Amazima Beads

Out of all the books I read in 2013, the one that most challenged my thinking about lifestyle, idolatry, and what it means to live and love sacrificially, was Kisses from Katie. Originally I was turned off by the title {trite? cliche? overly sentimental?}, but so many people I trusted were recommending it to me that I chose to overcome my snobbish reticence and give it a try. I am so glad I did! Shame on me for judging a book by its title.

Katie is a remarkable young woman. Beautiful, intelligent, and haling from a wealthy American family, she chose to leave it all upon graduating from high school for the starkly different third world country of Uganda. That was 2007. 

In the years since she has personally adopted thirteen Ugandan girls, started an educational sponsorship program for children, a feeding program for kids who would otherwise go hungry, and a self-sustaining vocational program to help women escape lives of prostitution and other unsavory means of supporting their children. 

She is several years younger than me, yet I look at all she's accomplished and it puts me to shame. Jesus is looking for people to follow Him with radical obedience, yet I have a hard time turning off the t.v. or putting down my phone. 

While I know that God doesn't call everyone to drop it all and go to Africa, I do know that He's called me to be faithful in this ministry called motherhood, and to reach out in love with the gospel to those in my community. I have a long way to go, and I needed the reminder. 

Recently a friend gifted me with a necklace purchased from the afore mentioned vocational program. The ministry Katie founded is called Amazima {Ugandan for love}, and the Ugandan women involved make beautiful, colorful jewelry. All profits that do not go directly to the women themselves are used to feed hungry children in their community. 

I love this necklace- it isn't what I would normally pick up at a store, but it is very fun and can be worn long, or doubled for a different look. I like that it reminds me of Katie and the kingdom work she is doing in Uganda. It reminds me to pray for her and the people of Uganda, and it also reminds me of my calling as a Christ-follower. 

If you're looking to purchase a meaningful gift for the ladies in your life this Christmas, would you consider purchasing beads from Amazima? Along with a copy of Katie's book, this would be a great gift! Or they are just as nice on their own with a little note about their significance. 

For more information on Katie and Amazima, I highly recommend reading Kisses from Katie. Or, you can watch a short Amazima promo here, or longer interviews with David Platt and the 700 Club. 

I have no connection to Amazima, I have simply been blessed hearing about their work. The Amazon link to Katie's book is, however, an affiliate link. That means that if you make a purchase through my link, I receive a small percentage of the profit at no additional charge to you. Thanks for your support of The Purposeful Wife!