This month I finished up my doctors appointments, my visits with friends and family, and I said my goodbyes. I also got to go to the Calvary Chapel Missions Conference in California. What a blessing! One of my roommates was Natasha, a beautiful sister from Russia who is doing her internship at the FRM office and preparing to move to Kenya. I love how God calls us out of different areas and circumstances and strategically places us around the world, all according to His perfect design. At the missions conference I was encouraged to press on, reminded of the thousands of others fighting on the front lines of distant lands. It was like an eye-opener to see all of the other soldiers on different battle fronts, all of us unaware of the others, but all fighting in the strength of the Lord with a common goal. As Peter says to the believers in regard to our enemy: “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Pet. 5:9) We are going through the same things, the same trials and the same joys as people are getting saved. It is easier to resist the enemy when we know we are not alone in our resistance. This knowledge blessed me and gave me renewed strength and vision.
When you receive this I will be back home in Uganda, back with my team and the people I love so dearly in Kitgum. My heart has ached being away from them, but it has swelled as I have seen the loved ones and been showered with blessings from my American brethren and co-laborers. The missionary life is a life of goodbyes, but more than that it Is a life that will allow a thousand hellos on the other side of eternity, with no more goodbyes. Until then I want to run well. The theme of the missions conference was “Till the Whole World Hears”, and I pray that this is the theme of my life and yours as well. Times are perilous, and it is so evident that Jesus is returning soon.
The Middle East is up in arms, but He is on His Throne. We have a failing economy, but we serve the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. We may face persecution or even death, but we have a heavenly home that no one can rob and an eternity to revel in the victories He wins. The crushing we experience in the meantime will only bring Him more glory and us more joy on that glorious day.
Prayer Requests: