Precious Faces, Forever in My Heart

As some of you may know, I (Erica) have been going out to a university (Uganda Christian University) for the past few months and doing children’s ministry with the children of the theology students. It has definitely been a group effort, with so many people helping out- John, Coppedges, Banters, mission teams & visitors. Many people have invested in the lives of these children. And after spending almost every Tuesday and Thursday with these precious children for the past four months or so, they have really won a special place in my heart.

And I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it, but this Sunday will be the last day I will ever see some of these children. The university is just finishing up the semester this week, which means that a lot of the students are graduating! They will be moving back to their home villages to go and use their education, and they will be taking their precious children that are so close to my heart with them.

I have grown to love these children so deeply, and I just wanted to share their sweet faces and stories with you. There are about 15-20 kids who consistently come. The rest are in school, so I spend most of the time with the little ones who aren’t old enough for school yet, or with the older sisters whose parents or guardians require them to stay at home to take care of their younger siblings instead of allowing them to go to school.

Mauzu (pictured below) is one of the latter, and she is particularly special to me. She is the oldest one of the group, so she helps me a ton~ she helps me lead the music, plays the drums, listens extremely well, and is usually the one to answer most of the questions, as most of the other children are so much younger! Some days I feel like Jesus may have me out there just for her. We have a special bond, and I can honestly say that I truly love her. She is living in a bad situation right now, with her aunt, who mistreats her. It breaks my heart. She always asks me if she can come stay with me… meaning, can she come “live” with me. Oh, how I wish she could! But I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to see her again after Sunday. She is going home to the village to her parents next week, and I hope and pray that the situation there will be better. Please pray for Mauzu.

Amos (pictured to the left) is one of the fortunate ones who gets to attend school, but he always comes and participates in our lesson or activities when he has a break in school, or even when he is sick. He has a hunger to learn about the Lord. He listens more carefully than any child I’ve ever met and has an extraordinary memory! I wish I could see the future and see how God will use this precious boy!

Juliette (pictured to the right) touches my heart every time I look at her. She is ALWAYS smiling~ I don’t think I’ve ever looked at her once and seen her not smiling! And she ALWAYS has her baby brother tied to her back. And she never lets the responsibility of caring for her brother get in the way of having fun~ She loves to sing, and we always dance together! She has so much joy in her eyes and in her heart! I just love her!

Fred, Monday, & Benedict (pictured to the left) are three of my favorite boys! The faithfully show up every time we come, and they always bring so much joy to the day! They are always laughing and goofing around, and they just make my heart happy to see children with almost nothing materially, but with hearts full of the joy of the Lord!

John & I will be attending the students’/ parents’ commissioning service (a sort of “send-off” for the new pastors) this Sunday, so I will get to see the families and the children one last time. That day will for sure bring some sadness with it, but I know it will be a very sweet day at the same time! Please pray for these precious children, that they would know Jesus and feel His love in their families and sense His Presence in their lives.

Prayer Requests for the Coming Week:

• Saturday, Aug 18- John & Erica will be training the pastors in Nebbi! We will be teaching on "Prayer" and "Temptation." This is Erica's 1st time to train pastors! Please pray for effectiveness and clarity of teaching!
• Wednesday, Aug 22- We leave for Kampala for a field meeting and mentor meeting with Jon & Lisa Mayo (our field director)
• Saturday, Aug 25- John is leading worship at KIU (Kampala Int'l Univ) with our new friends from New Zealand (Sam & Kim- Sam will help lead worship & Kim will preach!)
• Sunday, Aug 26- John & Sam are leading worship at KIU again & John is preaching!