Just 7 months ago, I was done; I wanted out of Uganda; I was burnt out. Funny how time can change so many things. I'm so thankful for the last 7 months as God has shown me some amazing things through this last stage of my time in Uganda. There's so much to share about what God has and is continuing to show me, but for now, I'm preparing to leave a place I called home for 3 years.
I knew it was going to be tough leaving this place, but I didn't realize the impact that I've had on so many different people during my time here. God allowed me to be blessed over the last few days to see how much I was appreciated here in Uganda. In a few hours I'll be boarding a plane that will begin a journey home, but it is bittersweet. Though I know I'll have family anxiously awaiting my arrival at LAX, I also have family in Uganda that is very saddened by my departure.
One thing God has showed me during the last few weeks when I was often tempted to stay here in Uganda is that it would be an easier decision to stay and continue my comfortable life here, but He has called me back for a reason. Not quite clear on that reason yet as I continue to seek employment opportunities, but I have peace that it is His perfect plan. So as I leave pray for the kids here in Uganda that I am leaving and pray for me that God will continue to grow me and shape me.
Showing posts with label darren yui god cares school uganda missionary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label darren yui god cares school uganda missionary. Show all posts
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
End of a season
There has been a lot of speculation over the last 6 months or so as to what my future plans were. Many people have been asking me and others who know me well what my plans were going to be.
I prayed a lot about this and at one time thought I would commit to stay in Uganda for an extended period of time. However, God never gave me a peace about staying. On one end, I feel like there is so much more work to do here, but in the end though I love so many things about Uganda and the ministry I am working with, I feel God calling me home for the next season. It doesn't mean I am closing the door on returning to Uganda in the future, I am very open to that if it is God's will, but for now I think it's time to return to the U.S.
That being said, I will be returning to the U.S. mid-June to begin the next season of my life. As you all are aware, the economy in the U.S. does not put me in a great position to be able to find a job. I have been researching opportunities to teach and have had a few interviews, but nothing that has progressed further than that. I ask for your prayers in this time of transition, and if you hear of any other open positions in teaching, ministry or otherwise, please think of me.
I have been blessed to be in Uganda for the last 3 years. The easy decision would be to stay as I have developed routines and a way of life here, but I know that God desires to use me at home in the same way that He has used me here in Uganda. Thank you for all your love and support, many of you have a major part in the success of my life as a missionary in Uganda.
I prayed a lot about this and at one time thought I would commit to stay in Uganda for an extended period of time. However, God never gave me a peace about staying. On one end, I feel like there is so much more work to do here, but in the end though I love so many things about Uganda and the ministry I am working with, I feel God calling me home for the next season. It doesn't mean I am closing the door on returning to Uganda in the future, I am very open to that if it is God's will, but for now I think it's time to return to the U.S.
That being said, I will be returning to the U.S. mid-June to begin the next season of my life. As you all are aware, the economy in the U.S. does not put me in a great position to be able to find a job. I have been researching opportunities to teach and have had a few interviews, but nothing that has progressed further than that. I ask for your prayers in this time of transition, and if you hear of any other open positions in teaching, ministry or otherwise, please think of me.
I have been blessed to be in Uganda for the last 3 years. The easy decision would be to stay as I have developed routines and a way of life here, but I know that God desires to use me at home in the same way that He has used me here in Uganda. Thank you for all your love and support, many of you have a major part in the success of my life as a missionary in Uganda.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Elections
There has been a lot of activity in Africa over the past few months. Southern Sudan passed a referendum to become its own nation. Many African nations have had their national leaders in place for a number of years which led to protests in Tunisia, Egypt and most recently in Libya. So knowing that President Museveni was running for another term, there were questions about what might happen during the elections.
Some teams canceled their summer trips knowing that 2011 would be an election year. Many ex-pats fled the country during the week of elections. There was a lot of uncertainty during that time. I'm thankful to report that other than some small disturbances in Kampala as a result of ballot stuffing for the mayoral race, the last week has been peaceful.
Maybe it's because of the heavy military and police presence. Maybe because many of the people still support Museveni. Either way, we were blessed to be spared a violent outcome so far. However, we hear that opposition leaders are calling for protests, and we never can be sure of what will happen. Continue to pray for Uganda.
Some teams canceled their summer trips knowing that 2011 would be an election year. Many ex-pats fled the country during the week of elections. There was a lot of uncertainty during that time. I'm thankful to report that other than some small disturbances in Kampala as a result of ballot stuffing for the mayoral race, the last week has been peaceful.
