Sunset is Fast Approaching...

Though this post could be my longest, I am keeping it short, so I can savor every moment with our family and friends here. By this time tomorrow, we will be at the Entebbe Airport, preparing to board the first round of flights home. My heart is full, but it is also aching as we have started our goodbyes.

 This week was full of goodness and love, and it was topped off by a super-fun children's gathering this morning. We had the elementary-aged kids from Rock Baptist Church and our Backyard Bible Club kids all gather for games, icebreakers, dancing, prayer, and a lesson on being salt and light to the world. And in typical church style, we finished with food (pizza and soda). We pray that new friendships were forged and will grow over the next several years. 

We are spiritually tired and physically spent, but we are encouraged and full of joy for all the Lord has done. I will write a final post for this journey that captures more details of our final week, after decompressing at home for a bit.

We will hit the ground running at church on Sunday, and in early October, we will be traveling to Ohio for a friend's wedding. May God continue to be gracious and help us plug back in to American life and all that entails.

We are so thankful to you all who have followed us for these 12 weeks. Your love, prayers, and support have been felt and have gone beyond our expectations. Our mighty God has done much with what has been shared. To the Everlasting God alone be glory, honor, and praise. 

Until we see you again...may He be gracious and Tuonane!

Jim and Chrissie

Photo Link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pUgTsS8aWEe44ZLK7 

Rainy Days and Wedding Plans - and Only One Week to Go

Habari Friends! We greet you in the mighty name of Jesus, who, by His grace, has saved our souls and is and the reason we do what we do. It is because of His love for us that we are here and have such love for others.

I’d never call any day here a lazy day, because we always try to be engaged with some kind of ministry or to spend time with people. Some of these people are those we’ve been with for decades, while others, we’ve just come to know.

We’ve shared a lot of sweet and special moments with our Backyard Bible Club kids. Some days we are in high gear with relay races, musical chairs, and what seems like dance marathons. Other times, the kids just climb onto our laps, try to plait (braid) our hair (even Jim’s); they examine our eyes, ears, mouths and study every freckle and mole. We then talk about how each of us is made unique by God Himself. None of us are exactly the same, yet we are all human. We all bleed red, cry salty tears, have a heartbeat, and most importantly, we are all made in the image of God.

Each of these little lives has impacted ours and they are imprinted upon our hearts. May our gracious God protect and guide their little steps and lead them in righteousness.

This week, we also had opportunities to spend time with our Rock Baptist family, as well as moving about Tororo to minister to a few new friends. I spent Sunday afternoon with Beatrice Odongo (Pastor Julius’ wife), and she taught me how to make matooke and sukamuiki. Matooke is made from green bananas that resemble plantains, but they have an amazing flavor – especially when served with g-nut sauce. Sukamuiki are greens that are shredded, boiled, and then fried with onions.  I’m hoping to find some of these ingredients back home and try my skills at these dishes.

The Ladies’ Bible Study is wrapping up the book of Philippians next week. We began having mini potlucks at the end of our study time. This has been a delight to all of us, because who doesn’t love food? This week, we shared chicken, fried pork, rice, kalo, and pasta with meat sauce. I am going to miss these sweet sisters so much. Together, we have grown in God’s Word and in our love for one another.

Finally, the biggest news in town is Maxwell and Juliana’s wedding this Saturday! The whole compound is buzzing with busyness and anticipation. Lord-willing, I will post all about it in our final blog next week. Please be in prayer for the couple-to-be, those in attendance, and that the weather would cooperate. This is usually the dry season, but we have had rain at least three times a week since July, and every day this week! But we praise God in whatever circumstance and whatever weather He chooses to bring.

That’s life in Tororo this week.

Until the Lord brings us together again…Tuonane!

Chrissie and Jim 

Photo Link 1: https://photos.app.goo.gl/GXJE93zwkKSYAwE16

Photo Link 2: https://photos.app.goo.gl/fPRN9dy7hN11sFKj7

New Places, Spaces, and Faces

Adventures in Uganda continued this week as we traveled back to Iganga to spend the day with Pastor Nicodemus and the children of Grace Alone Primary School. Our first stop was to visit the new church land. The land is mostly cleared and ready to slowly start to construct (as the Lord allows). Along with Jerusalem Baptist Church’s leadership team, we prayed together for the land and what God was going to do through the church there. When we got back to the school area, we greeted the kids, shared the Gospel story, sang, danced, and then the kids ran races and played games. Pastor Nicodemus and one of his Elders even raced! It was a photo finish! After the games, we shared lunch and took pictures together. Time passes by so quickly each day, and this day was no exception. It came time to leave, and knowing that we would not see Nicodemus again this visit, we hugged him and Jacky tightly, prayed for them, and said farewell.

