Teacher's Plan

That bright orange tarp lays spread in the shade of the unfinished room as the Life in Africa ladies continue gathering for tailoring lessons. Each had a seam ripper in hand and I chuckled as I thought about how the seam ripper is my best friend too. Each visit reveals a greater degree of learning and proficiency, but the last few visits had me start wondering…would they finish learning before the scheduled close of the teaching?

The teacher and I keep close contact and she continued to affirm that everything was on track. I could see that she was teaching them well just based on my own knowledge of sewing best practices, and so I never worried. Yet somehow learning 15 dress patterns rather than moving to the next clothing item dominated their time.

As is not uncommon here, those earning a salary wish to extend that earning potential for as long as possible. So, when they get to a point just before usefulness (just before you could stop and feel like at least the ladies got this far and those skills will be useful) they stretch things out a bit so as to force the sponsor to continue or lose everything. It’s a manipulation I’m quite familiar with and guarded against, but somehow still lost. I learn so much every time we sponsor skills training but still feel that I’ve not yet mastered the best practice and have yet to find anyone else who has.

We met together – the teacher, Charlie, and I – to create a work plan that will bring the teaching to a close by the end of July. The plan included the teacher adding more time and the ladies getting serious about finishing. The ladies, too, want to extend the only highlight of their day…social time with other ladies. Now is the time where I get serious too. It’s time to deliver the business and ministry that will help these women transition from being students to being wage earners. Pray that we would all find that sweet spot God has prepared for us using our skills and talents.

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Award Ceremony

Bright colorful dresses cover every lady and sharp suits with short fat ties cover every man. Being clean and well dressed is so important the people of Uganda and ceremonies tend to bring out their very best. Look closely, though, and you will see frayed collars and hems, tiny holes, or missing buttons. On second thought, don’t look too closely. Somehow my heart is a bit sad when I know these people are bringing out their very best and that their very best is worn and tattered. In the grand scheme of things, missing buttons mean very little, but still…

What ceremony would be complete without closing remarks? As I pondered my personal observations over the past four days, a theme seemed to come to the forefront…service. The people I tended to notice most were those who were trying hardest to blend into the background. The men who registered and tracked participants quietly in the back of the room. The women who set out and restacked chairs before and after the workshop. They worked so tirelessly and without a hint of recognition. I admired these people and their ability to have such humble hearts and doubted my own ability to do the same. These are the people I recognized with my closing remarks.

Pastor Amos, though, wouldn’t let me return to my seat without some trick up his sleeve. Several of the participants prepared gifts for me. There’s something about receiving a gift when people already have so little…it’s incredibly humbling. One man gave me a pestle and mortar along with a few wooden utensils handmade from his “assets” (following the teaching about asset-based development) found on his land. He said he’d never thought of such a thing as having the potential to earn money for him until participating in this workshop. Another man gave me seashells from Lake Albert near his home. Another gave just enough shillings to buy a drink on my long journey home.

Emma Survivor, a woman with whom a beautiful relationship was born, gave me a traditional dress. Sent into a small room to change, the dress fit me perfectly. I mean perfectly. How ever did she do that? I came out dancing and twirling and smiling a broad smile. What a lovely and needed gift. But the gift that somehow touched me the most…one man handed me a thin plastic bag with four little carrots the size of my fingers. His very best gift was four little carrots.

Oh Jesus, thank you for the unsurpassable blessing I receive when doing that which you have called me.

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18 Girly Dresses for Nebbi from Lamont CRC

Colorful straw mats covered the dusty earth where the bare footed women gathered with their babies. Our chore was not so much to find women with babies, but more to keep the word from spreading like wildfire. Any time a gift is given, people will come…en mass. Today, though, the women’s ministry leader hand selected women whose children were close to the size of the dresses available and she did so in just the right number.

Early Friday morning the women spread themselves on their mats and patiently waited to see why they were invited to come. The gathering gave me a ministry opportunity to remind these hard-working maamas that God created women just as he created men, in his image (Genesis 1:27). And that God has qualities typically thought of as feminine – compassionate, loving, gentle – just like they do. The message: women are just as valuable as men. We also talked about the responsibility women have in raising their children, and because it’s primarily the women’s role to do so in this culture, they had the added responsibility to raise their children to know and love their Creator. We prayed together, and we laughed together.

