Katie Davis Majors had her life turned completely inside out after a short mission trip to Uganda. She found herself so moved, so broken by the people and the children that she knew her calling was to return and care for them. She has gone on to adopt 14 children there and to further her reach into the needs of Ugandans, Katie established Amazima Ministries, which helps children to receive education, nutrition, medical care, and discipleship. She shares her story in her book ‘Kisses From Katie.’

What was it about your experience in Uganda that made you feel God wanted you to serve there?

I fell in love with the people and the country immediately. The people are joyful and gracious, even if they don’t have material things, and that was new to me, as happiness without material things was not something I grew up knowing. I fell more in love with Jesus there, and as He stripped me of the things I had in the U.S., I began to rely on Him more, which I liked. I liked feeling close to Him in that way. I was also overwhelmed with this huge need, and I thought, “If Jesus said we have to care for them, then we have to care for them.” And I needed to give my life to that.

What drew you to adoption?

It entered my life without me knowing it was adoption. A house along the street fell down, and I went to the hospital to pray for the little girl that had lived there. I discovered she was nine years old and was raising her seven and five year old sisters alone. Their father had died and they’d been living on their own in the house. So I said, “If they don’t have anywhere to go then they can stay with me” because that seemed like the obvious thing to do. They didn’t have a house, and I did. Then, as I searched for their biological family, I found no-one. Orphanages weren’t an option as they were all overcrowded. The more I prayed about it and looked for their family, God confirmed to me: “You are the family that you are looking for in these little girls’ lives.”

It’s not only children you’re taking care of, as you tell a story in your book about an elderly woman in the village who had TB. As she cried out to God “Please, send someone to help”, you walked through her door. How do you care for the dying, and what gives you the heart to care for them?

It’s hard not to let your heart become hurt as you pray for these dying people over and over, and them see them die, but I see them coming to Christ and see them feel loved right before their death which makes it worthwhile. Anytime I hesitate to bring someone to our home, my children are my encouragement. They don’t want others to have nothing, and this is very encouraging.

What makes you bring people to your home and share life with them?

I believe Christ causes us to live in a community like that, and I think there is a huge blessing that comes as a result. We’ve had homeless families, foster babies and grandmas staying with us. It has been a blessing to bless them with our physical belongings, and they have blessed us with their joy in our home. It’s all about obedience. God places needs in front of us and it is our job to obey and meet those needs. It’s about saying yes to what God places in front of us and watching His faithfulness taking place.