Opportunities to be a “VOICE in the Wilderness”

We pushed off at 7:00 a.m. this morning to join Scripture Union (SU) for their daily 8:00 a.m. devotions. Our Rav4 was loaded with thermoses of hot water, water and soda bottles, bananas, banana bread and more to be enjoyed during the Forgiveness Consultation meeting which followed devotions. As the Lord would have it, the passage shared for devotions was the first part of Luke 3 (John the Baptist’s ministry)…the very passage from which the name “VOICE Philippines” gained its meaning…a ministry to prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness of the schools. As if this was not enough, one of the SU staff commented that she thanked God that “Ruth and Laura heard and responded positively to God’s voice to come and bring the Values program to Uganda.”  How humbling.  

God continued to encourage us as we welcomed some 12 consultants, two of them school administrators who left their school workplace to join us. It felt like a reunion as we had not seen some for several months. Their attendance and interest confirmed yet again the urgency of this module on Forgiveness to give Biblical instructions that, in many ways, run counter to this culture so riddled with abuse, pain and revenge. 

As we worked through the Forgiveness lessons and chatted with some personally, especially during the SU provided lunch (matooke—boiled green bananas, peanut-fish sauce, boiled sweet potatoes, boiled bananas of another kind, chicken gizzards in gravy, bitter mini gourds, and shredded cabbage), other encouraging stories emerged. Three churches in the Eastern Region have implemented the VOICE program teaching the Truth module in schools. Another consultant shared how she is teaching the Truth module every other Saturday in her community and kids are coming by the dozens, especially “M”s. An SU worker from the north testified, “This Values program teaching of right and wrong is more effective than other school programs I have seen come and go simply because the Bible is the source.” 

The last small group (Secondary level consultants) finished up shortly after 3:00 p.m. and with warm handshakes or hugs, we parted ways. I think it’s safe to say that all of us rejoiced in the opportunity to be a voice in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord by teaching His standard of righteousness. What a privilege!