Worshipping in Uganda
I had planned to do a 2-3 part blog post breaking down the days we spent in Uganda. I spent a few days writing out our daily adventures, but before I could finish, I felt a shift in what I wanted to share.
We arrived in Uganda with no expectations; our hearts were simply open to whatever God had in store and it was worth it.
We had gone to Jinja, Uganda to pour into an incredible family and the people they support. The Hyman family has been in Uganda just over 3 years walking out a vision created by God. They began Replenish International, a ministry that supports and pours back into the missionary community in Uganda. This family truly represents what it looks to selflessly serve God and trust Him in every step. (You can learn more about Replenish International and this beautiful family HERE).
Our time there was planned out in pencil as we quickly learned that agendas can, and often do, change in a moment's notice.
We got to spend our first week fellowshipping with leaders of many ministries in Jinja. Chris (my husband) and Annie (our worship pastor) led multiple worship sessions; this was one of the biggest needs for these leaders. A time to worship and praise in their own language, something that I realized I have taken for granted.
These times of singing were so beautiful and even though we were blessed to have worship most days/nights there, each experience was incredibly and undeniably different.
Holy Spirit brought an atmosphere that was perfect
for each individual there, including all of us.
One of my favorite worship experiences was when Elisa Hyman hosted a group of women missionaries at her house. With my heart for God’s daughters, this time was one of my favorites even before it started. However, when we started praising and singing, my heart was ready to burst.
These women sang at the top of their longs. The worship was so pure yet incredibly intense; as if no one was around except them and the Lord. Each one letting their hearts pour out and cry out to Him in pure adoration. As women, I think we tend to forget or hold back from finding out how powerful our voice is, especially when it’s aligned to God. But not these beloved daughters. They recognized how powerful their voices are and where that power comes from. And because of that, they couldn’t help but use that power to glorify the One who saved them!
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful song.””
As we moved through the week, there were different worship nights; each bringing in His presence in a unique way. But what I want to share with you is a ministry we got to visit and one of my favorite experiences.
Our first Wednesday there, we had the privilege of visiting Imprint Hope; a ministry that supports children with disabilities and their families and communities. They work with families in a 6 week program to bring about education, therapy, and many other resources. Please go to IMPRINT HOPE to read more about this incredible ministry!
We were given a tour around their facility and met with different employees and volunteers as well as the mothers and children who were there. We then spent a bit of time sitting with the founder, Clare. Her story is one that has seen heartbreak that moved into beautiful restoration that was only possible through our God!
We then moved outside to worship with the children while the mothers had a late morning class.
Let me begin by saying, I have never had a worship experience like this in my life.
These children didn’t know all of the words to many of the songs, but their hearts were so pure and sweet in their worship! And when they did recognize a song, their singing brought me to instant tears. As the words flowed from their mouths, you could feel the love they have for their King. A love that was beyond inspiring to see radiate from these children; children who have experienced more hardships and loss than I could imagine.
From this brokenness, they still recognize the power of stepping into His presence and glorifying Him; recognizing that He is the one who saved them.
The afternoon shifted into lunch followed by another time of worship; but now the mamas joined us (as well as the employees and volunteers).
Let me begin by sharing this; these mamas and their children had just arrived at Imprint Hope at the beginning of that week, but you would’ve never guessed that. Everyone who was there acted as if they had known each other their entire lives! And not just because they knew each other’s names and stories, but because they radiated a love for each other that was breathtaking! Within just 3 days, they had created a community that knew how to lean on each other and speak life to each other; and it was contagious.
Throughout this worship time, I had a view of Lake Victory and I couldn’t help but relish in the beauty of God’s creation and picture Him smiling down on His children.
As we brought our worship time to an end, we were blessed with beautiful singing from some of the men, women, and children at Imprint Hope. I recorded the first song but had to stop after that as I felt Holy Spirit’s encouragement to truly be present in the moment (something that is so very difficult in today’s world). As I did, I was drawn to the mama and her little boy next to me and a conversation opened up that will always stay with me; one that is so full of faith.
Emma (Emmanuel) is a vibrant and observant little boy and his mama is his biggest cheerleader. She opened up about her story and a moment that changed her entire life. (I do have to clarify that some of the details could have been lost in interpretation, but her faith was not; she was so bold and full of love for God that even if I didn’t capture every detail correctly, I know there is so much to learn from her full surrender to God and His plans over all of our lives).
After we were introduced, the conversation jumped right to her son. She said he struggled with moving his upper body but never stopped moving his legs. She then lifted him off of her lap and that little boy’s legs went wild; as if he was ready to run into the world and take it on full steam ahead!
I was then blessed to hear her incredible story that led her to Imprint Hope and it was an honor to listen. She shared with me how she knew Emma would be her first son (I believe she has 4 daughters) and she was so excited. She had his name picked out well in advance, but one night, she had a dream. In this dream, she heard a whisper that said she was to name her son Emmanuel (this was not the name she had planned on using). But she knew this voice came from God and obediently began calling her son Emmanuel (or Emma for short).
Emmanuel means God with us; and this name perfectly reflects Mama Emma and her story of a moment when her life changed forever. Her son's name would be a beautiful reminder of how God was and continues to truly be with her.
I sat there in silence as she shared that while she was 5 months pregnant, she was in a terrible accident; one that took the life of so many. This accident also injured her hips and caused injuries to her son (which is what brought them to Imprint Hope).
My silence then moved to awe as she went on to praise Jesus for saving her and her son. Her heart ached for those who lost their lives or suffered injuries, but yet her faith in the goodness of God never seemed to waiver. Even in her pain and heartbreak, she continued to praise God for saving her and her son and thanking Him for the constant reminder in her son’s name, Emmanuel.
I couldn’t help but reflect on the difficult times in my life, none of which can compare to what she’s gone through, and realize that there were many times my praise got lost in the darkness. I directed my focus away from Him and into the situation or circumstances.
How often do we do that? We let circumstances dictate our next steps or words or feelings, shifting our attention away from our Savior.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
I am so thankful that the Lord places people in our lives to remind us of His goodness and faithfulness.
I am grateful that I was blessed to travel to the beautiful country of Uganda and meet some incredibly inspiring Christians. Even if I had only met Mama Emma, my life would have forever been changed.
