Uganda – January 2026

When God Uses “The Busy Bag” to Transform a Heart

Where do I even begin?

Uganda was not just a missions trip, it was a heart-level encounter with God that I didn’t see coming.

Months before we ever boarded a plane, the journey had already begun. Fundraising. Praying. Asking questions. Planning. Wondering if everything would actually come together. And somehow, step by step, it did. Support poured in. Provision showed up. God surrounded us with the right people, and our team stayed connected through monthly meetings and constant group messages as anticipation built.

Then came packing.

Needs lists turned into piles, and before we knew it, our home was filled with supplies ready to be taken across the world. My 14-year-old daughter and I became very strategic with clothing because, honestly, we didn’t feel like we owned anything appropriate based on the mission guidelines. But God provided. We were able to shop intentionally, choosing modest styles and proper sizing. It felt like confirmation. We planned everything - travel outfits, preaching clothes, local market clothes, safari clothes. Even matching pajamas with the group.

We felt ready.

Travel, however, was a different story.

I don’t sleep on planes - not even on short domestic flights - so the thought of long international flights felt overwhelming. Texas to Detroit. Detroit to Amsterdam. A four-hour layover. Amsterdam to Africa, with a stop to add passengers, and finally landing in Entebbe. Altogether, about 26 hours of travel. Definitely had some tears of exhaustion and uncomfort.

We arrived at the hotel around 2 or 3 in the morning, with plans to be up and ready by 8am.

And then I got the news.

My bag didn’t make it.

Not just a bag - my main bag. The one with six months of careful planning inside it. Every vitamin. Essential oils. Face wash. Travel meds. Emergency items. New hiking shoes and sandals. Outfits planned for each day. Matching pajamas. Snacks from home. Gifts for our hosts.

Gone.

As we stood by the bus sorting through 21 large suitcases filled with donated supplies for the ministry, my heart sank. I remembered hearing how difficult it could be to recover lost luggage in Africa, and suddenly everything felt heavier.

Then I remembered something we were told early on: Pack essentials in your carry-on.

By the grace of God, I had.

Three emergency outfits. Basic toiletries. Snacks. Deodorant. Toothbrush. My European plug. And thankfully, underwear - because my monthly cycle decided to arrive right on time.

No sleep. Stress. Exhaustion. Then a road trip that was supposed to be six hours but stretched much longer on bumpy roads through breathtaking scenery. I wanted to soak in the culture and beauty, but internally, I was distracted and frustrated, disappointed, and emotionally worn.

I cried. I went quiet. I pushed through.

The next morning, we hit the ground running. We were there to host a youth conference, partnering with Heavenly Bridge Ministries, which serves over 300 churches. Youth from many regions gathered together. Our team of seven rotated teaching and ministering while my daughter captured the experience through photos and video.

Praise and worship was unlike anything I had ever experienced.

Every age. Every person fully engaged. Dancing, celebrating, responding freely to God.

It was pure joy.

Speaking, however, stretched me. It isn’t my strongest gifting, and I felt the pressure - not just spiritually, but emotionally. Trying to focus on delivering the Word while internally grieving the loss of comfort, familiarity, and control I hadn’t realized I depended on.

Thankfully, there was laundry service. Fresh clothes helped. My daughter shared what she could. Other women offered clothes generously. Their kindness was overwhelming. And yet, the discomfort remained.

Services were long - day services, breaks, then evening services. We prayed over so many youth, laying hands, praying in the Spirit, ministering to needs. It was a privilege and a beautiful honor.

One night, our bishop preached and something shifted.

The power of God hit my chest like fire.

Conviction. Healing. Breakthrough.

The Lord began revealing how much I had unknowingly depended on things for comfort instead of fully relying on Him. How easily we replace the Holy Spirit with preparation, control, and familiarity. How quickly trust is tested when comfort is removed.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

I had prayed before this trip to be forever changed. I asked God for awakening and breakthrough. And somehow, a missing suitcase became the instrument He used to transform my heart.

Without our things, would we still praise Him?

Without comfort, would we still trust Him?

Without control, would we still walk in joy and love?

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Job 13:15

God is gentle and intentional. He knows exactly how to reach us in the ways we will actually receive. My husband was my greatest encourager through it all, ministering truth to me through the Word and loving me patiently through what seemed like a “small” inconvenience but was actually holy refinement.

For a brief moment, we thought the story would resolve differently. The airline located my bag in Amsterdam. We even discussed sending someone on a 12-hour round-trip drive to retrieve it.

Then we got the call.

The bag had made it… back to Dallas.

Eventually, it showed up again, in Africa, on the very day we were leaving!

And honestly? By then, something had already shifted. I sorted what I needed, gifted what I could, and boarded the plane, this time through Paris, grateful, humbled, and changed.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

Uganda was beautiful. The people were unforgettable. The ministry was powerful.

But the greatest work God did… was in me.

More to come. 🤍

Pastor Sarah Bell