It Wasn't What I Expected

Arriving at the orphanage (Uganda Jesus Village) it was a striking contrast to my expectations to encounter the faces of children who had endured incredible pain to be exploding with beautiful smiles and laughter. This wasn’t what I had expected. We all know the images of African children; their faces tell the story – parentless, abandoned, without food and water; without hope. – But that’s not what we found. And as I soon learned more about these precious children, I discovered that the source of their joy was simply because, in spite of everything that had become their harsh reality, they understand the simple fact that Jesus still died on a cross and saved them from their sins. It was amazing. In spite of their living conditions being very, very difficult, they were yet grateful that Jesus gave them a new life, which gave them hope. In the midst lacking the most basic necessity’s, their hearts contained an abundance of faith and passion for God.

All of this caused me to think about my own life. Compared to these precious children, we have so much and yet we often have grumpy hearts. “Oh, God, but it isn’t fair, I want a better car, I want a bigger house, I want my boss to give me a raise, I want the sun and not rain, and then, oh, it’s too hot, send rain, etc…” In Africa, they have war, they have lack of food, they have so little medical resources, (people die of tetanus from a simple scrape on the knee, women and babies die in childbirth, people die from diarrhea. And at the Iris Ministries in Sudan (another stop on our trip), there are no showers or electricity, yet they too seem to have a lot more than most of us on this side of the planet. In the face of very difficult conditions they somehow have a grateful heart for all God has done. They start shouting and dancing when the moon comes out (in Sudan it only comes out for 15 days) to worship God who created the moon, God that provides.

I thought going to Africa meant I would offer the people there something from my abundance, but in reality I received so much more. God is moving in Africa and I am sure that one day they will be sending missionaries to all parts of the world to spread the Good News. One thing I learned for sure, the Gospel is definitely not about how much stuff we have, it’s about embracing and enjoying a new life that only Jesus can give. It’s awesome!!!