February 22, 2026

When I contemplate pearls, I am reminded of the pearl referenced in the Gospel of Matthew. This “pearl of great price” symbolizes the Kingdom of God and the precious gift freely given to us. It serves as a powerful reminder that we, too, are like that pearl. Each of us possesses immense value, to the extent that Jesus sacrificed everything for our sake. (Matthew 13:45-46)

The Gospel of Matthew also shows us that for those unwilling to listen, we need to walk away. The metaphor of “casting pearls before swine” illustrates that some don’t see the value in salvation and eternal life so they disregard what you have to say. (Matthew 7:6, 10:14)

In 2024, I prayed about an African adventure, feeling a pull towards West Africa after reflecting on my plans but the door shut. Though I briefly considered South Africa, nothing about it was what I thought I was to do. Then a lightbulb moment led me to check a mission my husband and I had previously joined decades before, revealing an East Africa trip that was later canceled due to civil unrest. However, I saw a post-election trip to Uganda the day after Christmas. My friend Annie, who I met through church, joined me, and together we embraced this journey to serve in Africa, strengthening our unbreakable friendship and faith along the way.

in 1908, after visiting Uganda, Winston Churchill dubbed it as the “Pearl of Africa” because of the beauty he saw there. Churchill was describing the topography but I would use this phrase to represent the beautiful people there. I have been on missions in the past, but this one was so different in many ways. My perspective with things had changed especially since I hadn’t done an overseas mission for over two decades. I will try to put into words what I experienced but even though I feel I won’t do it justice, here goes.

I didn’t expect our journey to get there was going to be so long. While I knew it would take hours, I underestimated the long flights. Despite the discomfort, I managed to sleep during some of the 8-hour flights. After three planes and four stops, we arrived and then took a three-hour bumpy bus ride to our final destination getting there after 3a.m.

Returning to missions after so long, I was pleasantly surprised by my room, which felt almost like a honeymoon suite. It had a comfortable bed with netting, a wardrobe reminiscent of Narnia, a desk, a couch, and a private bathroom. I didn’t have to go outside in the middle of the night to use the restroom. This was a huge blessing! I didn’t encounter any bugs, likely due to the presence of two lizards. It was perfect for my needs, and I enjoyed restful sleep every night.

On the first day, we were reminded to use bug spray and sunscreen. I didn’t like the scents, so I skipped them for the rest of the week and surprisingly didn’t get any bites, thanks to my daily use of oils. I didn’t get burned either. The weather was perfect, with a cool breeze and sunshine creating an ideal combination.

I primarily ate white and brown rice, and goat, along with the freshest bananas and pineapples. I attempted a sugar fast a month before my trip but only succeeded for two weeks. When I arrived in Uganda, I was experiencing intense sinus headaches due to rainy weather mixed with my poor food choices at the airports and in the planes. After two days, the headaches subsided, as I avoided processed and inflammatory foods.

We attended the village church, and the experience of worship and fellowship was truly uplifting. Upon returning from my first mission trip in 1998, I recognized that I need not feel ashamed to express my devotion to God—whether by raising my hands, kneeling during appropriate songs, or swaying to the music. And, as I have learned over the years what a wretch I am yet Jesus died for me! So at home, I worship with abandon, singing and dancing freely.

In America, congregants often appear passive and hesitant to express any kind of enthusiasm, in contrast to the excitement seen at sporting events. This leads to questioning why similar passion isn’t shown in worshiping Jesus. I’ve always desired to experience the more expressive worship found in predominantly Black churches, feeling that such passionate praise resonates within me.

Africa embodies a profound and vibrant expression of worship. I truly felt the unity and presence of the body of Christ among everyone gathered, singing praises to God with arms raised and dancing freely. Unlike many experiences elsewhere, attendees did not merely come to church, engage minimally, and leave; rather, they were genuinely joyful to be together and to connect with one another. It was a beautiful sight to behold. I want this for my church. I feel like the people I see come and go, in any church I’ve attended, are strangers to each other and don’t seem to care to get to know each other. I am convicted to do what I can do to know the body of Christ. I must admit, I had concerns about maintaining my fitness during my time there. However, the worship sessions alone provided a considerable workout, complemented by the 7 to 8 miles I walked daily.

