Staying Connected - March A

My dear friends,

This update is going to be a little different from the others. I have felt that, in an effort to keep my letters short, I have been unable to give a good picture of what it’s like to work at the Street Boy Shelter. This ministry brings me much joy, but the struggles are also very real. There hasn’t yet been a day at the shelter void of some nervousness, anxiety and/or fear. The reality is, as much as I have come to love working with the boys, it is not an easy task.

A few months ago, David led a staff devotion on Romans 12:1-2. These verses talk about offering our bodies to God as living sacrifices. David said that we did that each day we came to minister to the boys. They are dirty, they smell, they fight, and they use bad language, yet we offer our hands in greeting or place ourselves between them to break up the fights. He encouraged us with the fact that God is happy with that sacrifice. That devotional has stuck with me ever since and does a great job at describing what it is like to work with street boys.

And, to make this challenging work even more challenging, there was an incident this week that has caused me a lot of turmoil. I covet your prayers for the safety of my heart, mind, body and spirit. I know that God has led me to this ministry for this present season, and I know that even in this incident he promises to bring beauty and growth. And, as my time here is only half over, please be praying that I will know how to joyfully and lovingly continue in this work in light of its trials and challenges.

Yet, despite the hardships, there is much joy in this work. It is on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday that I laugh the most each week. Whether I am laughing at my botched Luganda as I try to communicate with the boys, at Sserwa da as he sings and dances his way around the room, or at the cheeky answers the boys give, it can be delightful. And of course there are also the little people who wander in and out of the church. To see Mommy come alive and cheerfully toddle around the room…it’s amazing! And this week she said her second word (at least the second one I have heard her say.) I was playing cards with a few of the boys and she was standing near us. Suddenly she looked up at me and said “vvaayo” which means “go away” or “get out of the way”. I was blocking her path with my legs because of how I was sitting so she told me to move. I couldn’t believe it! That sure made us all laugh.

But other than laughing, I find a lot of joy in teaching. I love to teach the school portion of the day and to see some of the boys memorizing the weekly verses I give after I teach from the Bible. A few weeks ago I tried something different for the school time. I photocopied a Word Search from one of the books my parents had mailed me and then gave a few additional geography questions that corresponded with the puzzle. They loved it! David walked into the room and asked me if they were doing a test because the room was unusually quiet. Haha! Even the workers joined in and did the puzzle and questions with the boys. But, an additional victory for me that day was that Rashid did the school work for the first time since I have been helping at the shelter. (He is wearing black pants in the photo below.) What a great day. :)

So, in joy or in pain, I am serving the Lord where he has placed me. And he has not put me there alone. I would like to next introduce you to those I am privileged to work alongside. First is David (aka Uncle). He is the Youth Pastor at Miracle of Faith Church and the leader of the street boy ministry that the church facilitates. He has been working with the boys for over two years now, and his love for them is so evident. Next are the Aunties: Joy, Jenafer and Margaret. These Ugandan women have so much patience, endurance, and joy! Their love for God just overflows onto the boys, and their laughter livens up the room every day. Then there is Luke (aka Jajja – Grandparent). Luke is a retired Pastor from Eastern Canada. He has a sincere desire to teach the boys God’s word, and he also loves to treat them to ice cream. Needless to say, the boys love this too. J And finally, there is Enoch (aka Uncle, although he is the same age as some of the boys – 18). Enoch has just begun his year long period of working at the shelter. I believe his testimony will be a great example of hope for the boys. And, as I’m sure you’re curious, I am called Auntie Erin…although it is most often said as “Aunt Allenee”.

Please be praying for continued strength for us all, and that God would be seen in each one of us. But, more specifically, you could be praying for Jenafer’s Uncle. Just this week he was captured by rebels in the Congo and is now in prison. We are praying for his safe release, but also for his salvation. Also this week, Enoch lost his Grandmother. Although she lived to be over 100 years old (very uncommon here), the loss is still painful and we pray that he will be comforted. And for Luke: his 6 month term is over at the end of this month, so let’s pray that he can finish strong.

So, the struggles are continual as we try to discern when the boys are being truthful, how to steer them away from stealing and other wrongs, and how to show God’s love and truth in a culture that is full of abuse, manipulation and corruption. May joy be multiplied and may lives be changed as the boys choose to follow Jesus. Amen!

Thanks for continuing to stand alongside me. Not only do I need your support, but I can feel it also. To give a quick update on my funds, I am still in need of just over $2000. Your kindness and faithfulness in this area up until now has astounded me. Thank you! Also, as you are praying for the requests above, please keep in mind the Bible Conferences that we have coming up over the next few weeks. 1200 Bibles will be given to Pastors and church leaders as they come to be trained and encouraged. This is a first for ACTION in this magnitude and we really pray for God’s blessing to be on these events.

