What do you do when you have prayed, prepared, planned and then everything seems to go wrong?
Sometimes, the greatest testimonies begin with unexpected interruptions.
“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.” Proverbs 21:31
Our one-week Kampala Mission was a powerful reminder that God’s plans remain greater than our challenges.
We were scheduled to leave Nairobi on the evening of 30 August 2026, but the KAA and KCAA workers’ strike at JKIA disrupted our plans, forcing us to return home. We reported back early on 31 August, spent the entire cold day at the airport, and finally boarded Uganda Airlines at 7:00 a.m. on 1 September, more than 24 hours after our initial arrival.
Even after arriving in Kampala, the challenges continued. On 3 September, the vehicle we were using refused to start.
From a psychological perspective, unexpected disruptions can challenge our emotional regulation, coping mechanisms and resilience. When reality does not match our expectations, frustration, anxiety and disappointment are natural responses. Resilience, however, is not the absence of difficulty; it is the ability to adapt, regulate our emotions, find meaning and keep moving forward despite adversity.
This mission reminded me that we may not control every circumstance, but we can choose how we respond to it.
And God proved Himself faithful.
During the mission, we witnessed more than 90 salvations, alongside testimonies of healing, renewal, restoration and spiritual gift activation. What initially looked like a journey filled with setbacks became a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
The Power of Community
I am especially grateful for my three action-group members, who became a source of encouragement and laughter throughout the journey.
During those long and uncertain hours at JKIA, we kept chatting, checking on one another, sharing updates, encouraging each other and, importantly, keeping our spirits up. What could have been an extremely frustrating experience became more bearable because we were not experiencing it alone.
Psychology reminds us of the importance of social support in resilience and coping. Human beings are relational; connection can provide emotional strength during stressful and uncertain moments.
Our conversations continued throughout the Kampala experience, and they contributed greatly to making the mission memorable. Beyond the ministry activities, there were moments of laughter, friendship, shared experiences and memories that I will treasure.
Sometimes God gives us not only the grace to endure the journey, but also the right people to walk it with us.
Finding Meaning in the Journey
There is also something powerful about meaning-making. Psychologically, we often make sense of difficult experiences by connecting them to a larger story.
The same experience can leave us bitter, or it can become part of a story of growth, purpose and hope.
For me, Kampala became part of such a story.
After many years away from missions, I felt God affirming and confirming my calling toward international missions. What had been quiet for a season suddenly felt alive again.
I am increasingly convinced that my journey in clinical psychology, faith and missions can intersect in meaningful ways. Psychology helps us understand human suffering, trauma, relationships, behaviour and resilience; faith speaks to hope, restoration, purpose and the transformation of lives. Together, they can create opportunities to serve people holistically.
I was also deeply humbled by God’s provision through His people. The prayers, financial support and encouragement made this mission possible. We are never meant to walk alone.
Today, we are safely back in Nairobi, and my heart is full of gratitude.
Thank you to everyone who prayed, gave financially, encouraged and stood with us. You were part of this mission.
And to my three action-group members, thank you for making the difficult moments lighter and the Kampala experience even more memorable.
The airport delays were real.
The vehicle breakdown was real.
The uncertainty was real.
But so was God’s faithfulness.
The journey taught me that resilience is not simply about being strong. Sometimes it is about trusting God, adapting to circumstances, finding meaning in adversity, receiving support from others and continuing to walk in purpose.
We went to Kampala trusting God, encountered obstacles, witnessed His power, shared unforgettable moments, and returned with a testimony.
God won big!
To God be all the glory.
May He richly bless you, replenish everything you gave, fill your barns to overflowing, and may your pockets never run dry!
Elicipha Njuguna
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