Thursday, September 6, 2012

Sixty Feet

Last winter on our mission trip to Uganda I experienced something that shook me to the core and affected me in such a way that I want everyone to know and be aware of the immense suffering and injustice that is happening to children, God's children, in Uganda.

I personally invite you to come and learn about the ministry of Sixty Feet as two of their founders share a documentary film about what this ministry is doing to improve the lives and restore hope, in the name of Jesus, to the imprisoned children of Africa.  The work that God is doing through these ordinary men and women is nothing short of amazing!

WHAT:  Showing of the 60 Feet film, Beloved
WHERE:  Hope Church Grand Forks, ND
WHEN:  Sunday, September 16th at 7:30pm
(childcare available)
Open to the public

The things I saw, experienced, and felt while working with this ministry will forever be etched into my mind and heart.  Holding a too small for her age 18 month old in my arms that has been "imprisoned"for almost a year....feeling the smooth, raised areas of burn scars that covered her little body....wondering what could have happened that would have caused those scars and what kind of "scars" is she holding onto from within.
Just sitting with this little one as she melted onto my body and rested her little head on my shoulder.  Allowing her to lay on me for a couple of hours, knowing that it's been far too long since she's felt a mothers love.  Feeding this precious, emotionless child her posho and beans with my bare hands while sitting on the concrete floor surrounded by far too many other children.    Again, letting this same sweet child sleep longer in my arms once finished with her meal.  I almost couldn't let my thoughts run free for fear that I would break down sobbing.
As our team leader said it was time to say our good-byes to the children, I looked around to see who would take my spot in holding this perfect little girl as she slept so soundly.  It was then that I realized that once we left-so did all of the available and eager arms to embrace these children and tell them how loved they are.  Reality hit when not only was there no one to hold this child, but there was nowhere to lay her down to sleep.  I felt a lump forming in my throat when a child, no older than 8, was instructed by one of the far to few caretakers to take the child from my arms and lay her down with the others.  I knew what this meant as I walked away....she was not being taken to a cozy crib to sleep...no...no...she was laid in the corner of the room in which we ate, on a cold, concrete floor along with about 5 other children her age all slumped together.  As a mother, my heart broke!  The thought that this was daily life for these children!  Naked little bottoms exposed, wearing only rags of clothing on top and sleeping on a concrete floor....unimaginable!

This place is only one of several places like it in Uganda where children are often wrongfully "imprisoned",  abandoned, and forgotten.  Sixty Feet is working to remove the most vulnerable children, restore hope, share and show the love of Christ, provide clean water, sanitation, medicine, and provide educational opportunities.

Come.  Listen.  Learn.  And see for yourself how ordinary people can make an extra-ordinary difference for God's kingdom!  We'd love to see you there!

For more information on Sixty Feet visit:  www.sixtyfeet.org
    

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