Out of the comfort zone.

To Gulu, 

How are the months going by so fast!?

August was all about safety when it came to the training. It was very eyeopening when it came to safety in the churches. Even in the training sessions that churches will provide, there is nothing about keeping the children safe. It was hard because I cannot tell them the "Dos and Don'ts" of safety because ministry is so different here. I figured all I could do is give suggestions.

I asked a few questions about how they do certain things, for example, what happens if a child has the common flu. They answered with a confused tone and said: "We greet them." In North America, we have signs all over churches writing the child must be symptom-free for 24 hours before they can join the children's ministry again.  With a few questions asked, I changed the direction a little bit because of the lack of knowledge I had with how they run ministries here.

I got a few remarks saying they never thought about a child spreading their sickness or never being alone with a child. Some have already written new rules and procedures when it comes to keeping church a safe and clean place.

September has been amazing! I had hand-chosen five leaders to become a leadership team. They will be my side for outreaches, as well as continuing training with myself. So far, we have covered what kind of leader they are and time management. The next two weeks will discussions about school outreaches and plans for 2020. I cannot wait to see what we come up with!
September has alone been a time of growth.

A few days ago, I spoke at a Children's Ministry leadership conference. I have NEVER done this before. It was my first time speaking all day - 10 am until 4 pm, and I had a translator. Sometimes I talked too much, and I was asked to repeat; however, I could not remember the words I used. Always learning new things!!
I used my notes from level 1 and 2 and had to squeeze ALL of it in just a few hours. We played games, we told stories and had a lot of fun. I learned so much from these leaders, they don't understand how blessed I was on this day.  Fourteen churches were represented from all over Northern Uganda, and I had time to get to know a handful of people.
One conference done- and I pray more to go!!

So! I encourage you when something is out of your comfort zone- do it! You will learn so much about yourself. If you asked me if I was willing to speak in front of a group of leaders at a conference- I would laugh and possibly cried, saying no. But here I am! HAHA.

Future Plans:
October and November will be full out outreaches in schools!
December- I am helping a friend with a BIG Christmas outreach.

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To Gulu With Love and World Embrace

Instagram: @Shel_Prankard and @WorldEmbrace

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Until next time,

with love.

Shelre.