My travel to Barrio Lira was relatively uneventful. Though
at one point we paused for about an hour to unload the “tipper” of its cement
baggage. Yes, about 30 people rode atop this tipper along with a few chickens,
my box of Bibles, some lumber, and several kilo of salt. Never have I been so
grateful to use my white skin as an excuse to ride in the cab. Thirty minutes
in this sun and I would have been FRIED, let alone the 3 hour ride we had.
Agnes, this woman I love and admire so very much, came
running when I arrived at my little mud hut. Such a joy to witness true sacrificial
service to the Lord. The 12 hour journey along with a residual cough rendered
me exhausted and so Agnes fed me well and sent me to bed. My normal sleeping
habits are rather poor – four to five hours – but this night I slept in my cozy
hut for 12 hours without waking.
Beginning at 11 am, the graduation ceremony was fully packed
by 1:00. As is the custom in Uganda, various speeches and performances rendered
small cash tokens donated for school development. I took the opportunity to
remind people that God’s economy is like a river (never ending abundance)
rather than a cake (finished when the last piece is gone). I reminded them that
faith means believing that we can give it all away and that God will still take
care of our needs…sometimes even more plentifully than we had before we gave it
all away. And the people gave…
As the guest of honor, a position that felt very awkward in
this community where I’ve many friends, my speech making was scheduled for last.
I took the opportunity to tell the story
of the shoes – this time the story was entitled Little Black Shoes. The school
shoes illustrated the difference between the life of a child with a Christian
education and the life of a child without a Christian education. The simple
illustration helped people see the value and need for specifically Christian
education particularly given that so many parents are ill equipped to teach
their children from home.
We discussed the various people who have an influence on
children and their Christian education (parents, community leaders, church
leaders, those gifted by the Spirit, and mature Christians).
“Love the Lord your God with all
your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These
commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on
your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the
road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7).
We discussed the content of a Christian education (Law of
God, general wisdom, fear of the Lord, and knowledge of Jesus).
“My purpose for writing is
that…they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that
they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
We discussed the purpose of a Christian education (impart
information, inspire trust and obedience, inspire wisdom, holy living, and
preparation for adulthood).
“For the Lord gives wisdom, and
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory for the
upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless…” (Proverbs 2:6).
I believe that people resonated with these admonitions in
that they can see these results in the children who attend Victory Nursery and
Primary School. I thank God for Pastor Patrick’s faithfulness to teach the
children the traditional academics alongside biblical principles for holy
living. His small school is making a difference in this community and I covet
your prayers that he would continue to be encouraged to follow the vision God
gave him about helping these children.