Be blessed,

Erin Spring (www.actionintl.org/spring --- erinrachelspring.blogspot.com)

Mailing Address: c/o Robinette, PO Box 71249 Clock Tower, Kampala Uganda, East Africa

To support financially:
~ Cheques are to be made out to “Action International Ministries” and mailed to: 3015A 21st St. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7T1. My name cannot appear anywhere on the cheque. Instead, please enclose a separate note specifying it is for me.
~ Donations can also be made by credit card over the phone or debited monthly from your bank account or credit card. Simply call 403.204.1421 or 1.888.443.2221 (toll-free), and they will assist you.
~ Online donations are also possible. Go to www.actionintl.org/spring for my page.

Photo Descriptions:

- Jenafer, David, Margaret, Joy

- Enoch

- Luke

- Rashid and Emmanuel doing their school work

- With Bobiwin and another

- With Mommy

Staying Connected - Feb

Dear Friends,

Can you believe that February is almost over already?! Time sure flies! But as my time here is rushing on, much is happening that I want to share with you.

I will begin back in January… January 24^th was the 3^rd annual Children’s National Day of Prayer, and I was asked to join the churches there as a representative from Canada. It’s hard to express the impact that day had on my heart, and we pray, on the country of Uganda. It is because of the plight of Africa’s starving, sick, abused, abducted and ill-educated children that I was originally drawn to serve in this country. And to be a part of a day where children from churches all over Uganda came together to pray for each other and the future of their country, wow! It was powerful and humbling all at the same time. As the marching band led us through the streets of Kampala’s downtown, prayers were lifted to God as the children’s signs and the Pastors on the loudspeaker proclaimed that enough is enough. They are asking if you will join your prayers with theirs.

Also a few weeks ago, we lost two of our street boys. But this is good news because we lost them to their homes! Praise God!! We had sweeties to celebrate the rejoining of Tom and Loka with their families, and I know that Tom especially was very excited to be able to attend school once again. And just today, Bob is also on his way home. This is some of the best news we can ask for in working with these boys.

Marvin (mentioned in my last update) is also now tossing around the idea of making things right with his Dad in order to go home. There are many factors involved here, and I don’t know all of the details, but we can pray that real change will come in Marvin’s heart as he considers this apology and reconciliation. Morris is another we can be praying for. Tests in December confirmed that he has epilepsy, and it is necessary for him to return home before he can get the treatment to manage his seizures. He sees little hope in the village, and is instead risking his life by staying on Kampala’s streets in such a delicate state. (His seizures are frequent and he came last week with a nasty wound to his left knee sustained as he fell in a seizure.) The answers might look obvious to us, but for Morris, it isn’t that easy. Let’s pray that he will accept Pastor Jim and David’s guidance and that he will know the hope in Jesus that will be with him no matter where he lives.

As for the others that I mentioned in my last update: Derrick was not in attendance the past two weeks so I am praying that he is safe. Sharif has suggested to me a few times “Tugende e Canada” – We go to Canada. I smile as he holds my hand and uses his sweetness in an effort to convince me of his plan, but I doubt that is the best answer to his woes. Sserwa da is excelling in his Grade 1 math, but I am not sure how to best help him with his alphabet and English. And ideas? And, last but not least is Jackulin. She is still adorable and the recipient of much affection. J

Yet, one even smaller than Jackulin has recently become my friend. Her nickname is “Mommy”. She and Mikey have been left by their mother, and their father works long days, coming home in a state that makes him unable to properly care for his children. For this reason, Margaret (the wonderful lady who cooks the meals for the street boys) has taken them into her own care, alongside her own children. And it is here that I first could see our ministry – yours and mine – at work in such an evident way. I have been able to assist Margaret in caring for Mommy by taking her for an initial visit to the clinic and now by purchasing her weekly vitamins and milk. And progress is being made! Since Mommy has been taking the vitamins and milk (less than 3 weeks) she has begun to stand and walk on her own! Praise God! But, besides needing some basic medical attention, Mommy also needs to know that she is loveable. At 1½, the rejection can be seen on her often sullen face. Let’s pray that her heart will be strengthened just as her legs have already been.

And it is here that I want to say “thank you” because I know that many of you read these updates and you do pray for the included requests. I often feel like Moses who needed Aaron and Hur to help hold up his arms so that the Israelites could defeat the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-15). You are my Aaron and my Hur, and I am so thankful to not be walking alone. I have included a few personal prayer request below so that you can continue to pray more specifically. Alternately, I know that many of you feel that you could use an Aaron or a Hur beside you in your life, helping hold up your arms and carry your load…please know I would love to pray for you. Just send me a quick e-mail and know I will be praying.