These girlies were horrified of me. Look at their Domino hug.

Guessing the right size dress wasn’t always easy but the maamas were willing to trade until they found the dress of the best fit. But here’s the crazy thing. I had two sets of matching dresses…and there were two sets of twins who were exactly the right size. I had two baby sized dresses left over and wondered what happened. No, the women’s ministry leader said, two women are very pregnant and couldn’t come…those dresses are for their babies. I love the confirmation that you’re doing the right thing when weird little things like twins and unborn babies fit the gift exactly…18 dresses.

This group of mothers sent their greetings and appreciation to the children of Lamont CRC. And I send a thank you to the girls of Lamont CRC. Your efforts allowed me to minister in Nebbi, without you I would not have been able to go there. And thank you most of all for giving me the gift of snuggling babies and ministering to maamas, and for giving these maamas the gift of love and dresses for their girlies.

May God bless you!

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Business Disciplines Conference

Pastor Elders Blessing the Gathering

“If you build it, they will come.” This line from the movie Field of Dreams resonated through my mind as I reflected on Pastor Amos’ comment that when he organizes a conference people really come…and they come with high expectations. I thought it might be a bit haughty of him to say such a thing, but instead what I found was a man who worked and worked HARD to be sure they all came. As a matter of fact he missed so much of the morning ministry time because he was busy preparing the conference and being sure every small need was met.

The more I heard about these previous conferences from the pastors who attended the morning leadership meetings the more intimidated I became. How could I possibly measure up to those high standards? My old performance-driven self began to rise up and quake. And the people came…and they came. Every day of the four-day workshop included more than…MORE than 133 people. I know this because only those who attended all four days would receive a certificate and I signed 133 certificates.

Everyone was so serious about capturing all the information.

I tend to use the adult teaching methods – small groups, practical applications – and wondered how such a thing would ever work with this very large group…but it did. Based on the needs described by the organizer, we identified useful workshop and ministry topics for the sessions and they generally tended to center around biblically-based business disciplines. These workshops were no different. They were designed to start changing the way people think and lead toward a viable business idea that could be implemented right now today. Not only do people come away with viable business ideas, they come away with the ability to have the idea generating and development meetings themselves, after I’ve gone. Sustainable, reproducible, actionable.

Fewer than half the participants. A group shot of 133 was tough.

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Vision for Rural Pastors

Eighteen leaders smooshed into the sitting room of Pastor Amos’ guest house in Nyaravur, West Nile. These men are all members of Vision for Rural Pastors, a ministry started by Pr Amos that focuses on equipping rural pastors for ministry…and it doesn’t get much more rural than this. Four days together gave us the opportunity to get beyond the formalities of our new relationship and penetrate the hearts of these men.

 

Sometimes we forget that pastors are people too. They have weaknesses, strongholds, and fears just like everyone else. Our morning ministry time was designed to address a new topic each day that eventually led us all to being better able to be servant leaders. God showed up. He helped us remove strongholds, overcome unforgiveness, tame our tongues, and prepared our hearts for humble service.

Our times of prayer together each day were unmatched. Guarded hearts slowly received healing, broken relationships were restored, and prophetic prayers for each pastor reached the ears of our Creator. Once again, I wondered, of what value can I be amid such distinguished men? All I had to do was show up and then get out of the way and allow the Spirit to do the rest. It’s an amazing dynamic really, supernatural. All I had to do was show up…

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Teaching and Ministry in Barrio, Lira

About 35 people anxiously awaited the return of Surprised by Hope for a series of four workshops about biblically-based entrepreneurship. Our last visit together included a much larger group but the cost of such an event was prohibitive to the organizer and so the smaller, more manageable group gathered inside Victory Christian Center.

I love using The Art and Science of Thinking curriculum as a means to reinforce the truth that these people are made in the image of God and that as such they can use their minds to think creatively and critically to find ways to overcome their poverty mentality. This simple message rekindles the hope which seems to be a key ingredient in motivating people to apply themselves to some kind of work.

Though I must admit my knees shake a bit when I look down the main street and see such emptiness. Please pray with me that God reveals exactly the right messages and opportunities in a place so seemingly desolate.

