MY CALL TO AFRICA by Carol Adams, Coordinator, At the beginning of 1995, I was living in Maui, Hawaii. I was running the riding program of Mauka Lani Stables and staying in a nice little house that my church was providing for me. I was earning a good income and had leisure time to enjoy life on my beautiful island. I was also active in my church and had many wonderful friends. With all the I had I was not satisfied with my life. I felt that I should be contributing more to the world but was not sure in what way.
Child Care Division, COU
At that point, the Lord gave me the thought that I should consider the mission field. I argued , saying that I could not be hearing correctly because I did not have much education and was not as spiritual as others. Also, I was rather a timid person and there was NO way I could go out into the world.
I then investigated other possible service-type jobs on Maui (where I was secure), but nothing felt right and I continued with a growing dissatisfaction.
On July 30, 1995 I was attending church and Pastor Vernon Tom was preaching on Abraham's great faith, and without thinking about it, I said in my mind, "Lord, if You can use me I will go anywhere that You lead me."
I felt an immediate joy that is hard to describe and started to tremble and almost cried. I did not see a vision or hear a voice, but I knew that I was to go to Africa and work with orphaned children.
I was so excited that I started to tell people that I was going to Africa. Many thought that I was a little crazy but the people who knew me well knew that I was serious and that God had touched me.
I gave notice at the stable where I worked that I would be leaving in two months and found homes for my dog, cat, and horse-pets that I loved very much. I sold or gave away all my possessions. While doing this, I applied to many mission agencies offering my services. I was turned down by them all. They said that I didn't have enough theological training, I was too old, and I had no other skill that could be used in the mission field. I still knew that I was to go to Africa but I didn't know how or where.
In late November one Saturday evening, I was getting worried and was in deep prayer to God, looking for answers. On Sunday I got a call from a friend who had gone to church on another Hawaiian island while visiting her daughter in college. At church she met a Christian singing group from Kampala, Uganda. They told her that they had been in prayer for someone to help at an orphanage they had in Luweero. They said that they were going back for some concerts in January and I should purchase my ticket and come back with them. They were not going to be staying in Uganda, but they told me that their families would be there to help and support me and they would be helping financially.
I then made final preparations and on Jan. 1st, was on the plane to Uganda.
The next few days in Uganda were a blur. The boys had many concerts and I was quite ill with a flu or virus. On the last day of their visit the boys and I drove to Luweero to see the orphanage. We found that it had been deserted and was run down, with no water or electricity. The man who owned it said that for $1,500 a month I could have it, and neither the boys nor I had that kind of money. That evening the boys boarded a plane and I was almost alone in Kampala. I was very frightened and unsure what the Lord wanted me to do next. I was also still very sick.
I thank God for one Christian Ugandan lady, Rose Musoke, who knew of my situation and came by the Naremembe guest house to help me and check on me. I was at the guest house for the next ten days, not knowing what I was to do next. I really prayed hard and the Lord was very close at that time.
On Wednesday, Jan. 17, Rose invited me to attend a Bible study group in Mukono at the home of the Willcoxes, a wonderful, elderly missionary couple. I shared my situation and confessed my fears and waning faith to the group. Mrs. Willcox had a moving prayer for me and I went back to Naremembe feeling at peace.
The next day I received a call from Simeon Wiehler of Besaniya Children's Home. He came to meet me on Friday and took me to Besaniya to stay until I knew where the Lord wanted me to go. Soon I met a young minister who also had a desire to work with orphans and widows in the Fort Portal area. Our callings seemed to coincide. I traveled to Fort Portal with him and began working with the orphans and widows.
There are over 35,000 orphans in this district. God led me here and now I am working with the Church of Uganda in a child care program.
Our God is wonderful and loving and has been with me in all my weaknesses. His many miracles have led me here, and I know that He will continue to be with me.
MUKAMA ASIIMWE!!
Praise the Lord!
Carol Adams
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