Please continue to pray for Pastor Nico, his family, and his church as they begin construction on the land, and to grow spiritually in the Word. Please pray for his protection, as he is in a perilous place as a Christian, especially an outspoken one.

We left Iganga and headed toward Luwero, home of Sufficiency of Scripture Ministries. The drive was over 5 hours, and much of it was on some of the worst roads I’ve experienced here. I bounced around the backseat like a ball. Driving through the bush of Africa is indeed an adventure, so we forged on until we reached our destination.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Pastor Mark, who had been assigned by the head of SOS, Shannon Hurley, to take care of us during our stay. Shannon and his wife, Danielle, were out of the country, but he made sure we had all we needed. Mark and his wife, Maggie, hosted us for dinner that night and answered many of our questions.

SOS is an umbrella organization for several ministries. Some of these include: Legacy Primary/Secondary Schools, Community Bible Church, and Shepherd’s Training College (STC). We visited to learn more about the requirements, expectations, and selection process for the STC students.  If you visit the Sufficiency of Scripture website at: https://www.sosministries.com/ you will see all it offers and why it is a viable option for sending indigenous missionaries in Uganda for theological training.

We stayed 2 nights in the village of Kubamitwe, which Shannon purchased…yes, he purchased nearly the whole village, which is near Luwero. Julius, Jim, and I were hosted by two other missionary families assigned to SOS. We enjoyed meals, had fun learning about their families, as well as their work in Uganda, specifically at SOS.

It is a lovely place, but despite its beauty, pristine facilities, and western missionaries, we all longed to be home in Tororo. We finally got back late Sunday night. I was so happy to be in my familiar surroundings with family. Even here, there’s no place like home.

The countdown to Maxwell and Juliana’s wedding is on and moving quickly, with only 10 days to go! Please pray for them both and they prepare for this glorious day and blessed event.

There are so many snippets of wonderfulness (my word) that happen each day that I wish I had time and space to write about, but suffice to say, our days are full of joy, laughter, prayer, and love. Sometimes, a heaviness comes over me for the lost souls we encounter, and other times we, along with our Ugandan family, laugh uncontrollably at the difference in our accents and cultures.  Every moment here is a gift, and I try not to take anything for granted, for time passes much too quickly.

That’s it for now! We love and miss you all.

And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.  ~ 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Until next time…Tuonane!

Chrissie and Jim

Photo Link 1:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/VPDWat21xXcgyhgq6

Photo Link 2: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ALUsMZaYP9AGeL3q6 

Ask...Seek...Knock

💕As our adventures continued, we had a week of visiting with church members, following up with others we had shared with, more Backyard Bible Club fun, and attending Sunday service with one of our sister churches, Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Of course, wedding plans are afoot as we’ve had the distinct privilege of providing premarital counseling to the couple-to-be. For those who are new to the blog, Maxwell Odongo and Slivia Juliana are to be married on 23 August. Maxwell recently graduated from Seminary and is faithfully serving at Rock Baptist Church. Sadly, Maxwell’s father is not a Christian and is doing all he can to sabotage the wedding. Please pray that this resistance would be silenced and that Maxwell and Juliana’s special day would be a joy and blessing to all who attend.

We spend nearly every day with our kiddos from the neighborhood. We are trying to memorize all of their names, but it can be challenging. Some of these darlings include Muduli (Jonathan), Izat, Martine, Perus, Miriam, Mercy, Rayan, Faridah, Juma, Joy, and Martha. I know there are more, but these are the ones who visit most and are patient with us learning their names. Malaria seemed to sweep through the families this week. Not only did Pastor Julius have malaria, but several of our little ones did too.

We recently found out that some of these kids have sickle-cell anemia, which, here in this area, is practically a death sentence. This grieves my heart so much. We’ve fallen in love with these babies and desire for them to thrive. Most importantly, we want them to know the love and hope they have in Jesus. Please pray for these little souls by name. May God be merciful and gracious to them as they learn and grow in His Word.

We were blessed to be a part of Ebenezer Baptist Church’s Sunday service. Almost 10 years ago, we met Geoffrey Oktella and his wife, Matrine. He has proven to be solid in his faith and true to the teachings in the Bible. The mud-structure church and tent sit on Pastor Julius’ land, which he is lending to them until they have land of their own. Geoffrey runs a small shop that sells dried goods (beans, rice, maize, flour, and g-nuts). Though this little income helps, it is not much for raising funds for land. Please pray for Ebenezer Baptist Church, along with Geoffrey and Matrine, that the Lord would open a way to purchase land and a sound structure. The Lord is good and His timing is perfect. May He be gracious in His blessing to them.