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Pastor's Coffee Plants

Tiny two-branch coffee trees line a small section of land near the only water source in Barrio. Using the proposal writing skills learned in our first workshop together, Pastor Patrick was able to partner with the Ugandan government to plant and grow coffee trees. Once those trees get to a specific size, the government will purchase them from him and renew the contract.

Sometimes it takes a while – Uganda is still running on its own time – but I love seeing the fruit so generously poured out over the people who take seriously the teaching received by Surprised by Hope and their responsibility in the “Divine-human cooperation” equation.

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Victory Nursery & Primary School

Red clay bricks made from the dirt in this very compound sit one upon the other to form this semi-finished school building which is used to house three classes of nursery school children. A year and a half ago I showed you a picture of this unfinished school building (unfortunately that photo was among one single batch somehow lost...sniffle) and told you it’d taken that long to get the construction to the half way mark. Based on a lesson from our first visit to Barrio, Lira, Pastor Patrick strove for providing a quality Christian education and as a result has quite a demand for seats (though the children actually sit on the ground). Finally, the three-room school is complete and the teachers are educating about 60 children under its shade.

However, without the primary level school classrooms, parents are reluctant to start their children given that they’ll not be able to continue in the school as they pass each grade. A grand graduation ceremony is planned in November during which Pastor Patrick is praying for heightened awareness as well as gifts that will help with constructing the additional rooms needed to grow the children and the school.

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Lango Bibles for Lira

The Bible Society of Uganda offers Bibles in dozens of the 50+ languages spoken here. Somehow I expected them to be fully stocked and was disappointed when only 18 Bibles in Lango were available and when I couldn’t find any in Alur without ordering them. Apparently I should have ordered them about six months ago to be sure they arrived in time for traveling to Lira and Nebbi.

Thank you to Paul who coordinated the Bible project and Beaverdam Baptist Church who gave selflessly so that people in Uganda who don’t even earn the cost of a Bible in a month’s time can have access to the Word of God for themselves.

The lady in this photo testified that she loaned her Bible to someone whose house subsequently burned down along with her Bible. She was unbelievably grateful for the way God restored his Word into her hands (she really was very happy, it's customary not to smile in photos).

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A School Bag for Tiff from Suzanne

Wera, Tiff, and Sabila all got new shoes (not shown here) in
Tiff's school bag.

Tiff (Tief) has grown up so much this past few months. School has done wonders for his naughty behavior. This little Muslim boy isn’t as interested in reading the Bible as Faridah, but he’s quite happy to hear biblically based stories about the Berenstain Bears and to "shade" on Bible story coloring books. We continue to model walking in the way of love for Tiff and I hope and pray just a little bit of that modeling is absorbed by that lovable little monster and his siblings. Thank you for making it possible to love Tiff in a new way, Suzanne!

Update: Maama Tiff said Wera and Sabila sleep in their new shoes.

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A School Bag for Eme from Krissy

Eme is the most creative child in my neighborhood. She’s the one using every color in the pallet when “shading” on Saturday mornings. She’s also the most sneaky; peeking in my curtain-less windows to see if I’ll come out to play. I offered this gift to Eme because Krissy is creative too. A perfect match. Eme is now ready for school to start with her new school bag, sensible shoes, and a few requirements. It doesn’t seem like much but money spent on these supplies is probably more than a month’s wages for the families around my home. Thank you Krissy!

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Community Care

Red clay fills the gaps between tree branches that form the structure called Juliette’s home. The hot sun bakes that clay until it cracks and eventually returns to the earth. She and her two young daughters stay in this home, both of whom were too fearful of the muzungu to appear in the photo. Juliette uses a modified bicycle/wheelchair to navigate the hard clay earth. She is just one of many individuals Christ Fellowship International and Pastor Moses cares for. I was introduced to Juliette and asked for advice about how best to help her without creating dependencies.

Pastor Moses quickly caught on to applying what he learned in the workshops to offering Juliette aid. What skills does Juliette have? (tailoring) What can Juliette and her girls contribute to society as a way of “earning” gifts of food from the church? (sweeping, setting up chairs before service) How can the church assist Juliette in setting up a small business or working for someone in a small way so that she is actually earning what she is given (tailoring, grinding maze, storefront attendant). I look forward to seeing how Juliette’s life and the lives of those in the church are changed because of the way they see God in work.