But especially today, I also want to thank each of you for your obedience to God in response to my last letter. In it I expressed my need of finances to fund the rest of my internship, and I was humbled by the many responses. The amount that I still need has been whittled down to about $3000 (wow!), but I still need your help.

In concluding, I want to remind you check out my blog at erinrachelspring.blogspot.com. It is there that you can read of the changes that God is doing in me personally, as well as enjoy some entertaining stories of life in Uganda.

Joyfully answering the call,

Erin Spring (www.actionintl.org/spring --- erinrachelspring.blogspot.com)

Mailing Address: c/o Robinette, PO Box 71249 Clock Tower, Kampala Uganda, East Africa

To support financially:

~ Cheques are to be made out to “Action International Ministries” and mailed to: 3015A 21^st St. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7T1. My name cannot appear anywhere on the cheque. Instead, please enclose a separate note specifying it is for me.

~ Donations can also be made by credit card over the phone or debited monthly from your bank account or credit card. Simply call 403.204.1421 or 1.888.443.2221 (toll-free), and they will assist you.

~ Online donations are also possible. Go to www.actionintl.org/spring for my page.

Personal Prayer Requests:

*Safety in my daily travels *Healing for my tendonitis and overall wholeness and energy *God’s help in my language learning *Strength , love and patience in ministry with the boys *Boldness to engage at a deeper level in the community *A unified spirit between all of us who serve at the shelter

Photo Descriptions: *First 5 - Children’s National Day of Prayer *With Loka and Tom *Morris *Mommy *With the little ones: from left to right, Wilson, Jackulin, Mommy, Mikey, Namutebbe and Betty

A taste of Kampala

Down by the bay
Where the watermelons grow
Back to my home
I dare not go
For if I do
My Mother would say…

This song came to mind the other day when I was reflecting on the many “odd” sights I have seen here in Kampala. No, I haven’t seen a llama wearing pajamas or a bear combing his hair, but I would like to describe for you some of the more noticeably different or downright shocking things I have seen here to date.

#1 – A man cycling down the road with a couch strapped to the back of his pedal bike. (See photo above)
#2 – A complete family of 5 travelling on one motorbike. (Child, Dad, child, Mom sitting sideways with a baby in her arms).
#3 – A man being taxied on a motorbike while he holds his own motorbike on the seat between himself and the driver.
#4 – Imagine a flat bed truck with higher sides and overhead bars. Now imagine that this truck is chock full of identically dressed children standing shoulder to shoulder. Maybe they were headed on a school field trip...
#5 – A man still sitting in the driver’s seat of his bashed-in car as it is towed to the garage.
#6 – Carrying fish home from the market? Well, those are tied to the grill of your vehicle for the journey. Better wash them extra well when you arrive home…
#7 – A minibus taxi speeds by with a guy on rollerblades (or roller skates) casually holding on to the back.

Hmm…I know there are many more, but I think they are becoming quite normal to me now. Ah, the idiosyncrasies of Africa. I love them!

My internship redefined

This is no longer my internship…it really is my life. This time here is not about my future, at least not in the direct way I was before believing it to be. This is simply what God had called me to do, and he may even call me to do this again, possibly to even devote my life to this overseas service. But I no longer believe that my main purpose for being here is to discover my future in missions. I am here to serve God, but also to grow closer to him and to look more like him. And that is not something that one generally aims to do on an internship; it may not ever find its way into the syllabus. Nevertheless, that is why I am here, and that is why I think of today and tomorrow as “my life”.

I don’t know if you, my reader, can fully grasp what I am saying, but this is a monumental idea for me. As one who would always look forward to the day when I would be a missionary, the day when I would be married, the day when I go to Africa, the day when…and the list goes on. Today I have decided to just live.

A deep breath escapes through my nostrils. There is a peace in just living this day. And to live it, not only because it has been given to me by God – that is a very worthy reason! But, to live it because of what it holds. The promise of cleansing fire comes in the form of sickness, loneliness and discouragement in ministry, but this fire cleanses not consumes. There is also fear that accompanies each waking day, but it is not my master. Instead it is something I can give to God so that he can master it in me. Wow! Isn’t he so good, so amazing, so gracious! His grace is sufficient for me as he supplies each of my needs.