We praise God for his goodness and kindness to us. Before coming here, I, Chrissie, was a little concerned about my own health with regard to my heart. AFib in a 3^rd world country is not a good combination, especially after touring a few hospitals. However, besides one little scare, my heart and health overall have been exceptional. Thankfully, Jim has been doing well also. Woohoo!

Next week, we have more adventures planned, so stay tuned and keep praying.

“Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or, if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” ~ Matthew 7:7-12

Until next time…Tuonane!

Chrissie and Jim

Photo Link 1: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pHjvAwZUWcN36xkn8

Photo Link 2: https://photos.app.goo.gl/NcGfHr7fJueZitBd8

 

God's Amazing Goodness - Fruit of the Labor

How can it be that we have been here nearly two months already? The last month always seems to go by the fastest, and this, I can honestly say, I’m dreading. I don’t want this to end. When I say Uganda is our second home, it’s not cliché or something catchy…it’s the truth. There is nowhere on earth that we receive such love from our brothers and sisters, and such joy from ministry. Many have asked, Why not stay? And though our hearts are full here, it is not the calling of God to be here permanently. In fact, it may hinder much of how God uses other people to do His work. As I said before, He doesn’t need us, but how blessed we are to be part of His plan.

This past week, we found ourselves adjusting to life without Hannah (or anyone for that matter) here with us. We jumped back into evangelism, and since the beginning of the mission, we have seen some of the most precious fruit. When you make evangelism and discipleship your main focus on a mission, you most often do not see any fruit of the labor poured out. But God has been most gracious to us. Not only did some come and are still attending church from the good news that was shared, but others have inquired of Julius to have questions answered, have requested home visits, and have even reached out through social media to thank us for the faithfulness of sharing God’s Word!!!  This was a balm to our souls, especially when we felt as if the ground (people’s hearts) were hard and cold. The Lord brought us encouragement and refreshed our spirits.

We met a lovely girl named Hillary, who, along with her grandma, Miria, listened to the gospel message. At the end of our discussion, she was very moved and encouraged. Then on Sunday, she came to church and gave a beautiful testimony of how the Lord was showing her in His Word about repentance and forgiveness. She was reading Matthew 3:7-8 just before we visited her. By God’s hand, we used the very same Scripture to talk about repentance and trusting in Jesus. She had been wrestling with unforgiveness, but that day, she cast it all upon Christ. Oh, the goodness of God!

We had a most exciting and blessed report from our brothers and teammates, Brian and Dave, back home in Alabama. Their home church, Capshaw Baptist Church, heard about Pastor Nicodemus’ dilemma and prayer of needing church land, and the church voted to purchase that for him!!! Wow, praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow! What a mighty God we serve.

Those who have read our blog are familiar with Pastor Nicodemus and his testimony. Currently, his church meets on the family land, and his home has been converted into a church to house the members. This is such a joy, and comes at such a great time, as his church is growing. God’s faithfulness never fails to astound me.

Jim and I continue to meet with approximately 12-18 neighborhood kids about 5-6 days a week for 1-2.5 hours each day. We have a loosely structured Backyard Bible Club. We read Bible stories, act them out, sing, dance, and have activities to help reinforce the love of God. Many of these kids go to other churches or have no church at all. Please pray that the Lord would stir in their little hearts and that the Gospel would lead them to salvation.

We also ask that you continue to pray for the couple-to-be, Maxwell and Juliana who will wed on 23 Aug. We have watched these two grow up before our eyes, as we knew them when they were 15 and 13 years old. There is a lot of cultural pressure involved in a Ugandan wedding. At times, there are expectations that exceed reality, which causes disunity among family members and frustration for couples.

Maxwell has moved from a tiny closet room into a one-bedroom home as he prepares for marriage. Typically, by American standards, this would be an acceptable start. After all, many couples start out (and even remain) in tiny spaces. But the difference is that this house was formerly a toilet (squatty potty to be exact) that was on the church grounds. It was built over and now serves as a starter home or emergency housing. Maxwell has land, and desires to build his house, but until funding is enough, that will have to wait. There are no payment plans or mortgage loans here – it’s all or nothing.  May the Lord be gracious to these two as they start their new life together. May He provide all that is needed for a lovely wedding, a strong marriage, and a home. Our God is able.

