Friday, April 13, 2012

Uganda here we come...


A few days ago, I started to feel it.   This nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach. 

It’s this expectation of going and knowing that God is going to meet us there in a special way that’s got me nervous.   It’s a good nervous.   Actually, nervous isn’t even the right word.   It’s more expectant and excited, but in a quiet, humble way. You know?

I’ve spent a lot of time in prayer this week.   I am excited for God to reveal his will and purpose to each one of the team for our time in Uganda. That is what we are asking.   We have shared our hearts with each other on our facebook group, and I can say without hesitation that we are all wanting God to reveal himself to us and through us to others on this trip.

And also, very important on our hearts is our husbands, wives and children that are not going.   We are praying peace over them while we are gone.   And for our spouses to have open hearts to receive what we bring back.   They won’t be there to experience and see, but we are asking God to work in their hearts so that when we return they are ready to receive what we have to share and what God is leading us to do going forward.   Others on the team are also seeking God for future ministry plans. 

Because what is the meaning of our lives here on earth if at the end of it all we don’t have a peace that we allowed God to fulfill His purpose in us?   I want to know his purpose for my life and I want to be obedient to His call.   As David Platt says, are we willing to put a blank check on the table?   Let the Holy Spirit reveal his purpose for our lives and then go do it?   My blank check is on the table.

This trip is a big step. This is where the rubber meets the road. 

Someone asked me yesterday, “why Uganda?”   I just smiled and answered, “I don’t really know.”  It’s a long story.  It’s just where my heart led me.   Or rather, it’s where God led me because I am trusting in Him.

Pray for our team.   Pray for our families.  Pray for the ministries we will visit and the people we will minister to. 

In Acts 13, the church at Antioch fasted and prayed and the Holy Spirit told them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work which He had called them.  And Barnabas and Saul set out on a missionary journey that had a profound effect on the early church.  Based on Acts 13, this is what you can pray for us while we are gone:

 •that we would be confident in the word

 •that we would be filled with God's Spirit

 •that we would have victory in spiritual warfare

 •that we would have success in gospel witness

 •that we would have peace with other believers (and for peace in our homes and with our families as we are away from them)

 •that we would have favor with unbelievers

 •that the gospel would be clear to them

 •that God would open their hearts to receive from Him

 •that we would have joy in the midst of suffering

•that we would show kindness in the midst of slander

 •that supernatural power would accompany us

 •that we would have Christ-like humility

 •that we would have patience

 •that we would have perseverance

 •that God would use us to make disciples


(from my notes on a podcast by David Platt)
 

My suitcases are stuffed to overflowing.  I have one full of children's clothes and shoes from babies to teenagers, and Kristen and I have another filled with sheets and blankets.  My other large suitcase is half full of my personal things and the other half is supplies and women's clothes.  Others on the team have headbands, bandanas, over the counter medications of all kinds, crafts and sports equipment, school supplies, more clothes and shoes.  It is amazing what you can fit in a suitcase!  I also have cash in hand to meet some practical needs as presented when we are in country. 

I will try to post updates on facebook or possibly blog while there depending on our access to internet.

Again, thank you so much to everyone of you that helped make this trip a reality for me, for monetary donations, for encouragement, for practical help along the way, for praying for me.  I cherish each of you.  Thank you, thank you!

We have a fantastic team.  I'd like you to meet them:

Michael Smalley, Team Leader, marriage and family counselor and speaker, The Smalley Center, Houston, TX

Courtney Townsend, Indian Trail, NC, mother of four, sister-in-law of Sharon

Alison Guerard, southern California, mother of two, friend of Sharon

Kylie White, NC, mother of two and waiting to adopt two more from the Congo, friend of Sharon

Sharon Townsend, southern California, mother of two, also waiting to adopt, invited Kylie, Alison and Courtney

Chris Woodard and 14 yr old daughter, Savannah

Ashley Nolan, mother of three, littlest one adopted

Rodney Rinehart and daughter Selena

Eddie Han and 9 yr old daughter Jalie, Tacoma, WA

Kelvin Kim, southern California, friend of Eddie

Kristen Green, Denver, waiting to adopt, my answer-to-prayer friend

and me....

We can do all things through him who gives us strength!   And we are excited to do so!  I have a feeling we have started what will be some very close friendships that will last long after we are home.

Time to really finish packing.  Today will be a blur with Rebecca's play tonight.  Then we leave at 5:00 a.m. in the morning to take me to the airport in Denver. 

Until next time....

Trusting in Him,

Shelli