Exploding Happiness
Archived from 2023. The projects described here have since moved on, and giving details from that time no longer apply. See how to give today.
Have you ever been so happy you thought you would explode?
I have. Like when my wife said yes to my marriage proposal over 55 years ago! And when each of my three biological children was born, and when my two adopted children said yes to their adoption. All huge blessings over the decades of my life.
What makes me happy these days, in my mid-70s, is seeing the kind of people my children have grown up to be, and seeing how those God has let me mentor have outdistanced me in their love and service to God.
When I see the smile on the face of SOZO’s founder and director, I know God is doing great things through the organisation. When I hear the details of Rebecca’s exploits in northern Uganda, all while she is a fourth-year medical student, the happiness inside me makes me feel like I might explode!
Rebecca’s work with a broken-down and neglected school, now called God’s Plan Nursery and Primary School, continues to reap a harvest.
The first need was a sheltered classroom building to protect students and staff from the burning sun and torrential rain. God provided. Not only was a new building put up, but desks were made and installed, along with chalkboards.
The only water was a depression in the ground that collected rain, carrying multiple water-borne diseases. There is no well within 15 kilometres of the school.
The old temporary toilet was collapsing, and the teachers wouldn’t let the students use it. Holes were dug instead, and the waste further polluted the water hole when it rained.
Love is very practical!
When God gave followers of Jesus the privilege of loving people on His behalf, He made it practical. Seeing obvious needs and finding solutions is a God-given gift Rebecca has.
So imagine her happiness when digging for a pit latrine began. This past week, five concrete slabs were poured and will be carried to the site once the digging is done. A permanent structure will be built on top, and the risk of disease for the children and teachers will drop dramatically.
The gospel has hands and feet, like these projects Rebecca oversees. These expressions of practical love kick open the door for sharing the good news of God’s love, grace, forgiveness and redemption. Lives are being transformed. And that makes me happiest of all.