“I’m sorry, but we cannot treat those who cannot pay,” the doctor explained.
Katie Davis blinked in shock. How could a physician turn away an injured child, even if she was an orphan? Then again, this was Uganda, not Brentwood, Tennessee where she grew up. Fifty percent of the population here lived in poverty, and the under-resourced hospital couldn’t handle all the overwhelming needs.
People waiting in Ugandan hospital
But Katie, a kindergarten teacher, couldn’t accept the doctor’s pronouncement. This child was a student in her school, living in a shack down the street. She was the oldest of three and caretaker of the younger two; their parents had died of AIDS.
The orphanage was already full to capacity; Katie feared for the girls’ future. That very day she managed to secure custody papers, and single Katie became a mother of three—at age nineteen.[1]
What will Mom and Dad say about THIS? she must have thought.
They’d already been hesitant about Katie’s first three-week trip to Uganda, to work at a Christian orphanage her senior year of high school, 2006. Almost as soon as she arrived, Katie fell in love with the staff and students.
Upon returning to the States, Katie couldn’t wait to get back to Uganda after graduation, to take the kindergarten position offered her. The Davises had agreed, with the understanding she’d begin college the following year.
Katie returned home as promised, but her heart remained in Uganda. After one semester, her parents acquiesced and Katie flew back to the people and country she loved.
Uganda–a small land-locked country of East Africa
It was January 2008 when Katie’s adopted daughters moved into her small living quarters, but God soon provided a house to rent.
Over the next eighteen months, more orphans were brought to Katie—girls who’d been abandoned, abused, or whose parents had died of AIDS. One baby was given to Katie by an HIV-positive mother, just twelve years old herself. Child-by-child, Katie’s family grew to thirteen.
Of course, her teacher-salary couldn’t cover all the expenses. But Katie had already researched how to start a nonprofit organization, to aid Uganda’s children. Amazima International Ministries was established in 2008, based in Katie’s hometown of Brentwood.[2]
Soon 150 children were receiving assistance that included school supplies, basic medical care, and two hot meals a day—things their families couldn’t afford.
Two years passed. Katie’s life brimmed with all the responsibilities that thirteen children entail. In addition, numerous houseguests came and went—people in dire circumstances needing temporary lodging.
As with any household, disagreements and frustrations flared. But the word Katie chose to describe the atmosphere was elation—for the laughter, singing, happy noise and gratitude that filled her home.[3]
Then tragedy unfolded. A dear friend and mother of five, died. And the biological mother of one of Katie’s adoptees returned to claim her daughter—a mother unfit for parenting—but Katie had to let the child go. Grief beyond words gripped her heart as she turned to her Heavenly Father for solace.
Early in 2014, twenty-something Benji Majors arrived in Uganda on a mission trip. He soon recognized the need for young men to be mentored. So Benji decided to stay and come alongside those wanting to become God’s men of integrity.
When Benji asked Katie out–twice, she said no both times, not sure if marriage was part of God’s plan. Besides, what man would commit himself to a woman with thirteen children? Better not to get involved, she thought.
But Katie found herself attracted to Benji’s passionate heart for God and for people. She finally invited him for coffee—the first of many dates.
The following year Benji proposed over a picnic. When Katie said yes, her thirteen daughters jumped out of the bushes and tossed flowers at the couple. Benji had included them as part of the plan. He and Katie were married in late 2015.
The couple still lives in Uganda, running Amazima Ministries. They provide education for hundreds of children in their own Amazima School, food and health services for thousands of families, as well as job opportunities.
Who could have imagined such a far-reaching outcome when young Katie left for Uganda?
GOD could.
P.S. Ben and Katie no longer parent 13 children; the number has grown to 15 with their two biological sons.
[1] Though Ugandan law specifies an adoptive parent must be at least twenty-one, a judge can override the law in the best interest of the child(ren).
[2] Amazima means “truth” in Lugandan.
[3] https://youngadults.lifeway.com/2012/01/no-ordinary-life-katie-davis-story-of-serving-children-in-uganda/
Sources:
https://amazima.org/about/ . Visit here for numerous photos and information about Amazima Ministries.
https://justbetweenus.org/magazine/exclusive-interviews/extraordinary-love/
https://myhero.com/katie-davis-a-serving-heart-2
https://toptwentyfiveinterviews.transistor.fm/episodes/7-daring-to-hope-part-1-katie-davis-majors
Photo credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org (Toshihiro Horii); http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.flickr.com; sni.no/Skole_og_utdanning_i_Uganda (Richard Lord); http://www.publicdomainpictures.com (Michael Spisak).
