Is It Even A Mission Trip If You Don't Build A House?
Every time I told someone about my planned trip to serve with Divine Care Ministries in Uganda, the first question was “what will you be DOING?” with assumptions that involved some kind of construction.
My answer was I’m going to be present with people, observe students and schools, see what is happening in the areas that Divine Care Ministries serves, and offer encouragement where I can.
Accurate, but vague, basic facts and not super inspiring.
Now that I’ve been there and seen the beauty of the land, heard the joyful worship of transformed people, felt the abundant energy of hope, and fallen in love with Uganda, I can tell you so much more…
Diane and Diana
This was my first mission trip and my first time traveling outside the American continent. Only slightly nervous about conditions in Uganda (mostly mosquitoes!) my heart felt sure and settled. I hoped to be a blessing, knowing I’d be the one most blessed and my life would never be the same.
The grace of God was evident from the start! Our first flight was slightly delayed, but the rest of the trip was problem free. All luggage arrived on time and intact, including the donated clothing in sealed bins. After a symbolic check of one bin at customs, we were cleared to enter Uganda.
Even though it was after midnight, an able-bodied crew from Divine Care happily welcomed us. They brought water, managed our bags, took a group photo, miraculously maneuvered out of the parking lot, and delivered all 8 of us safely to our guest rooms in Kampala.
The traffic in the capital city was a mind-blowing experience!
Take red dirt roads complete with hills and holes, add hundreds of vehicles (from buses to cars to 100cc motorbikes) driving while honking, subtract road rage and needless rushing, and you get this chaotic controlled mass that somehow moves forward to eventually arrive at a destination… all with no wrecks.
Offering Encouragement
As we prepared for this trip, we were told to expect that we’d be doing lots of public speaking – sharing a bit about ourselves, our lives, or an encouraging word from Scripture.
So, when Kim, our fearless leader aka US Coordinator for Divine Care Ministries, mentioned that each of us would be “preaching” at church later that morning we weren’t surprised… much.
To ease our concern, Kim assured us that the people were very happy that we came to see them and whatever we shared would be eagerly received.
Some members of our team delivered their meaningful message with creativity and ease and some of us had to read our notes, but either way I believe our words brought encouragement to those who heard them.
We experienced God’s grace and delight in the gathering of brothers and sisters from opposite sides of the globe, all with a deep love for Jesus and care for one another.
Maria and Diane
Seeing God at Work
We spent lots of time on the bus with our expert driver Tony as we traveled from Kampala to Rakai to Karamoja. The view from the windows highlighted industrious, entrepreneurial people. All busy, taking great care to display and sell produce and other goods (from couches to coffins!) on the sides of every road. One could imagine that life is good and all is well.
Seeing small children herding the family animals or carrying huge jugs for water begins to capture the some of the challenges that DCM is working to overcome. In the 1980s the AIDS epidemic killed ~50% of adults in some areas, leaving 1000s of widows and orphans without income.
Divine Care Ministries first call from God was to rescue, support, and empower these precious ones. Repeatedly DCM has seen transformation of lives and lands through their practice of listen, pray, act, and glorify God.
By first sharing the Good News of Jesus to give those in their care true hope, they can move to equipping, educating, and empowering. There is confirmation of God’s powerful restoration and renewal at every Primary School, Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC), and Upskilling program we visited.
One place that underscores this story of transformation is Karamoja, 15 years ago when the Lord first nudged Phoebe to go there it was a place of war, drought, and hunger. Education was banned – the ground and people’s hearts were hard.
Today, Karamoja gets the most rain of anywhere in Uganda, 3 water wells have been opened, 6 ECDCs are serving over 1,000 children, nearly 400 children will move up to primary school, the Good News of Jesus is being spread by village leaders, and hearts are softening in every community where Divine Care Ministry builds relationships.
What a mighty God we serve!
Doug, Diane and Yakub
Presence With People
One of the best things about my trip to Uganda was the many ways I got to connect with people. I learned a little about each person who God put in my path and I now realize how much more I want to know… guess I’ll have to go back!
First, there was joy in getting to know our teammates – traveling with them, waiting to go through customs, adventuring on our side trips, enjoying meals, and marveling at God’s goodness.
Then the delight of serving with and being served by the Divine Care Ministries Team, led by Peter and Phoebe Sozi – praying, singing, worshiping at their 2 churches and on the bus, fresh ground coffee most every morning, hearing “you are welcome” at every stop, the passion and care they all have for the people they serve, delicious homemade meals, and cold water at all times!
Deeply encouraging time with the headmasters, teachers, and students at the schools – being greeted with songs and dancing, hearing the love for God and the children, freshly cooked beans and rice for lunch, and intentional time with the girls P5-P7 imparting their worth in Jesus and speaking into their future.
A surprise visit with Yakub, a sponsored “son” of dear friends – delivering a gift and encouraging words of love, learning of his future plans and his heart for giving back to the community that has given life to him.
Finally, the women – crafters in the Empowerment Upskilling circle, staff and support members of DCM, Mama Blessed and Highly Favored, and all the mamas in Karamoja.
The single most powerful memory for me was these mamas exuberantly welcoming us to the school building with songs and dancing, then graciously bringing their precious water to wash our feet as we left, which were covered in mud from the path to the bus. Humbling and heart-filling!
There is much more to share. The schools and their communities – who they serve, how they function, and the amazing changes that have happened in the short months since I left. I’ll write again soon.
So, I didn’t build a house or paint a room. I did build connection and my heart is now for Uganda, with Divine Care Ministries and the beautiful people I met. I can’t wait to see you all again!
-Diane Zimmerman (Partner of DCM)
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