Coming to Africa for the summer seems like a long time. Before I get here, it feels like I will have plenty of time. In reality, the summer is not very long. I don't have plenty of time. I think back to last summer in Sierra Leone, and although it was good and I believe God used my time there to touch people's lives, the work has stopped. There was no one in Mokanji to continue the children's Bible study. It was some time before someone went there and was willing to help tutor the kids at Hope's Rising Children's Home. I desperately wish there was someone who would've been able to continue ministering to those children everyday.
It's about half way through my time here in Uganda and I can't help but think... have I or will I actually accomplish anything this summer?
The truth is lasting change doesn't come from short term mission trips like this. Lasting change comes from the people who are living here, building relationships, discipling, and training people. People who are trusting God to use them so that others may know Christ. I'm not saying God cannot use people like me who are only able to be here for a short time. If I believed that I would not have come. However, because time is short we have to consider how to best use the gifts and opportunity God has given us. Yes, teaching and loving the kids has been great, but what I have really enjoyed is the opportunity to help Lokwii and Jennifer learn how to organize, plan, and teach.
I am so incredibly grateful to know the Fulks and other people who have committed many years to work with the Karamajong. I am grateful for Briana, who although is only in Kampala a few more months, is continuing to follow Jesus in establishing this school. I am thankful for Ugandans like Lokwii and Jennifer, who want to join in what God is doing among the Karamajong and want to continue teaching the children in Kisenji once Bri and I are gone.
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