Uganda!

Come October, I will be embarking on a trip I've dreamed of for the last 7 years. A trip I almost took three other times, but now seems to be God's best timing. I will join other sponsors and advocates with Compassion International in one of the most beautiful encounters anyone can ever experience...We will be meeting our dear sponsored children- our young brothers and sisters in Christ. We get the chance to see first-hand what releasing little ones from the bondage of poverty in Jesus' name looks like. We will see their glorious, hope-filled faces, in the light of daunting times and great trials. We will see paradoxes of joy and pain, poverty and riches, east and west, young and old. May our eyes yet be open to more of the unfolding story of God's incredible grace. I can only wonder how our hearts will be changed forever. How that moment of embracing our young Ugandan friends, our children, our sisters, our brothers, our sons & daughters, will strike our souls forever & imprint on our memories an image of love across the continents- love that was formed through letters and prayers- love that finally meets face to face...and together we will dream and dance and long for the great wedding feast when we shall all see clearly, face to face. We shall all be together on that remarkable day- that celebration long foretold. That great encounter with the King of Kings Who will wipe every tear from our faces, Who will strike poverty as gone forever, Who will feed us till we want no more, Who will make peace where there was war, Who will show mercy where we once owned pain & transgression, Who will grant victory to those who fought a hard, long fight.

I anticipate a trip of wonder, of tears, of laughter, of photos, of songs, of celebration, of an encounter with Jesus Christ, the Living God. Will you pray with me?

Help a Child

Forever Remember...

Nine years ago today, innocent lives were lost because of an act of terror against this country. Families and friends still mourn to this day the beloved ones who were taken. My prayer is that we will never forget the heroism of those who risked their lives to save others, and the brave, brave souls who were steadfast in the face of terror and violence, as they met eternity. May we never take for granted the freedoms we hold so dear here in the United States. May we embrace liberty, the gift of life, and the pursuit of happiness. May we fly our flags to honor those who are no longer with us, and to honor all that we cherish here. Freedom is not free. We've been given the greatest gifts to live, speak, love, worship, and enterprise in freedom here in the US. My heart was encouraged mightily this afternoon in the City of Brotherly Love, good ol' Philly, where over fifteen thousand women gathered in faith & worship. The climax of the day could have been a number of treasured moments, but in light of September 11, it was Sandi Patty leading us all in "God Bless America" with her stunning voice, and the fifteen thousand ladies' voices echoing throughout the amphitheater. In that moment we remembered. In that moment we gave worship & honor to God our Savior. In that moment we celebrated the freedom & blessings of this great nation. We are blessed to be a blessing. Let us always remember...


In honor...here is a song I wrote nine years ago after that tragic day...

Listen to: September Sky by Caitlin Jane