When I Am Weak...

There’s something weird that happens in people’s minds when they hear the word “missionary” or start thinking of someone who God has called to do some crazy big things – for some reason, they start thinking that that person is more special or perfect than everyone else. The only reason I say that is because that’s how I used to see people like that, and I knew many of my friends felt the same way. But you need to realize that (at least on my part) I’m not perfect or special - and I think most missionaries would tell you the same thing. We don’t wake up on a daily basis feeling like a super-Christian, and we definitely don’t always get things right. We hurt people, we fail God, we get totally mixed up, and we have to repent. And, do you know what else? We don’t have all the answers. Actually, if we’re gonna be honest, most of the time I feel like I don’t have any answers!! But all of this to say – I’m not a perfect person (which you all already knew!).

This week, however, I was extremely aware of my human imperfection. I was humbled by my failures and my inability to do what God called me to. I experienced a more immense need for God than I think I’ve ever experienced before. There were times I would literally just sit before God and all I could say was, “God I NEED You!” This week I was weak. Extremely weak.

But this weekend! This weekend I am strong. Why such a quick turnaround? Out of my weakness, God has shown me His strength in me. The Spirit has really been speaking to me and those around me over the weekend – there’s absolutely no way I can share it all, but here’s a tiny bit:

“I write to you, young people, because you are strong, and the Word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”

-1 John 2:14b

God has given me the power to overcome the evil one! How mind-blowing is that?! So, after reading this (and many other powerful verses), God wanted me to realize that I could put that knowledge into practice. In the church service on Sunday, Mommy told us to do what we want to the devil. We were taking the offensive against Satan instead of just defending ourselves. Suddenly I realized the power in me through the Spirit. I knew with certainty that because the Spirit was in me, I had the power to rebuke Satan from what he was doing. It was incredible. To go from my weakness to His power. Word.

So, in an attempt to keep my blogs a bit shorter (which didn’t really work all that well here), I’m gonna sign off. But realize that the power I experienced this weekend isn’t just for Emily Holliday. It’s not just for crazy people who run off to Africa for the Kingdom. It’s for weak and broken people who are willing (not capable) to follow Him.

“For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

-2 Corinthians 12:10

Check out this awesome young lady and the change drive that's going on! 

Progress!

Daddy, Mommy, and I in front of the garden on our land.

Sometimes, I don’t really believe that this is real life. I feel like at any moment I’ll open my eyes and see the ceiling of my bedroom back in Kansas and realize this has all been just a crazy dream. In some ways, I wish it was a dream. If I could wake up back in Kansas and back in the life I was living, things would be so much easier. I wouldn't have to face the reality that I've seen here. The need I've seen in Kagalama is a heavy, heavy burden, and now that my eyes have been opened to it, I can’t turn back. I have to do something. But it’s so hard. Why? Because I know that I’m not capable of it. There is no possible way I can help every child and every person who is in need.

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

-2 Corinthians 12:9

So, despite the fact that I know I can’t do this, I have to continue on in faith. I have faith that God is going to stand with us and work through us and that whatever He leads us to do, He will be right there alongside us.

One of the classes in Kagalama

But now, enough of that, there seem to be a bazillion things happening that you all need to know about! We just got back from Kagalama on Saturday, and God has been working like crazy! There are now four classes at our Nursery School (which is registered! Praise God!).Two of the classes are being held under some canopies in the new church building, one is held inside the old church building, and the last is being held outside the old church. We only have one teacher currently, but the patron and matron are helping out with the classes. The land that we bought has also been cleared (with the exception of the garden), and we’re working on the layout of all the buildings with plans to see an engineer soon. He will help us with all the details of the buildings and layout. We’re also in the beginning stages of starting our sponsorship program!! Other things on our plate include writing the constitution for Bethel Ministries, registering as a Community-Based Organization in Uganda, and registering as a Non-Profit in the U.S. (so you can give tax-deductible donations). A lot going on, but God continues to be in control and make things happen. He is so good!

The land is cleared!

The new church building with the canopy

The cleared land provides a great place to play football!! 

With the staff members of Bethel!
(L to R) Pastor Mulumba Festo, me, patron, matron, teacher
Mommy

Katto when we dropped him off in
Mbarara to look at schools.

Now really quickly, I’d like to share with you a story of one of the boys in Kagalama. His name is Katto Jonaney; he’s 19 years old, and he is one of the sons of Pastor Mulumba Festo of Kagalama. In the last trip we took there, we learned of his passion for teaching. He’s teaching at a school near Kagalama currently in order to make enough money to complete his training and become a certified teacher. One of our biggest prayers for Bethel has been that God would provide Spirit-filled workers for us. Seeing the passion Katto has for both God and teaching made me realize that he was the kind of worker we’re looking for. So, we’ve offered to help him out. In order to become a certified teacher, he now has to repeat his Senior 4 class and then take two years in a Primary Teacher College. Once he finishes, he’s agreed to come and teach at Bethel School for us! So, now, we’re looking for someone who would be willing to sponsor Katto. The only reason that we’re posting his story before the rest of the children is because to be able to start his S4 classes, he needs a sponsor as soon as possible. If you would be willing to sponsor him or would like more information, PLEASE contact me at emily.c.holliday@gmail.com . 