The first three days in the village were hut to hut evangelism. Picture this: Americans teamed up with a trio or quartet of translators, each group feeling as jittery as contestants on a matchmaking show, curious about who’d pair up with who and how things would unfold. I felt like God had given me the “translator dream team” of David, Nicole, and Mercy. One day Nicole’s brother, Abraham, came with us as well. We walked down the orange dirt roads, singing praise songs, talking and laughing. At one point, someone asked if I was trying to harmonize, and I couldn’t help but chuckle, reminding me of my kiddos playfully teasing my musical mishaps back in the day. It felt like a heartwarming flashback.

We talked and prayed with at least 35 people those three days. Some were saved, some gave their lives to Christ, some came back to Christ, and then some didn’t want to give their life to Christ. Sometimes we spent just a few minutes with someone, sometimes an hour. Sometimes we sat in a field with someone, sometimes weeding or helping with work. These people in this village work hard!

The end of our first day, we were talking to one person, then two, then we had a small crowd. The interesting thing is this “motorcycle man” pulled up and was listening and watching everything. In the end, I asked people what they wanted prayer for so I asked him. He said he wasn’t saved and didn’t want prayer. I told him I was going to pray for him anyway. I prayed something like this…..that God would open his eyes and that he would know Truth. After I was done praying, I expected for him to have left, but he didn’t. He was still there and heard everything!

The following day, my four translators and I set out once again to share the message of Christ with everyone we encountered. We engaged in conversation with three Muslims; two expressed reluctance; one being an educator of the Quran, proved particularly intriguing. He requested my prayers for his ability to teach the children effectively and for their understanding of the Quran. I explained that our conceptions of God differ significantly, and I intended to pray for divine revelation, that their eyes might be opened to the Truth and that they would discern the falsehoods and animosity present in the teachings he conveys. Remarkably, he welcomed my intention to pray in this manner.

In a notable turn of events, the other young man, also a Muslim, decided to give his life to Christ. His sister had made the same commitment years prior but had never shared it with her family, likely out of fear. I encouraged them, emphasizing that they now have each other to provide support in God’s Word and to hold one another accountable.

The last person we met was an adorable older lady named Beatrice. She was absolutely thrilled to have some company and eagerly came to greet us. Her family gathered around, and I discovered they were all saved except for Beatrice. She stood firm in her beliefs and wasn’t about to budge. I shared a story about my friend JoAnna, who I thought was saved, only to find out she believed her good deeds would tip the scales. As our chat deepened, Beatrice listened intently, growing more serious by the minute. I told her it was up to her to accept salvation in Jesus, reminding her tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. And then it happened—she gave her life to Christ! It was a beautiful moment to witness. I prayed, David translated, and then Beatrice prayed. We celebrated with a chorus of “Amen!” and after each one, Beatrice joyfully shouted, “MEN!”

That afternoon, Annie and I gave our testimonies to a room full of women at the church in the village. Annie’s testimony was on surrendering our hurts to God so our hearts don’t become hardened. This led to much good conversation from the ladies. Then I shared my testimony. This was it in a nutshell…..

Hi! I’m Jennifer, or Jen for short. I enjoy reading, blogging, vlogging, editing, photography, and videography. My hobbies include singing, doodling, painting, soap-making, and designing. I love working out, and I’ve completed the Gladiator twice and did a 21-mile walk last year.
My husband and I have four grown kiddos and just celebrated 35 years of marriage. It’s a roller coaster, but we decided to finally give Jesus the wheel and sit back for the ride. One of my favorite quotes: “A perfect marriage is two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other.”
Most of my life, I believed that negative emotions were sinful, leading me to internalize anger, fear, and sadness to avoid appearing weak or vulnerable, just for it to come out all ugly when I didn’t know what to do with it. The journey of giving my life to Christ has been a continual transformation of my heart. Initially, I viewed God as punitive and struggled to grasp His love for me and the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Despite repeatedly asking for forgiveness, I finally learned that my failures don’t define me. Embracing my identity as a child of God meant recognizing that He will never abandon me, as His Word assures I am always in His care.
After the birth of my first child, I realized my need for God in every moment, not just Sundays at church. I remember weeping on the floor and fully surrendering my life to Him, acknowledging that I couldn’t face this new season alone. I understood the importance of daily engagement with God’s Word and constant communication with Him.
Throughout my life, I’ve faced unbearable grief, betrayal, and loss. I’ve learned that while I can’t control situations or others, I can control my responses. Despite chronic pain and illness, my life is in God’s hands. I manage anxiety and depression by focusing on God rather than my circumstances, finding peace and purpose. I recognize my desire to share Christ’s love, trusting God to provide opportunities beyond my comfort zone.
Each morning, I pray for God’s protection using the Armor of God, seek to view others through His lens, and make the most of every opportunity. My journey includes missions trips, serving the homeless, and speaking at various events, even addressing a city council amid tension. This challenging experience taught me that God walks with me, assuring me of His unwavering presence.

