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!