Maybe it's because of the heavy military and police presence. Maybe because many of the people still support Museveni. Either way, we were blessed to be spared a violent outcome so far. However, we hear that opposition leaders are calling for protests, and we never can be sure of what will happen. Continue to pray for Uganda.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The RICH
As many of you know, I recently spoke at the Spiritual retreat for a local international school. The kids at this school reminded me of the kids that I worked with back in the U.S. Most of these kids were either from families from the U.S., Canada, or the UK serving as missionaries or wealthy African families.
Upon just arriving at the school prior to leaving for the retreat site, I felt a spiritual heaviness around the school. I had been to that school many times over the past few years to play basketball but had never felt this way before. The feeling was a resistance to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit by many of the students. I began to walk around praying as we prepared for the retreat. I knew that many of these kids had resisted the gospel possibly many times over, but that God wanted to reach them, to challenge them, to be with them. The task ahead was not going to be as simple as I had originally thought.
Being in Uganda as a missionary, you begin to realize that there are pretty much two classes of people: the poor and the RICH. And you begin to notice the large gap between the two. You see houses that rent for $2500 a month and then right next to them are people renting 10' x 10' rooms for $50 a month. The two are side by side, but separated by a huge divide. The poor rely on faith so much and trust the Lord to be their provider. The RICH rely on their own power to continue to make large amounts of money to continue living in their luxurious lifestyles.
For me, I'm used to preaching to the poor. Everywhere I've preached in Uganda, the people soak it up (at least outwardly) because they need the Lord to be their provider so I wasn't really prepared to preach to these RICH kids, many whom don't care at all about faith or think that their faith is good enough. Many of the kids were doing drugs and were comfortable telling me that fact, even to the point of bragging. Some of the kids told me that they had accepted Christ and were just enjoying life (drinking, drugs).
At the end of the week, I know that the Lord used me to challenge these kids. Many of them rededicated their lives to the Lord. Many of them had a renewed, strengthened faith. Even the ones most resistant to the gospel had at least heard me out. But after the retreat I realized what Jesus meant when he said, "Again, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:24) In Uganda, I am (unfortunately) considered rich. So I had to think to myself and make sure that my wealth is not getting in the way of my relationship with God. In the end, I'd rather have nothing (as difficult as that might be) and have Christ.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where month nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
Upon just arriving at the school prior to leaving for the retreat site, I felt a spiritual heaviness around the school. I had been to that school many times over the past few years to play basketball but had never felt this way before. The feeling was a resistance to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit by many of the students. I began to walk around praying as we prepared for the retreat. I knew that many of these kids had resisted the gospel possibly many times over, but that God wanted to reach them, to challenge them, to be with them. The task ahead was not going to be as simple as I had originally thought.
Being in Uganda as a missionary, you begin to realize that there are pretty much two classes of people: the poor and the RICH. And you begin to notice the large gap between the two. You see houses that rent for $2500 a month and then right next to them are people renting 10' x 10' rooms for $50 a month. The two are side by side, but separated by a huge divide. The poor rely on faith so much and trust the Lord to be their provider. The RICH rely on their own power to continue to make large amounts of money to continue living in their luxurious lifestyles.
For me, I'm used to preaching to the poor. Everywhere I've preached in Uganda, the people soak it up (at least outwardly) because they need the Lord to be their provider so I wasn't really prepared to preach to these RICH kids, many whom don't care at all about faith or think that their faith is good enough. Many of the kids were doing drugs and were comfortable telling me that fact, even to the point of bragging. Some of the kids told me that they had accepted Christ and were just enjoying life (drinking, drugs).
At the end of the week, I know that the Lord used me to challenge these kids. Many of them rededicated their lives to the Lord. Many of them had a renewed, strengthened faith. Even the ones most resistant to the gospel had at least heard me out. But after the retreat I realized what Jesus meant when he said, "Again, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:24) In Uganda, I am (unfortunately) considered rich. So I had to think to myself and make sure that my wealth is not getting in the way of my relationship with God. In the end, I'd rather have nothing (as difficult as that might be) and have Christ.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where month nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Lie that I Battle every day
Last week, I strayed away from the comforts of ministering to the youth here at God Cares to be the speaker for Hertiage International School's Spiritual Retreat for their secondary school kids. It was a blessing to be asked to do this, but it was also a lot of prep work to give 5 different talks to these students. In addition, these kids come from a completely different socio-economic background from the kids I'm used to working with at God Cares. However, the biggest challenge for me was the fact that these students religious backgrounds were so diverse. Through this experience, I learned a lot about myself .
