Matoke, Music, and Miracles: A Mission Filled with Grace and Gratitude by Savannah Johnson

Bouncing off the seats we drove over potholes as we gazed out the windows to see cream-colored cows grazing on grass with sugar cane blowing in the breeze. We arrived Saturday morning in Iganga at the church where the AICM sponsored children were excitedly waiting for us. We presented our VBS to the children. We watched as roughly 12 children gave their lives to Christ. Praise the Lord. It was a sweet time as we watched sponsored children receive gifts, staff connect with familiar faces, and village children engage with others.

Saturday was Mama Sandi’s birthday, and the people in Iganga gifted her a branch of matoke (a variety of banana ) a rooster, and a turkey. Do not fret! Both birds were still alive and accompanied us on our bus ride home. We sang the Ugandan version of “Happy Birthday” many times with joyous clapping, shouting, dancing, and drumming. This song has become one of our team’s favorite melodies

After driving home late Saturday night we were up bright and early today (Sunday) to drive to Masaka. We arrived to the church where we were greeted with gratitude and grace. Before the message, Selah and myself shared our testimonies with the congregation and we then joined them in praise (as they call dancing worship).

We then enjoyed a message delivered by our friend Kibaya. With around 55 kids in attendance, we completed our final VBS and celebrated as 13 kids came to know Jesus.

As we wrapped up VBS, Children’s faces were glowing as our team members placed heart stickers upon their foreheads. However, my heart ached as a child peered through the bus window as we prepared to leave and asked my friend, Summer, “When will you come back?” knowing that right now we don’t know the answer to that question.

“When will you come back?”

A sentence that has brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful picture this brings to mind. Not in abandonment, but as a reminder

That is the attitude that I want to have as I wait for Christ’s return. We should be eagerly waiting for the return of Christ. As we experience the difficulties of life, we know that our hope does not cease. May we turn to Christ and ask, “When will you come back?” Knowing this is a short-term missions trip, returning to see that child’s face may not happen in my lifetime. Praise the Lord that AICM has intentionally set up relationships within the communities that we visit. It brings me comfort to know that they will still be cared for and seen by the servants at AICM for years to come.