A Leap of Faith in Eastern Uganda

I know it has been a while since I sent an update. The last few weeks have been exactly what God wanted them to be.

Honoring Faithful Servants

This past week, we had the privilege of visiting with missionaries who are leaving Uganda

after many years of faithful service. What an honor and joy to witness the love, compassion, and commitment they've demonstrated in the midst of life's harshest moments.

Adjusting to Life Together

Our family has faced some sickness as we adjust to living together in community. This past weekend, we had the joy of hosting several young adults, including Godson, Jireh, and Nisse.

I was blessed to go on what I call a "mom-son date" with Godson. He was so nervous about where to take me and wanted everything to be perfect. These outings are opportunities to build personal connections and create safe spaces for sharing fears and concerns. It was beautiful as he took me to his neighborhood, and we shared a meal together, exchanging funny stories and memories while both experiencing new things together.

When Jireh and Nisse joined us at the home, we filled the night with dances, music, and prayer. (Jireh saw a large cockroach and decided not to sleep but pray instead!)

Divine Appointments

While walking with Godson, a lovely missionary who has served this area for 17 years stopped us and invited us to their church services. We hope to meet for tea soon and visit the village where she works locally.

Something Missing

During this time, Shammah and I had been praying and discussing our ministry work. I shared with him how I love everything we're doing and see God's hand in our conversations, connections, and sharing. Yet I felt something was missing.

Journey to the Village

We had planned a trip to the village outside Soroti where I had visited last year. The school buildings have been completed, the teachers need encouragement, and the student body has nearly doubled in size.

We boarded a bus at midnight Sunday night—an experience hard to capture in writing. I obviously stand out in the crowd, and this isn't a common way for a mazungu (foreigner) to travel. We rode through the night, attempting to sleep but managing only an hour or two.

We arrived at 6 a.m. while it was still dark. The driver who was supposed to meet us was still asleep, so we walked the streets looking for a safe place to sit and have some African tea. At 9 a.m., we loaded into the car and headed another hour and a half into the bush areas.

We stopped along the way at the granite boulders that stand out in this flat region. The beauty of the huts and people we saw along the path opened my heart to life here. I spent time praying and simply breathing in the beauty of what God has created.

Reunion and Ministry

After resting a few hours while logistics were handled at the school, I was reunited with those we had shared with and loved the year before. Hugs and joy filled the place as we rejoiced in being together again.

I shared from John 15 with the teachers and leaders about abiding in the vine and the outflow of life that enables us to love others as He has loved us. Then I shared with the children in assembly. We had an adventurous imaginary boat ride with Jesus, screaming that we were all going to die because the storm was too strong—until Jesus spoke peace into the storm when we called on Him. We all practiced calling on Jesus.

The greatest laughs came when the teachers played games in front of the students! Oh, how I love working with the kids.

I was taken back to my "hut" where I had stayed the year before and spent time with the family before making the drive back to Soroti.

A Night of Reflection

Shammah and I found a guesthouse for the night and a restaurant where I could get some chicken biryani (a welcome change from rice and beans). While sitting there, we reflected on the day's ministry and challenged the beliefs we often lean into to protect ourselves from hurt and harm. As we talked, a huge fireworks display lit up the distant night sky.

The Mountain Vision

Shammah was eager to leave the next morning because we were headed to a region on the east side of Uganda, close to the border of Kenya. We had been praying about where God wanted to plant us, knowing our current home is a temporary location while I get settled in the country before starting trainings. The Lord had placed this region on our hearts.

The home and family situation are perfect for the ministry we're doing. The location is ideal not only for work in Uganda but also in Kenya and possibly Tanzania. We had the grace of meeting and enjoying time with the neighbors as well.

As we approached the city, I could see mountains in the distance, and my heart was captured by the beauty and majesty. I thanked God for allowing me to see nature in its raw form.

Then Shammah surprised me. He said he had something special to share but had failed to find words to express how important it was. We drove all the way around the mountain, past four waterfalls, and up to the top overlooking the valleys below.

Standing on the Edge

As we approached the edge of the mountain, standing on a boulder, my heart flooded with emotion.

Earlier this year, God had given me a vision of standing on a mountain edge. He stretched out His hand and said, "Take my hand. Let's jump." He was inviting me to let go of everything I knew and held dear and to follow Him, trusting Him with my life as I free-fall into all He has for me.

I was standing in the very spot God had shown me.

Oh, the flood of wonder and emotion! The confirmation that God has me right where He wants me to be. My heart raced, and I was humbled as I looked over the valleys, saying, "God, how? What can I do? How can You use me? This is way bigger than me."

I cried for the people, prayed, rejoiced, and sat still before the Lord for a few hours.

Then I was reminded of the scripture: "If you have faith as a mustard seed, God can move mountains." I had a revelation about mountains and the awe and wonder of God.

I know this God who sees, hears, and loves His people. He longs that none should perish and all should have life—not my kind of life, but the Zoe God-kind of life. He wants to meet people where they are.

Our Leap of Faith

Can you join with us as we obey God and take a leap of faith to move to this remote area? We want to work not only with the local people but also to start trainings for those in Uganda, Kenya, and other regions where God is leading us.

Our Needs:

• Three months of housing funds (we plan to move at the end of December)

• Transition funds (the new location is four hours from where we currently live)

• A motorcycle for transportation ($1,600 plus registration and taxes)

• Funds for daily living and ministry with children

Will you pray with us and ask God what part He may have you play in supporting this work in Eastern Uganda and the surrounding regions?

I've limited some information to protect the villages we're working in, as people have sometimes abused and misused the beauty and simple ways of life these communities hold.

Connect With Us

Please feel free to set up times to call or chat via WhatsApp. I would love to share more and join together in prayer as we move forward into this remote and unreached area.

Visit our website to see how you can be involved: MomAfrica.com/donate

Thank you for standing with us in this journey. Your prayers and support make this work possible.