Can you guess what this is? New Hope Nursery & Primary School operates in this “building” and its leader is a member of Christ Fellowship International church in Kamuli. During our lunch break, Pastor Moses showed me to this building and we met with the school director to discuss some advice on how to grow and develop the school. I’m constantly impressed by the big dreams people have for their children. So many people – Americans – wouldn’t even bother starting something if this was all they had. Instead passionate families come together to do at least SOMEthing for their children. Focus tends to be the main feedback offered in such situations as when spread too thin it’s hard to do everything well. An hour or so later, we returned to the church with a director who was energized about how to develop the school using the little resources he has. I look forward to seeing of any of the advice offered comes to fruition and actually impacts the school in a positive way.

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Dollies for Three from Nancy

Victor could not keep from peeking inside my bag. Most of its contents were my clothing but he sensed there was something more…and he was right. Three dollies – one of which happened to be a boy dolly – were nestled inside with just enough breathing room. Yes, even dollies must breathe. I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit and soon that boy dolly was gripped tightly with both arms close to the chest of that small boy. As a matter of fact, I can’t recall seeing Victor without his new charge even once. Siblings were refused any hope of groping this treasure as well.

Because Victor is the pastor’s son, I spent more time with him and his siblings. During one waiting period, I decided to show them NOOMA Rain and have a little ministry time with them. What a blessing to talk to these children about their heavenly Father. A message, I’m sure, they’re not unfamiliar with. Yet, reinforcement from non-parental figures is always good.

Trina attended each workshop session with her maama and played quietly as most children do when instructed. Sometimes I’m amazed at the patience these children have while doing something entirely uninteresting and incomprehensible. What could a simple dolly do to help her pass the time. Though not quite sure how to answer that question, Trina gladly received her new love along with the message of Jesus’ love for her simple, tiny life and the prophecy that she would impact many nations.

Biakatunda was a squirmy girl. She hadn’t yet learned to be patient. Though when I held her, she simply leaned forward and put her forehead to mine. I think she was a bit pensive and this was the only way she knew to NOT see me so much. When she finally leaned back to have a look at this bright lady, she began the early stages of whimpering which normally leads to all out wailing. Back in her mother’s arms she was content to hold on to her dolly from afar.

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Christ Fellowship International

Sitting on a bench just out of the rain, Pastor Moses and I chatted for the first time. He told me about his idea for storing and transporting various produce and making them for sale in the off seasons as a means for supporting his family while continuing to pastor Christ Fellowship International in Kamuli. That one chat, along with the endorsement of several friends, led this man of God to invite Surprised by Hope to bring biblically-based business teaching to the church.

Pastor Fred – a former Kamuli resident – joined me in that small town as well. Pastor Fred is an excellent teacher and we’ve been working together for a while now. Pastor Fred is learning the content as well as developing that content more fully so that we can co-teach at least some of the various workshops in the Jinja area. My goal is that we can equip and empower Pastor Fred and leaders like him to facilitate either alongside or independently so as to expand the reach of the Gospel message with teachings applicable to practical everyday life.

 

We found one another in front of the Kamuli Supermarket as I purchased the props needed for illustrating lessons about creative and critical thinking as well as asset-based development. And then we found eager students waiting for us at the church. Our time together passed quickly but certainly not without many moments of realization. I love helping people see God in everyday life and helping them come to terms with their identity in Christ. This realization – that they are created in the image of God and ought to be imitators of Christ – changes the way they look at business. Imagine…if we can influence the way people conduct themselves for Jesus through daily transactions in the marketplace because they understand God’s economy according to Scripture…we can do anything with the help of Jesus.

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Teaching Children About Missions

“Muzungu,” some tiny voices shouted from inside the small bedroom where those tiny voices were supposed to be sleeping. The adult caretakers and teachers came running to the door to greet me too. I love the family that is The Sanctuary Babies Home in part because of that freedom of expression and also because the children don’t fear but instead warmly love those who are caring for them.

That Box from My Grandbabies certainly had some goodies inside. I had the privilege of bringing those goodies to these kids and they almost devoured the package. Toothbrushes, toothpastes, crayons, and coloring books. All the things we love to do together – well…we don’t brush our teeth together.

LoHire is still such a tiny thing.
She lacks the proper nutrition to become strong.

