We have all heard it before, “Finish your food. There are
starving children in Africa.” It was a mother’s way of reminding us as children
not to take for granted the food on our plates, because there were many who were
not so fortunate. Being here in Uganda,
I’m often reminded of what mama used to say, though I doubt we ever knew how
multi-faceted that truth really was.
Walking up to the
church, I could already hear shouts and praises pouring out from the
building. I was immediately greeted by
smiling faces, clapping hands, and dancing feet all clamoring together in a
resounding “Hallelujah” unto the Lord.
The room was filled with children packed in together for the AWANA
program, and the numbers only grew as the songs continued until every bench was filled,
every spot of ground occupied.
Whatever
troubles may exist in the lives of these children, one would never know it by
looking at their faces. There was
genuine laughter, joy and excitement flooding through the church, despite many
of them having empty stomachs, only the clothes on their backs to claim as their own, and hundreds of them orphans. I have learned that children are still
children no matter what the circumstances. They love to be silly, sing songs,
play games and most desperately want someone to show them love and affection.
During the game time, I found myself surrounded by children tugging at my
skirt, grabbing for my arm, or giving me a shy smile from afar.
Yesterday, we had the opportunity to hand out Bibles to each
of the homes with sponsored children. To
our great delight, one of our team members, Jeremy, who was with the youth,
told us how many of them brought their Bibles, signed their names on all three
sides, and had them open with eagerness to study and learn. For nearly two and a half hours, they sat
down and asked questions while Jeremy answered with the authority of Scripture
and the power of the Holy Spirit.
It was amazing to see each team member today serving and taking part in all that needed to happen, whether it was handing out candy, telling the Bible story, explaining the craft, or playing with the children. After the program ended, each one received a small piece of candy followed by a lunch consisting of rice and beans. One of the Ugandans later remarked how most of them consider such a meal an occasion as special as Christmas, and that they will be talking about it for days and weeks to come! I could not believe that such a simple meal would mean so much.
Mama was right. Children in Africa, many of whom I hugged and
sang with today, are hungry. In some
ways I was prepared to see such hardships and needs. After all, I had heard
about such things all my life at church, in my home and even had traveled to
Africa two times before. Witnessing that reality never gets easier.
What I did not expect was the spiritual hunger for the Word of God that I
encountered today. One little girl named
Miracle came to a team member and said in a soft voice, “Thank you so very much
for my Bible.” I grew up learning to be grateful for the food I had on my
plate, as I should be. But more importantly, I am reminded of how grateful I am
to know the Bread of Life in Jesus Christ through His Word. What took place today was not only serving a
meal that will be talked about for days, but also a message that will be carried on
through eternity. That is where I find
hope and comfort.
I am so grateful for
all that Orphan’s Heart is doing here in Kamenkoli to meet the needs of
hundreds of children. My prayer is that God would feed those who are hungry by
His power as He fed the multitudes; and that their hunger for God’s Word
would only continue to increase. May we
learn a lesson from these Ugandan children and youth to be as hungry as they
are for the life and richness of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord!
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