Not to Sob but to Rejoice
The struggle is real.
Whether in the US or in Uganda, providing the basic human need for
education is an overwhelmingly difficult task.
This week our team has been able to visit some of the public schools in
Mbale and bear witness to the burdens Ugandan teachers and students must bear. Yesterday, when we arrived at Doko Nursery
and Primary School, the bell was ringing for recess. There are 900 students at this facility and
every single one, it seemed, came rushing to our cars to greet us. After they returned to their classrooms we
were able to meet with the school principal/administrator. She welcomed us into her small office and we
marveled at the posters on her walls.
She welcomed us and we were excited to hear that she is a believer and
is guiding and directing the students and staff to follow Jesus. A simple word from Proverbs on a poster
beside the door, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…”
“Good Morning, Visitors.
Welcome to Doko School…” Each
class of children would chant in unison as we entered their classroom. I was amazed and astounded at the strength
and resolve of each teacher, a commanding yet comforting control of classes with
sometimes over 100 children. 100
children to just one teacher. The
discipline on display was wonderful, but massive class sizes like this come
with massive difficulties. How can a teacher
spend individual time with each one, teaching them to form letters and solve
mathematical equations? What about the
children with special needs who cannot afford the tuition of a private school
dedicated to their needs? How do you
provide so many students with basic materials needed for learning? With so many problems, Ugandan teachers could
easily lose heart, throw out their hands in defeat and give up…
But what I witnessed was hands lifted in praise to God for
His blessings and hearts lifted up to Him earnestly in prayer for guidance,
wisdom, and providence for every need. What
I witnessed was Joy. Our team left those
schools with a newfound resolve, a desire greater than ever to help and pray for
Ugandan schools. In one class I visited,
I noticed this prayer on display. Father,
let it be our heart…not to sob but to rejoice in You…
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