The Invisible Thread

My Beautiful Family - Sister Leah, Mom Bonnie, and Dad Fred.

They say “home is where the heart is,” which means “home” can be any number of places.

For the first three decades of my life, “home” meant one place, where I grew up, where my family lived. But, the last seven years have broadened my definition of “home,” to more closely match my opening sentence. Where your heart is, is where home can and will be.

Last Saturday, Jan. 21, I returned to one of my “homes.” Landing at Uganda’s Entebbe airport in the wee hours of the morning, the sweet smell of charcoal fires and the warm moist air greeted me. A short two-hour drive (compared to the four to six hours it can sometimes take), brought me home to Jinja to the Peterson family. They welcomed me back with open arms.

The phone calls, message, and hugs from friends here have let me know I was missed – and I missed them as well.

This week I spent three days with my Shepherd’s Heart ministry family during our annual retreat. I relished the time for hearing testimonies, for reconnection, more hugs, and missed conversations.

The dear SHIM Family (minus a few dearly-missed members).

I savored my three months in the U.S., in my other “home,” and thank God so much for the connection times with family, friends, churches, and supporters. And, to be honest, having easy access to sour cream, American cheese, and Taco Bell wasn’t bad either. ;)

I left the U.S. feeling refreshed, renewed, and reminded that I belong to several homes – where I came from, where I am, and a third – where I am going. I was incredibly blessed as folks throughout my time in the U.S. welcomed stories and reports about the ministry in Uganda, and offered encouragement and support for myself and my teammates in Uganda.

Sharing at The Bridge Church in Longview, Washington - one of my greatly-loved home churches.

While America and Uganda often seem worlds apart, I sensed an invisible, but real thread tying the two worlds and homes together – a love for God’s work and His people. I was amazed as I listened to people, with tears in their eyes, expressing their desire to be part of what God is doing in the islands. I marveled at how people who had never nor may ever visit my second home would feel compelled to listen, pray, and give toward the work.

It is a miracle in how God unites His work and His people around the world. As children of God, we have the blessed privilege to witness and join this global vision and plan that began before time and will likely continue after many of us are gone.

And, knowing God holds and weaves the “invisible thread” brings me much joy, an abiding peace, and an eager anticipation for what is ahead.

Professional family photograph taken by the talented Jennifer Selberg, http://www.capturingcreationbyjenniferselberg.com/

As far as I know, only one of my messages was taped, but if you are interested in listening, you can go here and look for "Don't Give Up" shared at The Bridge Church on Oct. 30, 2016.

Satan's Toolbox

An island pastor prays for young women previously affected during spiritual warfare.

"Do you see things like this in America?" 

It was a question I was asked on several occasions last fall when the island school was passing through intense spiritual warfare, manifested mostly in demonic attacks against our students.

Generally not, I would reply, but quickly note that Satan is still very active in America, just in different ways. Like a master deceiver, he knows which lies to tell to which unsuspecting listener. He knows which tricks will capture our attention and what traps we will likely fall into. He can definitely individualize temptations and attacks.

Before I continue, please understand - I don't intend this post to be judgmental, but definitely an exhortation.

Coming fresh out of the intense spiritual warfare as I returned to the U.S. in November, I was more than ever keenly aware of what might be "attacking" American Christians. Toward the end of my visit, I came to a conclusion - it may be more difficult to be a Christian in the U.S. than where I live in Uganda. 

But it's likely not for the reasons you think.

There's just too much. Too many distractions. Too many appointments. Too many commitments. Too many activities. Too many devices. Too much media. Too much news. Too much stuff to maintain. Too much.

I believe "distraction" is a primary tool which Satan uses against many American Christians. 

"Look this way so you won't see what I am doing in other parts of the world." 

"Get involved in this so you forget to pray for your persecuted brothers and sisters." 

"Become absorbed in this so you no longer have the time, the energy or the money to invest in that other kingdom."

I, too, am so guilty of this. Today I read a very convicting article about our laziness, cowardice and overall lack of response as fellow believers are daily being persecuted and daily losing their lives for their faith in Jesus Christ. The persecution of Christians is greater at this time than any other period of history  - even compared to what the early Christians faced in Rome.

(I plan to write a follow-up blog on some of the things I've recently learned about the persecution of Christians worldwide. To read more, please visit OpenDoorsUSA or The Voice of the Martyrs for specific ways to pray, give, and act on behalf of our suffering brothers and sisters.) 

My point is this, don't think the enemy of your souls is apathetic - He's just very clever. Just because you don't see ghosts or spirits, like those here in Africa, do not for one second believe you are safe.

The "safer" you think you are, the greater may be your danger.

