A drummer boy kind of faith
As I reflect on Speech Day and Christmas, I keep coming back to the lyrics of "The Little Drummer Boy." Each line tugging at my heart in a fresh way: "Our finest gifts we bring, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum... I am a poor boy too, pa-rum-pum-pum-pum... I have no gifts to bring that's fit to give a King; shall I play for you? I played my drum for Him; I played my best for Him."
While watching these precious Sunbeams children, who go home and live in mud homes without running water, mattresses, or the luxury of hot showers, I was deeply moved. They arrived dressed "smartly" in their uniforms and costumes, singing, dancing, and performing their best for their families, friends, and their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They weren’t intimidated by the large crowd (over 1000) and didn’t let their impoverished circumstances hold them back. Instead, they showed up with bright smiles, focus, and a joy that lingered long into the sunset. I was humbled, my heart wrecked in every good way. We often sing “break my heart for what breaks yours”. He did. It brings me to tears every time.
These children live in a remote village that, just four years ago, lacked clean water. Now, they have a school where the gospel is preached, the Word of God is taught, and we continue to aim for excellent standards. Their mothers are learning to sew and create products, prayerfully enabling them to provide for their families. They don’t take this opportunity lightly; they embrace it, praise God for it, and strive to excel with joy.
As my heart is humbled and deeply moved, I am reminded that we are all in a similar position. We are all poor before Him, with nothing truly fit to give our King, Jesus. Will we bring our finest gifts? Will we give our best in this life that God has graciously given us? Will we seek His Kingdom and His ways above our own?
I have often said that the Lord brought me to Uganda to reveal to me who He truly is and how deeply He loves. I understand now more than ever why He loves the poor so much and is their most outstanding Advocate. When I see those smiling faces, bursting with joy despite having nothing, it becomes clear that they possess what can’t be taken away. I am captivated by the brilliance of God, who allows the poor and the rich to intersect, showing us that we all have something to offer one another. (If you live in America, you are considered rich) In God’s kingdom, we are not limited by borders or divided by cultures. He transcends both to establish a new kingdom—His kingdom—a culture that reflects Christ.
I pray this Christmas we all would seek to give our best for God. To live a life worthy of the calling, worthy of Him. Whether He’s calling you to serve in your home, in your church, in your workplace, or across the world….may we give Him our best. He’s worth nothing less.