Touch Me, Oh my Jesus, Touch Me!

"Touch me, oh my Jesus, touch me." These are the lyrics to one of the songs we do quite often with the kids we minister to, but this week it's also been the cry of my heart. I've just been asking God to move in and around me and the people here, and He has been!

Some girls from Zirobwe

As well as Nehemiah 8:10b, God has laid Philippians 4:6-7 on me, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." It's a pretty popular verse, but what's hit me the hardest this week is the peace of God guarding my heart. Colossians 3:15 says "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." I've realized that to have the peace of God that these verses talk about, you truly have to let the peace rule in your heart. I can't keep holding onto my anxieties and worries; I have to be willing to truly give them up to God. When I choose to do that, I can honestly say I experience the kind of peace that's beyond understanding. What a blessing!

Putting on clothes during a relay race at Brainstorm

As for the different projects we've been to this week, there's been lots! First of all, on Sunday we finally went to the village of Zirobwe for the first time to help with church. It was such an awesome experience. The children there are so filled with joy, even though they have so little. We also had the chance to spend all day at one of the secondary schools again (with yet another futbol game!). It seems like both times we've done that, I start out the day completely out of my comfort zone and nervous - but by the end of the day I'm always so full and joyful, I don't want to leave! God is definitely moving. The other programs we went to were the Babies Home, the children's hospital, Brainstorm (primary school), a feeding program at a primary school, and finally a lunch hour fellowship at one of the secondary schools. I feel like I could talk forever about each one of them, but we're big on time management here (okay, maybe not...), so I probably should wrap it up.

A few "wrap up" thoughts, like the ribbon around the package: Christ has continually touched my heart since I've been here. He's blessed me so much. I've got a wonderful family and support group at home and an awesome family here as well. But most of all, I have an awesome God, amazing Father, loving Bridegroom, and a Constant Refuge and source of peace - and no matter what, He's always here with me! Mukama Yebazibwe! Praise God!

Blessings!