Stuff in the Closet

Stuff, stuff, stuff…I remember my Mother telling about a sermon she had heard by that title.  Even though only 4½ years have passed since our arrival here in Africa, we seem to have accumulated “stuff.”  One example was more than 40 copies of a book “Character and Values” given to us by our neighbor who had received them from a Short Termer she had hosted who also happened to be the author. Since it featured values, we accepted the books albeit with a bit of hesitation due to the fact that Ugandans are not a reading culture and that the book was written for the North American culture. With no immediate idea how to use them, we wrapped them in plastic and tucked them away in an upper shelf in our closet—that was a couple of years ago.  

As we began to make plans for the Training of Trainers, we remembered those books and decided that perhaps they might be appropriate for these Scripture Union Regional leaders. But how could we incorporate them in a meaningful way? While brainstorming for a good way to kick off the Sunday evening welcome session, I came up with a plan…praying that it would work.

That evening, using the author’s list of 30 good character traits, we took turns sharing the meaning of each trait and then in the format of an interactive game, we each matched one godly character for each participant.  This affirming exercise touched some participants deeply and became a personal challenge to others.  Those who arrived the next day quickly learned about the book and came for their copy…meaning that it had been appreciated. At our debrief, one of our own staff mentioned that activity as a highlight for himself as well as for the participants. What a privilege to have something to give which was so appreciated.  A double win-win because we also got rid of stuff in the closet!