Hey Africa, Asia, and North America

“May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.
May the nations be glad and sing for joy….”
Psalm 67:3, 4

A couple of weeks ago we realized we must confirm plans for one more visit with the Chinese young man God had brought into our lives…first when we visited his country and then when he came to Uganda to work. His place of work is almost 2 hours from where we live so times for face to face connecting have not been too frequent. We learned he was returning home while we are away for our mid-term deputation trip. Sunday, the 26 of July was set. He’s such a “people person” that he asked if he could bring 3 Ugandan friends with him, and we also invited an Indian friend, Jasper, from church who also knows him. So, Ruth and I worked on an after-church menu we felt we could manage and then prepared most of the food and set the table before leaving for Bible Study (Sunday School) and church. Our Chinese friend and two of his friends joined us for church to hear a great missions sermon. Six of us arrived home in two cars at around 2:00 PM (our normal time) and our 7^th guest arrived fairly soon after. As we chatted during our lunch of chili, rice, chicken and green salad, we realized that we had 5 nations represented around the table. How amazing to hear/see how our God has drawn us to the Cross and connected us as brothers and sisters through His Son.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t linger too long following lunch, but our enthusiastic and technically connected Chinese friend wanted us to see a video clip he had just received from his colleague on God the Father’s tender love for those He created and how He desires all to become His children. Can you picture all 7 of us huddled watching/listening to a little mobile phone screen? Tears came to some of our eyes as we heard once again of God’s amazing and tender love. Then our Chinese friend’s driver, Ben, volunteered to lead us in prayer which particularly focused on Ruth and me—how humbling! The inevitable “farewells” came with warm handshakes and hugs…and a few more pictures. How great is our God to connect us once again and give us that assurance that we will yet see each other if not here on earth, then around Christ’s throne, giving praise and honor to our Heavenly Father Who loves all the nations!

Uncle Ben and the Stars

[Explanatory note: Uganda leads East African countries in alcohol consumption, is 3^rd in Africa and 8^th in the world. Many families make alcohol and sell it as a way of eking out a living. The children, of course, in these homes and neighbourhoods are introduced to alcohol early in life; many become addicted in their teens; and sadly some drop-out of school because of alcohol. It’s commonly believed that once a person is addicted, their life is ruined and without hope. Our curriculum committee advised that we teach children to say “no” to that first taste of alcohol. However, we must offer hope to the many, who have already had their first taste…and many more, some of whom are already addicted. They want a story to warn students of the danger, but also give hope to students experiencing the consequences—a story of an African who indeed “ruined” his life due to alcoholism, but through faith in Jesus Christ was freed and went on to live a useful and full life. After several unsuccessful attempts, we finally made an appointment to interview a certain “Uncle Ben” immediately following the Pastors’ Breakfast. He’s a retired pastor who is still actively involved in  Christian ministry, including schools.]

Today three of us sat together and listened to Uncle Ben’s story. Let me try and summarize.

I was born into a polygamous family, he began. I was the son of my father’s first wife.  My grandfather had given many cows to my mother so it became my lot to look after the cows. Because of cattle thieves, we had to stay with the cattle day and night. In the evening the flies would descend and bite. We would light fires and the smoke would give us some relief from the flies. There I would sit around the fire and look up into the sky. I was so fascinated by the stars. As the cows would settle down for the night, I would pillow my head in one of the gentle cows and dream of the starry hosts above. I grew to love the cows and the heavens. Unfortunately my surroundings (full of alcohol) and my personal choices led me down wrong paths and I ended up as a high school drop-out and even worse, as a homeless teenager, living and sleeping on the streets hopelessly addicted to alcohol. One day as I was walking, God showed me who I really was. It was like I was looking in a giant mirror and I saw my disheveled self, the lice in my hair and on my skin, my filthy overcoat. I smelled my body stench from not bathing for weeks. Worst of all I saw how utterly corrupt I was inside. It was as if God said “Do you want to live or die?” I answered immediately “I want to live.” Somehow I knew I had to go home to my mother. This was the beginning of transformation and God delivering me from alcohol and tobacco. And best of all I got to know personally the One Who created the stars in the heavens!

Going Bananas In Uganda

Banana bread, or banana cake as it is called here…if we had a dime for every loaf we’ve baked both in the Philippines and here… But we do enjoy the obvious delight of every Ugandan who has tasted it—so far without exception…at least it’s something we as bumbling foreigners can do! Every now and then, we take a couple of loaves with us to Scripture Union to distribute to the staff right after their daily devotions—and never have we returned home with even a crumb! Apparently Dickens, the Scripture Union National Director, has taken some home with him. His wife, Nora, bakes cakes to supplement their income and she has tried unsuccessfully to duplicate “our” banana bread and so a request had been verbalized to please come to their home and teach her how to make it. Ruth is more of a baker than I…but she’s keeping her nose to the grind at the computer working on curriculum. So, today since other errands took me to that part of the city, I paused from VOICE work to spend some time with Nora in her kitchen. I took with me pans, cooling racks, measuring cups, wooden spoons, ingredients, and a copy of our simple recipe. We chatted away as we mixed up the batter and then put all three loaves into the beautiful oven that was given to Nora more than a year ago. While the bread baked, we shared together. I was amazed to hear her testimony, being one of twenty-one children! Then we shared prayer requests—what a delight to pray for her four precious children and have her pray for me. Soon the timer rang and we checked our three loaves. Save for burning slightly on the bottom, the three loaves turned out superbly. Just to make sure, soon after two little girls arrived from school, we cut into the banana bread and the smiles and requests for another slice left little doubt of the success of our baking. Thank you, Lord, for drawing people to Yourself in such amazing ways and for the delightful change!