H.W.L.F. – He Would Love First

We are in Uganda now and have done so much here. God has been so evident in everything we are doing here. I will be posting a blog very soon with more information but for now… Story time!

In Uganda our main ministry is evangelism and Bible study. One day while evangelizing we came across a group of women. They all were born-again Christian’s and so it was really sweet to be able to encourage them and to uplift them. We got to sit down with them, talk, read scripture, and pray over them.

While talking to them, one woman named Christine stuck out to me. She had such joy to her. God really highlighted her to me out of the group of about 8 women. I complimented her on her smile and the bracelet she was wearing. It said in black and red writing “I Love Jesus.” Then we continued to read scripture and started praying over them. After we finished praying over them she asked me to switch bracelets.

I wore a bracelet with the letters H.W.L.F which stands for “He Would Love First” and is the answer to the WWJD campaign. I wore this bracelet to remind me to live out of a place of love and to remember to love others the way Jesus would.

After she asked me to switch bracelets, I wanted to make sure she knew what the letters meant and the deeper meaning behind the saying. So I started explaining that I wear it to remind me to live like Jesus did and to love those around me like Jesus would. I explained that God wants us to live in a world full of love and the only way to do that is to love others the way he does. Then I let her know that I hope it blesses her and serves as a reminder for her just the way it did for me. Then I gave her the bracelet and she gave me hers.

After the swap, we hugged and I told her God bless you. She was beaming. It was so cool to see how God used a small interaction like bracelet swapping to make a connection and meaningful impact on this woman. But the story doesn’t end there.

After this we continued on evangelizing around and she saw us at the end of the hill. She came back down and wanted my number. Which disappointingly I had to deny because I don’t give out my number. But she understood after some translation and explaining. Then she decided to take a selfie with me and bless our whole team including our translator with oranges.

I share this story to encourage all of you like it encouraged me. God can use a simple compliment to change someone’s day or a simple interaction like swapping bracelets to encourage someone. So don’t stray away from the simplicity of God’s kindness and the joy it can bring.

Prayer Requests:

• Prayers for God to prepare my heart for going home.
• Prayers for my Squad and I as we finish out strong.
• Prayers for those we are evangelizing to and disciplining at Bible study to understand and grasp what we are saying.

I want to challenge all my readers to be a donor! Donation link: https://adventuresinmissions.servicereef.com/events/adventures-in-missions-3/january-2025-world-race-expedition-11-months-25w0102/participants/mvonrueden

I am currently 69% funded. I am passed my deadline for fundraising and need to be fully funded as fast as the Lord can move, which is instantaneous. Please consider donating toward my trip. Your donation will help me to continue to make an impact around the world and in the lives of those searching for love and care. I will be going back home in just 16 short days so everything helps get me closer to 100%.