Psalm 89:1, again... HESED

A large portion of the 100 pounds of checked baggage I brought to Uganda was 50 pairs of donated plastic leg braces (orthoses) and 10 pairs of shoes to accommodate them. In addition to providing good ankle/foot alignment, these orthoses are lightweight, durable, and easy to fit/apply. In the US, most children who have disabilities like those we encountered at KSPH receive their first pair of orthoses by 18 months of age.


Shadrach, a 10 year old boy with cerebral palsy, received his first pair of orthoses during our visit. He listened patiently but with curiosity while Amon and I explained to him the process of measuring and fitting the orthoses, and how they could help him. He smiled at my request that he join us in prayer to ask God for guidance in our selection, and reverently bowed his head. When the process was finished, Shadrach wore orthoses that had a “spiderman” design. I will never forget the joy on his face to also receive shoes! Shadrach will now be able to progress in standing activities in school.


As Shadrach, Amon, and I joined together in a prayer of thanksgiving, I was overwhelmed by the steadfast lovingkindness of Christ. The orchestration of events that led from the donation of these orthoses to Shadrach’s great joy in receiving them testified to the faithfulness of the Lord. This last photo was taken on our final day at KSPH during a time of singing praises to Jesus Christ, our Redeemer.


Thoughts of Shadrach and some of his schoolmates come to mind often while I work. Tonight, I was reminded of an earlier post on this blog; it's title bears the words from Psalm 89:1. As they were prior to our departure, the days since our return from Uganda have not been without difficulties and discouragements. Yet above all, dear senders, the banner we raised then remains over us: “HESED”, the steadfast lovingkindness of the Lord. We departed Wheaton singing, armor on, to tell out the Lord’s faithfulness to the children of Uganda...we departed Kampala singing, armor still on, and we will continue to tell out the Lord's faithfulness forever.

"I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD forever; with my mouth, I will make known your faithfulness to all generations."

Never lack the Zeal....with joy, happiness, and determination, press on and do the Lord's work.

I was given the privilege of sitting in on the Sports Outreach Ministries monthly staff meeting where I was introduced to the former Head Coach of the Ugandan National Team, Barnabas Mwesiga. Barnabas is a 60 year old coach who serves as the mentor for 14 younger coaches in the organization, many whom I was able to meet and work with during my time in Uganda. Barnabas was looked up to by these coaches for many reasons, the least being his distinction of taking a Ugandan team to the African finals in 1978, something no other Ugandan coach has ever done. Barnabas conducted the staff meeting and I was blessed immensely as Moses Mawa gave a devotional and shared how our zeal in the Lord's work is threatened by the challenge of a loss of energy, focus, and endurance. So much of what Moses shared I could identify with in my work here in the states in sports ministry. But what stood out to me, was the fellowship that this band of brothers had with one another. I have worked in Christian ministry for many years here in the states, and I can truthfully say, I felt a spiritual comfort with these "strangers" that I have never experienced in quite the same way in all my years in Christian ministry. The determination to serve the slums of Uganda was a shared burden fueled by the power of prayer, resulting in such joy and happiness to serve Jesus. My life has been changed because of the love that these men had for one another and their common desire to reach the unsaved youth through sports ministry. I thank Barnabas, Frank, Patrick, Moses, Samson, Thomas, Ronald, Mitchell, and others that I was able to meet, for teaching me about "vulnerable communion" in the Body of Christ. The fellowship I observed is something I won't soon forget. THEY TRULY WERE AN EXAMPLE OF SPURRING ONE ANOTHER ON TO FAITH AND GOOD DEEDS.

Beth