Author Archives: Todd

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ListeriaIn this, the same year during which I toured the African country of Uganda, ate the fare of the locals, and drank water that may or may not have been purified by a handheld UV light, I apparently contracted a foodborne illness right here in Jacksonville, Florida. A week ago today I was attacked by what must have been Listeria monocytogenes. For those who, like me, did not know, Listeria is a bacteria that can live and grow in refrigerators, is common on fresh foods, and is often transmitted in fecal matter like that used in organic fertilizers. The first question I was asked when I told a doctor of my experience was, “Did you eat any organic salads or salad products?”

This week has been one of weakness and disability, but I know that in my weakness, God’s power is glorified. I imagine that the biological war in my body this week will leave the battleground in a better condition to turf skirmishes in the future. As the fever and aches have sapped my strength, I know my systems have been fortified for battles yet unknown and threats that may never be revealed to me. During this spell when rest has replaced exercise I know God has risen up antibodies for my defense. I am content to rest secure in the knowledge that “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

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WoH2014damage04Two days ago, the Wells of Hope Academy church pavilion was flattened by a rainstorm that also took the roof off their new kitchen. It is hard to imagine the venue where we fell in love with such pure and joyful souls, the structure in which we were fed both spiritually and physically, being squashed to its foundation. Those happy, eager faces arranged in lines at the windows of that new kitchen must somehow be less bright today as the beans and posho are served even from within the wreckage. I feel helpless sitting in my living room some 7,600 miles (12,200 km) away. I might be tempted to ask God, "Why?" but I already know the answer to "Why?" questions. Somewhere, somebody needs an opportunity to answer their own "Why?" question by responding to this need.  Structures don't rebuild themselves and Eucalyptus poles may grow on trees but the money to erect them into church meeting places doesn't. According to Ephesians 2:10, we were made for the express purpose of carrying out the needs God orchestrates into our lives. Is this one calling for you? There are around 120 little brothers and sisters in Christ who now have no meeting shelter and need a new roof on their kitchen. They have many other needs, but these are urgent. Won't you please help my friends, your Christian siblings? 

WoH2014damage03Visit WOH's donate link to help.

Those of you who followed our journey through Uganda might remember Wells of Hope as the ministry grounds of Steve and Gina Gant, our dear new friends, who hosted us at their home in Kampala and who, coincidentally, lived about a mile from our house in Jacksonville before moving to Uganda though none of us knew the other then. Wells of Hope visits and disciples prisoners in Uganda, serves their families, and ministers to their children at the Academy.

 

kitchen before
kitchen before
kitchen after
kitchen after

 

 

 

 

 

lunch line during our trip in April
lunch line during our trip in April

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DoNot Lose HeartTherefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. (2 Corinthians 4:1, NRSV)

I found this in the New Testament in a year reading our local congregation was challenged to follow this year, and needed to publicly confess it, highlight it, bookmark it, and remember it.