Blessings to you all! Keep praying!

Bethel

With my family!
Dissan, Deborah, Jeb, me, Daddy, Mommy, Mukisa

Ya'll. I've probably turned into one of the worst bloggers in the world! Sorry about that, but things have been moving SO quickly, I've hardly had time to think long enough to write everything! Now, hang onto your hats! The things God has done in the past month still continue to amaze me and blow my mind.

I'm now living in Masaka with Mommy and Daddy - which has been SUCH a blessing to me. Being in the same house with my family (including my amazing new siblings!) has probably been one of the best things that's happened to me since coming to Uganda. For now, however, I'm going to pass on all the awesome things I could tell you about my Ugandan family because I want to tell you about the orphanage!

Monica, one of the girls who will eventually
moving to Bethel Orphanage.

The orphanage now has an official name: Da da da daaa!!! Bethel Orphanage!! Bethel means "House of God," and we've been praying and asking that God makes His house there with the children in Kagalama. He led us to that name through specific passages like Genesis 28:10-28 and Genesis 12:1-9, and He's been making promises to us through those same scriptures,

"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

-Genesis 28:15

Gideon, Monica's younger brother, will also
be moving to Bethel eventually.

God's provision and blessing has been upon us in everything we've been doing for Bethel Orphanage. The church members in Kagalama were SO excited to hear about the vision we have, and they wanted to start the school as soon as possible. They took the initiative while I was gone to get classes started for this year. Now we have two classes of children being taught by a qualified teacher there at the church!! God is so good! If anyone would be interested in "sponsoring" the teacher (as in paying the salary, which is currently $115/month) please let me know! But there's another development starting soon - the sponsorship program! We're starting to work on each child's profile so we can begin looking for sponsors. If you're interested, keep an eye out here on the blog and on facebook for the children's profiles and the sponsorship information. I can't tell you how excited I am to see you all get involved because I know that God has already started preparing your hearts for various works within the ministry He is starting - whether it's donating, sponsoring, visiting, praying, or spreading the news - your part is SO important! And we've been praying for you! We're planning on going to Kagalama soon with an architect to start getting the blueprints for the school, dormitory, clinic, and other buildings. The initial building plan is to start with a 3 room structure that will eventually be part of the school. However, to start with, one room will serve as a room for the children to sleep in (divided in half for girls & boys), and the other two rooms will serve as classrooms. Currently our estimated budget for that structure is around $30,000 total or $10,000 per room. We're praying for people and churches to stand for this ministry and for the work God is doing, and we're confident that He will provide because He is a rich God. So, for now, in short, that's what's happening in Uganda! Now that we once again have internet access at Mommy & Daddy's house, I'll be trying to keep you all more informed. PLEASE contact me if you have any questions! This ministry isn't about what I'm doing, it's about glorifying the name of Jesus - which means the more people involved, the better!!! 

Blessings! 

The Start of Something New!!

Kids in Kagalama drinking their porridge

I haven’t slept for about 22 hours now, so forgive me for any bits of this post that seem more scatter-brained than normal! Currently I’m on a plane headed to London, then L.A., and then finally Hawaii! Yes, I know, short notice for many of you (which you may find to be a reoccurring theme throughout this blog post, sorry about that). But anyways, I’m going to visit my parents for a little over a week while my dad has a business trip there. It helps enormously in allowing me to renew my visa for the rest of my time in Uganda, plus I’m more than excited to see my parents in person rather than on a computer! (Don’t worry though, for those of you who sponsored me for this trip, I’m not using your money for this!)

So, now: I’m thousands of feet in the air and on a pretty good lack of sleep, but I just cannot get myself to fall asleep (and I’m not one of those people who has trouble sleeping on planes). But I’ve seen God move too much in this past week for my mind to rest. I’ve witnessed too many prayers answered and provisions made and people touched to even begin to fall asleep! But, really, this is the first chance I’ve had to sit down and focus enough to even begin to tell you everything that’s happened. And yes, be warned: this blog post might end up being rather long – my apologies!!

