The electrical power has been out all weekend here in Lira, and we have been eating, reading, singing and living by candlelight. The power of God, however, has been so evident in this place.
Saturday was indescribable. I just can't even begin to express the love I have for these people and the joy that serving here brings.
So our day in the field started out an hour late because Lira had run out of diesel gasoline, so then we had to wait to rent a truck that takes regular fuel. It was raining and the roads were muddy on the way to the camps, but we had learned at the end of the last rainy season to not be discouraged by the rain. Often, Ugandans will be very late because they don't like to get out in the rain and walk, or they simply just won't show up. But the rainy season is also so exciting because we never know what's going to happen on the days that we are out in the field. But one fact remains true: that these days always hold something unique and extraordinary.
All of our teachers were ready and waiting for us and about half of our students were there. So we got started while the rest of the students continued to drift in. My class is a little behind Bethany's class, so we started the day by reading "The Father's Love Letter" to the girls. Walter from Opeta had practiced and prepared and did such a great job reading it in Luo, while Wes softly played the guitar in the background. The girls had their heads down and eyes closed and were listening intently and soaking up God's promises. His presence filled the room as we offered an alter call for all of those who believed in God's promises and wanted a personal relationship with Jesus. Seven girls raised their hands that day and now have the Holy Spirit living in them and will spend eternity with Jesus... girls that more than likely have already been sexually active, may have an STD, and don't have any assurance that tomorrow will come for them. But they now have a hope and an assurance in Jesus. Please pray for the purity and spiritual growth of these girls, and for Bibles for each of them. Their names are:
Nighty, Ketty, Sarah, Dorkas, Scovia, Winny, and Vicky.
Thank ya'll, also, for the prayers for our teachers. They were on fire on Saturday - so creative and energetic. They will make better teachers for their people than we ever would. As Bethany described, a storm came with a vengeance halfway through the day. When the teachers couldn't be heard, my girls also began dancing and praising God, singing so loud as to outsing the rain, and I could imagine God basking in the praises of His people as He was flooding us with His presence. I think it was something similar to what heaven will be like. In the midst of all the varying souls God created, with some people bowing down in reverence while others raising their hands in worship, we will see the Africans jumping and smiling and dancing before the Lord with all their hearts.
Mari Anne
Saturday was indescribable. I just can't even begin to express the love I have for these people and the joy that serving here brings.
So our day in the field started out an hour late because Lira had run out of diesel gasoline, so then we had to wait to rent a truck that takes regular fuel. It was raining and the roads were muddy on the way to the camps, but we had learned at the end of the last rainy season to not be discouraged by the rain. Often, Ugandans will be very late because they don't like to get out in the rain and walk, or they simply just won't show up. But the rainy season is also so exciting because we never know what's going to happen on the days that we are out in the field. But one fact remains true: that these days always hold something unique and extraordinary.
All of our teachers were ready and waiting for us and about half of our students were there. So we got started while the rest of the students continued to drift in. My class is a little behind Bethany's class, so we started the day by reading "The Father's Love Letter" to the girls. Walter from Opeta had practiced and prepared and did such a great job reading it in Luo, while Wes softly played the guitar in the background. The girls had their heads down and eyes closed and were listening intently and soaking up God's promises. His presence filled the room as we offered an alter call for all of those who believed in God's promises and wanted a personal relationship with Jesus. Seven girls raised their hands that day and now have the Holy Spirit living in them and will spend eternity with Jesus... girls that more than likely have already been sexually active, may have an STD, and don't have any assurance that tomorrow will come for them. But they now have a hope and an assurance in Jesus. Please pray for the purity and spiritual growth of these girls, and for Bibles for each of them. Their names are:
Nighty, Ketty, Sarah, Dorkas, Scovia, Winny, and Vicky.
Thank ya'll, also, for the prayers for our teachers. They were on fire on Saturday - so creative and energetic. They will make better teachers for their people than we ever would. As Bethany described, a storm came with a vengeance halfway through the day. When the teachers couldn't be heard, my girls also began dancing and praising God, singing so loud as to outsing the rain, and I could imagine God basking in the praises of His people as He was flooding us with His presence. I think it was something similar to what heaven will be like. In the midst of all the varying souls God created, with some people bowing down in reverence while others raising their hands in worship, we will see the Africans jumping and smiling and dancing before the Lord with all their hearts.
Mari Anne
2 comments:
Oh my goodness MariAnne - I have goose bumps just reading this. Thank you so much for bringing me back to the big picture. I have to go and cry (for joy) now....
We can see a picture of what is going on there by your words. I love to read your emotion and description of the girls and how you feel. Thanks for caring about these girls and making a huge difference in their lives!!!
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