Tukutana, the nonprofit organization I direct in East Africa, is funding the education of a young lady named Sarah. She survived one of Africa’s longest-running wars in history, but not without wounds. When Sarah was just 13 years old, the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) rebels attacked her village in northern Uganda. After killing her mother and father in front of her, the ruthless men abducted, raped, and impregnated Sarah. Just before her baby was born, Sarah managed to escape from her captors and fled to her uncle’s village.
As I’ve gotten to know Sarah in the aftermath of the horrors that stripped her of family and innocence, I have developed the deepest respect for the teenage girl. Sarah’s joy and determination to complete school—so she can devote her future to helping others—shouts the essence of 1 Peter 1:5-7:
• Your faith will be visible to all (1 Peter 1:5).
• Wonderful joy lies ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while (1 Peter 1:6).
• Your trials will lead to genuine faith (1 Peter 1:7).
• Your strong faith, through trials, will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world (1 Peter 1:7).
I marvel at Sarah’s faith and strength in Jesus Christ—faith that has been proven victorious over the darkest of crimes committed against her (Romans 8:37). Indeed, Sarah confidently trusts the Lord to take care of her (Psalm 27:1-3).
When trials come our way, let’s be careful not to throw away our confident trust in the Lord. Instead, let’s ask God for the patient endurance that we need to face the tough times.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 9:1-17
More:
What would your faith look like, in the midst of a trial, if you held “tightly without wavering to the hope [you] affirm”? (Hebrews 10:23).
Next:
Pray for Sarah and other brothers and sisters in Christ who have faced extreme hardships and yet are moving forward, faithfully trusting the Lord. What will help you experience victorious faith?
AManofGod on January 7, 2013 at 2:33 am
Does it make everyone else reading this as sick as I am? Here are the two major reasons for me:
1. This child had to go through such atrocities at such a tender age…..I pray for continued strength for her.
2. Whenever I complain or moan of the trials in my life I hear of stories such as this and I am ashamed beyond belief at how good God has made my life….and I continue to ask for more, more more! How appreciative am I [REALLY] at what God has given me??
Let’s consider those in situations so much worse than ours in this new year….and in the years to come. But let’s also do our best to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! No child should have to endure the things this child has.
Be Blessed.
AManofGod
Hoverjeff on January 7, 2013 at 8:16 am
Roxanne, your story of Acayo Sarah sounds like the makings of a good book with a stirring call to action, as your devotion is. Thanks for sharing and may God bless the works of your hands and keep your heart
Jeff
tom felten on January 7, 2013 at 8:23 am
Roxanne, it’s difficult to read Sarah’s story, but thank you so much for sharing it. The beauty of her faith is truly inspiring. I’m so grateful for the many, many brothers and sisters in Jesus around the world who are working for justice, help, and protection for the innocents.
winn collier on January 7, 2013 at 10:34 am
thank you for introducing us to Sarah, for giving to her and for receiving from her.
dossk on January 7, 2013 at 7:05 pm
Dear Roxanne, Thanks for the post. Who are LRA?
Are they anti-Christian? Stories like Sarah are rampant in the muslim world. Thanks for taking care of Sarah.May the LORD bless you
daisymarygoldr on January 7, 2013 at 9:36 pm
Beautiful testimony! Unlike false faith that whimpers “why rape”, genuine faith shines forth brilliantly like pure gold in fire. The faith of a child of God is more precious than gold and is so pleasing to Him. Such strong faith encourages us in the midst of our troubles and suffering and makes us to rejoice with great joy over the young lady’s faithfulness to the Lord. Knowing that her faith is alive keeps us alive. (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13)
Praying for Sarah and others who have faced extreme hardships and yet are moving forward, faithfully trusting the Lord. Their faith not only brings them glory and honor; it also benefits the faith of others. Thanks Roxanne for sharing this story.
tom felten on January 8, 2013 at 11:01 am
Praying with you, daisymarygoldr. Sin, evil things can cause us to feel sad and disgusted. But the beauty of someone who has suffered and yet chooses to find their hope and identity in Jesus is incredibly encouraging!
roxanne robbins on January 9, 2013 at 11:06 am
Thanks to those of you praying for Sarah and other children harmed by the LRA.
I’m constantly encouraged by people, such as Sarah, who radiate hope and God’s love in such beautiful and profound ways.
Dossk, et al, the following links will lead you to information on the LRA. The more you learn about this group, the more you’ll likely be lead to pray toward their abolishment.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord's_Resistance_Army
http://invisiblechildren.com/
tom felten on January 10, 2013 at 9:04 am
Thanks for sharing these links, Roxanne. May God change the hearts of those who are a part of the LRA. Only His grace will be able to transform such hardened, misguided individuals.