God has always worked in quirky ways in my life. He uses the everyday happenings in my life to show me more of Himself and the depth of His love for His people. He astounds me in the simple and somehow, in one small moment in time, the profound occurs. Case in point ….
In recent months, I have become more involved with the ministry of The Lulu Tree, a not-for-profit organization. This is a ministry which works with single mothers in the slum of Katwe, Uganda to equip them to care for themselves and their children. The goal of The Lulu Tree is best summed up in their slogan, “Preventing tomorrow’s orphans by equipping today’s mothers.” They provide training and help to equip so mamas become self-supportive along with introducing them to the gospel.
Last week a tweet was shared:
“Not only are the ladies in our sponsorship program learning essential job skills, they are using what they already have and know to make more! These are beet roots that Amina grew around the church property they are currently staying on.”
That night, my husband came home with a bag of homegrown beets given to him by an employee. When was the last time I have seen beets that were not in a jar? Seriously, I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried! But here they are boiling in my pot ….
I had no idea how one cooks them and had to google to even know what to do with them. But here I am in Reading, Massachusetts, in the United States and all I can think of is Amina, thousands of miles away, in Katwe, Uganda, cooking and eating this very same vegetable. And I am humbled to my core.
See, God is not interested in us just sending money or supplies. He wants our hearts moved and engaged with those we support. He wants our hearts enlarged so they are filled with love for a people we have not even met. And He will go to any length to work that into our hearts. God works in the most unbelievable ways to display Himself, to bring us to our knees and to astound us.
“He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.”
(Micah 6:8, NIV)
If you would like to know more about the ministry of The Lulu Tree, please visit their site by clicking here.
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Unite and True Story and RaRa Linkup and Life Giving and Intentional Tuesdays .
Stopping over from the #RaRaLinkup. He uses, even beets, to teach- love that.:)
Katie, I would never have thought beets would ever impact my life so deeply š Amazing!
Beautiful story, Joanne. I think you’re right. God does what to enlarge our hearts towards those who need our help on the other side of the world. And isn’t it great how He uses every day circumstances to speak!?
Betsy, I have been amazed at the way in which God has moved in this area. He has always used every day circumstances in my life. I think He knew it was the way He could keep my eyes always looking š Blessings!
Beautifully said! We serve an amazing God, don’t we?
He amazes me all the time. And I am most grateful that He does!
That is so awesome! I love how God works- always in unexpected ways:)
Kristine, it really is and there are no words to express how it amazes me. Thank you for stopping here. Blessings!
How cool to see God work like that!
It will be something I will always remember. May you have a great week!
What an awesome story! I love those God-incidents. It’s like a little love note from Him saying, “Pass it on!”
These sort of incidents speak so deeply to me & are ones I will never forget. Grateful you stopped here!
Oh, what love this is! Thank you for the reminder and the simple but oh so relatable story.
He always speaks to me in the simple, everyday occurrences. It’s the way He keeps life an adventure š
I just love how God uses moments like this to humble us and make us thankful. I am encouraged this morning by your sharing.
Blessings,
I’m so glad you found this story encouraging. There is no way to know the lengths our God will go in each of our lives. Blessings on your week!
It’s easy to think we have nothing in common with those around the world until God shows up and shows off to you, Joanne, through some garden overflowing beets. : )
Thank you, Joanne, for sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing. : )
Crystal, I am constantly amazed at how God will move us where we need to be to do what He knows is needed. And I so enjoy joining you for Intentional Tuesdays. Grateful that you host us all.
I don’t think I have ever cooked beets either. My mom grew them and cooked them, and often we grated a raw one up in our tossed salad. That is precious that the lady in Africa would grow beats at the church – probably to share with others too. Thanks for sharing your lovely post with us here at Tell me a Story.
Hazel, as much as we love beets in our home, they have always come out of a jar š I have been floored at how God worked in my heart through a common vegetable. It only continues to show me how we must keep both our eyes & ears & hearts open to Him at all times. I am so grateful to join you each week. Blessings today!
I loved living in Uganda and/or visiting there. It’s been 12 years ago now, and I miss it much. To see how you were sharing just grabbed my heart and my attention. Thank you so much! The beets and other things there were similar or different. Depends on the time of the year, the weather, and location in that country. Much adjusted and readjusted. Anyhow, now I’ll shut up. Thank you for sharing! š
Joanne, don’t ever stop sharing. I loved reading that you have lived & visited there. I hope you’ll check out the website for The Lulu Tree. Perhaps you would love to encourage the mamas with a card some time. I am grateful for each time you share with me. Blessings today!
Beets! I love them in a can but wouldn’t know what to do with them raw either. Love that it made you think of these women, our sisters in Christ, who are figuring out the very same thing! What a connection!!
Traci, you brought such a smile this morning. I am so glad that I am not the only one with a love for beets as long as they are already prepared š It is amazing how God makes connections in our lives through the most simplest ways. Keep your eyes & ears & heart open today. Who knows where He’ll connect us! Blessings!
Yes, God-is-at-work! This is encouraging and uplifting. Thank you for inspiring me in God’s love today. Cheering you on from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.