A Father's love in Uganda

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 lessened,
Dr. Cliff began praying for them.

It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever witnessed.

He is a big man, towering over most of the girls. As he approached each one, he simply picked her up in a gentle bear hug.
Dr. Cliff is much taller
than the children 

As he held the girls in his arms, they lay their heads on his shoulder. Trusting and open, many began to cry.

As he set them down, they melted to the ground under the palpable love of their Father. He gently laid them down and went to the next one.

The heart of God for his daughters was so overwhelming all I could do was weep. I have never experienced such an open demonstration of the love of God.

After a while, Dr. Cliff beckoned me onto the prayer floor. He asked one of his daughters pray for me.

God's presence was strong as she prayed, and I soon slipped to the ground as well. The love of God swept over me like waves. My tears soaked the tarp laid over rough stones where I lay.

Under an open sky in a land thousands of miles from home, the Father melted my own heart. He met my fears and feelings of abandonment and rejection. Surrounded by voices singing songs in a language I couldn't understand, the Lord whispered promises of healing and restoration.

There were many things I expected for my trip to Uganda this summer. I expected to be challenged and changed, to teach and be taught.

What I didn't expect was a tangible encounter with the love I've longed for so deeply. When I think of that night, I can still feel the love He was pouring out so richly. It was an experience I'll never forget.





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