A Political Storm

Hmm.  We just read on Facebook that some of our friends here in Jinja have left Uganda and are in Kenya.  We imagine it's because of the disturbing circumstances surrounding this presidential election.  Today's news relaying the promise of the contender that he is going to inhabit the State House (executive seat of the Ugandan government) whether he wins or not sounds distinctive similar to that of person planning a coup.

And, yes, we have been warned by the U.S. Embassy in Kampala about staying away from certain places until after things settle ... when the outcome of the election is known.  And, a list of things Americans need to do in preparation in the event of the worst case scenario.

Loving life with a woman of faith
I love what my wife wrote in an email to one of our daughters just five hours ago:

It's a funny time ... here in Uganda.  It reminds me of a coming winter storm in Oregon.  You hear it's coming and so you prepare for the worst.  And somehow you can get caught up in the excitement of it all (of course BEFORE the storm it's just an idea and can be enjoyed, somehow).  But when the power goes out, and trees are down across roads and driveways, and food spoils, and the phones don't work, and you can't tell what's going on outside your own little world, well, it is no longer an event to plan for.  It's a problem to live with.  That is kind of how this election feels right now.  We are warned, from the state department, to prepare and have a plan.  So, we are working on that.  We'll have our documents ready, the van fueled, maps, etc.  We already have the pantry stocked, keeping our phones charged and on (as we were advised).  I only wish I had TV so we could watch the latest news.

Safety is highly valued by the people of our Western Culture.  Risk is to be avoided.  Safety (even comfort) is so important that others sometimes want to impose their idea of safety on the rest of us.

It's a bit of a tricky thing.  Fear is a misrepresentation of risk.  Fear is never a friend.  Fear is a bad counselor.

It's fascinating to me that faith seems to be a threshold to risk.  Faith requires abandonment of self preservation and invites us to trust in divine preservation.

Maybe that is why neither Pam or I sense any fear.  We have only our imaginations when we contemplate or converse about being involved in an African coup or civil war or even a bloody riot. But, we still have this deep sense that we are just where God intends us to be when He wants us to be here.

So, when the sun rises in just a few hours, we will go about our normal work day.  I'll be supervising some construction that is taking place on the NGM property in Bugembe, taking a medical patient to the clinic to redress a wound, working with Ezra as we put the finishing touches on a video, and maybe still have some time to work on recruiting students for our ONE STEP course.

And, Pam?  This amazing woman plans to prayer walk at as many polling places in Jinja as possible. Bringing the heart of the Father to a people that He desperately loves.

I love being married to this girl.  Our life has been an amazing adventure.  And, she constantly reminds me, "From a distance it is an adventure.  But, up close, it is filled with challenges."


Comments

  1. We are standing with you, Next Gen Ministries and also Monique Mubiru and our friends in Ntinda at Ray of Hope near Kampala. Thank you for keeping us posted.

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    1. Thank you Terri. We are trusting the Lord for all of those that represent Him here in Uganda as well as the general public.

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  2. Praying for all of us!!! My heart is there with all of you. I love the standard you have both set to trust God. For better for worse. You two are lovely souls. I miss you more than I miss mukene.

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    1. Thanks Rebecca. And, missing us more than missing mukene? Wow! There is no greater love! (For those of you unfamiliar with mukene ... that is the very small dried silver fish that Rebecca loves and must be missing like crazy!)

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  3. Praying for you, Paul and Pam. Thank you for your post. We are so secure because we rest in our Father's arms! He is not caught off guard or surprised! Blessings to you!

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    1. Thanks Laurel. I had that exact thought - these events are no surprise to our Father. Thank you for your prayers.

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  4. As I read your accounts, Paul, I am struck by the fact that we learn as we grow in Christ that He never gives us the tools we need to face a crisis until it is time, and necessary. In my fleshly thinking, I am saying to myself-- come home dear friends in Christ!!-- but my spirit knows you are there, as you have said, for such a time as this. Prayers and love sent your way. Jim and Teri

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    1. Thanks for putting a smile on my face, Teri! And, thanks for your love and prayers.

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  5. Thanks for both of your views on preparation for a possible storm. It's exactly what I would expect to hear from you. I never stop learning from you. Pam i'll be prayer walking with you in Spirit. Lets pray it doesn't turn into a prayer run. Love love love you both, Mom & Duke

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    1. Pam had a great morning of visiting polling places and asking the Lord to rule and reign in those places on Election Day. Then she came home, fixed lunch, and returned to the field for more prayer in additional sites. She is living in the authority God has given her as one of His sons. I'm proud to be her husband.

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  6. I knew you would stay if God said "stay" and you would go if God said "go". We all need to do exactly the same thing. Follow Christ and do what He says to do. It may not always make sense on the earthly realm, but we are learning to access and live in the Kingdom realm. That is a place of miracles and power and love that is very difficult to wrap our minds around. "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven."

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  7. Paul & Pam,
    Lorna & I are praying for this to be a time of harvest for HIS Kingdom. Bless you for serving the Lord. Love Don & Lorna B

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    1. Thank you for your prayers, Don & Lorna. They make all the difference in the world.

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  8. All of you remain in our prayers. I know that no matter what is to come, it will further the Kingdom in ways we might not comprehend. Enjoy the front row seats observing God's grace and power.
    DK

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    1. Pam and I know that you enjoy front row seats, just like we do, and wouldn't mind being here with us during this exciting time of joining God in what He is doing here in Uganda! Thanks for your prayers, Doc.

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    2. Pam and I know that you enjoy front row seats, just like we do, and wouldn't mind being here with us during this exciting time of joining God in what He is doing here in Uganda! Thanks for your prayers, Doc.

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