What is hope? What does is look like, feel like, taste like, smell like? For some, hope is having. For others, hope is experiencing. For me, hope is being. In my 41 years, I’ve tasted much having and felt much experiencing. Still today, these aspects of life continue. Everything’s a gift from God, even the most challenging moments, a lesson I have recently learned. Reflection either brings regret or gratefulness. I chose to be grateful. But if I’m completely honest, regret sneaks in at times.
When FNC was birthed, none of us ever dreamed it would evolve into a place of true hope. Sure, we “hoped” it would become a haven where people were loved, especially children. What we didn’t plan for and surely didn’t foresee, that it could be a gate into the hearts of so many more. It has become hope for us, the parents, our community, and we are now realizing it brings hope to our teams who travel from abroad. Just the other day, Solomon, one of our teachers and key leaders here, said it like this: “God is using this place to impact not just us, but those who come and love on us.” I believe he is right.
So is hope a place? I don’t think so, at least not on this side of heaven. Do we find glimmers of it, heaven that is, in this world? I believe we can if we turn. The only thing, which will remain eternal, is Christ’s Church, the only true hope for the world. As many of us are fully aware, the global church consists of people from every tribe, tongue, and language. When true hope is presented, the hope Christ spoke of and lived out, we, the Church are at it’s best.
Yesterday evening Wendy and I broke bread with Brad and Pam, a couple who have dedicated the rest of their lives serving others. From construction to evangelizing to the least of these, their actions speak hope. We ate Ugandan pizza together, shared our struggles, wins, and war stories of living life on the other side of the globe. It was good. Brad and Pam have 2 sons and one daughter, all are grown and serving the Lord. It was their last night in Kampala for sometime, so we felt privileged they would chose it to spend with us. At times, Wendy and I struggle to know if we are continuing to be good parents, making good choices with the time we have left with our girls. A seasoned veteran of missions once told me, “Never underestimate the sacrifice your children have made and continue to make.” He said it as I asked him for a word of advice. He then turned to our two oldest daughters, Emma and Annie, and said, “And never underestimate the sacrifice your parents have made.” Last night, Brad and Pam said many things, but one stuck out the most. We were making our way to the parking lot, and Brad turned to me, looked at me straight in the eyes and said this, “You need to know something, both you and Wendy are amazing parents.” It was difficult not crying right then and there.
My friends, this was not just a word of encouragement, it was a word of hope, true hope. Thank you Brad and Pam for loving on us the way you did that evening. When I stop and reflect on all the goodness God has placed in our lives, I'm most grateful of the hope He speaks to us through others. It is in those moments, I believe God smiles.
