I have been working for 15 months at The River Community Church. It has been one of the best and difficult times of my life. God has chiseled away (and still is...) and pruned off (and still is...) things that weren't of His image. He has put me in difficult, character-building spots where the choice was to run from or turn to Him. About 10 months ago my house burnt down... It was one of the most disastrous things I've ever been through, but more than any other feeling, I felt incredibly loved. I had more people than I can count offer me a place to live, support, prayer, and just a shoulder to cry on. I am now more than ever sure that no matter the circumstances, God has got me.
So now to what is currently happening in my life...
I leave for Kenya & Uganda in 44 days (wow that's the first time I've counted it). I am going with an organization called Visiting Orphans. In Kenya, our team will be working with the 320 children at Hope Community Center we will work and stay at Fiwagoh Mission Orphanage. This orphanage is run by a former orphan who dedicated his life to rescuing orphans after realizing the amazing love and care of His Heavenly Father.
In Uganda, our team will work with the children's prisons (yes, you heard correctly!) in Kampala through the wonderful ministry of Sixty Feet. The team will also travel to Jinja and stay at Canaan's Children Home ministering to the children in this orphanage and working with the people and children in the "least of the least" called the Karamajong tribe.
I am so excited about this trip and what God is going to do in and through me and my team. God was revealing to me last night my identity in Him. I believe that God is stretching me and revealing things to me that are vital for what He wants to use me for on this trip. I am still raising support. I still have about $2000 to raise, but God is faithful and I know that HE has called me and so He will provide for me.
I am hoping that this trip will foster connections for me to go back to Uganda on long term basis. I have such a heart for Uganda and especially the orphans of Uganda.
More than anything, I covet your prayers. I know that I have been called and I am anxiously waiting to see what God is going to do.
Until all have heard,
lauren michelle