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Wow! This is such an amazing story!!! It is a faith-inspired testimony and a beautiful one at that. Thank you for sharing this with us. It reminds me of the parable of the loaves of bread and the fishes. God can do so much with just crumbs of faith. As the Bible tells us, anything is possible with God.
It IS amazing what God has done through Katie and Benji! And you’re right: their story is a perfect present-day illustration of the loaves-and-fishes principle. Thank you for adding that insight, Linda!
That was an interesting blessing, Nancy. Thanks. I am always amazed when I read missionary stories. They give up so much, yet they live such full lives. Thank God for them.
Amen, Shelley. That fullness, I think, is a gift of God for their obedience. When any of us answer God’s call to any task, we can affirm with King David: “I DELIGHT to do your will” (Psalm 40:8), because of the joy and satisfaction that results.
Yes!
Thank you, Mitch!
Oh yes. God can…great ongoing story Nancy
So glad the story blessed you, Gary–it certainly blessed me!
My heart leapt for joy in reading this amazing story of faith and love, Nancy. God can do all things, especially those we cannot even begin to imagine. May He continue to bless Katie and Benjii as they embark upon their mission for the least of these.
Blessings!
Amen to your prayer of blessing over these two, Martha!
This is such an amazing and captivating story. Thank you for sharing.
You’re most welcome, David. I found Katie’s story to be amazing and captivating as well–such a powerful illustration of God’s power to accomplish the impossible (Matthew 19:26).
I LOVE her amazing story and marvel at her compassion and courage ! I read her book Kisses From Katie… soooo inspiring! ( It was written in the early days of her ministry before she was married). What a beautiful example of self denial and incredible devotion to God and the needy. What a difference she has made through the Holy Spirit for the kingdom of God! ❤️
Indeed, Lisa! I don’t know where I’ve been all these years since Katie wrote that book in 2009. A brief mention of her story caught my eye recently–I don’t remember where. As I researched for more info on the internet, my amazement grew in what God had done (and continues to do) through her life. Praise God for Katie and Benji!
What a wonderfully inspiring story of faith and faithfulness! She saw what many of us miss–needs we could actually be part of satisfying. I love her adventurous spirit–and am so grateful the Lord provided Benji to come along side her. Thanks for sharing this–it’s a call to action that we all need to hear!
I agree, Dayle. Her life is a call to action, to take that first step of faith in the direction God is calling us!
Katie was wise to follow her calling at a young age before the distractions of college, jobs, and relationships. She listened to God and did not put Him on hold. What a blessing she and Benji are to the people and children of Uganda. Thank you, Nancy, for sharing such a heartwarming story!
You’re welcome, Nancy, and you’re right: Katie IS a good listener to God–such a convicting example for me to be attentive to the promptings of the Spirit, even those that seem impractical and too challenging.
what a wonderful witness to caring, sharing and obeying God’s call in life. Thanks for sharing this inspiration!
You’re welcome, Jean–couldn’t agree with you more about Katie. She’s a stellar young woman!
I love Katie’s story. I read Kisses From Katie when it came out several years ago. Thanks for updating me on her beautiful ministry
You’re welcome, Pam! Thank you for reading, even though you knew much of Katie’s story.
Inspiring. ❤
So glad you found inspiration here, Anna!
Pastor preached on that same verse this morning. It was amazing how he showed us how BIG our God truly is. Peace and Grace be with you.
How about that, Tinaj! Our God IS amazing–he performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted (Job 5:9)!
Wonderful story of a life lived on purpose. May their lives continue to bless and inspire.✨
AMEN to your prayer, R. H!
Katie’s life is proof that if God calls you to undertake a task He will most definitely provide the means. I just heard a message on this very thing this week on the radio. A truly beautiful story that is still unfolding.
So glad you found beauty here in Katie’s story, Cheri. As I researched I couldn’t help but wonder what God may still have in store for this couple. They’re still quite young! / As for the message on the radio that coincided with this post: Isn’t it delightful when God reaffirms the same truth in
different ways, but closely-timed?
I am so encouraged and blessed when the Lord reinforces what He wants me to learn. I can’t remember where but I also read yesterday that we should never count it as coincidence! This is how the Holy Spirit does a work in us!
Agreed–I like to call them God-incidences!
We can’t begin to imagine what God can do with a life yielded to Him. What an amazing story! I have a friend who also started a mission in Uganda. She takes her special needs daughter there to live with her for months at a time. Her daughter is so loved by the people there and has found her place to live and prosper, though so impacted by her special needs. The love is beautiful, and the ministry and lives touched for eternity is so wonderful to see.
What a wonderful example of God-engineered circumstances. Thank you for sharing this story, Patty!