The battle that seems to constantly occur inside my own head is that of my worth and need for affirmation. I really spent a good amount of time praying and preparing these talks for the students. However, most of the time, I just didn't feel like I was dynamic enough to get through to these kids. Maybe, there's something about having American peers watching me preach that made me a little uneasy inside (All the teachers and staff were from the U.S.). I guess I was looking for that affirmation that God really used me to reach these kids. Or was it that I was looking for affirmation that I did something for God.
I know that Satan was telling me lies the whole time that I wasn't good enough or I wasn't getting through to these kids, and it really wore on me for most of the week because at times I was claiming those lies. In my heart, I knew that I didn't need the affirmation of others because it wasn't my message, but God's, and that God should receive any glory for His message anyway. However, my pride wanted to feel like "I" did a good job. "I" was the one who changed these kids. "I" was the one who challenged them to live for Christ. When I write this, I just have to laugh at myself a little. I know that I am nothing and that Christ is everything, and the best way to get through to these kids is through Him and the Holy Spirit, not through me!
After some of the least dynamically delivered talks, God reached these kids and convicted them of their lives. Thank God for the conversations I had with a few of the kids there that really encouraged me. It reminded me that even with all my flaws, God can use me to impact others especially when I think I've failed.
Unfortunately, I am still battling the lies that I've claimed many years before I came to Christ and still hold on to: that I'm not good enough. I know that's not true, but for some reason I fall for that lie over and over again. This is going to be the year that I go toe to toe with that lie until it no longer keeps me enslaved.
The battle that seems to constantly occur inside my own head is that of my worth and need for affirmation. I really spent a good amount of time praying and preparing these talks for the students. However, most of the time, I just didn't feel like I was dynamic enough to get through to these kids. Maybe, there's something about having American peers watching me preach that made me a little uneasy inside (All the teachers and staff were from the U.S.). I guess I was looking for that affirmation that God really used me to reach these kids. Or was it that I was looking for affirmation that I did something for God.
I know that Satan was telling me lies the whole time that I wasn't good enough or I wasn't getting through to these kids, and it really wore on me for most of the week because at times I was claiming those lies. In my heart, I knew that I didn't need the affirmation of others because it wasn't my message, but God's, and that God should receive any glory for His message anyway. However, my pride wanted to feel like "I" did a good job. "I" was the one who changed these kids. "I" was the one who challenged them to live for Christ. When I write this, I just have to laugh at myself a little. I know that I am nothing and that Christ is everything, and the best way to get through to these kids is through Him and the Holy Spirit, not through me!
After some of the least dynamically delivered talks, God reached these kids and convicted them of their lives. Thank God for the conversations I had with a few of the kids there that really encouraged me. It reminded me that even with all my flaws, God can use me to impact others especially when I think I've failed.
Unfortunately, I am still battling the lies that I've claimed many years before I came to Christ and still hold on to: that I'm not good enough. I know that's not true, but for some reason I fall for that lie over and over again. This is going to be the year that I go toe to toe with that lie until it no longer keeps me enslaved.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Discipleship
Before Jesus left the earth, he gave this command in Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make DISCIPLES of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..."
Notice there that Jesus never told us to go out and preach the gospel so that people will get saved. Instead, He is clear here that we are to make disciples of all those that we preach to. This is why it's so important to follow up with those that we share the gospel. One of the biggest things that God has put on my heart to do as His servant is to make DISCIPLES.
In Uganda I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach a class focused on just that...discipleship. Kabalagala Pentecostal Church has a curriculum that it teaches to new believers about being a disciple. I began teaching it in 2008 when I arrived here to help out, but received a class of my own at the beginning of 2009. I'm so excited that I have been able to really mentor these students over the last 2 years. We began when there were many...maybe around 25-30, but finished with only 8. Praise God. Our God is not a God of numbers, but a God of hearts and these 8 who finished this course have big hearts to follow our Lord. Please pray for them as they take the next step in their faith journey. May they continue to seek wisdom and knowledge in the aftermath of this course.
Notice there that Jesus never told us to go out and preach the gospel so that people will get saved. Instead, He is clear here that we are to make disciples of all those that we preach to. This is why it's so important to follow up with those that we share the gospel. One of the biggest things that God has put on my heart to do as His servant is to make DISCIPLES.
In Uganda I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach a class focused on just that...discipleship. Kabalagala Pentecostal Church has a curriculum that it teaches to new believers about being a disciple. I began teaching it in 2008 when I arrived here to help out, but received a class of my own at the beginning of 2009. I'm so excited that I have been able to really mentor these students over the last 2 years. We began when there were many...maybe around 25-30, but finished with only 8. Praise God. Our God is not a God of numbers, but a God of hearts and these 8 who finished this course have big hearts to follow our Lord. Please pray for them as they take the next step in their faith journey. May they continue to seek wisdom and knowledge in the aftermath of this course.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Yup...TIA
So I think in a lot of ways, I am very comfortable with my life in Uganda. I'm used to how life is here. I'm much more adjusted to the culture now. I know how things are and don't get to surprised by many of the things that happen here.
