Conversations with God

The sun sets early in Uganda, so it was already dusk as the worship night began. I didn't know the songs they sang or the words they spoke, but their heart was clear. They were worshipping Jesus. It wasn't long before the presence of God began to fill the small courtyard. Eyes were closed and hands were raised as the Lord came near to each person. Many of those present were young women, teenagers. Most have already lived hard lives. This is a different culture than the U.S.; affection between parent and child is rarely expressed. Before coming to the Pash's misson base, these girls may never have received a simple hug and the words "I love you" from a parent. Unsurprisingly, it's hard for them to recognize and accept the Father's love. But this evening, His love was being poured out. Worship continued for an hour or more. With each song, the students went deeper into the Lord's presence. As their hearts softened and self-consciousness...

I have been in Uganda, Africa for 1 week. I am staying with Dr. Cliff and Julie Pash, who have established several churches here through their ministry, Advancing the Kingdom. I have a little ministry experience - I have volunteered with a prayer house for over 6 years and have prayed for hundreds of people in that time. I have trained teachers in a children's ministry and led adult small groups. So when I came to Uganda, I planned to jump right in and help. I was extremely excited at the prospect of speaking to and praying for new people. But when I arrived in this new,  unfamiliar place, with customs and language I didn't understand, I found myself frozen with fear instead. I felt so intimidated, it was hard to leave my room the first day. I knew I had to step beyond this. But I didn't know how. Then one night, wide awake at 3:00 in the morning (thanks, jet lag!), the Lord began showing me something. The pictures of ministry I'd had in my mind were not...