"Look around the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it." Habakkuk 1:5
First day on the job! Sozo Women’s Ministry begins! 28 beautiful women showed up consisting of a mix of women who had heard about the bible study directly from our efforts last week but also many who had just heard through word of mouth. This apparently was the talk of the village with the women saying over and over again that this day they had prayed for far too long.
The bible study was to begin today in the village at 2pm on
Gorret’s land. Gorret is a woman we came across on our first day of walking the
village last week, while spreading the word about the Sozo Women’s Ministry.
Gorret immediately jumped in eager to get involved and ended up voluntarily
walking the village with us, sharing the news with each woman we encountered. She
selflessly volunteered her land as a gathering spot each week and as we arrived
today welcomed us with a huge smile saying she could not be happier that this
day was here. We are so thankful for Gorret and the way she has stepped up to
help organize. Remember how I said it was to begin at 2pm? Well, an hour and a
half later most of the women had arrived. We work off “Ugandan time” here
meaning promptness is not a big thing for them. One grandmother, Rosemary, was
the first to arrive around 2:15 and for that she received a hand of applause
for “being on time.” Of course we waited knowing many more would arrive much
later. At 3:30pm we decided it was go time.
Some very feable grandmothers walked miles and miles to
reach the meeting spot… with armies of grandchildren in tote. Some women came
dressed in their best garment worn only for special guests. During the time of
singing a girl jumped in and started drumming on a jerrycan which made us all
smile and added a great beat. Some came with gifts of Ugandan food (that they
grow) for us as a thank you. Some women brought their youngest children not
hesitating to breastfeed at any moment throughout the gathering. But all came
with open hearts ready to worship as evident in this video below.
Our meeting time each week is now going to be 3pm (requested
by the women) on Mondays and Thursdays. By 3pm most of them have finished
lunch. We are going to continue to meet on Gorret’s land each time. Auntie Dorah, our fearless Ugandan leader (one of the Sozo house moms), has been such a blessing translating our words and leading the women in Luganda song. She will be with us each visit as our partner in this mission. Thursday we
expect many more in attendance as these women are anxious to bring more friends
and neighbors.
We cannot thank you enough for all of the heartfelt prayers
and encouragement leading up to this day. We have prayed for this day for
almost one year and are overwhelmed by God’s presence today! To God be the
glory for all that took place today!
MADE for MORE,
Chelsie & Amanda
Mukwano Gwange (our friend) Auntie Dorah
God is Good!
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