But then something happens just to remind me that I'm in Uganda. Last week I had my car in for service when a friend called to see if I wanted to grab lunch. Of course, I agreed knowing that I had to take a taxi or boda (motorcycle) down the road. What I forgot was that the university down on Gaba Road was having graduations. Being the cheap guy I am, I opted for a taxi versus a boda knowing that the taxi could drop me just steps from where I was meeting my friend. As the taxi began our adventure down Gaba Road, I realized my mistake. The traffic jam was ridiculous. I contemplated exiting the taxi and grabbing a boda, but I decided to be patient. We were seriously creeping down the road when the taxi decided to take a different route because of the jam. I again had another opportunity to jump out, but again decided against it. What I didn't think about at the time was that the road the taxi was going down was really only meant for one way travel at a time. So we eventually ran into taxis and cars coming in the opposite direction and were stuck. After a long delay, I finally arrived at the coffee shop where my friends had already bought my sandwich though they were finished with theirs...a 10 min. drive down the road became an hour adventure.
TIA (This is Africa) Just one of the things you have to get used to in this culture.
But then something happens just to remind me that I'm in Uganda. Last week I had my car in for service when a friend called to see if I wanted to grab lunch. Of course, I agreed knowing that I had to take a taxi or boda (motorcycle) down the road. What I forgot was that the university down on Gaba Road was having graduations. Being the cheap guy I am, I opted for a taxi versus a boda knowing that the taxi could drop me just steps from where I was meeting my friend. As the taxi began our adventure down Gaba Road, I realized my mistake. The traffic jam was ridiculous. I contemplated exiting the taxi and grabbing a boda, but I decided to be patient. We were seriously creeping down the road when the taxi decided to take a different route because of the jam. I again had another opportunity to jump out, but again decided against it. What I didn't think about at the time was that the road the taxi was going down was really only meant for one way travel at a time. So we eventually ran into taxis and cars coming in the opposite direction and were stuck. After a long delay, I finally arrived at the coffee shop where my friends had already bought my sandwich though they were finished with theirs...a 10 min. drive down the road became an hour adventure.
TIA (This is Africa) Just one of the things you have to get used to in this culture.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Too many funerals
Being in Uganda, you see people go through many challenges; you begin to see life from a very different perspective. When I was a child, I thought of my parents as invincible. Parents just don't die. They will always be there. Well, at least we don't think of their lives in an urgent manner. We know that they'll live to be 70 or 80 years old, and by that time we will be grown up and can at least take care of ourselves.
When I was teaching in the U.S., I don't think I knew of one parent who passed away and only a handful of grandparents. Such is not the case in Uganda. It seems like at least a few times in a month that I hear of a close relative of our children here at God Cares has passed. It is all too common out here. I guess it's one of the reasons that people here always give their testimony of "thanking God because I am still alive."
I guess I've never thought of thanking God because I'm still alive. That doesn't click for me. My parents are still alive. I still have one grandparent alive who is now 93. My brother is still alive. I guess I just don't see death straight in the face the way the people of Uganda do.
But in the face of so many deaths of people related to our children, I do thank God for allowing me to continue to serve Him. It's only because of Him that I continue to be on this earth to show others the love of Christ. (However, I won't complain if tomorrow He decides to take me home to heaven.)
When I was teaching in the U.S., I don't think I knew of one parent who passed away and only a handful of grandparents. Such is not the case in Uganda. It seems like at least a few times in a month that I hear of a close relative of our children here at God Cares has passed. It is all too common out here. I guess it's one of the reasons that people here always give their testimony of "thanking God because I am still alive."
I guess I've never thought of thanking God because I'm still alive. That doesn't click for me. My parents are still alive. I still have one grandparent alive who is now 93. My brother is still alive. I guess I just don't see death straight in the face the way the people of Uganda do.
But in the face of so many deaths of people related to our children, I do thank God for allowing me to continue to serve Him. It's only because of Him that I continue to be on this earth to show others the love of Christ. (However, I won't complain if tomorrow He decides to take me home to heaven.)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Rebuked!
Have you ever had been in a place of uncertainty? Not really sure what God has for you in the present or the future? I recently found myself in this place. I was burnt out from planning the camp. Burnt out and frustrated with the "Uganda way" of doing things. I really began thinking about my future in Uganda.
