Episode 1: BACK HOME

                     I had always thought that New England had the World's worst, aggressive drivers. Spending my first day in Kampala Uganda opened my eyes to the phenomenon of African Driving.  Not only are there no seatbelt rules, there are no driving rules altogether!   

Picture a Boston or New york City intersection at rush hour. Turn half of the vehicles cramming the road into small motorcycle taxis (called Bota Botas) and add half a million pedestrians on the scene with plenty of resulting foot   dust. Once you have that in your head, remove all rules of the road and introduce Mario Cart driving techniques to every motorist. To say this recipe makes for chaos is an understatement. 

       On the main Highway through South Sudan, there would be an average of twelve vehicle wrecks in a couple hour drive. 

     While in Kampala, TImothy Levi (Operation Nehemiah’s Field Director) and myself were on a mission to pick up some supplies for our mission compound in South Sudan. In order to get into the market we had to take a Bota Bota. So the driver and the two of us get on a small motorcycle and begin weaving back and forth, missing and being missed by other vehicles frequently. It was slightly thrilling, though I was seeing my life flash before my eyes every few seconds.  The Bota Bota ride back became even more interesting. There was a large printer box between Timothy and myself, and Timothy had a large spool of cable hanging from his right arm on the right side of the motorcycle. It was exciting!

       This experience (among many during my time in Africa) really showed how transitory life is. As a young man, I can be tempted to boast in my strength or endurance, but life can be taken away so quickly! Wherever you are, even in the relative safety of your own home, we cannot insulate or completely protect ourselves. James 4:14-15 says:

 "whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” "

     The only true safety and eternal security is found in the Lord Jesus. The only work or accomplishment that will last is done as Jesus is working through us, giving us the grace to to obey and do His will. In our own strength we are powerless, but "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,". 

(Spring 2013)