Don't Forget to Remember!

When the coronavirus pandemic hit America this past February I had an unspoken sense that after a couple of weeks or maybe a month life would get back to what was considered normal.   However, even as the daily press briefings from the President and his experts finally came to an end, it became obvious that the world as I had known it would never be the same. Most of us gave up on the idea that life would return to what it was previous to COVID 19.

Here we are six months later and the world seems more out of control than I have ever seen in my nearly 74 years of existence. I have discovered the idol of certainty.  The pandemic has ushered in THE AGE OF UNCERTAINTY!  Few have escaped personal change in their life's landscape.  I want to share with you how this has affected me, my role with Next Generation Ministries (NGM), and how the organization is doing in 2020.

For the past 15 years, I have managed to return to the United States annually.  Pam and I come home for our annual Board of Directors meeting and promotional travel and then return to Uganda to direct the work of NGM.  We typically attempted to make that return during the summer months in order to have more time with our grandkids and travel with fewer obstacles.  However, four years ago we began an intercultural, residential, mentoring program called ONE STEP.  Previously it was conducted for two months in the fall of each year until it was determined it would be more accessible for young adults in America during the summer months.  It was planned for July and August of 2020.  This changed our travel plans as Pam and I serve as the house parents for the program.

We purchased tickets this past January for April so that we would be ready to be in Uganda for most of the rest of 2020 including hosting One Step.  The pandemic hit and international travel came to an almost complete standstill.  Delta refunded our airfare.  After several months it became obvious that NGM had to cancel the 2020 One Step effort.  But we still needed to get our feet on the ground in Uganda and we bought tickets for late August of this year.  Again our flight was canceled. 

Things that were certain were now obviously uncertain. 2020 has been the first full year I have been unable to be on the ground in Uganda.

Since the pandemic was global, life in Uganda was also unpredictable.  The government issued a ban on public AND private transportation.  For weeks there was no travel allowed by taxi or motorcycle or even private vehicle.  Additionally, a curfew was put into effect from 7 PM to 6:30 AM!

Life in a developing nation has been more challenging than here in America.  While a run on toilet paper quickly emerged in America, getting food in Uganda was the priority.  Without infrastructure providing running water and electricity for the majority, getting food to eat is a daily challenge without the added restrictions brought on by the pandemic.

Physical distancing and working from home became as common in Uganda as here in America.  Schools canceled classes.  Students, most of whom attended boarding schools were sent home ... to wait ... uncertain as to when and maybe if school would resume.

The NGM staff and their work came to a standstill for two weeks.  During that time we sought the Lord for His plan to use us in the midst of new circumstances.  It became obvious that providing food and medical care were the greatest needs.  A GoFundMe effort was initiated and thousands of dollars were donated to NGM.  The staff worked tirelessly to secure transportation stickers in order to check on our patients and sponsored students and their families.  Food was provided for many.  Even now food is being provided for some who would starve without our provision.

I'm delighted to report that our staff is working diligently in spite of the challenges of COVID 19.  Sylvia, our Administrator, and I have video calls multiple times a week and occasionally we do a video conference with the entire staff.  My absence has provided opportunities for the staff to step up and assume initiative and greater responsibility.  I couldn't be more proud of the continued work they have done this year.  People have come to Christ as a result of the bridges of love built by food and medical care.

On a personal level, I have sometimes been frustrated by the inability to return to Uganda this year.  I have always believed that my time in Uganda has been my most effective effort to evangelize and disciple followers of Christ.  But God has not allowed me to be with the people I love so much.

The benefits of this challenge have been monumental.  For both the organization and for me. Each staff member has been in the field more often and better see how NGM is being used to manifest the Kingdom of God.  The organization is functioning just fine.  Finances are more limited, but the amount of work has increased.

Personally, God has graphically reminded me that He values the worker more than the work.  He has worked to wean me from ministry so that my relationship with Him is primary.  He has elevated the need to mentor the staff so that the entire work can be turned over to them in the future.

As I write this blog, Pam and I have tickets to return to Uganda on January 12, 2021.  Only God knows if we will actually be able to board that flight.

NGM has purchased airfare for Sylvia to come to America next month.  We are planning for her to connect with many of our short term missionaries, partners, and supporters as possible before she returns to Uganda in early November.  Only God knows if she will be allowed to fly and/or enter the United States.

Faith is being challenged and is on the rise!  We don't want to forget to remember.  To remember that NGM belongs to God.  To remember that we are dispensable.  To remember that ministry is a poor replacement and disappointment for intimacy.