Dreams, visions and lasting legacies

‘We want them to know that their dreams are possible, and that MAF is helping us make those dreams a reality,’ says Patrick Ojambo, a teacher at Shelter Infant Primary School in Uganda.

What Patrick is referring to are the hands-on experiences that MAF provides for children to engage with aircraft. Offering hope and inspiration, MAF encourages them to believe that they can achieve their dreams in the skies.

Hopes and dreams

I’m sure that having dreams, hopes and desires is something that’s familiar to us all.

Sometimes we spend so much time chasing our dreams, yet feel empty when they’re accomplished. Or perhaps we resign ourselves to failure, believing that our dreams are impossible.

The reality is that chasing dreams is pointless if they aren’t founded upon God’s purposes, plans and calling.

Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that, ‘In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.’

Future plans

When my husband and I got married, I had great plans and desires for the way our lives would pan out, specifically around the timing of having children.

I was convinced that we’d be blessed with a family straightaway because that was what I wanted. I had planned the course of my life, forgetting that it is God who makes the way.

Ultimately, it was to be another four years and two rounds of IVF before we’d be blessed with a son.

However, I felt strongly that God had sparked a dream in my heart and that I was called to be a mother. And although it was an incredibly painful time, I knew deep down — though I often had doubts — that it was God’s purpose, and it would be fulfilled.

I just didn’t know when or how.

God’s ways

‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”’ (Jeremiah 29:11).

The prophet reminds us that God fulfils His promises. We are asked to come to the Lord and pray, knowing He will listen. If we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him right by our side.

Since our struggles with unexplained infertility, my husband and I now have two wonderful children.

We have also been able to support three other couples through their own journeys of miscarriage and infertility.

I believe that this was the Lord ‘establishing our steps’. He knew my dreams, placed a desire in my heart, but called me to something more — a legacy I can continue to leave, and am blessed to live.

A God-given vision

80 years ago, Jack Hemmings, Stuart King and Murray Kendon dreamt about using light aircraft to bring help, hope and healing to people living in some of the world’s most isolated places.

God gave them the vision and the call to turn this dream into a reality. He instructed them and taught them in the way they should go (Psalms 32:8) so they could create the life-changing ministry and legacy that is MAF.

Like the children of Shelter Infant Primary School and the founders of MAF, let’s be confident in the dreams and desires to which God has called us. Let us faithfully pursue His plans for us, leaving a legacy that brings joy to Him and transforms lives for generations to come.

Response

• Reflect on the dreams and desires that God has placed in your heart. Thank Him for them, aligning yourself with His plans and purposes for your life, in His perfect timing.
• Praise God that this year MAF celebrates 80 years of serving isolated places across the globe. Pray that we can continue to bring help, hope and the love of Christ to those who need it most, for generations to come.
• Pray for MAF staff serving overseas as their work continues to reach and inspire others to follow God’s call.
• Finally, consider the legacy you are building today. Your faithfulness in following God’s call can inspire and bless those around you. Perhaps you feel called to help MAF bring God’s love to isolated communities for future generations. If so, you can find out more about leaving a gift to MAF in your Will by visiting www.maf-uk.org/leave-your-legacy