I remember on one of my first trips to Uganda learning about the Ministry of Presence. The power of human presence on the mission field to sit and listen to heart-wrenching stories from total strangers, to endure laughter as I failed miserably at attempting to learn the Samia language and keep my emotions in check as I look into the eyes of a desperate mother holding her starving infant and looking to me for help.
I have also witnessed pure joy in the eyes of African children as they worship and praise God without inhibitions. One memory forever tattooed on my heart is the smile of gratitude on a small child's face as she walked barefoot in her tattered clothing to place the family offering of two eggs in the offering plate during a Sunday morning worship service.
The Ministry of Presence is overwhelming at times and some days are more difficult than others. Several times I have reminded God that I am not qualified for this kind of ministry! On the more difficult days it is tempting to put up a wall and harden my heart to all the grief and suffering surrounding me. This is a constant struggle for me in Africa.
Then I think about the unbearable pain Jesus suffered for me and how His Ministry of Presence is alive and there to guide me through each encounter. It is in those moments of obedience when I experience the authentic Ministry of Presence.
I have seen God do remarkable things when I "let go and let God". People who turned from the deception of Islam to an eternal hope in Christ. Young adults who are eager to disciple the next generation of Ugandans and new believers hungry for The Word. What a blessing to see lives changed and hope replace despair.
If being unqualified rings true in your life, this ministry is for you.
Opportunities to serve in Uganda in 2015:
January 21 - 31, 2015
March 14 - 28, 2015 - Uganda Medical Clinic Grand Opening
April 2 - 11, 2015
May 24 - June 3, 2015
June 21 - July 3, 2015
July 18 - July 29, 2015
Internships available upon request. Check out www.helpinghandsmissions.org for frequent updates and new trip postings. Customized trips and dates also available upon request.
I have also witnessed pure joy in the eyes of African children as they worship and praise God without inhibitions. One memory forever tattooed on my heart is the smile of gratitude on a small child's face as she walked barefoot in her tattered clothing to place the family offering of two eggs in the offering plate during a Sunday morning worship service.
The Ministry of Presence is overwhelming at times and some days are more difficult than others. Several times I have reminded God that I am not qualified for this kind of ministry! On the more difficult days it is tempting to put up a wall and harden my heart to all the grief and suffering surrounding me. This is a constant struggle for me in Africa.
Then I think about the unbearable pain Jesus suffered for me and how His Ministry of Presence is alive and there to guide me through each encounter. It is in those moments of obedience when I experience the authentic Ministry of Presence.
I have seen God do remarkable things when I "let go and let God". People who turned from the deception of Islam to an eternal hope in Christ. Young adults who are eager to disciple the next generation of Ugandans and new believers hungry for The Word. What a blessing to see lives changed and hope replace despair.
If being unqualified rings true in your life, this ministry is for you.
Opportunities to serve in Uganda in 2015:
January 21 - 31, 2015
March 14 - 28, 2015 - Uganda Medical Clinic Grand Opening
April 2 - 11, 2015
May 24 - June 3, 2015
June 21 - July 3, 2015
July 18 - July 29, 2015
Internships available upon request. Check out www.helpinghandsmissions.org for frequent updates and new trip postings. Customized trips and dates also available upon request.
