by Dale Russell
Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own
and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.
We are so blessed to see glimpses of lives on two, far sides of the world. Our AIC (Adults in Custody) and the Otino Waa kids always seem to have a lot to say to each other. We should not be surprised by this, but very often it all speaks loudly.
Lisa (an AIC) has sponsored Lucky (Otino Waa Children’s Village, Uganda) for only two months, but within that time, a simple understanding of who they both are and what they like has become evident.
Somewhere along the way Lisa asked Lucky what her favorite animals were and why that was important. Lucky said;
LION – “because it reminds me of the boldness God gives to me, even when life battles against you.”
The wicked are edgy with guilt, ready to run off
even when no one’s after them;
Honest people are relaxed and confident,
bold as lions.
Proverbs 28:1
GIRAFFE – “I want to see the world like they do.”
Giraffes appear several times in the Bible and are referenced in a variety of ways. In the Book of Genesis, God tells Noah to take into the Ark “every beast of the earth” (Genesis 6:19), which includes giraffes. The prophet Jeremiah also makes mention of giraffes in the Bible, saying “The beasts of the field will glorify me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people” (Jeremiah 17:19-20). In this context, the giraffe is seen as a symbol of divine provision and protection.
ZEBRA – “If the devil comes after me, I want to make it really hard to find me.”
The Bible does not refer to zebras by name but they, “snuff up the wind” and enjoy their wilderness life, watched over by a kind Creator. The stripes, stiff mane, soft black muzzle and erect ears of the zebra make it outstandingly beautiful, with each zebra’s stripe a little different from any other. The Creator provided stripes as a wonderful means of concealing them from their enemies. The stripes blend so well with grass, trees and brush that zebras are not easily seen. Even in broad daylight a group standing together presents such a mixed design of black and white that a hunter is confused and cannot easily pick one out as a potential victim.
These animals have excellent sight, hearing and sense of smell and are seldom caught unawares. When a group is attacked, they all turn their heels to the enemy. A kick from any of them can break a jaw or cause other injury, convincing the attacker to give up the fight.
Two are better than one,
because there is a good reward for their labor together.
Ecclesiastes 4:9
FROG- “Each time I read about frogs it seems God wants to show his great strength to set his people free.”
In the Bible frogs are mentioned in two contexts: in Exodus 8 as the second plague and in Revelation 16 where evil spirits look like frogs. In Exodus, the Lord is freeing His people from Egypt. Pharaoh and his country have been selected to show the glory of God and the plagues are Jehovah showing His power over the gods of Egypt.
But if you refuse to let them go,
behold, I will plague all your country with frogs.
Exodus 8:2
So, equipped with this information, Lisa immediately responds with a labor of love and a strengthening of the relationship.
These are sitting next to my desk, ready to pass off to the next traveler to Uganda. What a demonstration of love with Lisa reaching across the world. I can only imagine the reaction of Lucky. (Don’t you just want to be there?) It looks like she will be blessed with these by the end of Oct. as Russ and Rhonda (Journey International) travel back to Uganda.
Lisa, in prison and Lucky in Uganda, both know this;
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Be still and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:10
Did you know you can be a part of this story? Our promise to Lisa is that her $5 monthly sponsorship of Lucky will be matched by someone. Would that be you? If you feel this is a worthy investment in lives – CONTACT US HERE.