When we first arrived in Kamuli, it was very late at night and we had just spent four hours squeezed into a tight bus. I was disoriented, and the environment felt heavy when we got there. As we entered, we heard singing coming from a small church made of metal sheets. The Kamuli church community was there to greet us with songs and worship. As the night went on, the worship grew stronger everyone was dancing, and I began to feel lighter.
Some people shared testimonies, and then we all watched a movie together as a community. When the night wrapped up, we went to sleep, and the next day we played a wonderful soccer game and had dinner together.
Mr. Garner asked us to serve the food ourselves to plate it and hand it directly to each person. This was to show that we were there to serve, just as Jesus did. At first, I could tell it made some people uncomfortable because they weren’t used to being served like that. But over time, they accepted it, and it felt good to serve the community in such a simple but meaningful way.
Despite their poverty, the people of Kamuli are so hospitable and willing to give up their things to serve people. The houses and living conditions are not suitable for people with such dignity and warmth. In Genesis, we learn that God’s creation is meant to be productive and beautiful but sadly, not everyone experiences that reality.
As interns who come from privileged backgrounds, we’ve had to observe and think deeply. We need to be people who think critically, not simple-mindedly that’s what sets us apart. We must let the Word of God shape how we see the world. We need His eyes and ears to truly see and hear what He wants us to notice. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and used by the Lord, we can see the hope and vision He has for people, even in the hardest places.
I’ve learned a lot. Poverty is something I had never seen so directly before. I saw mothers, orphans, and children on the streets, shaking and begging for food. Yes, they need money, but they also need education and the Word of God. That’s what we’re offering: a chance to break free from the corrupt systems that take advantage of vulnerable lives. Kamuli is just one of many of villages around the world that are neglected by their own governments. But I know the Lord sees them. I know He is with them. They need Him like the air they breathe and so do we, no matter our status.