Week 12 & Departure - And Their Off! - UPDATED
Throughout last week the DTS excitedly (and bit nervously) made their last preparations before outreach. There is only so much you can prepare a group for when going on a cross-cultural missions trip. When we sent them off on Tuesday to Uganda, we knew they would face challenges, but we were confident it would only grow in them a maturity and understanding on the challenges of serving God anywhere.
On Tuesday we sent 5 students and 2 staff to Uganda for the next two months where they will be serving in various minsitries. We received our first update from them this morning, having faced their first cross-cultural missions challenge. The missionaries meant to meet them at the airport didn't show up and the phone numbers we were given did not work. While not at all an uncommon mix up when serving in missions, the team was a bit shaken by this unexpected introduction to Africa. [UPDATE: As it turns out, the mix up was as a result of a clerical error on the Canadian end of things NOT in Uganda. Live and learn!]
In reality, though, we were prepared for such events, the leaders securing the team housing in Kampala until alternate travel arrangements can be made. For those experiencing this for the first time, it could seem as though our leadership were unprepared or that the African missionaries were irresponsible. In truth, Ugandan culture functions of a very different set of values and practices, not at all better or worse, just different. It can be difficult adjusting, but that is all part of the discipleship process. In some ways, it is good for the students to experience this early on.
JP and the rest of the staff will remain in Winnipeg over the next few months doing local outreach. It too will have its challenges. However, we expect both groups to not only be impacted in their own lives, but to make an impact of the lives of the people they are called to serve and minister to. When we consider the heritage of martyred missionaries, we cannot help but be thankful for the freedom and resources we enjoy as His people today. However, where much is given, much is required. Lord make us faithful!
Stay tuned for further updates!
[UPDATE: The team has connected with YWAM Soroti and will be heading there soon. Again, the mix up was a result of an error on the Canadian end, NOT in Uganda.]
