Guest Author - Bob Powers
Joel Schmidgall
Jun 22, 2007 · 10:37 AMGoing to Uganda is adventurous. A chance to show Christ off to the world, His love, His compassion and the Hope that comes through belief in Him. Excited about that… Being able to, with my very own two hands, help someone in need. Someone whose plight is all too familiar! Any of us working on issues in Washington, be it ever so remotely related to various plights around the world, such as the horrible tragedies befalling children in Uganda, always feel somewhat of a disconnect. We work on issues related to compassion from a distance. For me, it comes through our work of representing Evangelical broadcasters! We help others, help others. But if you feel like I do, whether it’s a just a check in the mail, or what have you, I often wish that I could offer help in person. Not a cold check or an article that they’ll never read. But to be the one to offer a cold cup of water, make a bed for someone not capable or to ill to do it on their own, etc… And to do it all for Christ, in His name, and with His compassion.
For us, this NCC Uganda team, it’s not necessarily offering a cold cup of water or making beds (at least I don’t think so). We are building a structure… a dwelling place. Something perhaps of a more lasting legacy! Protection from the hot sun or cold nights! A place to feel safe when storms come, somewhere to simply call home each night. A place to rest! This is what I am excited about. Not only am I reading about Uganda or writing about Uganda I get to do something in Uganda. We, Team Uganda, get to do something with our own two hands. As Pastor Joel says, build, build, build!
Here’s a scripture that I ran across this morning:
James 1:26-27 (Amplified Bible)
26If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religious service is worthless (futile, barren).
27External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.
Rebeca Millan
Jun 22, 2007 · 12:10 PM
I enjoyed Bob’s entry on the chance to build something with our own hands for someone else, something lasting...something that will house and protect precious little lives for many years to come.
I find that the time that I pray the most about Uganda and our mission (or anything else going on in my life) is when I am out in nature...among the things that God has built! Among the things that have grown and lasted since the beginning of time!
There is something about being outdoors that helps to clear and focus the mind all at the same time. In the mornings and evenings, as I walk my dog, I find myself praying most naturally for the people of Uganda and for our mission team. I’m glad for this, because we will be spending the majority of our time during the trip in the outdoors! I hope that while we are there, we are able to take the time to enjoy the nature that God has provided for Africa! I’m excited to see the African sky and the rising and setting sun, and all the other wonderful things that God has created in nature for the people of Uganda.
Lord, help us to value all that You have created around us. Keep us in awe of the beauty that you have blessed us with in the form of nature. May the things that you have built and created in nature help to motivate us to build in Your name.
Michael Barker
Jun 28, 2007 · 9:10 AM
Great message, Bob, and excellent verse. Our Heavenly Father is serious about us lovin’ on others!