New

Today I held a happy and healthy baby boy in the church nursery. He and I watched the falling snow. Having heard the sermon at the early service, all I could think of was the world new. The world looked new covered in the feathery snowflakes. However, it was just a coating. But in Christ, we aren't just white washed, we are transformed.

The little boy in my arms this morning was deeply loved. It showed when his father dropped him off and when his big sister gleefully arrived to pick him up. This family at CT warmed my heart.

But it made my mind wander to Uganda. I saw news coverage over Christmas that there has been a yellow fever outbreak there. The numbers I read overwhelm me. There is so much poverty, there are so many orphans. But I bet Pastor Dongo feels overwhelmed from time to time too, and yet, he is daily making a difference.

Tonight, I am praying for the teachers at God Cares School and I ask you to do the same. Through education, those teachers are changing lives. They are instilling hope. I watch the videos of their students and I can see HOPE. I see grace. I see love. I see faith.

My heart is so burdened for these teachers. I know what a hard job teaching can be and I teach with so many tools, resources and technology. These teachers, many of whom live in the slums, stand before large classes,the neediest of students, and students who are learning a language that is not their first. I am praying that these teachers will be able to see how vital they are. I am praying that God will give them all strength, wisdom and peace.