With that all said, why wouldn’t I want to give everything for him? My heart is bursting with love for a God who loved me first and who desires good things for me. His way is not easy, for if it were, I would be left much the same; selfishness and pride would have no reason to step aside. But, the pain is one much worth its sting. And I don’t mean to sound morbid at all here, talking so much of how God leads me into pain. Yes, the cross is heavy, but in light of the promise, I barely feel it pressing into my back.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

It's not always easy...

Yesterday’s songs are stuck in my throat…

Today began just as last night ended - lacking in joy but not without tears. I longed for the familiar. I ached to wake up in my own bed in Canada. But alas, I found myself still in Africa. Even the birds were silent when I first awoke. Where was my joy, my hope?

Well, the good news is, today is not yet over. I did eventually hear the birds, and God has reminded me that he is trustworthy and will not let me be put to shame. Beautiful news, eh? It’s life giving really. But it's still not easy...

So, even though I am not overjoyed to be in Africa today, I can rejoice in another reason to lean on my God. I’ve tasted the joy and I know that it and my love for Africa will return. May my heart remain steadfast. Amen.

A taste of God's goodness

Friends, I am sorry that I have not blogged in so long. I declared that this blog would be where you could come to hear of God’s goodness to me in this land, and I want to keep my word.

My emotions have been on the most topsy-turvey roller coaster imaginable these past few weeks. The twists came so sharp and so often that I was unable to capture many of them in writing before the next one came. There has been much joy, but also loneliness, pride and other ugly things. But let me stay raw before you; my heart I will share. I will leave you with some tidbits from my personal writings.


January 24th

Wordless tears drip onto my lap
My heart drowns
Silently, unnoticed, unseen
Unknown

In the roar of loneliness
My whispered cry
Come, hear me, hold me
Know me

Please God, please.


February 1st

…Best of all, God is changing me here. Some of that good change has come in the face of my loneliness, and some from my aching, wounded heart. The change has come as I’ve reached out for God as I’ve felt myself slipping. More than that though, I have seen my desire for God growing in me. I’ve always desired God, but with my comforts taken away and many of my regular distractions (and relationships) removed, I am pressing in like never before. I have reached for my Bible many a time as God has convicted my heart and gently suggested I try a better way. And it is better. Our loving God has forgiven me, he strengthens me, he deserves the glory for revealing this way of love and freedom to me…

…God has shown me my pride this last week. I am embarrassed to write it out and explain it, but I know it to be at work in my heart. On Thursday I came to Jesus in repentance, desiring – no needing – his forgiveness. Wow! He answered my heartfelt petition and lifted my burden. There is no condemnation because I am his child under his love and not under the law. Thank you Jesus. May you be lifted higher and may I become lower. God, I want to stay on my knees so that others can see you standing tall. That they would know you also…


February 12th

As I put away some clothing, I held one sweater close, breathing in its warmth. Today I longed to bundle up in that sweater, adding a toque and scarf, and then go for a stroll around Mill Lake. Oh, to feel the bite of the crisp winter air on my face!

Just a few days ago I reached the three month point of my Ugandan Internship. That day was spent at the shelter like so many others. It passed joyfully, but the reality of another five months is intimidating if I focus on it too much. Yet, on the other hand, is five months going to be long enough to build strong and impactful relationships with the boys? Will I have delved enough into the culture and language? Will it be long enough to hear and know what God is planning for my future in missions? Will my heart survive this lonely time?

I dare say that it will be long enough because God has called me here for such a time as this. He will make of it as he wishes, and I need to just rest in that knowledge and continue to dive in fully. And though the discouragement and loneliness come in waves, joy and hope follow close behind, revealing themselves in the sweet morning melodies of Africa’s birds. I think I will sing along...

My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. (Psalms 108:1-5)

Staying Connected - Jan B

Dear friends and family,

I know it has been less than a week since my last letter, but I write again today in the hopes that you could help me carry my heart’s newest burdens and echo my earnest prayers.

Monday marked the beginning of the Street Boy Ministry for 2009. Yet that day of joyful reunions was marred by some disheartening news; many of the boys had been removed from the streets by the police and taken to jail just a few days before. The law is that if they are found to be “idle” or “disorderly”, they are taken into custody. We were left to wonder if that is why many familiar faces were unseen that day. Even though their actions may have earned them such a fate, I think of the additional fear and danger that must accompany them there, and I can’t help but worry some. Still another burden on my heart from Monday is the number of new boys, boys not yet in their teens. What has brought these young boys to the streets? Did they run away because they stole from their family? Did their new Stepmother treat them badly? Is it simply rebellion or the hunt for adventure? I have yet to find out…

Derrick is one of these new boys. On Tuesday as I led the school portion of the day, it didn’t take long for him to make his way over to me with his completed work. As I marked his answers, not only did I realize that he was well educated, but I also noticed that his English was quite good. I said to him; “Derrick, you should not be on the streets; you should be in school. You need to think about this.” The next day he came over to show me his work after Luke had signed it with a red, “Very Good”. Again I told him that he shouldn’t be on the streets. I pray that this clever and cheerful young boy will seriously consider his decision to move to the streets before he is lured in by the “freedom” that such a life offers.

