A Tribute of Love

I has been some months since I heard of this picture, but I was reminded from a girl next to me in the van, who had heard a similar analogy. It was a jar, pouring over her head – the splashes reaching all those surrounding. Overflow...Spring water...

It reminded me of Christ pouring into a life, and that blessing and love being overflowed on those around. Aferall, are we not to live a life poured out? “This is my commandment that you love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12

Our van pulled up to the gate, and halted – giving us time to all read the sign:

“The African Ugandan – 2,000$. The rest of the world – 10,000$.”

Well, that was pretty clear. We were approaching the source of the Nile, but were stopped by an informative sign. There was a clear distinction between our Ugandan guide and ourselves, and we would need to pay the visitors fee to get any further. In our dedication to eat by the Nile, we obliged and passed through.

It is strange to think of the Nile as being in Uganda, as I always associated this river with Egypt. Far upstream, through South Sudan, Sudan and into Egypt, Moses had been placed in a basket and floated down these waters.

“Do you think this whole river became blood?” I asked about the following plague.

It is hard to tell, since Uganda was far from Pharoah's words or rule at the time. It would been quite a shock and confusing moment for anybody who had been living way down in these parts.

We hiked down a rock stairway between markets, and settled down at a restaurant on the riverside. Jon, having left Watoto to travel in Uganda on his own, had joined us for the afternoon. Our wooden table overlooked the river and we could see the source – Lake Victoria – from where we sat. We were grateful to have a day in Jinja, yet our main purpose still lay ahead.

Three hours later, we arrived at our destination. It was a simple yet pretty place, situated right beyond a set of train tracks. A main grass-roof building stood off to the left. It was open, with wooden benches lined inside – this was their worship building. On the outside, a volleyball court stood and kids were playing in the afternoon heat.

A white man approached us wearing a red baseball cap and introduced himself.

“Welcome to Amazima”

We had an interesting time trying to find the ministry. After several times turning around, Fred had jumped out of the van to get directions.

“Katie! Yes yes...” Hands waved in one direction.

“You know her?” Nods again.

Every person we stopped for directions, knew her. Therefore, some were pointing to orphanages, some maybe pointing towards the direction of her house, some probably wanting to be polite and giving us any possible answer. Finally, calling the ministry had deemed itself to be the best option.

Nursing office at Amazima

We now stood in a place that took the responsibility of 700 sponsor children's schooling and well-being. All of which lived in the community and who were funded, from outside, to go to school. On the weekends, the children would come to the Amazima property, spend time and worship together. Behind the buildings, was farmland that grew maize and cassava – much of which was given back to the families. The farm itself was also used to teach the community to grow their own foods using resources they have.

“And what is Katie up to these days?” we asked

Katie Davis was back at home, the twenty-something woman she is now, taking care of her 13 girls. The youngest now around six.

I looked around, finding it hard to comprehend a ministry started by a girl of 19 – 700 lives touched, and many changed. She had been known by all those we asked on the street, having long been in the town. It is one thing to dedicate a month or two to service, another thing to dedicate a lifetime, building a home away from home. Life in Jinja has long settled in for her. I suppose you could say she is living the daily and ordinary African life of a mother at home, yet it is clear there is an extraordinary God behind her.

Here was a place of overflow. Although we did not meet Katie herself, we saw the fruit of what she has done with what she had been given. “You will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16. God gave her what she needed and she is one who started sowing early, reaping visibly in the touched lives around us. Her life an example of abandonment to a God who makes possible what has been deemed too difficult, or perhaps impossible, when jars are tipped in surrender to His greater purpose. Overall, it is clear the a tribute of love has been made to God, displayed in the pouring out of love on the surrounding individuals.

(from the internet)