As a result, I wanted to take some time away from the city for prayer in seeking God's plan for the next year and beyond. I wanted to get an answer from God regarding how long I would be in Uganda, who I would work with in the next year and what He might want me to do. I went to the YWAM base in Jinja where a good friend works and lives. He told me I could stay with him and I looked forward to time in prayer alone and with him.
The first morning I was there, I began to walk out to the prayer garden, but instead found myself in the ropes course area. I began to pray and seek answers to my questions. However, God had a different plan. He told me that I had sin in my life that needed to be dealt with and until I did, He was not going to show me the plan for the present nor the future. It was clear. It only took about 5 minutes to get this answer. So since that time, I've spent a lot of time identifying sins that had crept into my life. I've been humbled and prayed for forgiveness and deliverance from these struggles. I was rebuked by the Lord, but it was the best gift He could have given me as He begins a process of freeing me from that bondage and making me useful again for His glory.
As a result, I wanted to take some time away from the city for prayer in seeking God's plan for the next year and beyond. I wanted to get an answer from God regarding how long I would be in Uganda, who I would work with in the next year and what He might want me to do. I went to the YWAM base in Jinja where a good friend works and lives. He told me I could stay with him and I looked forward to time in prayer alone and with him.
The first morning I was there, I began to walk out to the prayer garden, but instead found myself in the ropes course area. I began to pray and seek answers to my questions. However, God had a different plan. He told me that I had sin in my life that needed to be dealt with and until I did, He was not going to show me the plan for the present nor the future. It was clear. It only took about 5 minutes to get this answer. So since that time, I've spent a lot of time identifying sins that had crept into my life. I've been humbled and prayed for forgiveness and deliverance from these struggles. I was rebuked by the Lord, but it was the best gift He could have given me as He begins a process of freeing me from that bondage and making me useful again for His glory.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
I wanna go home!
The toughest question for me to answer when I'm talking to friends and family back home is "When are you going to move back to the U.S." The past month I have been wrestling with God regarding my future in Uganda. At one point, I found out that there were openings for teachers at my old school, Hillcrest. As a result, I considered moving back to California and giving up being a missionary. In that time as I begged God to allow me to return to what I consider a normal environment, God gave me a resounding "NO" as an answer for my plea to return home to the U.S. He revealed to me how selfish that would be and challenged me in that area of my life.
So I chose to be obedient and remain in Uganda for at least one more year. I'm confident that it's where God wants me, even though it's not really where I want to be. So instead of taking an easy road out and facing consequences of disobedience to the Lord, I take the tougher route and begin the last year of my commitment in Uganda. Does it mean I'm moving home in a year? I'm not quite sure yet. There are a lot of things that I'm investigating right now with some friends that might keep me here longer, but I can guarantee that if I'm doing the same things next year that I've been doing over the past 2 years, I will most likely be back in the U.S.
Please pray that God will help sustain me through this year and that He will reveal my future to me.
So I chose to be obedient and remain in Uganda for at least one more year. I'm confident that it's where God wants me, even though it's not really where I want to be. So instead of taking an easy road out and facing consequences of disobedience to the Lord, I take the tougher route and begin the last year of my commitment in Uganda. Does it mean I'm moving home in a year? I'm not quite sure yet. There are a lot of things that I'm investigating right now with some friends that might keep me here longer, but I can guarantee that if I'm doing the same things next year that I've been doing over the past 2 years, I will most likely be back in the U.S.
Please pray that God will help sustain me through this year and that He will reveal my future to me.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Making an impact
It's that time of year. The time to remember what Jesus has already done for us. As soon as I realized that I am a sinner and need to be punished for the sins I have and will commit, I came into a loving relationship with the one who already took the punishment for my sins. This completely changed my life. It took me from a party animal to a radical Christian desiring to serve God in any way that I could.
Before coming to Uganda, most of you know I worked with both middle school and high school students. The thought that often crossed my mind while serving as a youth group leader was "Am I making any difference in these kids lives?" I watched on the sidelines as so many kids fell into drugs, alcohol, premarital sex, etc. It was a tough pill to swallow. I can't lie...I was a little jaded. Lots of time invested in so many kids and I stood and saw so many walk away from the church. I wondered if there was any good to what I was doing. I was burnt out.
Lately, I have been struggling with that same feeling at times while serving in Uganda. I watch as kids take for granted the amazing opportunity they have to go to school and learn about a God that loves them so much. I wondered silently why God had brought me here.
Then God used some former students to really encourage me and show me how I might never see the fruit of the labor I am currently putting in. In the last 3 months, I have received about 5 random messages from students that I either taught or worked with in youth group. Each had something to say about the impact that I had on them in one way or another. I even had one student tell me that I'm like her Christian dad. That touched me more than I could imagine.
