Uganda
Dear Team,
As we journey through the road of life, we never know what God is going to call us to do. It might be something that feels big. Or it might be something seemingly "small."
Regardless, obedience is the key.
We may or may not see the circle of redemption completed in our life time, so we leave the outcome in God's capable hands. We remind ourselves we aren't called to save the world ourselves, but to be faithful in what He's called us to do. Obedience is the key.
As we go to press, I am currently traveling in Uganda and South Sudan.
Before I left, one family gave me $500 for those situations or people that God brings across our paths so we can bless them with God's provision. Because of the willing obedience and generosity of this family, I have been on heightened look-out for opportunities to show God's love and provision.
Sometimes, God Asks us to Do Something Small
While in Uganda, I take public transportation almost 80% of the time. Most of the time that means I'm aboard one of the literally thousands of dilapidated 7-passenger minivans. They are all modified to carry 16+ passengers, packed in like sardines.
There are often strongly-worded exchanges between intimidated passengers and the sometimes rude, bully of a "conductor," who rides the minivan collecting fees and making change. (All the while hanging out the purposely busted out window hawking at the foot traffic to buy a ride in his "taxi.")
At one of the many stops to pick up more passengers, or drop off some riders, a 30-or-40-year-old woman with 6 little children got on.
The mom was a tiny, thin lady, and kids were even smaller. All 6 of them fit into two of the seats in the row in front of me.
The lady with the kids in tow looked something like a mother duck. She had her hands full. The kids were quiet and orderly, but in this culture, you never know what might cause someone to get upset.
For some reason, maybe the scowl on his face that was mirrored in his tone of voice, I suspected the conductor just might not be nice to this lady and the children. He might try to extract as much transport fee as he could get. (Unfortunately, the fees change depending on the of day, availability and many other unsubstantiated factors.)
When I exited the van at our stop, I told the conductor I wanted to pay for mine and Kawede's fee - and the woman and her children's fees.
The unhappy conductor was still grumping... and totally caught off guard.
It seems like someone who had "seen absolutely everything" as a daily taxi conductor, absolutely didn't know what to do. He had probably never seen this done before - especially from a "white" stranger. The other passengers watched the "white guy" anyway, but now they turned their eyes to my exchange with the conductor with intensity and interest.
Finally, Kawede intervened and helped the conductor understand what I wanted. I motioned toward the woman and children to help this befuddled conductor get it, and caught the biggest and most grateful smile you could imagine on the woman's face.
She mouthed "thank you, thank you" over and over as she nodded her head attempting to communicate respect and gratitude.
For the equivalent of about $. 90 USD, every single passenger in that van was impacted. Every single passenger saw a demonstration of God's generosity to someone her culture may not value a whole lot - due to skin color, gender, and occupation (mother with kids).
Sometimes God is asking us to be obedient in something "small" - like $.90USD - that makes a big difference.
Sometimes God asks us to do something bigger.
ITMI's Muhindo and Lillian Kawede have 5 children. Sam, their twenty-something son hasn't been able to find work in Uganda. He finally found an opportunity to run a Caterpillar in the DRC Congo. The family could only pay for the 18-hour bus trip, but that left nothing for food or getting started when he arrived.
It seems the family had been praying about what to do. When I felt the Lord leading and presented Sam with a $100 dollar bill, he was blown away. This big, strong, hulking man said, "I can't believe it, I can't believe it..." There's no telling how this will impact Sam's future.
The family was blessed and relieved that their prayers were answered an their need met.
The Kawede Family, serving in Uganda.
Your Obedience Making an Impact
ITMI was able to invite and help 6 ITMI "family members" attend a multinational Biblical technology conference in Thailand in April. Many experts at this conference will be training the 300+ attendees in how to use the simple technology that is available in almost every part of the world, to share the gospel.
This is primarily useful in restricted access countries where Bibles are illegal.
I am is going to share the Arabic SALT material with the many Arabic ministry leaders - in hopes of making connections and contacts where we can eventually deliver this material to the underground churches.
Other ITMI partners are going so they can learn to better share the Gospel in new unique and technologically appropriate ways.
Some of ITMI's partners would never think of going to this conference due to the cost, but because YOU gave as led by God, we are able to further equip our partners with unique and special tools for the mission God has called them to.
In His Service,
Steve Evers has advocated for and served the ITMI partners as ITMI Director since 2001. Approximately once a year, Steve visits with ITMI partners in their countries and brings stories back to encourage supporters. Steve enjoys photography and mechanics, (both hobbies that have greatly benefited ITMI partners!) Prior to becoming ITMI's Director, Steve served on the Board of Directors for 12 years. Steve lives in Arizona with his wife, Darlene.