The church the children in Kagalama currently sleep in

Towards the end of my time in Masaka over Christmas, I stayed a few days in a hotel in Masaka town. Honestly, I was somewhat angry at God because I wasn't ready to go back to Kampala yet, I was pretty sure I wasn’t supposed to stay with EAC much longer, and I just felt like I had no clue where my life was going (yeah, a little melodramatic, huh?). But as always, God was weaving all these little “hiccups” in my life into the beautiful tapestry of His plan. Because of my staying in that hotel, I ended up having a conversation with Pastor Queen Betty Kasozi that has changed my life forever.  Pastor Betty, along with her husband Gerald, have become my Ugandan “Mommy” and “Daddy” over the past few weeks since that conversation, and now it seems unnatural to call them anything but Mommy and Daddy. So, that’s what I will refer to them as throughout this post. But anyways, in that conversation, Mommy ended up telling me about a group of about 35 orphans who stayed and slept in one of the churches they planted in a village in far Western Uganda. The Spirit touched my heart at that time, and as the conversation progressed, I eventually asked Mommy if we could go there. I wanted to see for myself the need and look for any way I could help. So, the way it ended up, I went back to Kampala for about a week – during which I had time to really seek God out and drink in His word – and the calling to this village became even stronger. So, last Monday (January 14^th), I went to go visit the kids at Okoa, Mommy, and Daddy, and they told me we could go to the village – Kagalama - in the Rubirizi District. It’s “deep in the bush” and about a 5 and a half hour drive from Masaka, but with the company of Mommy, Daddy, and my sister, Deborah, the time passed pretty quickly. Before we even arrived at the church, I knew the need. I knew by the houses, roads, clothing and small towns along the way that the need in Kagalama was huge.

Going to look at the land

Meeting with the family who was selling the land
& signing the papers!

Oh, but when we arrived! I saw the one room mud hut that served as both the church and the sleeping quarters for the children, the mud hut of two small bedrooms and one main room that was the house for “guests,” and I saw children in great need of medical attention. But I also saw God’s provision. It wasn’t as though He called me into this with nothing – because He also showed me the wonderful people taking care of the kids, the friendship and camaraderie among the children, and the faithfulness of the believers in that tiny little church. And what’s more – the land. While the land that the church/children’s living quarters were on was quite small, “coincidence” had it that there was a piece of land for sale right next to the church. With the clear calling I had felt to this village, I knew that this land was God’s wide open door for His work to be started there. So, after working everything out, Mommy, Daddy, and I purchased the land just a few days before I left for Hawaii. It still baffles me to think about it! I had passed my fundraising goal for this trip and knew that God had something big in store for that money, but I never imagined something THIS big!! Now the next step is to register as an official orphanage with Uganda and the USA (so donations can be tax-deductible in the future). We’re also hiring a contractor to draw up plans and estimate the cost of building dorms, a clinic, school rooms, a kitchen, and toilets. It’s SO exciting to see God’s plan falling into place, but at the same time, it’s scary! I mean, why would God choose someone like me for this work?  But then again, why would He choose someone like David, or Saul/Paul, or Josiah (the 8 year old who became a king – Judges 8)?

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’.”

 (2 Corinthians 12:9)

And again, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him.” 

(1 Corinthians 1:27-29)

Just as it has been throughout this whole trip, everything is for God’s glory. By choosing someone like me for this work, He gets the credit (as He always should!) – because there’s NO WAY I could do this on my own.

Mommy, Daddy, Deborah and I with the
kids and workers at Kagalama
(in the background the guesthouse is on the left
& the church is on the right)

But anyways – let me get off that tangent and wrap this up – it’s long enough as it is!! So…. Here’s the deal – when I get back to Uganda (which I’m actually on my way back now - it’s taken FOREVER to write this post!) I’ll be moving in with Mommy and Daddy in Masaka. We’ll start registering the orphanage, planning the building, starting a sponsorship program, and everything else that goes along with the start up of an organization. It’s going to be a TON of work, and yes, as everything else in this world, it costs money. I’m not the type to ask people for monetary donations, but I guess that I’m just saying this to let you know: buying the land swallowed up almost all of my funds, SO – if you want to get involved, in any way (donating, sponsoring a child or a worker (more details on that to come), encouraging us, giving advice), the door is WIDE open. And if you’d like to contact me to know more, shoot me a message on Facebook or an e-mail (Emily.c.holliday@gmail.com). I’d love to answer your questions and let you know how God’s been moving!

So, that’s all for now! Thanks for sticking with me through this super long post! But I hope you can hop on and get as excited as I am for this work! God has some HUGE things in store!

Blessings!! 

Grace

I wasn't actually going to write a blog post today (nothing new has really happened), but then I read a story. Yes, it's a story you've all probably heard of before. No, the ideas and thoughts that I've seen in it aren't new to the world, but for some reason it struck a chord in my heart. I pray that maybe it will touch one of your heart strings as well and help you realize how loving and awesome our God is! 

