By Missy Angalla CBF field personnel, Uganda

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer.” Romans 12:12

I first met Justine at a job interview to serve with us on staff as a social worker. Our ministry programs were at an important growth point and we needed an additional social worker to serve with us.

I remember feeling an instant peace with her. She was humble and had a wise and gentle presence, perfect for a social worker serving among vulnerable communities. Justine has now served on staff with us for the last eight years. She is originally from Uganda, but has lived as an immigrant in Europe and has firsthand experience of living away from home. I have learned and grown a lot while serving with her over the last eight years. She has a strong faith and dependence on God. Whenever there are challenges going on, Justine turns directly to God first to ask for wisdom and provision.

She also has incredible joy of the Lord! I have greatly enjoyed working with Justine because we have been able to find joy in even the most challenging situations. Her joy and laughter are contagious. This laughter is a reminder to me of God’s faithful presence with us. The laughter provides a lightening of tension and the ability to breathe more deeply.

Our ministry focuses on working with the most vulnerable refugee families within our communities. These situations are often incredibly complicated, requiring a holistic multi-faceted solution. No matter how in-depth and robust our ministry programs, the situation is always bigger than us. Together, we remind one another of the foundational verse for our ministry from Ephesians 3:21 where Paul proclaims “we serve a God who is able to do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.” We see that firsthand every day as God moves powerfully in the lives of the most vulnerable refugees within our community through providing hope, healing and restoration.

PRAY, PRACTICE, PONDER

Maintaining joy in the midst of challenging circumstances is truly a spiritual discipline. What brings you a sense of joy? Not the exciting-but-fleeting feelings of happiness, but the deep, abiding experience of joy. Perhaps snuggling with a child or pet brings you joy, or maybe it’s time spent in prayer and meditation, or noticing new blooms on the flowers outside your window, or taking a walk in the woods. In the week ahead, in honor of Justine, commit to a daily activity that sustains your joy in the Lord.