Amazima with Katie Davis

Saturday we had the joy and privilege of visiting Katie Davis’ ministry, Amazima. Katie’s ministry provides sponsors for children so that they can attend school, receive food, and receive medical care. Most importantly, these children are shown that they are dearly loved by God. They hear the good news that Jesus has died for their sins so that they can be in an intimate relationship with God. They are discipled as they come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Every Saturday morning, the children gather for a Bible study, eat lunch, and take home a big bag of food for their family. I have followed Katie’s blog (www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com) for over two years now. This is where my love for Uganda began! We have the privilege of sponsoring one of Katie’s children. Her name is Carolyn and she has just started boarding school. This is a great luxury for her and we are humbled to contribute to her education. Since she was away at school, I didn’t get to meet her but I was able to leave a special package and a letter with the social worker who knows Carolyn well.


To be perfectly honest, I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I expected to be star struck when we met Katie. She is one of my greatest heroes of the faith and I have long been in awe of her testimony. As soon as we arrived, Katie greeted us. She asked for a piece of gum to mask her “coffee breath”. I opened my backpack and replied “bubble or spearmint?” She laughed out loud as she said, “Oh, you Americans”. I guess it was pretty funny to be standing in Uganda, Africa with a backpack full of snacks, a jacket, some wet wipes, hand sanitizer, mosquito repellant, pens, journal, and more than one flavor of gum. She gratefully accepted a piece of spearmint gum. So it turns out that Katie is pretty normal, down-to-earth, and funny. She doesn’t wear a halo after all. She’s simply a young woman who has abandoned everything for a Savior who is worthy of her sacrifice. I’m still in awe…in awe of her almighty, all powerful, all loving, all gracious God.

We spent the first hour or so just hanging out with kids. The girls loved to play with my hair but got frustrated pretty quickly with how fine it is. Obviously, my hair texture is completely opposite of theirs and they gave up on trying to braid it. They taught us some of their songs and enjoyed taking pictures with our cameras.

We hadn’t been there but a few minutes when a little boy, Kapata, climbed right up in my lap. He was PRECIOUS. I’m guessing he was 3-4 years old. He didn’t want to play with my camera like all the other children. He just wanted to be held.

 

At one point, I got up to go talk to someone. I thought he would hop down and hold my hand as we walked. Instead of sliding out of my lap, he simply wrapped his legs around my waist. He was NOT getting down. I had a good laugh and happily toted Kapata around with me ALL morning long.

After receiving a boiled egg for breakfast and playing with us, the children participated in an amazing Bible study. They worshiped, laughed, and listened attentively as the Gospel was taught through Scriptures and powerful story-telling. After the lesson, the children received a huge plate of boiled chicken, rice, and beans for lunch. Then they were given a bag of food and flour to take home to their families. It was so amazing to see firsthand what God is doing to break the cycle of poverty and rescue these children in Uganda.