Hello from Kampala!
I hate to be so brief, but the internet connection is not
the best and I have limited time on this computer.
The past week has been amazing and possibly the most unique
week of my life to date. After traveling
for a day and half, I finally got to see the red earth that is East Africa. I am staying at CLD’s base in Nansana, which
is northwest of Kampala. There are about
15 other students here serving for different amounts of time… one of them is a
recently graduated high school student named Matthew. Matthew is my roommate and is from Steamboat,
Colorado. We also have the same flight
out of the country in June, so we are doing a lot of the same stuff for CLD in
terms of programs.
The most recent and most significant activity of the trip
has been working at CLD’s farm, about 20 miles from base camp. Matthew and I went to the farm yesterday to
work. We ended up spending last night
and got to worship in the village church this morning, called Katiti
Baptist. The worship was beautiful and
moving. The children were enthralled
with the two “Mzungu” guys near the back.
Without going into too much detail, I have to praise the
organization I’m staying with. CLD is in
vehement search of sustainable projects in the Kampala, Uganda area. And when I say sustainable, they have a
proven, working, restorative system to bring lasting change. Their three
main outreach areas are the Farm (which implements “Farming God’s Way”; I
encourage you to look this up!!), the Thread of Life slum empowerment women’s
outreach, and Wakiso Christian International Academy (a boarding and day school
which insists on the highest standards of education for its kids.
CLD takes no shortcuts.
They aren’t just serving for the “feel good” rush. They want to see lasting change. It’s such a beautiful picture.
Thank you as always for your prayers! Hope to update again
soon!
In Him always,
John
Thank you, John for this wonderful update. Your Dad & I are humbled and moved by your experience, and we will pray specifically for CLD's unique ministries and particularly that God will use you and keep you safe as you remain open to His call. I can't find words to communicate our deep gratitude for you and all that you are. It is never easy to literally hand one's firstborn son completely over to His care, but we continue to have full peace that you are where you should be. We love you and look forward to your next update.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs,
Mom
I can concur with your Mom, as we have done this on numerous occasions with our second-born and to the same part of the world. You are an inspiration, John, and we keep you in our prayers. I think the world is in good hands, knowing that young people like you have such a commitment to helping others and spreading God's love. Godspeed! Karen David
ReplyDeleteGreat Update Johnny. Glad to hear things are starting off swimmingly. Happy for you and proud of what your doing brutha. Keep up the good work. Know that we're praying hard for you back here across the pond. God bless ya my man.
ReplyDeleteLove ya brutha,
***,
Sean