The Calling Behind The First Graduation - Part 2

Welcome back to the graduation blog post part number TWO! Which means if you didn’t read the first feel free to click back and check it out. I have never done a two-part blog post but hey, I have also never started a class with GRADUATES! Wow, the amazement just never gets old to me.

So here is my heart on how classes went all the way up to graduation. There is just something about these kids that hold such a close part of my heart. The kids in this ministry don’t all come from families, some have parent, some do not and are staying in a ministry room. Some of them go to school, some of them can’t afford school. Some parents are drug addicts and addicted to alcohol, some are not. Some of these kids leave school to find dinner at home, some do not. Some of these kids have delt with prostitution and things far beyond our comprehension at their young age. I hope you are following me on this. These KIDS are vulnerable, they are surviving. They are lacking mentorship, guidance, and spiritual leadership.

I knew all this before starting these classes but still up to now, after graduation I can’t believe the strength they have to keep pushing forward. When we first started this class, they were beyond excited to start. This community is hungry to learn anything you will take time to teach them, they are willing to listen. What an amazing opportunity it has been to walk into and teach a community God has prepared for you. These classes are equipping these kids for their future. It is equipping them with a firm foundation in Christ.

I had one student in particular, I won’t share the name for the sake of privacy. This student came into class the first day and said they did not know English and had another student translate for them. This same student would always sit in the most hidden spot in the room. They would somehow manage to miss every test day. I would often pause class to check for understanding (sometimes my accent can be hard to comprehend) and every time this student would say they understood. I was always amazed how they could understand English so well but couldn’t speak it. Then the day came when they spoke English and then another day and another. That’s when I started putting all the pieces together.

This student, 15 years old, knew English. They didn’t know it well but they knew enough to speak. This student had a passion for people and serving. You could see it when they quietly interacted with others. But what I soon realized was they couldn’t read and were consumed in fear of being judged or not enough. This class was the very first class they had been in, taking their very first test. Just imagine for a minute, 15 years old and never been in school. But far more than that it was the first time they had someone pour into them and tell them they are enough, they have a divine purpose and they are loved.

My approach changed, I knew this student needed more. More encouragement and more small pushes so they could see for themselves, they are able. As class progressed this student never failed to be the first in class. They would volunteer for answering questions. Far beyond my expectation before class ended this student came up to me and asked to retake every test they missed. I mean come on, this is a 15 year old kid with such a deep desire to learn but never had the opportunity to do so! The part I will never forget is their joy that lit up the room every day for the remainder of class. Someone who you could once overlook in class was in the very front eager and joy filled by graduation. That is the power of the Lord.

This 15-year-old student is the reason why God called me to this community to teach what I am teaching. This is one of so many vulnerable students in this community. This is the power your support in making. My heart aches to not be able to protect and fix every single burden these kids are carrying with them but that is what God is doing. Our job, together, is to carry out Gods calling for us now. That calling is to reach this community from the parents and kids teaching leadership, discipleship and mentorship so they can reach the rest. Will you pause for a minute before you continue and pray for this community, the classes, myself and my sweet friends Christine and Cosmas who are helping me carry out this calling in Uganda?

Thank you for praying. Thank you for supporting. Thank you for believing and trusting Gods plans. Thank you for investing, we know it comes with sacrifice. Thank you for changing the life of not only this sweet 15-year-old student but all the graduates and the future graduates to come. YOU are making a difference. Your support in changing lives. May God bless you.

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Please pray for this community. Pray for Christmas. Pray for the future classes. Pray for finances. Pray for family. Pray against addiction. Pray for the church. Pray for our pastors. Pray for yourself. Pray for healing. Pray for me. Pray for your community.

With much love and many blessings,

Lexi Dingman