Breaking Ground

I arrived to Uganda on the 1st of September to launch Childero. In the year I’ve worked with Childero the theme “harvest” has occupied my entire mindset. In the states the staff worked tirelessly throughout the years to create strong, valuable partnerships both at home and in Uganda. They asked each other what their dreams were and worked together to unite a vision for the Kingdom, a biblical vision to take care of orphans and even the widows.

Moving forward God provided the staff a foundation to stand upon. They prayed and dreamt over and over again for how to proceed. They created detailed policies and plans not to bore their passion but to carry out the love flowing from it. They studied similar organizations and sought out their advise on how to do this well. Furthermore, they found open and vulnerable people to share their mistakes and failures, and to them we are deeply grateful.

Remembering our inspiring founder, Jamie Bloyd and the trip that started this dream.
Remembering our inspiring founder, Jamie Bloyd and the trip that started this dream.

With fertile ground set in place God sky rocketed their efforts. He rolled in the necessary funds, He brought together partners, He inspired churches, He set everything in place and most importantly His name was a shining light. I don’t see “Childero” shining on our office door or through our sites. Instead, I see God’s name in flickering lights claiming all the honor.

Beyond all obstacles like cancer or intense funding God raised up Childero. Anyone can plant a seed or water it but only God can grow it.

I find myself and the ministry starting all over again. You see, as much work as was done in the US now still requires yet another season of sowing, watering, growing, and harvesting the seeds here in Uganda. And I knew that was coming, I was totally prepared to plant the seeds and begin all over again but the most important and straining step slipped my mind. Tilling the infertile ground.

Pastor Peter and Sandra with the children in Koch Goma.
Pastor Peter and Sandra with the children in Koch Goma.

Everyday I wake up wanting to plant seeds (easy part) but find myself working on infertile ground. I find myself setting up the foundation for Childero, paving the way, and breaking apart the hard, cold, and dry soil to plant a new beginning. The good news is I am not alone. God has reared up an entire team of workers and servants to break the ground with me.

Forget the illustrations, realistically I am not pouring into children every single day like I want to. My team isn’t creating disciples and leaders within the primary school students. We are simply, with humble importance, still tilling the ground and paving a way for a strong and fertile terrain so when seeds are planted the Lord will be pleased with the soil and the harvest will provide not only crop but also shade for these exhausted people.

Everyday I am working alongside of six pastors and my translator Sandra. My favorite question to ask them is, “What is YOUR dream for the church?” In breaking the ground together I get to learn their vision for their village, culture, and church and ask how we can unite.

Our fantastic supervisor, David Ntogohnya.
Our fantastic supervisor, David Ntogohnya.

Everyday I learn from them about their people’s struggles and when we depart from our day’s journey I explain that I wouldn’t be able to do this without them. I’m not sure they actually believe me yet.

I look back at the grand harvest in the US and find myself confident that the Lord is ready to more than triple it here, in Uganda, but only after He is pleased with the fertile soil. Only after we have carved a road out of footpaths. Only after we’ve sweated and exhausted through the sunny days. Only after waking up each day weary and pitifully following Him into the cruel field knowing He promises a harvest.

I have so many praises to boast about. Through this month God has given my team unity, success, and good health to continue our work. God has accomplished so much by just allowing Childero a place in this culture. God has opened doors with the local leaders and primary schools. And my favorite, I’ve met all of the children. We may only see a small patch of the fertile ground we’ve tilled for now but in heart I see an entire plantation full of climbing crops and shady trees for God to provide rest to the weary.

Please keep us in your prayers. Here are a few ways you can pray:

  • Lift up our praises and share thanks for what God has done for us.
  • Some of the children are sick with Malaria and HIV, one with Sickle Cell, and a couple with epilepsy.
  • We have our first official Advisory Board meeting scheduled for this Friday, October 4th to accept the first round of children into Childero and share vision with the board.
  • Pray we become a blessing on the children and families and that God uses Childero to empower them to lead and grow their own people.
  • Pray for our weary but passionate workers as we break the ground hoping we are pleasing the Lord even in our most tired and frustrated moments.

– Cara Hope Starns

Coordinator

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