A few years ago, I was at In-N-Out when I noticed a young man staring my way. Finally, he came over and asked if my name was Darren. Instantly I remembered this kid from when I served at Ascension Lutheran Church as a confirmation teacher and youth leader. It was a time in my life where I was pretty radical with the changes in my life. He told me how much of an impact I had on him. How I played a part in his faith. He had wholeheartedly committed his life to Christ in part because of my influence on his life. I was amazed. This was almost 9 years later. What a blessing from God.
So whatever way you are serving God. If you are thinking that it's all in vain. I am here to tell you that the opportunity to impact just one life for Christ is better than giving up on what God's call is for you. Make an impact on those around you. You may never see the results, but God does. As we celebrate Easter, let us be who Christ wants us to be so that those around us are impacted by what Christ has already done for us!
Before coming to Uganda, most of you know I worked with both middle school and high school students. The thought that often crossed my mind while serving as a youth group leader was "Am I making any difference in these kids lives?" I watched on the sidelines as so many kids fell into drugs, alcohol, premarital sex, etc. It was a tough pill to swallow. I can't lie...I was a little jaded. Lots of time invested in so many kids and I stood and saw so many walk away from the church. I wondered if there was any good to what I was doing. I was burnt out.
Lately, I have been struggling with that same feeling at times while serving in Uganda. I watch as kids take for granted the amazing opportunity they have to go to school and learn about a God that loves them so much. I wondered silently why God had brought me here.
Then God used some former students to really encourage me and show me how I might never see the fruit of the labor I am currently putting in. In the last 3 months, I have received about 5 random messages from students that I either taught or worked with in youth group. Each had something to say about the impact that I had on them in one way or another. I even had one student tell me that I'm like her Christian dad. That touched me more than I could imagine.
A few years ago, I was at In-N-Out when I noticed a young man staring my way. Finally, he came over and asked if my name was Darren. Instantly I remembered this kid from when I served at Ascension Lutheran Church as a confirmation teacher and youth leader. It was a time in my life where I was pretty radical with the changes in my life. He told me how much of an impact I had on him. How I played a part in his faith. He had wholeheartedly committed his life to Christ in part because of my influence on his life. I was amazed. This was almost 9 years later. What a blessing from God.
So whatever way you are serving God. If you are thinking that it's all in vain. I am here to tell you that the opportunity to impact just one life for Christ is better than giving up on what God's call is for you. Make an impact on those around you. You may never see the results, but God does. As we celebrate Easter, let us be who Christ wants us to be so that those around us are impacted by what Christ has already done for us!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A contrast...
So yesterday I spent part of my day with Oliviah, one of the social workers for Buyamba. The social worker's office has been diligent about doing their visits to the homes of our sponsored children (both in and out of God Cares Schools). Sometimes I go with her on these visits. It's always an eye opener to see the conditions in which these children live.
Yesterday, we visited about 6 homes of the families or guardians of our children. The living arrangements of these families varied widely. Some lived in one room apartments (like a studio minus a bathroom and kitchen...maybe 10' x 10'), others in two room apartments and others were blessed with houses. The purpose of these visits is to check up on their lives and situations...whether or not they meet the qualifications to be sponsored or continue to be sponsored.
Anyway, I digress. The last family we visited was that of a single mother. As I listened to the person giving me directions to drive to the place I just recall hearing Kiwafu Estates. I guess really what I heard was something about "estates". I mean what do you think of when you hear that word. I think of pretty good sized homes and so I just wondered where we were going. It took us a while to find the place where this family stays. As we finally found the road, we parked and began to walk down an alley between two huge homes with massive brick walls on each side of the alley/road. Looking down the road you could see some very small buildings amongst the near mansions of the area. This single mother lived with her four children in a small room.
I just couldn't get out of my mind the contrast in this area. There were very wealthy Ugandans, Sudanese, Americans, British, etc. living in these houses enjoying many of the comforts we have in the U.S. The houses in this part of Kampala might rent for $1000- 4000 per month. (I know, I would have never believe it either) And hidden behind some of them were some small apartments the size of some of our tool sheds. There could be anywhere from 3 to 10 people living in each of them while struggling to pay their rent of maybe $25 per month. It deeply broke my heart that there are such extremes here...the very wealthy and the very poor. Whatever happened to the days of the early church where all shared and no one was ever in need. I wish we could go back to those days.