Sharif is another who is constantly in my thoughts and prayers. This young boy of ten has captured my heart with his charming grin and boisterous spirit, and especially as he reminds me so much of my oldest nephew. I was worried when he didn’t come to the shelter on Monday and Tuesday, but on Wednesday we found out why. He arrived with a story of his arrest and how a few days later he had climbed the tall outer wall of the prison, jumped and ran. He admittedly was very afraid, and he was very lucky not to have sustained any injuries from that high jump. I can’t decide which emotion is stronger: anger that a ten year old would even be in such a situation, or concern for his safety and future. But I don’t doubt that the tears that I am fighting back right now are those of concern and love for this lost little one.

Marvin has been on my heart from my first week at the shelter. He is a delightful boy, gentle with the little children that wander in and kind to the boys that others tend to ignore. He is also very smart with excellent English skills. But Marvin’s story is a bit different. I am not sure if he moved to the streets by choice, but his stay has been lengthened for lack of a place for him to go. His Mother and Father have no interest in him, and he has also been recently rejected by one of his Uncles. Jim insists that there are other relatives who can be approached to take him in, but how much rejection can a young boy take? It is hard not to take him seriously when he speaks of wanting to die; his hope seems to be fading.

Sserwa da (Joel) is one who brings my heart a lot of joy. He is always giving testimony of God’s goodness in his life or showing off by singing or dancing. What a delightful young man. But, during the teaching time this Tuesday, my concern for him grew. Last year I had noticed that he would only copy the questions from the board but not answer them; I thought he was just being lazy or stubborn. However, when I saw him doing this on Tuesday, I questioned him through another boy’s translation and found out that he is only at a P1 level. They told me that in P1 they are taught the alphabet and simple math. Taking his book I wrote “2 + 3 =”, and when I saw him start counting on his fingers to find the answer, I knew he wasn’t lying. Sserwa da is in his early teens but still does not know the alphabet! This should not be… I hope to work alongside him to help him learn these basics and improve his English.

Jakulin is a cute little thing who lives near the church that houses the Shelter. To me, she embodies the children that I would watch on those World Vision commercials with tears falling down my cheeks unchecked. Dirty and often bottomless, she will greet me with outstretched arms, her heart full of trust that I will not reject her. To be honest, sometimes the smell of her unwashed body is hard to handle, but nevertheless I lift her to my lap and hold her close. If my sin can’t keep me from knowing God’s love, how could I let a little dirt stop her from knowing it also?

The tears are still there, but I no longer carry these burdens alone. Thank you, my friends, for your faithfulness and care.

As you keep these young ones in prayer, and my future interactions with them, please could you also be praying about supporting me financially in my ministry here in Kampala? I have resisted making a direct plea for funds until now, but I would not be here if it were not for your gifts. To give you an update, I am still in need of funds for March through to June at $1350 CDN a month. In other words, if each of you who receives this letter were to give $30, the costs would be covered. That being said, please do not feel pressured to give. But if you do, let it be a gift offered cheerfully at the feet of Jesus.

His willing servant,

Erin Spring (www.actionintl.org/spring --- erinrachelspring.blogspot.com)

Mailing Address: c/o Robinette, PO Box 71249 Clock Tower, Kampala Uganda, East Africa

To support financially:

~ Cheques are to be made out to “Action International Ministries” and mailed to: 3015A 21^st St. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7T1. My name cannot appear anywhere on the cheque. Instead, please enclose a separate note specifying it is for me.

~ Donations can also be made by credit card over the phone or debited monthly from your bank account or credit card. Simply call 403.204.1421 or 1.888.443.2221 (toll-free), and they will assist you.

~ Online donations are also possible. Go to www.actionintl.org/spring for my page.

Photo Descriptions:

~ Class 1: School time. Sserwa da is in the middle in the black sleeveless shirt looking at the camera. Derrick is on the right in the light green plaid shirt.

~ Class 2: Copying the questions from the boards.

~ Snakes & Ladders: Marvin.

~ Choir: Sharif is the small one on the left who is looking at the camera.

~ With Jakulin: Me holding my smallest African friend – Jackulin.