The story is the one of the adulterous woman found in John 8, and takes place in Judea, where Jesus had traveled to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles. He taught at the temple, and the people were confused and amazed at his teaching. One morning, when he had gone to teach at the temple, "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, 'Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?' " I always thought Jesus' initial response was hilarious - he simply bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. I wondered what the King of Kings, the Savior of the earth was doing writing in the dirt! But then, as the Pharisees and teachers of the law continued to bug him, Jesus finally answered, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." Wham! Silence. Perhaps for the first time in their lives, these teachers and Pharisees had nothing to say to Jesus, who had gone back to writing in the dirt. They were completely silenced before him because they knew. They knew all too well after studying the Law for hours upon hours that they were sinful - painfully, hopelessly sinful. So what was there for them to do but leave? And they did, one by one, I imagine them leaving shamed by their own sinfulness and the fact that this man, this Jesus of Nazareth, had humbled them. They didn't even leave to plot his death or arrest! 

So, then, Jesus and this woman were left alone. He stood up and looked at her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" What in the world could this woman have been thinking in the moment when she replied, "No one, sir." And even more so, what brilliance, hope, and life must have flown through her when He said to her, "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin." She received no death penalty, no public disgrace other than what had already occurred. She received only this: grace and a call to repentance. Is not grace given to us before we repent as well? "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). This little story in John has a HUGE message for us: grace. "For it is by grace you have been saved." I don't think the idea of grace has ever been phrased as beautifully as in the age old hymn: 

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now am found

Was blind but now I see

This adulterous woman was saved by the grace of Christ Jesus. Not only was she saved, but she was given a hope. I can relate to this woman so much. While I may not have committed adultery specifically, haven't I ever turned my back on my Beloved Bridegroom and chosen some sin over Him and His Word? And yet, in spite of it all, He has given us grace. I can't even begin to to put into words how huge of an impact that has in our lives, but thankfully His Word can speak for itself, so check it out!! 

Blessings! 

Just A Quick Update...

So... this is the first time I've ever posted more than once in a week, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. I guess I'm turning into a real blogger!! (Although, don't expect it to happen again any time soon!) Anyways, just thought I'd try to keep you all updated on what's happening here in Uganda since things seem to be changing so quickly. Yesterday (Monday) I traveled back to Kampala to stay with EAC for a little while until whatever God has in store for me next falls into place. I won't lie, I'm not super excited about being back in Kampala. However, I'm absolutely stoked about seeing my kids in Zirobwe again! Early in the morning before I left to return here, God really laid this scripture on my heart:

"Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God..."

-1 Chronicles 22:19

I really feel as though this is what God is calling me to in my time here in Kampala. Projects don't start back up again until next Monday, so I think He's really set aside this time for me to seek Him out. I'm so excited to see what He has to show me and what He has in store for me next. What you can do to help most right now is pray. I can use as many prayer warriors as I can get! 

Also, on Sunday I was blessed to be invited by one of the pastors in Masaka to eat lunch with him, his family, and some other American friends who were heading back to the States soon. It was such a blessing to be with my brothers and sisters in Christ sharing a meal, and really just enjoying one another's company. It was truly a blessing! 

Quick photo after eating with the pastor's family!
Back Row (L to R): Joseph, Gloria, Jackson, Pastor Eddie, the family mother, Winnifred
Front Row: Andrew, me, Flavia?, Pastor Doug, Maria, Sarah

Blessings to you and yours!

Surprises!

To say that this week has been overwhelming is probably the understatement of the century - and honestly, I don't think it's even possible to get everything across in words. On Tuesday morning, to start out the New Year, I found out I needed to move out of the room I was staying in the next day. (I guess I knew it was coming... but I had a brain lapse and didn't realize it was so soon!) Furthermore, all three of the different housing possibilities I had lined up fell through. On top of that, I wasn't able to go back to Empower A Child yet because I had to get in contact with them first (which is rather difficult with them on break!). So, the only option was to stay in a hotel in Masaka Town for a few days until I can get some things lined out. Now this is where that puts me currently - I'm still working with Okoa Refuge, although I have to commute there and back every day. My hotel reservations are until Monday, but they can be extended if need be. And I'm trying to get in contact with Empower A Child in order to return there.

Needless to say, I've been pretty stressed out! But at the same time, God is teaching me once again to trust Him. As has happened so many times since I've been here, I don't really have a complete thought to tie all this wonderfulness together, but these are some verses that God has been speaking to my heart. And somehow I relate to all of them in one way or another:

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun."

                                                                 -Psalm 37:5-6

Doug (in front) with Tyler, Liv,
and I at the Christmas party.

"The LORD makes firm the steps of those who delight in Him..."

-Psalm 37:23

"The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble"

-Psalm 37:39

"I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand."

-Psalm 40:1-2

"But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the LORD think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay."

-Psalm 40:17

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

-Joshua 1:9

So, all in all, I'm just waiting, and trying my best to trust! Please keep the prayers coming and have a great week!! 

Blessings!

(P.S. - sorry these pictures are old, camera problems again!!)