Uganda (Dispatch 2)

Uganda - Good Shepherd's Fold

If you asked me what has impacted me the most while being here in Uganda, my answer would be the people.

I have witnessed such servant hearted, joyful individuals who live in a manner worthy of the calling of the gospel. Days have been filled with connection and people living out the command to love their neighbor as themselves. The people around me are eager to spread the gospel beginning with their own communities and to the ends of the earth. I’ve been learning more and more that sharing the gospel more often looks like building relationships than building a case for Christianity.

Among other things, God uses the authentic relationships we have with people to bless and build His kingdom. Relationships are everything. The gospel of Jesus is centered on God Himself wanting a relationship with you. Jesus died for you, individually, because God individually loves you. He wants you to know Him and His love here on earth and into eternity. He’s not looking for perfection, He wants your heart.

Some moments and days have been simultaneously hard and incredible, but God has sustained me in every circumstance. I often feel far more impacted and blessed by the beautiful people that I have come know & I am thankful that God has allowed me to witness His love for the nations and for my neighbor.

Here’s a quote and a Bible verse I really like. “Christ’s greatest commandment wasn’t ‘convert your neighbor.’ It was ‘love your neighbor.’ If love becomes conditional. If love is reduced to an evangelistic tool. If love becomes just another way of making people be just like us. We’ve deeply misunderstood the love of Jesus.” (Benjamin Cremer)

“We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬ ‭CSB

- Summer Broadbridge