Before we left to visit Uganda, we began praying (and asked you to pray as well:) that the Lord would show us what He wanted us to do while we were there... that His will would be done during our trip. We knew the need there would be overwhelming, but we were trusting God to show us what He wanted to accomplish through us... we just needed to be faithful and willing.
The day after the "New Year's Eve Celebration" (see earlier post), Gary and the girls and I arrived in the dining room to find our table already set up on the patio, waiting for us. Our friend, Andy, had beat us downstairs (again:) and had struck up a conversation with the young man, Daniel, that had served us breakfast the day before.
Daniel had told Andy that he had seen us on the platform (stage) the night before at the celebration. He told us "he was SO blessed that we were there with the Senyonga's and Christian Life Church." Christian Life is his church.
At breakfast, Gary asked him if there was anything we could pray about for him. He was a little surprised, but said yes, and asked if we could meet him to talk after he was finished working.
We were excited about the opportunity to pray with Daniel. We were MORE excited to see what the Lord had planned!
When we met with him later that afternoon we asked him to share about his life... to tell us "his story". We found out that both of his parents were deceased. He was the oldest son, which makes him responsible for his siblings. He told us that he had become a Christian several years ago, he had gotten married a little over a year ago and had a brand new baby boy. He wanted to go back to the University to get his degree, but did not have the funds. This was one of his prayer requests, his other prayer request was for a better housing situation for his family.
Praying with Daniel was one of "those" moments. We were very aware that God had arranged this meeting. He was leading. He was at work. He was present. We could FEEL the Holy Spirit... it was beautiful.
After Daniel left we all sat in silence for a moment... in complete surrender and awe at what had just taken place. We were humbled. We were exhilarated.
It didn't take long for the Lord to confirm to Gary and I that we would sponsor Daniel to go to the University. We found out that we could arrange his sponsorship through Christian Life Church.
When we told him Sunday after the church service... he was so blessed. But honestly... WE were blessed!
The day we were leaving Uganda, we were honored to visit Daniel and his wife at their home. Their home was humble and tidy and so very... poetic. They were truly happy to have us there. As we visited with them and held their baby boy...
Daniel shared a story the Lord had given him from the Bible. He then prayed for our family, adding Numbers 6:24-26 to his prayer. During this time we knew... we were witnessing the extraordinary grace of God. It was amazing to behold. As we walked back to our waiting vehicle, emotions were high. Daniel, with tears in his eyes, wished us all of God's blessings. We hugged him and told him we would miss him. He, too, would miss us.
Now... he and his family are not only our friends... they are a part of our family.
I am so thankful to our loving Father for orchestrating ALL the events that took place in order for us to meet and become friends with Daniel. I thank Him for His FAITHFULNESS.
I want to encourage you... to keep praying, to keep trusting, to keep believing in the One that created you. Our Father in heaven really does care about YOU. He knows your needs, your concerns, your struggles, your dreams... He KNOWS.
The same God that ordained our family to travel half way around the world to Uganda, the same God of the universe that introduced us to Daniel, our Father who knows Daniel's dreams and needs, our Father who has a plan for Daniel's life, a plan that will bring HIM glory... He knows you and loves YOU too.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
1 comment:
Such an incredible story of God's faithfulness and weaving others into the very fabric of our lives. I love our extended family in Ethiopia as well- just treasures from Him.
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