Day 3: Uganda
Worlds not so far apart
BY BOBBY FREEMAN, MISSIONS DIRECTOR
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
Morning came quickly, but everyone was excited for the day ahead. We didn’t really know what to expect. Our devotional from John 15 reminded us that we can do nothing apart from Jesus, a good place to begin, with open hands and hearts ready to see him. After breakfast, Joel greeted us, we loaded up, began our journeys in prayer again, and were off through Kampala toward Jinja!
The view out the window felt familiar: people along the roads, bodas (motorcycles) gathered at roundabouts, busy towns, and lush green countryside. Even the sounds and smells brought back memories of earlier visits. I’m thankful to be here again.
In Jinja, Garrett and Courtney’s crew visited The Amazima School, catching up with friends and putting faces to relationships built through letters. Coco got to spend time with her pen pal in person! Worlds weren’t quite so far apart this morning.
We all met for lunch at The Hangout. There were hugs, laughter, travel stories, and relief at finally being together. After lunch, we joined Sam and Ms. Suzi’s team for devotions with parents and caregivers in their sickle cell ministry. Each Monday brings a different group of roughly 20-40 caregivers for Bible teaching and their children’s monthly medical check-in. We were grateful to sit with them and begin learning about this part of the Davis’ work.
Ms. Suzi then took Garrett, Courtney, and Adrienne to an orthopedic clinic to meet doctors and staff interested in getting involved with the ministry. Sam took the rest of us to our lodging on the banks of Lake Victoria. We unloaded, settled in, and eventually gathered with everyone to sort supplies, talk through Tuesday’s plans, and enjoy dinner together.
The boys threw the frisbee, pointed out the swarming yellow-billed kites overhead, chased geckos across the patio, awed at giant fruit bats in the sky, scooped up toads the size of baseballs, and found a snail as big as Charlie’s hand! It’s all happening here and we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now.
God at work:
This has been a busy season, and we’re feeling it. Even here, we’re following our Scotland team’s travels home and keeping up with preparations for November’s Kenya trip. John 15 was a timely reminder for me to stay close to Jesus as we give our attention to the people right in front of us. Sam shared how hard it can be to find community here, and how life-giving time together is for him and his team. Between that conversation, being reunited with the Davis', and receiving a few notes from home, we’re reminded of the gift it is to have people walking alongside us. You’re part of that gift, and we’re thankful for you.
prayer requests:
Rest and stamina as we settle into the week, and for Adrienne to feel better
The children living with sickle cell disease, their caregivers, and the team faithfully serving them
Our time together would encourage Sam, Ms. Suzi, and the team
Ask Jesus to help us abide in him, pay attention, and remain open to what he wants to show us this week