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!