Beach Time

I am very late in posting this but as I had such a good time a few weekends ago thought I'd still share with you what I got up to! 2 weeks ago I spent the weekend on a retreat. Africa Inland Mission had their annual Kampala Unit retreat at a beautiful beach resort on the edge of Lake Victoria. The rooms were wonderful, it was peaceful and we could hear the sound of the waves on the shore. It was a great time of rest, enjoyment, spiritual refreshment and good food!

The theme of our retreat was “Life-Long 

Learners”. We are a group of AIM workers who have been in Uganda for a various amount of time. Some a few days, others for 20 years or more. I loved being able to network, make new friends, to talk about the similarities and differences in our work and in the struggles we face here.  We were able to learn from each other and no matter how long or how experienced each of us were, it was great to hear that we are still on a jouney and that noone had it ‘sorted’ yet. As the saying goes; "The more you know, the more you realised that you have to learn".

We studied the book of Philippians in our session times and looked at Paul’s letter to the church. One of the discussions we had which has impacted me was about remembering that we working here in Africa do not deserve praise for the things we are doing. We should not be put on a pedestal for our work. We are not perfect,  just a vessel for God to use. When we are working we are striving to be like Him and to share God’s love. It’s not a glory that We should be given or should take when things go well. It should be directed to God (3:12-18). 

Also in Philippians 4 Paul talks about a fragrant offering when all parts of the body give to the cause. We here in Africa have amazing supporters praying, giving and encouraging which help us do what it is that we are trying to do here. The offering that is given is from the whole body not just us. We are striving to share God’s love side by side and do this by giving in different ways. Neither is more important than the other.

I have been listening to a song recently which I feel sums up the theme of our retreat well. The CD was sent to me a few weeks ago by some good friends and I was told to listen to track 6 as the words of this one would be of great encouragement in those difficult times I might face. The words of this song have really stuck with me. It's not me here working that should be thanked and getting praise for 'being so brave' and doing a great job. This praise should be directed to Jesus who is ever faithful and the One working in the lives of those I meet. 

Matt Redman - Never Once

'Standing on this mountaintop

Looking just how far we’ve come

Knowing that for every step

You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground

Seeing just how much You’ve done

Knowing every victory

Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way

But with joy our hearts can say

Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone

Never once did You leave us on our own

You are faithful, God, You are faithful '