Yesterday, we visited about 6 homes of the families or guardians of our children. The living arrangements of these families varied widely. Some lived in one room apartments (like a studio minus a bathroom and kitchen...maybe 10' x 10'), others in two room apartments and others were blessed with houses. The purpose of these visits is to check up on their lives and situations...whether or not they meet the qualifications to be sponsored or continue to be sponsored.
Anyway, I digress. The last family we visited was that of a single mother. As I listened to the person giving me directions to drive to the place I just recall hearing Kiwafu Estates. I guess really what I heard was something about "estates". I mean what do you think of when you hear that word. I think of pretty good sized homes and so I just wondered where we were going. It took us a while to find the place where this family stays. As we finally found the road, we parked and began to walk down an alley between two huge homes with massive brick walls on each side of the alley/road. Looking down the road you could see some very small buildings amongst the near mansions of the area. This single mother lived with her four children in a small room.
I just couldn't get out of my mind the contrast in this area. There were very wealthy Ugandans, Sudanese, Americans, British, etc. living in these houses enjoying many of the comforts we have in the U.S. The houses in this part of Kampala might rent for $1000- 4000 per month. (I know, I would have never believe it either) And hidden behind some of them were some small apartments the size of some of our tool sheds. There could be anywhere from 3 to 10 people living in each of them while struggling to pay their rent of maybe $25 per month. It deeply broke my heart that there are such extremes here...the very wealthy and the very poor. Whatever happened to the days of the early church where all shared and no one was ever in need. I wish we could go back to those days.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Keep it in Perspective
Yeah, I haven't been on here blogging in a while. I've got lots to share, but not a lot of time to sit down and share it with everyone. The past month has been filled with lots of challenges. One of the main reasons I haven't written here in a while is that I've been sick...It began with the flu which then transformed into a sinus infection or bronchitis. Now I'm still remaining with a cough and being lethargic sometimes.
But in the last 10 days, some crazy things happened. Last Sunday I found out that I had a major water leak/problem at my house back in CA. I was informed that the best choice would be to tear out the master bathroom and then cut into the foundation in order to replace all of the piping for the house. There was a lot more to this, but it seemed like a no brainer. I had no choice. If I tried a quick fix, the problem would return again and again until I replaced everything. In fact, this is the second leak I've had under my foundation thus helping me to realize what needed to be done. Then I was given a ballpark figure for this major upgrade...I about pee'd my pants. Where was this money going to come from. I'm a missionary and don't have a clue how this was going to get done? Was I going to need a loan? How was I going to be able to make payments on this additional cost in maintaining my house? So many different thoughts went through my mind.
Then just a few days all of that was put into perspective. One of my former youth group students that I mentored throughout middle school had a horrible accident playing an extreme form of hide and seek. He sustained head injuries that eventually required surgery to release the pressure to his brain that was being generated from the blood accumulating there. I am happy to report that he is slowly recovering from his injuries day by day.
The point though is this. There are bigger things in life than the problems with my house and the money that is going to be required to fix it. There are bigger things in life than the Christmas presents we receive, what phone you have, the type of car you own, whether you have a mac or pc, etc.
We need to value every day with every person in our lives. You never know when the last time you'll see someone is. Often, we prioritize stuff before our relationships. We need to value our spouses, children, friends, family, co-workers, etc. because life is about relationships.
We must realize that this life is fleeting. We're all going to die someday. At that point, we'll be posed with the question of our faith. We'll stand before God (whether or not we believe) and be judged for our sins. For those of us who have confessed that Jesus is Lord and believe in their hearts that He truly is Lord, we will be taken to heaven. For the rest, well, you know where the other place is. Many people have confessed their belief in Jesus, yet their lives lack repentance and movement toward holiness. True faith is demonstrate just as much by what you do as by what you say.
The student with the injury should be an example to everyone around. He trusted Christ wholeheartedly and lived his faith in every aspect of his life. I've seen posts on Facebook as evidence to who he was to all people. Even those who were not close to him knew of his love for God and for others. He truly loves his neighbor as himself.
Here's the wake up call people.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
We need to put more value in our relationships than all the "stuff" in the world. Keep it in perspective.
But in the last 10 days, some crazy things happened. Last Sunday I found out that I had a major water leak/problem at my house back in CA. I was informed that the best choice would be to tear out the master bathroom and then cut into the foundation in order to replace all of the piping for the house. There was a lot more to this, but it seemed like a no brainer. I had no choice. If I tried a quick fix, the problem would return again and again until I replaced everything. In fact, this is the second leak I've had under my foundation thus helping me to realize what needed to be done. Then I was given a ballpark figure for this major upgrade...I about pee'd my pants. Where was this money going to come from. I'm a missionary and don't have a clue how this was going to get done? Was I going to need a loan? How was I going to be able to make payments on this additional cost in maintaining my house? So many different thoughts went through my mind.
