Blessed are the poor

Well I'm already halfway through my trip and finding it quite hard to believe. I've been eating enough rice and beans that a common theme every meal time is to talk about the feast we will have when we arrive back to the US. One friend leaves for home on Monday and made a point of asking his parents to bring a big chocolate milkshake to the airport. I hope you are taking notes, mum and dad! Despite missing family, friends, and the familiarities of home, I will surely miss this place when I leave as well.

The greatest thing I have noticed in the ministry so far is how grateful and God-seeking the Ugandan people are. I think it can best be summed up by a few bible verses. Proverbs 27:7 reads "honey seems tasteless to a person who is full, but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry." I can certainly picture myself ordering a steak in the US and then sticking up my nose at the fact that it isn't quite cooked right inside. A child here will take any piece of food you give them with a smile without the slightest complaint. The most important thing is that this principle extends far beyond hunger. Everytime I greet someone in the town, pat a kid on the head, or shake hands with a schoolteacher, I get a very warm response. People in the western world are so full up on other things that the simplicities of life are taken for granted. When it comes to spirituality, Jesus got it spot on: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(Matthew 5:3) Compared to us, these African people are certainly destitute when it comes to riches, food and health. With this destitution, they realize their need for something greater. An alternative translation of Matthew 5:3 is "Blessed are those who realize their need for Him..." With the comfortable lifestyle and many things to fill voids such as romances, sports, and consumables, it is hard for a westerner to realize a need for God. Many convert at difficult times in their lives when they have nowhere else to turn. Many who claim to be Christian and thank God for their blessings would far sooner give up their 'god' than the blessings He has bestowed upon them. It has been here that this point has become most plain to me.

We made a trip to a hospital for children with disabilities earlier this week. Each child has a parent stay with them while they are being treated. While half of our group gave a presentation to encourage the kids, the rest of us went amongst the parents and spoke to then about their troubles and toils. One question we asked often was how their relationship with God had fared during the suffering of their children. Every single parent said that it had been strengthened and that they were placing the youngsters conditions in His hands. This pure faith stunned me. To continue trusting in God at a time of great suffering is the mark of someone whose soul is desperately seeking.

That was a little hard to put into words and if anyone has a different interpretation of the above verses than feel free to tell me about it. One thing for sure is that the people I have met treasure their small blessings and the God that gives them far closer than many I know in the US.

Next week we make a trip to a village again. This time we are building a goat-shed for a family amongst other community service ventures. It will be another 5 day stretch with no electricity, showers, or city civilization so again I expect the least and will be pleasantly surprised with anything else.

Until next time, be safe and joyful, Tommy