The next day was dedicated to workshops, but our team of 18 was flexible to the schedule change due to unpredictable weather and focused on continuing to spread the Good News. The unity and love within our group was remarkable, resembling the living body of Christ. Besides Annie and I, there were our leaders, husband and wife, Ken and Kasia, who prepared us well through online meet-and-greets and training sessions. They also fostered a supportive environment while in Uganda with daily prayers and devotionals. Two couples, Jon and Jana as well as Jay and Tiana, each brought two of their children, who enthusiastically shared Christ’s love, while a mom-and-daughter pair, Deb and Tiffany, added a gentle quiet spirit to our group. Anytime they said something, you’d want to listen as they had wisdom to share. A dad-and-son duo, Czarek and Michal, from Poland impressed us with their English and engaging magic tricks to convey the Gospel. One guy from our team, Shane, had the best facial responses but most importantly demonstrated love for the unlovable during baptisms when a drunk man appeared. Another empathetic young lady, KallaiAnna, sensitive to the Spirit, offered a listening ear and comforting hug when I was struggling one night. She reminded me much of my youngest blessing. I would go on a trip with all of these people all over again!

So the people that stood out to me this particular day was an older muslim couple. You could definitely tell that God had already prepared their hearts to meet with us. They were very welcoming and we sat down for quite awhile to talk with them. I told them that God brought me on an 18 hour plane ride to meet with them and share of God’s love. The gentleman thought that we worshipped the same God but I told him there was a vast difference. I shared with him about realizing it is hard when you are born into a religion that you think it is the right way but that deep down he knows there is something else. I ask muslims frequently what their god has done for them and not one is able to respond to the question. They think… a lot…. Then I ask wouldn’t they want to serve a God who is personal, who is near, and never leave them because He puts His Spirit in them. Every muslim I talk to says, “yes”. Then I ask if they would like assurance of where they would spend eternity and they all say, “yes”. Not everyone accepts but it gets them thinking. This couple gave their life to Christ. It was so beautiful to witness. I then told the gentleman that it was his responsibility to talk to his family and let the children know that he was led astray and so he led them astray. I told them both they would be persecuted. Please pray with me for this couple to make a difference, in their old age, for the Kingdom of God and to get plugged into a bible believing and teaching church.

The workshop day featured team members sharing lessons from God’s Word, along with singing and dancing. Baptisms took place with three happening simultaneously, allowing individuals to publicly declare their commitment to Christ. A highlight was when a young man who came up when all baptisms were completed, accepted the Lord right then and there in the water, and was baptized, making the occasion even more special.

During worship, I reunited with village ladies I had met throughout the week, including one to whom we had given a Bible. I felt God urging me to give her my cherished necklace that says “I am His” Initially resistant, I realized it was God’s will to gift this to her, so I removed the necklace from my neck and placed it around hers, and a translator explained its significance as a reminder of her identity as God’s child. Afterward, I felt a sense of peace knowing this is exactly what God wanted me to do.

Michal from Poland inquired about a villager with an infection. I had brought supplies with me, so he asked if I would come with him to see him. We went with the pastor and others. Upon seeing the deep wound, I realized it was best not to touch it. We left antibiotics and warned the family that treatment was critical. Since medical care requires upfront payment, our team quickly raised funds, within five minutes, for the hospital visit. Later, the family expressed their gratitude afterward.

The following day, it rained, allowing us to hear from individuals about their mission and God’s work in their lives, which we might have missed otherwise. Later, we visited another village to share with elderly residents, including two Christians whom we prayed for, and I was also able to provide medicine to a gentleman who was ill.

As our week of blessings came to a close, we took time to reflect on our experiences before heading home, while a few chose to continue their ministry in another village for another week. After that, the last four embraced even more adventures! We all hold our memories dear and I hope to return someday. Let us pray for the villagers as they seek the Pearl of great price, Jesus, who invites us all to receive His free gift. May they come to understand that we are all valued and cherished as pearls by God, get involved in Bible-teaching churches, engage in discipleship, and build strong friendships. These precious ones ARE the pearls of Africa!

Blessings,
Jennifer