"I love you SO much!"

"I love you SO much!"

This phrase is pretty common but how Hannah Rachael said it was so unique that it became her trademark to Pam and me. No one could say it quite like she said it.

Pam and I were new missionaries in Uganda, commonly called the Pearl of Africa. We had a heart for young people, the next generation. Clearly, we didn't live in Uganda to build orphanages, schools, or even churches. We believed God made us relationship-oriented and we lived to build people.

One of the earliest strategies we developed back in 2006 was what we called the Next Generation Leadership Institute. We purchased a large tent for protection from the hot sun and the surprising torrential wind and rain. We also purchased about three dozen plastic chairs for the enrolled students. For a small fee of $5, a student could attend two weeks of classes and enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal in the middle of each day. The curriculum was biblically based and, while not comprehensive given the limited timeframe, it focused on helping each student explore their God-given identity, purpose, and vision.

Pastor Jimmy Kiwanuka of Hannah's church was our friend at Jinja Christian Center. He encouraged the young adults of the church to enroll in the Leadership Institute and Hannah did so in 2007.

We never know the condition of people's lives when we connect with them. We have no idea how healthy their soul is. We do know that all people are broken and everyone needs the redemptive work of Jesus Christ to be made whole and healthy.

Hannah came equipped with a vivacious personality and a big smile on her face. From the outside she appeared to be fine ... like most people do. It's not that people are posing or hiding their "stuff" but it is often that the wounds they have suffered are hidden because they have never been given the tools for wholeness.

In reality, Hannah was suffering the fallout of the brokenness of her parent's relationship and the fact her dad had moved from the house. Her father disappointed her to the extent that she had made a vow to never marry and hate those of the opposite sex. Her resolve didn't change the circumstances or remove the pain of a broken heart but it was the only solution of which she was aware.

As a student of the Leadership Institute, Hannah met this white couple from America who didn't want to be called by any titles but simply their first names, Paul and Pam. This couple began to paint a different picture of the marriage relationship for her. She learned so much about marriage and family during the Institute. 

Hannah knows it was God who set her free from the hatred of men and her vow to never marry. She credits her time immersed in the Institute with bringing her deliverance from unforgiveness and a commitment to reconciliation.

Several years later, the Lord brought Hannah's dad back into her life to help her attend college. While a student at Kyambogo University in Kampala, God brought a young man into her life who would later become her husband. They now live with their daughter in Minnesota where Hannah is an American citizen. They are in the middle of a tedious process to adopt another daughter.

Hannah is the product of God's transforming power. She is also a great advertisement for the work of Next Generation Ministries. God used NGM to impact Hannah in a way that changed her life forever. I am so grateful for those of you who partner with us in the work of building people in Uganda. Pam and I love Hannah Rachael and never tire of hearing her sign off with "I love you SO much!"

If you would like to partner with us (Pam and I are returning to Uganda on February 8, 2024) please send an online contribution here or mail a check to NGM, 29940 S Dhooghe Rd., Colton, OR 97017. We appreciate you.