Training Paying Eternal Dividends

Last May, we trained over 90 participants from 8 African nations to teach the VOICE Africa module on Forgiveness. Among the delegates were about 15 South Sudanese who were forced by circumstances to live in the Refugee Camps in Northern Uganda. As the training proceeded, I became more and more aware of the reality that the situations where I have had to practice the value of Forgiveness were so minuscule compared to what these refugees were wrestling with. Some had seen loved ones murdered, others had been badly mistreated by another tribe as they tried to make their way toward the Uganda border to the refugee camps, others were forced to be a “family” with people who daily mistreated them with no options to change the situation because the daily food ration (2 meals a day) is based on family groups…and many more similar stories. Who was I to teach them? We did our best but wondered if their experiences would allow them to actually teach the curriculum to fellow refugees.

This past Monday, Beth, our Ugandan friend and colleague, returned from another quick visit to another refugee camp with glowing stories of what God is doing through those we helped to train. She had almost no time to chat with me but simply said it’s marvelous what God is doing. They are so organized, passionate, intentional…and are being greatly blessed by God as shown by the testimonies they shared when she was with them. Only God! Praise Him!