"It would be good for you
to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted
to give and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should
finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the
beginning be matched now." 2 Corinthians 8:10-11
We are back!!! Adjusting to a bittersweet return, but
with the hopeful plans of returning for Uganda Round 2 in late
August. The verse above speaks to Amanda & I and continues to resurface,
even today at a prayer breakfast. If I've learned one thing throughout
this journey, when HE speaks I should listen because He has got a plan and
purpose!
As mentioned in our last blog post, by April God was
moving mountains and "showing off" within the Sozo Women's
Ministry. We were able to lead the women in an overview of every book in
the Bible and while doing so sharing a highlight scripture and how it
applies to life. God was leading 100+ women to gather with us for Bible studies
and as we rejoiced in that we began to lead into the sustainability project at
the end of that month.
Since January we had longed to get to this step with
the women’s ministry. It was time to trust the Lord in His vision while doing
something we, as the leaders, nor the women had ever done before. Amanda &
I facilitated the project while we proudly watched our group of women carefully
hand-make 312 pieces of jewelry to be sold in America. Through this project and
God's faithfulness the women were being empowered, learning a new life skill,
and hearing about Christ all while doing so. For the first time the women were
feeling important, remembered, and most of all loved!
Amanda and I have recently returned to the U.S. for
the summer, and we are joyfully selling the bracelets/necklaces for $20 each.
All of the money directly goes back to the women! Praise God for what this
means.. food, medicine, school fees, and so much more.
While working on the women's ministry stateside, we
are also here to fundraise for our upcoming stint in Uganda. The Lord is
calling us to return to continue what has only just begun in Sozo Women's
Ministry. We plan to launch numerous other sustainability projects with the
women, continuing to give them an opportunity to have an income. Of
course we will continue with a Bible study, believing that faith will continue
to grow and lives will be eternally changed.
We believe God will once again provide the financial support
needed in order to continue this calling. We believe your prayers will continue
to touch our hearts and fill our cups. We believe God has plans, once again, so
much bigger than we are picturing for Uganda Round 2. Please continue to pray
for us as well as insight into God's will for Sozo Women's Ministry. To Him be
all the glory for the great things He has done!
THANK YOU for your love and sticking by our side
throughout such a powerful, life-changing last 5 months. We love you!
Made for MORE,
Chelsie & Amanda
