Protection—Not to be Taken for Granted

When Laura and I first visited Uganda back in 2010, I (Ruth) looked at the traffic patterns and decided I would not drive in this country. The Philippines is quite chaotic too…but somehow Uganda seemed to be one step closer to certain disaster! To this date I have not regretted my decision. Laura, who can hardly fathom life without a driver’s license, has done amazingly well…but it didn’t take too many months of driving before she was discussing with me the possibility of hiring a full-time driver. Fred, who drove for another WorldVenture missionary, has been such a blessing as our driver and errand boy and packer and carrier of heavy boxes and navigating all of the short-cuts to get around traffic jams as best as possible…usually with absolute calmness despite how many cut in front of him, turn suddenly or make any other foolish moves.

However skillful Fred is, we all are reminded often that God's protection is so needed. Never do we leave the compound with Fred in the driver’s seat without taking time to pray for God’s hand of protection. And usually as we enter the gate upon returning, a prayer of thankfulness is heard from one of our lips. The past little while, I’ve been reminded again that praying for safety and protection is not just a “habit”…we NEED God’s intervention. One recent morning, very soon after leaving our home, a boda-boda (motorcycle that serves as public transportation…who are notorious for driving dangerously) brushed the car as he passed while we were pulling into traffic. Fred stopped and got out to talk with the driver; it seems the passenger’s shoe rubbed again the car. Praise God they didn’t tip over and no one was hurt…but way too close for comfort. This morning as we came out from the post office, a bicycle went in front us—Fred estimates there was one inch between us and the driver who didn’t even seem to notice…both of us shivered to think of what almost happened. And soon after that, a pedestrian stepped out in front of us but fortunately we also missed hitting him. Thank you, God, for your protection in so many different ways and times…more than we are aware of, I’m sure. And thank you, prayer partners, for upholding us before the Almighty God who alone is able to protect us as we make our way around this country where traffic laws are on paper…but seldom followed!