Watermark in Africa

Yesterday I introduced you to Jessica, Nelson’s wife.  We had a chance to ask her a few questions, and I wanted to share her answers with you.  They were very encouraging and challenged my personal walk with Christ.

 

What is good leadership?  The foundation of good leadership is commitment, especially when times get hard.

 

Why is Jessica so committed?  When I looked around at all the devastation, I quit my job in order to spend more time addressing the situation.  I said “God, what can I do for this?  I cry, but that is not all I should do.”  We committed to opening our home to all that had needs.  We saw orphans who needed an education, so I personally found a way to sponsor fifteen kids.  That was the beginning of ALARM’s orphan program in Uganda.  I shared the story with my friends, and they sponsored 15 more.  With Watermark, we now have 300 kids.

 

When will you be done?  When is it enough?  I will be done when God takes me home.

 

You now have a 7 year old in your home.  Why did you do this when all of your kids were grown up?  I determined long ago that I will never have an empty nest.  God made me a mother, and I want to fully utilize and steward that gift.  These orphans need love but missed out on it.  I can give it.  (note: As an adoptive parent myself, this really encouraged me and stretched my thinking on how many children I hope to bring home to my family before the Lord takes me home.  I got to share Jessica’s great example with our friends in Watermark’s adoption ministry http://www.watermark.org/ministries/care-cont/tapestry-adoption-foster-care/.)

 

You have so much experience.  If I see a lot and am overwhelmed, where should I start?  Make a difference in the life of one child.  If 100 kids are out there, take one.

 

Editor’s note: Jessica and Nelson are amazing brothers and sisters in Christ.  They live in a small two BR home, and at one point they had 18 people living in the house, as they responded to needs around them.  Their house was full, and someone came looking for help.  They prayed that God would give them clarity on how to provide for the person in need.  They then praised God when He showed them that there was room beneath their kitchen table for one more sleeping mat.  That led to 19 people living in the house.  Spend some time reading Matthew 25:31-46 and stretch your own perspective on the needs around you.

 

Tomorrow – A visit to a Rock Quarry in Kampala