Fear not, understand your worth

When someone acknowledges your worth, You are validated and esteemed in God’s eyes. If you come across someone who treats others as worthless, remember that they may have a far deeper need- held captive to the fear of man (vs. fear of God). Those who had the biggest impact on me in Uganda were the children in Pastor Steve’s family. The young people of their household have a deep joy for life and energy that pursues God spontaneously as well as intentionally. They are wonderful big brothers and sisters for the students at the school (more than 1,000 students have been enrolled between the primary and secondary campuses). Pastor Steve and his wife Rosa are wonderful examples of discipling first at home. This blessing has rolled over exponentially to the whole city and surrounding villages.- Teresa #fearnot #Heprovidesworth #Heknowsmeintimately

Matthew 10:28-33 (ESV)

.28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.[c] 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?[d] And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Teamwork makes the dream work

Little did I know when we were standing on the beach in Dubai at Midnight that this small team would meld and accomplish the tasks that God had in store for us and the Ugandans. Each one had their own personality, believe me!! Together, we were able to trust God for His unique provision and patience with each other. What seemed easy for one was a step of faith for another. My experience was questioning God’s wisdom in asking me to keep up with the millenials #bougieandblessed. Truly, my body took the biggest hit from this lifestyle (still recovering : ). My best team memories came when we were all depleted on the day before the last day of the kid’s camp. We had a team hug (with some tears shed) in the morning and a team huddle before our eventful dance off competition that evening (this group dance was literally thrown together in about 30 minutes- aka we needed a divine blessing)! God showed up and brought more than we could ask or imagine. – Teresa #God’slove>humanlove

Personal healing in Uganda

When you are loved and love others (because He first loved us), I propose that healing begins. The sermon that God put on my heart for the church in Uganda was about blessings and wounds from our ancestors. By His stripes we can be healed from sin sickness. By trusting Jesus Christ in faith, we can leave our “ancestral father’s” house to have a new identity. Forgiving can only happen when we understand how much we have been forgiven. In the midst of sharing, I realized that God was healing my heart by allowing me to authentically express my struggle with those whose hearts had been prepared for this message. They understood and identified, embraced me in love in spite of my differences. My personal experience of healing in Uganda made it the trip of a lifetime! – Teresa

1 John 4:19-21 (NIV)

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sisteris a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

Isaiah 53:5,6 (NIV)

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,

  he was crushed for our iniquities;

 the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

  and by his wounds we are healed.

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

  each of us has turned to our own way;

 and the Lord has laid on him

  the iniquity of us all.

Psalm 45: 10,11 (NIV)

10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:

  Forget your people and your father’s house.

11 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;

honor him, for he is your lord.

Big skies and great hope

  • Although the country of Uganda is desperately poor, their faith is unstoppable.
  • They live together in community with great joy and participation.
  • Even the smallest of them has a job to do (obeying their parents or aunties or grandparents).
  • They share everything (one bite or one sip with friends is better than the whole thing alone) and they show respect and honor to those older than they are.
  • As they rebuild their country from years of being under a ruthless dictatorship, they have tremendous hope in the next generation rising. #passingonthetorchofaith #bringingeducation

Uganda has a piece of my heart!

  • Uganda is known as the pearl of Africa. It’s because the people here are soooo precious.
  • I have smiled, danced, worshipped and touched more people in the past two weeks than I have in the past year combined.
  • Although this is a physically exhausting climate, it is spiritually invigorating.
  • Thanks, everyone, for the prayers and for the community support.
  • I can’t wait to share with you bits and pieces in the next few day!
  • Meeting my sponsored student was the highlight!! He captured my heart and touched my soul.

Made it to Dubai

We spent 16 hours in close quarters on Emirates airlines- beautiful 2 level plane! Thanks for your prayers as I had a few health issues the night before departure!! Thanks to KP, I had meds started and toted along with 2 L of water. We are now experiencing Dubai after our flight (since the hotel reservation fell through)- beach at night, marina mall at midnight….lounging in the airport for tomorrow’s flight to Uganda. Miracles are already happening (like a team member forgetting their passport in a taxi and still able to locate the right driver amidst the crazy traffic). Trusting Him for all we need. – Teresa

#travellingwithmillenialsgenz #Lordhelpmestayup!