As many of you know, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Uganda over the Christmas break and during J Term. I was part of a group of students, alumni, and parents that participated in “partnership strengthening” along with Hope Christian School, in Masaka, Uganda. In a word, the trip was absolutely AMAZING! I believe that the Lord was glorified and that our two schools were blessed in several ways.
http://faithlafayette.smugmug.com/FCS/2012-2013-School-Year/J-Term-Trip-Masaka-Uganda-2013/27762696_8pZN8T
JOY
Joy quickly became a theme of our trip. It seemed like every school, church, and group that we visited sang, “This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it”. The students, teachers, and individuals didn’t just say the words, but it was very apparent that they truly believed and trusted that this promise was really true. I cannot begin to express how sincerely joyful the people of Hope Christian School are! They overwhelmed us with their thankfulness and their hospitality. Through their joy and thankfulness, they testified how rich in Christ they really are! I don’t believe there has ever been such an extended period of time in my life that has been characterized by joy, sincere thankfulness, and generous hospitality.
STRENGTHENED
I could also characterize our trip as a strengthening exercise in several key areas. As a group, we were able to paint the entire campus of Hope Christian School. We were able to complete their new pit latrine to help with some of the sanitation needs of their students. We conducted a Vacation Bible School program for their students as well as ministered in several churches. I had the unique opportunity to conduct three days of teacher workshops for the faculty of Hope Christian School. Personally, one of the true blessings that I received was to spend some focused time with our students. It was great to share time together along with the opportunity to have devotions together, work together, and just have fun together.
FUTURE
I came away from the trip thinking, “What’s next”? To balance the various overall goals and initiatives of Faith Christian School with the partnering opportunity of Hope Christian School likely will be challenging. Some of the unique future opportunities may include the following: Provide scholarships for Ugandan students to attend Hope Christian School; start a teacher exchange program with FCS teachers traveling to Hope Christian School for several weeks in the summer and helping them in a variety of ways; hosting Hope Christian School leaders at various conferences and training opportunities that might occur here at Faith; and continue to take J Term trips every 2 – 3 years to continue the investment in this wonderful ministry. I believe that Hope Christian School is also looking forward to the future. I want to share an excerpt from an e-mail that I received from their director at Hope Secondary School. He says, “I am convinced that the J Term Trip provided the key to unlock the door, to understand the world, the people in other lands, challenges facing Ugandans, appreciate God’s diversity and feel challenged on how to find solutions. God has blessed us with almost everything except that we just have an empty tank that requires only a little fuel and we shall move from where we are. Through the partnership of Faith Christian School and Hope Christian school, together we can rise up to the tasks lying before us, demonstrate love, and respond in creative and meaningful ways to the challenges that plague Uganda. Eccles 4:9-10 With God’s divine leading and provision we can together enhance the Father’s Kingdom on Earth as we prepare the next Generation for Him.”
We have the amazing opportunity in that we serve the one, true God – the God of the nations! Please join us in praying for Hope Christian School and the future partnership with Faith Christian School. If you have ideas or suggestions in this partnership, I would be very interested in discussing these with you, and I look forward to the future opportunities that the Lord will provide each of us.
