Sunday we sang “Change My Heart, O God” as we began a new worship series about changing perspectives throughout our Biblical witness. This coming week in the “Shift” series we will focus on a story in the Gospel of Matthew about a woman who changes Jesus’ mind – what a powerful witness. A woman with very little status in society puzzles the savior of the world. Fascinating! 

Recall a time when you felt a change in perspective. Was there a season when God initiated a turning point for you? 

Francis Mugwanya was born in Uganda and contracted polio as a child. He advocates for the disabled in his home country and operates the organization he founded, Father's Heart Mobility Ministry which distributes free wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers to Ugandan children and adults in need of mobility. As a young boy, before he had a wheelchair, he had to crawl on the dusty ground to get from place to place. 

When Francis was 12 years old, he received his first wheelchair – a gift that transformed his entire perspective and provided new opportunities and hope in his life. He was able to go to school on his own, play goalie in soccer games, attend church, and more. His emotional perspective changed too; he gained confidence and became a renowned leader, pastor, and advocate for disabled citizens all over Uganda.

Knowing the opportunities made possible by the gift of a wheelchair, Francis has dedicated his life to giving wheelchairs and has given out over 22,000 chairs all over his country since 2008 with organizations like Free Wheelchair Mission. Saint John’s member Lynne Dobson has done three distributions with this nonprofit, with crucial support from St. John's.

At 11:00 am this Sunday, he and Lynne will serve as liturgists and share their stories of transformational life perspectives.

Maybe you have received a physical shift in your life or a spiritual one. Or both! Maybe you have seen God’s transformative power in someone else and it has drawn you closer to God. Maybe you can imagine yourself in conversation with Jesus asking a puzzling question. In the Letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul asks the early church, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God.” (Romans 12:2).

May our minds be renewed toward the Spirit’s leading this season and always.

Grace and peace,