Then just a few days all of that was put into perspective. One of my former youth group students that I mentored throughout middle school had a horrible accident playing an extreme form of hide and seek. He sustained head injuries that eventually required surgery to release the pressure to his brain that was being generated from the blood accumulating there. I am happy to report that he is slowly recovering from his injuries day by day.
The point though is this. There are bigger things in life than the problems with my house and the money that is going to be required to fix it. There are bigger things in life than the Christmas presents we receive, what phone you have, the type of car you own, whether you have a mac or pc, etc.
We need to value every day with every person in our lives. You never know when the last time you'll see someone is. Often, we prioritize stuff before our relationships. We need to value our spouses, children, friends, family, co-workers, etc. because life is about relationships.
We must realize that this life is fleeting. We're all going to die someday. At that point, we'll be posed with the question of our faith. We'll stand before God (whether or not we believe) and be judged for our sins. For those of us who have confessed that Jesus is Lord and believe in their hearts that He truly is Lord, we will be taken to heaven. For the rest, well, you know where the other place is. Many people have confessed their belief in Jesus, yet their lives lack repentance and movement toward holiness. True faith is demonstrate just as much by what you do as by what you say.
The student with the injury should be an example to everyone around. He trusted Christ wholeheartedly and lived his faith in every aspect of his life. I've seen posts on Facebook as evidence to who he was to all people. Even those who were not close to him knew of his love for God and for others. He truly loves his neighbor as himself.
Here's the wake up call people.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
We need to put more value in our relationships than all the "stuff" in the world. Keep it in perspective.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Real life in Uganda
Most of you know that my residence here in Uganda is somewhat unusual in that I live on the top floor of God Cares Nursery & Primary School. I like to call it my penthouse, but it's really anything but a penthouse. My biggest complaints here are the lack of privacy and the noise in the mornings. Well, this month I have moved temporarily as I house sit for some friends who are currently in the U.S. to experience what most ex-pats do.
I began house sitting on February 1. It was a very weird move for me. First of all, the house is WAY on the other side of town. The other day it took me about 45 minutes to get to the school from there and it's only a few miles away. I realized how comfortable I am at the school as I prepared to bring necessary items to the house. At the school, I can wake up and just get on my computer and begin working right away. Now, I have to shower, get dressed, lock up the house, open the gate, drive outside, close the gate then drive to work. It's not something I'm used to in the morning or the evening.
The second thing is I really miss my kids. They've just returned and much of what I do is ministering to them. I even miss the noise that they make. The noises at the house are foreign to me, but I find comfort in the noises of our children. After all, the reason I moved to Uganda was the kids.
Lastly, living on the other side of town makes hanging out with people difficult. Most of my friends are on the school side of town. This week I've been invited to a game night and to watch the Super Bowl but they're all away from where I'm staying. I'll figure it out, but it just seems inconvenient.
All I'm saying is that it's just weird to be living a "real life" now. What I mean is that it's like being back in the U.S. in some ways. Living somewhere and working somewhere else. I'm not sure I'm cut out for this while I'm in Uganda. Thankfully I've been blessed with the opportunity to live with my kids and minister to them full time even if it means sacrificing my privacy. However, this month I am trying to appreciate my privacy and the beautiful house that I'm staying in.
I began house sitting on February 1. It was a very weird move for me. First of all, the house is WAY on the other side of town. The other day it took me about 45 minutes to get to the school from there and it's only a few miles away. I realized how comfortable I am at the school as I prepared to bring necessary items to the house. At the school, I can wake up and just get on my computer and begin working right away. Now, I have to shower, get dressed, lock up the house, open the gate, drive outside, close the gate then drive to work. It's not something I'm used to in the morning or the evening.
The second thing is I really miss my kids. They've just returned and much of what I do is ministering to them. I even miss the noise that they make. The noises at the house are foreign to me, but I find comfort in the noises of our children. After all, the reason I moved to Uganda was the kids.
Lastly, living on the other side of town makes hanging out with people difficult. Most of my friends are on the school side of town. This week I've been invited to a game night and to watch the Super Bowl but they're all away from where I'm staying. I'll figure it out, but it just seems inconvenient.
All I'm saying is that it's just weird to be living a "real life" now. What I mean is that it's like being back in the U.S. in some ways. Living somewhere and working somewhere else. I'm not sure I'm cut out for this while I'm in Uganda. Thankfully I've been blessed with the opportunity to live with my kids and minister to them full time even if it means sacrificing my privacy. However, this month I am trying to appreciate my privacy and the beautiful house that I'm staying in.
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