The idea, though, is that American children (who just happen to be my grandchildren) learn about and understand what it means to live with less and have need of the simple things…and to reach out and share what little they can. Yet, also understand that we love the same Jesus way across the planet in an entirely different world. I’m so thankful to be the conduit for all of these kids who are so precious to me.

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Mother's Day Giftgiving

Paper Craft Africa is an organization dedicated to making paper products by hand using natural fibers such as banana leaf, pineapple tops, and elephant grass. The employees are excited about what God has done in this small business to expand its reach into more areas than ever.

Part of this expansion includes developing a product line that encompasses more than just greeting cards. Stationary sets, handmade soap sets, and journals are just a few of the beautiful items available through this organization…items made with head, heart, and hands.

What a wonderful way to surprise your mother this Mother’s Day.

Writing Set	$15.00
Cards (5 pk sm)	$6.00
Soap (2) and Loofa	$10.00
Soap (singles)	$2.00
Journal	$15.00
Cards (single gift)	$3.00

 

Handmade soap and loofa with a handmade paper box - $10.00

Handmade mini-card set of five - $6.00
Regular size gift cares are just like these and sold in singles - $3.00

Handmade paper journal - $15.00

Handmade paper stationary set - $15.00

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The "I Love You" Box

Colored on top of the box waiting for me at Posta Uganda was the purple outline of two tiny hands labeled with “Addie’s” name. Hmm, one hand looked different. Wait, she used sign language to tell me she loves me. Awe, I miss that little one. One year out of a three-year-old's life is a LOT. I spied a fish swimming across the top of that box too, and I’m thinking he was the work of Lucah. Hmm, what might I find on the reverse side of the box? A picture of what could be me or what could be Noah. Blond hair, blue eyes, and a purple shirt. Adorable.

While it’s pretty stupid how much the US Post Office makes you pay for such a box, I have to admit it was worth every penny (coming from the one who did not have to pay for it). While I gushed over the drawing on the outside of the box, the customs agent didn’t even bother to check inside. Now we know the secret. Send boxes with child-drawn pictures and have gushy grandmas pick them up so as to avoid inspection.

The inside of that box contained three “we miss you” cards (sniffle) colored by the three box decorators and some personal surprises. Becky knew exactly what to get me. Peanut Butter, trail mix, and blue nail polish. So thoughtful, truly,…she reminds me of her father. The real reason for the box was to send along some gifts for the children at The Sanctuary Babies Home and to help the three grandchildren learn about giving and missions.

Lucah, Noah, and Addie – you did great! The tooth brushes and toothpastes, as well as several boxes of crayons, are so needed. The kids we are just your ages will find it hard to understand that there are three little ones half way across the world who are thinking about and praying for them. Thank you, you make me proud!

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School Requirements for Faridah from Alane

A small part of Owino market where shoes and supplies are purchased.

A beautiful lady in America wanted to help raise support for Surprised by Hope and joined with a small group to make school bags for the children in East Africa. Another beautiful lady in America sponsored one of those school bags so that a child can have what she needs when returning to school. And…another young lady is on holiday (school is out between terms) and tromped over to my house with her toes peeking out the ends of her close-toed shoes.

 

Off to Owino Market I went in search of the “requirements” needed before a child is allowed through the doorway each new term. Books, pens, pencils, and more filled my shopping bag. Shoes, though, shoes must be on that list. School children are required to wear black shoes with stockings or they are sent home from school. Shoes it is.

Sheffar, Sherit, Faridah, and Ramah with their new shoes.

I laid out all the goodies that go in the new school bag for Faridah – who consistently scores at the top of her class – and she simply could not believe her eyes. I stretched the budget a bit so that she AND her siblings could put on their new shoes.

My neighborhood families are so precious and I see them working hard every day to meet their basic needs. None of them asks me for money as so many other people do and so helping them in some small way is such a joy.

Tief and his sisters need school supplies and shoes too
 (so does Eme and her brother, not pictured).

The problem comes when I realize that there is NO POSSIBLE WAY to give this gift to one family while the children from two other families look on and receive nothing. So, um, would you like to sponsor a school bag with requirements for Tief and shoes for the three children? Or perhaps you’d like to sponsor a school bag for Eme and her little brother? Just $25 is all it takes to sponsor one bag so that the Tief and Eme can be ready for the next school term.

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