Team Five Morris

“If you try to guess who will or will not give, you'll end up wrong on a several counts”. Our expectations were exceeded in the attendance of our most recent mission lunch. I was able to visit, share and answer lots of questions. One question that has been on my mind is “Why do I underestimate God and His people?”. The question is broad but on this day it was particular to one guy. He is a bit different and won't be the center of any social events in the near future. You can look at his hands and see the scars of manual labor. The man's eyes reveal the long hard days he is accustomed to. And his face is nothing less than weathered. A lot rough, a bit rugged and little strange. I had been speaking to him about some issues he was going through and had opportunity to pray with him. By my “expert perception” I knew this guy would not be able to participate in this ministry financially. (Sarcastic tone intended.) Yet he sticks close by listening to my answers and weighs in on a question of his own from time to time. He says to me “I've never known a missionary before. I don't know what to do?” I was thrown back by the question and didn't know how to respond. I quickly responded by shoving my hand his way saying, “Hi, my name's Dan. I'm a missionary, and would like you to pray about how you can be involved in the work of the gospel in Uganda.” He smiled in reply and chuckled.

Later as I was putting tables and chairs away and sweeping up the mess of lettuce and chocolate cake my expectations were sunk a bit. I wasn't thinking that we would be fully funded but I was expecting something. Then my new friend came by for one last farwell and pushed his hand out toward mine. I grabbed it and he said “thank you”, while $50 bill in my hand. I won't soon forget the expression of exhilaration and confidence that guy had on his face. It was like he had won the lottery. It was the same look we had when we knew what God had in store for us, Uganda. That moment is what it's about. He was partnering with us in the ministry of the gospel. He will be a part of the preaching, teaching, social justice, and even the training in Libby. You can never guess who God will use to hold the rope or in our case to go down into the well. I've given up trying to guess who God will bring into partnership with us. He continues to surprise us daily.