Trip to Uganda Changes a Life

In 2002 Don Brenneman led a unique short-term trip to Africa, one made up of teens and pre-teens who planned to use puppets as they ministered to the people they met. Most of the team came from Rolling Hills Community Church in Portland, Oregon and one of the team members was Don Brenneman’s daughter, Jasmine. She shared the following story, which was included in the September 2003 SOI newsletter. It clearly shows the impact a trip can have on the lives of the people that take them.

“There have been moments in my life that I wish I could change. There have also been moments that I never wanted to end. June 18, 2002, was that kind of day for me. It was one of the best days I have ever experienced, because I learned a valuable lesson that changed my perspective on life. We had been there [in Uganda] for about a week when we drove down to Nazareth village. As the puppet team began to set up, I looked around at the church where we would be performing. It was made of mud bricks, supported by rough wooden beams. There was no glass in the windows, and the walls were crumbling. It was a far cry from the lush comfort and familiarity of our church.

After our performance, we handed out puppets to the kids. One of the team members turned up the stereo and we started teaching the kids how to use the puppets. Some of us started dancing. Before we knew what was happening, the entire team was singing and dancing to the music. We motioned for the children to come up and dance with us, and they did. The whole church was smiling, clapping, and having an awesome time praising God.

When I saw how happy the people were, I wondered where their joy could be coming from. How could they be so happy with so little? Their houses were made of mud; some of the children did not get a chance to attend school. Parents worked from sunrise until sunset just to provide enough food for the family’s next meal. How could they sit there, and smile, and clap, and dance with such joy and enthusiasm when they had such a hard life?

Suddenly, I understood. These people were content because they understood where true happiness lies. They realized that contentment could not be found in the perfect home, the biggest boat, or the fanciest car. Loving other people, even when you do not feel like it, is true happiness. The rewards of giving to others, whether it is your time, a word of encouragement, or simply a smile, are tremendous. These people were truly content because they encouraged one another and shared when they could with others, even if it was not much. I will never forget the lesson I learned that day, and the joy that the people shared with me.”