Only God…

It was only a few days before the SEND Canada Director, Mag’s arrival in Uganda that Laura and I began to realize we were witnessing another startling example of God’s perfect timing. The date for the Scripture Union VOICE Africa Curriculum Celebration and Thanksgiving was set months ago in cooperation with Scripture Union leadership. We viewed it as sort of a climax of our time here—an opportunity to celebrate with and give thanks to those who had worked with us to accomplish the goal of developing and publishing six Biblical values modules on three levels. Even more importantly, we wanted to use it as an opportunity to praise God together for this achievement. With that date set, we began making plans and inviting the participants

Totally separate from those plans (so we thought), we began to learn that Mags indeed was serious about his desire to come and visit us before we leave Africa. Due to several unanticipated events, Mags had to change the dates for his visit, so that in the end it was barely a week before his arrival that all was confirmed. With each change of plans, Laura readjusted the proposed schedule of how he could spend his time in a meaningful and worthwhile way. It was only when all was confirmed that we realized he would be here for the celebration…and then it dawned on us just how appropriate that was.

As you probably know, SEND does not work in Africa and so back in 2009 when God first called Laura and me to this continent, we realized it might mean that we would have to change missions. However, several weeks after we sensed God’s calling, Mags (and another colleague) arrived in the Philippines to speak at our Annual Philippine Conference. During that conference, we invited him and friend to come to our home for a meal, which they graciously accepted. During that meal, we hesitantly shared with them this “strange” calling; we had no idea how they would react to that news. Immediately our dinner guests encouraged us to move ahead and assured us of their support. Mags’ willingness to go beyond the norm was such an encouragement to us and indeed he kept his word. So, humanly speaking, he and colleague were the instruments God used to allow us to serve in Africa and still remain under SEND.

Now, more than eight years later, God perfectly arranged it so that Mags could be here to celebrate with us the completion of what we felt God called us to do and witness a little of the impact the curriculum and program are making. We had previously arranged for someone else to share the devotions during that event, but they graciously offered to give that opportunity to Mags once they knew of his arrival. His participation in this significant event truly increased its value to us and to the others who attended. Once again, we shake our heads in amazement as we remind ourselves of the truth we know so well in our heads but so easily forget—God is indeed sovereign! Praise His holy name!