they were sober with two more women to hear the story again!"

Susan, a young woman who has been attending Bible study on Saturdays, was beaming today as she told us how she takes her Bible lessons home with her.

This was the first time I had met anyone from the Saturday Bible study, and it was fun to see her relating to Sarah as her teacher. It was amazing to hear her ask questions. It was beautiful to see discipleship in its rawest form.

The story was of Cain and Abel. This has never been my favorite Bible study, but I do love to focus on the window of grace and forgiveness that God gave Cain and extends to us as well. I love being able to tie it in with lessons from Luke 13 and the fact that life is so fragile -- a fact they know well in this land. However, I did not realize the cultural implications that this lesson would have for the Karamojong. Allowing Sarah, Esther, and Lillian to be the ones to teach it to the community gave them freedom to focus on how it would practically hit their tribe mates.

The Karamojong are a very complex tribe. The lesson on the fall into sin was what opened up a line of communication with my friends into the many layered beliefs of their tribe. It is a blessing to be allowed to see the underlaying tones that manifest themselves in the way this tribe relate to others, themselves, and God.

The way that they have interpreted Scripture, or to be fair, have been taught what is truth, has been very symbolic. For example, Eve did not literally eat fruit from a tree, but the first sin was intercourse between Adam and Eve. The implications this would lead to astonished me in regards to how they view marriage and sex within and outside of marriage. Allowing them to voice this belief was a stepping stone to other beliefs they would share in regards to Scripture and the spiritual realm of life that is very physical here.

Satan has a strong grip on this tribe by using fear. There are many beliefs that penetrate all religions as far as demons, "people of the water", and "white people who aren't real people". There are "prophets", who are higher up than the witchdoctors in line of demonic powers, who can pronounce death in a matter of time upon a man or woman who has wronged another. For example, if a man does not pay the bride price of a certain number of cows for the woman, they are not seen as a married couple. If another man approaches the parents of this woman with cows, they will demand that she marries this man and leave her husband and children so they are able to accept the dowery. If a woman refuses, the "prophets" might be sent after her. None of my friends' husbands have paid the bride price, so this is a real fear they face while traveling back to the village where their families stay.

This is a video of a woman who was passed down the line in a family in order for her family to be allowed to keep the dowery.


I love this tribe. I love that God has allowed me to see the complexity of what goes on beneath the drunken man and the fear I see in the eyes of my friends as they relate the news of the day. I love knowing how to pray for them. I love being able to share this, upon approval from my friends, with you.

My biggest prayer as of late has been for truth and freedom to reign in this community.

Would you pray?

"If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, 

and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." -- John 8:31-32

Call to Action -- Yes, You!

"If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies." 

If anyone knows me at all, you surely know that I've always hated change. Any change. I liked to know my schedule for the week by Sunday night and if anything went askew a headache would soon accompany my annoyance.  However, life here is never the same. It's never predictable. In fact, this is a season of change in general. I am in the process of moving and setting up home for the first time here in my own place. Who knew I could find pleasure in hanging up decorations and buying pots and pans! As much as I have loved the last three places where I have been blessed to live here, I am thrilled to have a roommate my age and paint the walls and set up home. 

We have had quite the eventful last few weeks in Masese as well. Life is full of the unexpected but we're excited to see how God is working here daily. Moments of doubt and discouragement are often, but oh the joy of knowing Jesus. 

Sipi Falls

The Ambassador Institute class has faced some challenged already, but we're excited to begin this Monday! In attempts to bring the Word of God to Masese, we are going about this class in a different light. I will be teaching the class to three women on Mondays and they will then study and prepare to teach it to the community on Saturday. I'm so excited to take myself out of the equation and allow these women to be the ones to bring the Gospel to their tribe!

Turaco -- insanely friendly parrots! 

I have had hard conversations with even harder hearts lately. Two women whom I love dearly are in difficult places in life and have chosen to isolate themselves from other men and women who would point out their sin and build them up in God's grace. How do I love these women well?

As of late the phrase, "Show them Jesus" has been on my heart. I'm not Jesus. I can't. I fail time and time again. Much more than this, I've been striving to show my friends that I need Jesus. I need Him every hour. Oh what truth there is that song!

I'm done trying to be Jesus to the world. I want to be real; not to display my sin for the world, but to acknowledge my sin to display His grace and forgiveness daily. To proclaim that reality to myself as well as the world. I want my life to focus on the glory of the cross and the steadfast love of the Lord displayed on Calvary.

I would like to invite you in to a very intimate, exciting 40 days. The women whom I work with in Masese are from the Karamojong tribe, who are located in northwestern Uganda. There are pockets of displaced Karamojong here in Jinja (Masese) as well as in Kampala, our capitol city. There are missionaries who work with them in those slums as well as many who are living in Karamoja. Recently, one of the missionaries up north felt called to pray for this people group in a very intentional way.

For the next 40 days we will be praying for the Karamojong people!

If you would like to be a part of this, there is a Facebook page found here where we will be updating prayer and praise requests for each team working alongside of the Karamojong people. We will be spending the next 40 days covering this tribe in prayer for each minute of the day. If you would like to sign up, you can do so here. I know there aren't many slots open still, but I would ask that you would still join us in praying.

Alongside of this request, I will go further. I cross this railroad track every time I enter Masese. Every time I cross this track, I know that the battle is already there. Satan is fighting for this community with alcoholism, rape, prostitution, greed, envy, murder, gossip, and every other form of evil you can imagine. But I'm reminded each time I enter that the battle has been won on the cross. Would you join me in praying for the souls of the men and women specifically in Masese, that they would stand in the victory of Jesus in the peace that He brings with the Father? My request is that any time you cross railroad tracks, see or hear a train, or go under a railroad trestle, you would stop and pray for these men and women walking in darkness.

Our prayer requests -- which will be prayed for in a few weeks in the 40 days of prayer -- are as followed

• Pray for the current sickness in Masese.  Upper respiratory illness is rampant during the dry season and sanitation conditions have seemingly digressed.
• Pray for the current land issues in the slum.  The government is implementing the first phase of developing the slum by creating roads which will knock down homes effecting hundreds of people.  The landowners in Masese fear that politicians will fail to compensate them for their lost property.  Renters fear that homes to rent will be scarce and increase in cost.  They are all asking that the government officials conduct this process openly and honestly.
• Pray for the NGO's in Masese.  Their is a competitive spirit among us which fails to evidence God's love and hinders the work of His Kingdom. Pray God brings one spirit, heart, mind and purpose to His people as we serve Masese.
• Pray for discipling efforts in Masese, especially among the Karimojong. Pray they would count the cost of following Jesus and consider it joy to lose their life for His sake.
• Pray for a Harvest in Masese.  Pray for disciples of Christ to proclaim the Gospel without shame and with perseverance.  Any Masese community member who is faithful to share the Gospel message in their churches or in public will almost certainly face persecution.
• Pray God builds His Church in Masese.  For God to assemble a community of faith that reveals His glory through authentic and practical love for Him and neighbor.

Thank you so much for standing with me in prayer!

It is such a joy to know that people are praying for His Church, His people, all over the world. It is such a joy to pray for my brothers and sisters who I will rejoice with in glory one day.