Posts

A Promise of Peace

In the past month, our world has completely changed.  When things seem to spin out of control, when we experience loss, it is natural to feel many emotions; anger, sadness, anxiousness, grief...  But, what do we do with them? Right before the pandemic, the Lord was teaching me about coming to Him in a time of need.  I don't think this is any coincidence!  Over the past few years I have struggled with insomnia.  Not until recently though did I realize this was spiritual attack.  I would lay awake, sometimes I was anxious, but other times I was not anxious which made it all the more confusing.  I would lay there awake, trying to will myself to fall asleep, which would only make me angry. About 6 months ago, when I was having trouble sleeping, I began getting out of bed to pray.  This was life-changing for me.  Ever since fighting insomnia with prayer, I have been able to sleep well again.  Prayer is a powerful gift given to us by our Heavenly Father.  It is also a powerful weap
Post a Comment
Read more

Reflecting On Our Calling - 5 Years with NHUM!

Image
I was recently sitting with a friend over coffee talking about missions, and God's calling in our lives.  We reflected on how much peace and confirmation we both received in the midst of our callings to missions.  At Kobwin during my last trip to Uganda. It's been 5 years since we answered the call to serve with NHUM and so I thought it would be appropriate to share with all of you how the Lord called us to serve with New Hope Uganda Ministries.  We have shared in person with several of you, but I have never sat down and typed out the whole (long) story so here it goes! The Lord's calling to missions in my life began during my freshman year in college.  I was so excited to be a student at Concordia College because of their incredible music department.  I remember the first time I played in the orchestra.  The experience of playing with a college level ensemble was simply amazing.  In my first couple weeks I was loving every minute of being a music majo
Post a Comment
Read more

Finding Strength in Weakness

Image
I have been personally struggling with my health for about a year and feel it is now time to share with you all so you can be praying for me. The main concern lately is that I have some swelling in my small intestine and to smaller extent in my large intestine causing gastrointestinal issues.  Although this is the main concern, I have had some other unexplained symptoms including, rashes, dry eyes, insomnia, light-headedness, among other things. Two weeks ago I woke up early on a Sunday morning with severe abdominal pain and became dehydrated so quickly (within 4 hours) from the constant sickness I went to the ER.  My blood pressure was dangerously low and I began to break out in hives all over my body so they admitted me to the hospital for the next two days. At first they were suggesting a serious infection diagnoses and treating me for sepsis, which thankfully I don't have!  After my 2-day stay at the hospital, lots of tests, and two more episodes after I was discharged, w
Post a Comment
Read more

Serving with NHUM update

Image
It has been a while since I updated you all - since I got back from Uganda! The fall is always very busy for me as I now oversee sponsorship promotion for the U.S. and Orphan Sunday is always the 2nd Sunday of November.  Most churches highlight ways to care for orphans both locally and abroad during this time.  We had the most church events scheduled ever this fall with 8 just in October and November and as a result we were able to connect more sponsors with children in Uganda. Here are a few highlights from this year's events: I was able to help at the Mountain Springs Church missions weekend again this year.  They transform their lobby to highlight their different missions partnerships and we had our very own "hut" to visit with people.  They sent a medical mission team in June and it was a joy to witness their enthusiasm for NHU as they shared with people about New Hope. Mt Springs "hut" for Uganda. We had the opportunity to share at our church o
Post a Comment
Read more

For Relationship

Image
One of the most asked questions at New Hope is, "Why are we here?" and the answer is "For relationship". I have mentioned before that this was my best trip to Uganda and I think that is because of the rich relationships that were developed and also some new relationships were formed.  I could probably write a short story if I were to touch on all the relationships, but for the sake of this post I will focus on my relationships as a sponsor to a Ugandan missionary, Kasana preschool teacher, Auntie Scovia, and a young man named Vincent. Robert and I with Auntie Scovia and her family in 2016. When I arrived at Kasana Children's Center the first thing I wanted to do was to walk over the the school and see Auntie Scovia.  I found her having a break-time with her friends and was asked to join.  It was such an honor to meet her dear friends and to be a part of their conversation. After our time with her friends, she showed me her classroom and all the new thi
Post a Comment
Read more

A Lesson On Faith

Image
Our final destination, Kasana Children's Center, where we conducted women's ministry events. When our team began to meet to prepare for the trip, we were brainstorming ways we might want to serve.  Out of my mouth came, "What about women's ministry?"  Then Steve says, "Sounds great, Could you lead that?" This was intimidating to me for a couple reasons.  First, I was one of the youngest women on the team.  Also, I don't like speaking in front of people!  I'll do it, but it is not my favorite thing to do.  I'd much rather grab a cup of coffee and talk with a few people.  I don't like being in the spotlight. I began to communicate with the women's ministry coordinator in Uganda.  The theme for the year and one which we were asked to stay within is "Turning Our Hearts Towards Home".  She explained this as things like, housekeeping, hospitality, etc.  I was thinking, "I can barely keep up with my own home.  How am I
Post a Comment
Read more

God Hears Our Cries

Image
We began our morning at Musana by walking down to the fishing village of Nalumuli.  First, we sat on the beach and listened to Angela share her story of how God called her to minister to the women.  As she shared, tears welled up in her eyes.  She spoke directly from the heart.  There was no denying God has given her a supernatural love for the people of Nalumuli. Angela and her husband came to Uganda on utter obedience.  They sold their house, bought plane tickets, and initially had no plan.  All they knew was that God was calling them to Uganda.  They found out about New Hope Uganda, were accepted as missionaries, and moved into their home at Musana.  Angela looked down at Nalumuli and her heart was moved.  She felt God was calling her to walk down there - alone. This was a scary calling.  Nalumuli is a place of suffering and rampant sin.  The men aren't faithful; they fish at night, and drink during the day.  The women suffer and struggle to raise their child
Post a Comment
Read more