Monday, April 21, 2008

"Long Live GRI!"


Barrio in this local language means 'Land of Giraffes.' Oh how I wish that every time we drove into this beautiful village we would experience giraffes crossing the dirt road, but not anymore. The elderly people in the village say they can remember when giraffes and many wild animals lived in that area, but now do to farming they are no longer in that area. Okay so that was a side note.

Barrio camp/village is an amazing place. This was my first time to visit an HIV Vulnerable Group there since returning from America. I was brought to tears as we approached the church where we meet and our vehicle was swarmed with people singing. It was one of the warmest welcomes I have ever received in my life! First of all, my heart leaps every single day when I hear Ugandans praising the Lord in thier local language and dancing like there is no tomorrow! But in this instance these people seemingly have no reason to dance and sing. They are HIV positive and have been given a death sentence. Yet, they love to praise Jesus. Their hope is truly in heaven! We have 260 men, women and children registered with our HIV program in Barrio. WHOA! And each month more people are getting tested and joining.


The chairman, pictured above, of this group in Barrio got up to do his incredibly formal welcoming speech and started it by saying "long live GRI." The people all hollared and cheered. Thank you for supporting our work here! It is reaching those people who are hurting and desperately needing the hope of Jesus Christ!


After many formal introductions it was my turn to speak, as the guest of honor. Once again my eyes filled with tears as we talked about having courage to press on. We discussed Joshua 1:9. God commands us to be strong and of good courage because he will never leave us. As the group contemplated this verse many said they could press on courageously, knowing their promises for heaven. We laughed and praised God as we talked about having new bodies, free from disease in heaven. What amazing promises God has given us!!


I then was able to give out 4 blankets to babies born in the past few months. We prayed for the babies.


I love these groups and believe so strongly in what God is doing through GRI here in Uganda! Please keep praying and giving!


Much love,


Shaunessy

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