Hospitality as a Ministry

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” Romans 12:10-14

As you may know, almost 8 years ago, we came to Uganda for the very first time. Toward the end of our 3-week vision trip, we stayed with a missionary Ruth’s home church supported. She put us up in her two self-contained comfortable guest rooms which were in the back of the main house and which sat in a beautiful compound abounding with trees, plants, flowers, birds, butterflies, and so much more. It was during those few days, that we dared to say a committed “yes” to God’s call to Uganda; we were convinced that indeed it was His will. As we began to process what all that meant, we both remember saying to one another, as we sat in those guest rooms, wouldn’t it be nice if we could find a place this nice to live. However, others helped us be more realistic in our expectations, explaining that such places were extremely rare in Kampala. Fast forward to 4½ years ago, when we returned to indeed make Uganda our home. Upon arrival, we were picked up by a driver (who eventually became our much-appreciated ministry driver) and went directly to our fully furnished home, complete with linens, dishes…everything and slept in prepared beds (thanks to our then neighbor). The house we slept in also had two self-contained guest rooms in the back…you’ve guessed by now, that in fact we are in that very house! Only God could have put all that together.

With this wonderful gift also has come opportunities to share our blessing with others; hospitality has been part of our ministry here. Now and then a week will pass without anyone staying in those guest rooms, but week by week we have people spending time in our living room and around our table. This past week was no exception. Four different people enjoyed the beds during 5 of 6 nights and more than 20 people shared various meals with us, some multiple times. Mixed in with that was baking a yeast bread, two kinds of cookies, brownies, and 3 loaves of banana bread—all to bless others. But no one can ever out give God! One loaf of banana bread went to a help a single guy who serves as a volunteer getting VOICE’s inventory “up to snuff” celebrate his birthday. He showered his thanks when Laura gave it to him and then later called each of us individually to again express his gratitude! In another case, not only does the person who receives the baking express her appreciation, even her friend in the Philippines writes to thank us for our hospitality! Those words recorded in Scripture “it is more blessed to give than to receive” are proven true over and over again. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to offer hospitality and also for all those who faithfully support us through prayer and finances which enable us to share God's provisions with others.