For those of you who don’t know me directly, my name is Cana. I am ten years old and my dad is Smooth Via. I know you’ve probably heard of him. Now I’m going to tell you about some of my favorite mission experiences in Uganda.
To start off, you guys need to know that I go on monthly missions in remote villages with my dad and sisters. My sisters and I lead a children’s program where we read Bible stories and play games with the kids. Then there is usually a gift handout of our own toys. When we have exhausted the program, we will either play with the kids or sit in the church. I like to chase the kids around and play with them.
In one village, there was a deaf girl that was my age. I didn’t know she was deaf until I chose her for a game that we were teaching them to play. I felt so sorry for her. So after the program, I found her and played individually with her. The older people in the village were so impressed that they tried to bring me another deaf girl to play with!
When we go on mission, we usually have other Arise Africa pastors there with us. One time, as we were leaving a mission, a pastor ran up to me and handed me a piece of paper and explained that we had visited his village a while ago. While we were there, I had played with his daughter. He then went on to explain that this letter to me was from her. From the moment I opened the letter, I was at a loss for words. The letter said that I was a blessing to her and everyone around her, and that I needed to come back and see her.
There were so many flattering things in the letter that surprised me, because I didn’t know that I had such a big impact upon the kids of that village. I sent a note to her in which I tried to flatter her as well. But I felt that no matter what I said, it could not express the feeling that I had for her. So I did my best and then gave it to her dad.
It is good to know that I have an impact on the children in those villages. I think it just goes to show you that God can use anyone to bring the gospel to people who never heard it before. He can even use me, a ten year old girl. I love to go on mission, and I think that you will love it too if you come.
– Cana
