Tim
When we were living in Uganda, our family hiked up to Sipi Falls - three huge “bridal veil” waterfalls flowing down Mt. Elgon. On one side was lush tropical vegetation - gardens of banana and coffee trees. On the other side was an amazing sunset over the vast, dry plains of the Karamojong — a warrior tribe who don’t know Jesus. It was a picture of God’s grace and love pouring down from heaven into our dry hearts to produce gardens and fruit that will last forever. All I could do was lift my hands and sing “How Great Thou Art!”
SAY TO GOD: “HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!”
A satanic rebel group abducted 50,000 children to fight in their war. God called me to provide spiritual support for 250 youth who had undergone horrific experiences as child soldiers. It was incredible to see the transformation in their lives as they grasped God as a loving Father and who they are in Christ. God also called me to mentor individual young men - including a former child soldier who is now the director of the Freedom Boys Ministry, which rescues boys living on the streets. Meeting real needs like this makes me feel alive and energized with purpose and meaning!
SAY TO GOD: “MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
It was a very dark time. The organization we worked with for 9 years imploded. Then they lied to us, falsely accused us, and slandered us. It was absolutely devastating. Everything I had worked for seemed to come crashing down. Our daughter had visions of Jesus holding her hand, walking and talking with her. She was standing with Jesus by my bedside where I was crying. She asked Him, “When are you going to help my dad and direct him?” Jesus responded: “Don’t worry. I have a plan for him.” And He did!
SAY TO GOD: “GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD!”
Miriam lived next to us in Uganda with distant relatives who treated her like a slave. She was forced to sleep in the latrine, couldn’t go to school, and could only eat the leftover scraps. When her family threatened to kill her, she came to us for help, and we took her in. By God’s grace, she persevered through many dark days. She graduated from a Christian university, got married, works for a missions agency, and is now expecting a child. She chose to forgive the family who treated her so badly and now has a close relationship with them.
SAY TO GOD: “DELIVER US FROM EVIL!”