God’s Plans Transcend our Comprehension

Greetings to everyone, I extend my warm regards in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My name is Betty and I am delighted to share with you the remarkable journey of blessings the Lord has led me through.

In 2021, I applied for a PhD scholarship to pursue my studies in China and I was fortunate to be granted the opportunity. However, due to the travel restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic, I was unable to physically travel to commence my program, and instead, I had to resort to attending online classes. It wasn’t until February 2023 that the restrictions were relaxed, and I was finally able to apply for a visa and move to Shanghai.

Upon my arrival, I was informed by my supervisor that the research project I was assigned required animal samples and due to the pandemic, such research had been suspended within my host institute. As a result, alternative arrangements were made for me to conduct my experiments in a different institute within the Pasteur Network located in Cambodia.

The move was full of bureaucratic delays and there were challenges in obtaining permissions from the institute in China, which prompted my supervisor to make a crucial decision for me to relocate to Cambodia so as not to lose more time. A few months after settling into my new environment, my supervisor’s contract with the Chinese Institute came to an end, marking a turning point in my journey. I encountered numerous threats from the institute in Shanghai, causing me great distress and anxiety.

The question that lingered in my mind was how I would make my way back home to Uganda without a qualification, and the daunting task of explaining the entire situation to the individuals I bid farewell to weighed heavily on me. It was during these moments of reflection that I contemplated my next steps. Fortunately, at that time, university admissions and scholarship opportunities became available and I decided to pursue alternative options while navigating through the uncertainties with the Chinese institute.

The pressure mounted from the Chinese institute to return or risk losing my scholarship. Ultimately, after careful consideration, the most rational decision to me was to discontinue the program. In the amidst of all this, God remained faithful, and I was fortunate enough to secure another scholarship in the UK. The joy and excitement that filled my heart were indescribable. I was truly overwhelmed by God’s goodness.

However, while the new scholarship covered tuition fees, provided a monthly stipend, and included a small research grant, I was required to cover a number of costs such as health insurance, visa fees, air travel, IELTS, and make a deposit on my accommodation. The total amount I needed exceeded 25 million Uganda shillings. Nevertheless, I continued to pray and have faith that the God who had opened the door would see everything through to completion. I held onto Proverbs 10:22, reminding myself that God does not add sorrow to the blessings He bestows upon us.

Towards the end of April, the doctoral college in my new university sent out an email to inviting individuals with unconditional offers to apply for a bursary that would assist with immigration expenses. With this, one would get £ 4,000 (Four thousand pounds) and a fully paid air ticket. As my offer was still conditional at the time, I was not eligible for this offer and so did not apply. However, a week later, the college decided to extend this opportunity to all students, given that the majority still had conditional offers. I sent in my application and I am thankful to have been granted one of these bursaries. Also, since I was no longer enrolled into the program with the Chinese University, my stipends were suspended but God worked miraculously and I managed to secure financial support to sustain my stay in Cambodia until the end of my contract.

I want to express my gratitude to God for paving a way for me during difficult circumstances when all hope seemed lost. In moments of confusion and despair, God revealed His power to me. To those facing trials, questioning whether God hears their prayers and cares about their struggles, I too wondered, yet witnessed His miracles firsthand. Stand firm, brothers and sisters, for God’s plans transcend our comprehension. Instead of focusing on the size of the obstacles ahead, focus on the greatness of our God. Trust in His faithfulness, for He works wonders beyond our imagination.

May God Bless You All.