It is said that when God is in the middle of something just step back and watch Him move on your behalf. This is what I have done in the past week, and I must say that no man can do what God can in such a short period of time.
Let me go back to March of last year when I received a call from Rich. He called to say he and his wife were moving to the Whittier area and they lived in Hesperia. I told him I live in Hesperia too. After talking for awhile he told me his wife Lisa was a Preschool teacher.
In the weeks to follow Lisa and I met at IHOP in Hesperia for breakfast and an interview for KidZone. We hit off immediately and I knew she was the perfect fit for our school.
Fast forward.... in June Manny and I felt it was time for a change. Since I work for a Foursquare Church I really wanted my Church home to be the same. I felt God calling me to make the change. It was a strange thing because I enjoyed where I was but I didn't sense the ministry doors opening there.
We started attending New Life and it has felt like home from the very beginning.
Last Sunday Pastor Bill mentioned he was going to Uganda next year. That's all it took and I was there in my mind. I started remembering when Pastor Fox said to me in 2001 that I should go to Africa. And so the journey begins.
Last Sunday night I told Pastor Bill I was interested in missions and going to Uganda. He gave me a contact person Laurie Dickenson and we started emailing. Immediately I knew I wanted to be a part of helping the orphans in Budaka, Uganda.
During the week I emailed Pastor Terry to get his input. On Friday, we spoke and he gave the green light. As I mentioned it to the teachers at work they caught the vision and Lisa said she wanted to go. Actually most of the teachers want to go so I can see a long term friendship with Uganda's Cornerstone Ministries forming before my eyes.
As I mentioned when God moves sometimes it is slowly and sometimes it if before our eyes. In one week God has allowed all of this to come together.
During one of my emails with Laurie she asked if KidZone would like to be a "sister" school. This is such an answer to my prayer for a long term missions focus for the Preschool.
So now I wait on God to send us to Uganda and I know it will be His perfect timing.
My heart is full and I am excited to watch God use the daughter of a bartender and the granddaughter of a bootlegger touch the lives in a land faraway. This week I looked at my birth certificate and smiled for that is what it said, my fathers occupation was when I was born, a bartender at a tavern.
God is so good, that bartender accepted Christ as his Savior and is in heaven enjoying the greatest gift of all, eternal life!
That is my prayer for many, that the kingdom of God will increase! All glory to God!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
The Mission Field-Uganda Is Calling!
So, what do I know about Uganda? Not much. When I was young my Great Grandfather gave me an African sculpture. I think is from the Masai tribe but I don't know very many details except he was connected to missionaries in Tanzania.
Ever since I was a young girl I had a fascination and calling to the mission field. At times I wonder if it could be a result of Grandpa's prayers for his children and grandchildren.
One of my memories is of when I was about nine and I was standing in the foyer of the Nazarene Church. There was a missionary and they had posters and a slide presentation. I was drawn to the display almost as if I was in a trance. I couldn't shake it, my heart melted for these people.
For the past two years Manny and I have been supporting the Watoto Ministries. We both felt a need to provide for the people of Uganda.
As the years have gone by I have had this hidden desire to go to the mission field. It is something that I can't not deny, it is a part of who God created me to be.
In fact, it was on a mission trip that I fell in love with Manny and he with me.
For the last two years I have been talking about raising funds for a well for the children in Africa. It has been my heart's desire to have the preschool sow into the lives of children less fortunate than themselves.
This morning in Church Pastor Bill announced he was going to Uganda and asked if anyone wanted to go. My heart leaped in my chest, and I looked over at Manny and said "I want to go." It wasn't really I want to go, it was more like I have to go. So for the rest of the day that is all I could think about.
So, now I lay it before the Lord and ask for direction. I made my list and I am seriously going to figure out what direction God has for me.
I have a vision for the Preschool to focus on a missions project each year. So far, we have been able to give shoes to Haiti, a love offering to Japan and many local causes.
Now I pray we can build a well or do something for the children of Uganda. My heart is consumed with this thought and I know it is from the Lord.
Now, I need to step back and breathe....
Ever since I was a young girl I had a fascination and calling to the mission field. At times I wonder if it could be a result of Grandpa's prayers for his children and grandchildren.
One of my memories is of when I was about nine and I was standing in the foyer of the Nazarene Church. There was a missionary and they had posters and a slide presentation. I was drawn to the display almost as if I was in a trance. I couldn't shake it, my heart melted for these people.
For the past two years Manny and I have been supporting the Watoto Ministries. We both felt a need to provide for the people of Uganda.
As the years have gone by I have had this hidden desire to go to the mission field. It is something that I can't not deny, it is a part of who God created me to be.
In fact, it was on a mission trip that I fell in love with Manny and he with me.
For the last two years I have been talking about raising funds for a well for the children in Africa. It has been my heart's desire to have the preschool sow into the lives of children less fortunate than themselves.
This morning in Church Pastor Bill announced he was going to Uganda and asked if anyone wanted to go. My heart leaped in my chest, and I looked over at Manny and said "I want to go." It wasn't really I want to go, it was more like I have to go. So for the rest of the day that is all I could think about.
So, now I lay it before the Lord and ask for direction. I made my list and I am seriously going to figure out what direction God has for me.
I have a vision for the Preschool to focus on a missions project each year. So far, we have been able to give shoes to Haiti, a love offering to Japan and many local causes.
Now I pray we can build a well or do something for the children of Uganda. My heart is consumed with this thought and I know it is from the Lord.
Now, I need to step back and breathe....
Friday, October 21, 2011
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