A lesson on follow through.
Last month, I went to P Squad’s Month 4 Debrief in Jinja, Uganda. Debriefs are usually time for me to connect with our missionaries and train them in finances and on-field logistics. However, this Debrief was a little different. The Lord provided a number of ministry opportunities for me outside of the Squad. Here is just one of the stories from those five days:
We had just finished getting coffee at a little cafe in town. On our way back, we stopped at a few shops to look at paintings. One shop owner is named Caroline. She wanted me to buy a canvas from her, but I wasn’t sure if I really wanted one. I flippantly said, “I’ll come back later,” without actual intention of returning.
A few days later, I was in town again. This time, I knew I wanted a painting and ended up buying one from a different shop owner named Esther. As soon as I paid for it, the Lord reminded me of Caroline and how I told her I’d come back. Ya gotta love conviction. She was right across the street, so I walked over. I was selfishly hoping that just showing up would be enough and that she wouldn’t ask me to buy something.
I walked into her store. “Hi, Caroline!” She looked at me with surprise, “You remembered my name?! I’m sorry, I forgot yours.” I reminded her it was Clay. Then she said, “You said you’d come back!” She took me further into her store and showed me paintings. Even though I just bought one, she made me pick one that I liked. It was 25,000 which is about $5.50. All I had was 20,000 shillings.
She thought and thought and then finally looked at me, “Okay, I’ll give it to you for 20,000”. “Why?” I asked.
“Because I love you.”
As a missionary, I realized the impact that can be made on people by keeping promises. Jesus was a man of His word. I’m representing Him wherever I go. If I don’t keep my word, I’m giving an inaccurate representation of who He is. Follow through is an easy way to show people that Jesus loves them.
I visited Caroline every time I was in town after that. She’d greet with a hug while saying, “Hi, my son.”
“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he even spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” – Numbers 23:19
By February 28th, I need to be at 42% of my fundraising goal for the 2017 Fiscal Year. Right now, I am at 35%. That equals a gap of $397. Would you prayfully consider giving a one-time contribution this month to help close that gap? I’m also looking for a few more monthly donors to help keep me on pace throughout the year. Thank you for your continued prayer and support!