Satan doesn't want you to pray, to read your Bible - let alone believe it, to fellowship with other believers, to attend church, to serve others, to use your gifts, to forgive, to show grace...well, you get the idea. And, he really doesn't want you to be aware of his presence and his schemes and tricks. Whatever God intends for you, Satan wants to thwart. And, if you have it, he wants to steal it from you and destroy it. And, to be perfectly honest, he wants to devour you.

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." I Peter 5:8-9

The days are growing increasingly evil and the Lord's return is imminent. Are we aware of Satan's schemes, but even more, are we watching for Christ's return? By God's grace, identify the distractions. What is keeping you and I away from what Jesus desires for us? How is Satan deceiving us, stealing from us and destroying what God wants to do in and through us?

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” - I Peter 1:13-15

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." - Ephesians 5:15-17

Adventures in America!

When you walk with Jesus, life is an adventure! The amazing thing is that Jesus doesn't send us on ahead - alone into unknown territories, to "figure things out" on our own. No, He is with us each step of the way. So, you may feel like you are venturing into what is strange, different, unfamiliar, difficult or stretching, but you are never, ever alone. And, if He is with you, everything is okay.

God showed me this throughout my time of preparation to leave Uganda, traveling 30 hours, and now readjusting to being back in America. When I needed a suitcase, He told me He'd take care of it. And, He did - providing a quality bag for a very reasonable price from a friend. When I didn't know how I would get to the airport, He prompted good friends to take care of all of the arrangements and I had the incredible blessing of being escorted by two good friends. When I "needed" coffee and water on my layover in London, God provided them free of charge - a funny story, but I was again assured of His presence.

These may seem like small things, but for a single woman, they meant so much.

Upon arriving back in the states, I spent an amazing two weeks with my dear sister in Pennsylvania. During the first week, I tagged along as much as possible around the Bible school campus where she lives and works. This included a Sunday trip to New York City to watch the students present a service - very fun!

Summit students presenting a service at Times Square Church.

Leah and I in Times Square Church during our evening walk. The city was amazingly bright at night with all of the illuminated signs and buildings.

The ice skating rink and the Christmas tree being assembled at Rockefeller Center.

In the second week, Leah and I ventured on a 1700+-mile road trip. In the space of four days, we traveled through 10 states - Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio -  through some beautiful country and reconnected with some amazing people. I had the blessing of visiting 10 different people whom I first met in Uganda and many who had been on the island. I thank God for His protection and the great weather we had for most of our journey.

The Wolfer family graciously hosted us during our time in South Carolina, for a great time of fun, food, fellowship, and lots of laughter. :)

How amazing to reconnect with Delaney, center, in SC after having the blessing of her presence on the island this past summer. She was an awesome tour guide, showing us around the beautiful campus of the University of South Carolina, and great company for a fun evening afterward. :)

The stunning USC campus.

After two nights in SC, we headed north again, this time traveling a bit west. A stop in Marion, North Carolina gave us a chance to see the Wise family - Mark, Michelle and Josh, whom I first met in Uganda. We enjoyed a delightful lunch before hopping back on the road, headed north for Ohio.

Leah drove most of the many hours on the road. There was a weird correlation between my driving and her getting sick. Weird. ;)

Traveling essentials: Triscuits and gummy bears, as well as chicken nuggets from Wendy's and lots of cups of coffee. :)

Driving through Kentucky on Wednesday evening. We passed through some beautiful country and by so many tourist and historical sites. But, because of our tight schedule, we had to just keep driving. :(

All of our driving, however, took us to more amazing people, like my friend Mindy, in southwest Ohio. We crashed at her place on Wednesday night and had a wonderful time reconnecting. 

This stop in Ohio also yielded my first visit to a Chick-fil-A. It was a delicious success!

We saw more snow on the ground in Ohio than anywhere else during our travels. Thankfully, no snow fell while we drove.

Beautiful Ohio farmland.

We joyfully returned to Pennsylvania on Thursday night, grateful for our fun adventure, but glad to be back "home" and our own beds.

Before flying out to Oregon on Saturday afternoon, I had one more full day with my dear sister on Friday. Some dear friends treated us to a day at the spa at The Hotel Hershey, an early birthday gift for Leah and a nice change from four full days of intense travel. We had to get used to walking around in bathrobes, but enjoyed a delightful and restful day of swimming, a delectable lunch, and pampering with manicures and pedicures. :)

In our very comfortable robes at the spa.

Our fun Friday ended with a surprise birthday party for Leah, hosted by her wonderful housemate Bethany. So many people came out to celebrate Leah and the blessing she is!

It was with mixed emotions that I boarded the plane in Pennsylvania on Saturday afternoon, sad to be leaving my beloved sister behind, but looking forward to seeing my parents and so many dear friend and family members on the West Coast. 

I believe my adventures in America have only just begun, but I am so far very grateful for God's protection, provision, and the incredible people and blessings He has put in my life. I'm looking forward to what else is in store - only God knows! :)