Your love, prayers, and support are appreciated, and please know that you are prayed for and loved by many here. We give God all the glory and praise as we thank Him for your faithfulness.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” ~ Ephesians 3:20-21

 Until next time…Tuonane!

Chrissie and Jim

Our photos from the week are below.

Photo link 1: https://photos.app.goo.gl/73MvqYZbhv1QHmHt9

Photo link 2: https://photos.app.goo.gl/fMd3qktm11drzfoX7

With Love and Tears

 We just finished our halfway point in Uganda. It seems as if we just began. We started with a team of seven, and now only Jim and I are left. We had a very tearful goodbye with Hannah on Saturday. After giggling at how she was going to fit 60 pounds of goods into a 40 pound bag, we had so many moments of tears. She is an amazing teammate and friend. She made an impact on many here, but especially the neighborhood children who come to visit nearly every day. Below are some of Hannah’s thoughts before she left Uganda.

“As I sit here reflecting on my time here in Uganda, I can’t help but be thankful. I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given in order to be here in the first place as well as all of the opportunities that have been given me here. I’m thankful for the medical ministry I’ve been able to help with while here in Tororo with Esther. I’m thankful for our U.S. healthcare system all the more. I’m thankful for Jim and Chrissie adopting me in their family and taking me under their wing. I’m thankful for the evangelism ministry helping me to get out of my shell more and helping me learn the art of fumbling over my words…

 I’m most thankful for the children. I always love working with kids. I love their zeal. I love their hearts and Love! I’m not sure how I will make it back home in the U.S. without hearing Auntie Anna! Auntie Anna! ‘But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’

Matthew 19:14

All I can say is if of such is the kingdom of heaven means there are children everywhere in heaven, I can’t wait! I’m going to miss my sweet friends, but I know that if it’s God’s will for me to return, He will see to it that it happens. Thank you all for your prayers and love. I’m very appreciative of every one!”

This will be a first for Jim and I to be alone in Uganda. We will continue to evangelize (though we are down to two teams, instead of five). We will be doing some marriage counseling, holding a few Backyard Bible Club type events, being part of a wedding, home and hospital visitation, and spending time in Bible study and with our family here.

Jim continues to meet with and minister to, encourage, and exhort the local church leadership teams. We are so blessed to be part of Rock Baptist Church! Even the neighbors who don’t attend the service attest to Pastor Julius’ kindness and availability to talk to them anytime. Their children are those who flood the area each afternoon and even attend Sunday School. Each person on the compound of RBC is a representation of Christ in their own way. Esther, the full-time nurse, shows care and compassion for those who come to the clinic. She and Hannah would also pray for and with each patient. Beatrice, Pastor Julius’ wife, witnesses or encourages all who visit her shop each day. Janet and Immaculate visit women who are homebound or in the hospital, to encourage and pray with them. Now that two of our three seminary students have graduated, they are helping alleviate some of the teaching and preaching responsibilities from Julius, as he continues to work on his Master’s Degree. And soon, the roofing project, which was funded by this year’s VBS offering at Church of the Open Door, will begin as soon as the weather cooperates, as it has been unseasonably rainy.

We do have some prayer requests, if you are so inclined:

*For Maxwell and Juliana’s upcoming wedding and their future home, which is yet to be built

*That we all would be a light to the children at RBC, as well as those in the surrounding neighborhood, so that we may point them to and teach them about the Lifegiver, Christ Jesus

*For the hearts we’ve yet to evangelize to

*That the Lord would continue to keep us humble and focused on Him and His mission here and at home

*For Julius, Joseph, (and Eli) to push on through school, strong and steady

*For the new souls who have started to visit or attend RBC, that they may find a spiritual home to serve and grow in

*For the roof repair to be accomplished without any issues or delay

Be grateful for the gifts you’ve been given. We all face suffering and loss, but there will always be someone who hurts as much or more than you. Give thanks, even in the pain. Nothing God brings is useless.

Until next time…Tuonane!

Chrissie and Jim

Link to photos:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/kgdUvRzLgPRSimdx7

 

And Then There Were Three…More Goodbyes, Grief and the Gospel

 Last week, Pastor Jon and Aslan Wixtrom returned home to North Carolina. We were just getting over Brian and Dave’s departure, and now our team (me, Jim, and Hannah) is less than half of what we started with. Having our home church pastor here with us was such a blessing, not only to us, but to those of Rock Baptist Church, along with the surrounding area pastors. Each of them had time to talk and glean from him, as they shared their struggles and challenges of village ministry. Pastor Jon patiently listened and prayed with them.

We were blessed enough to be here when two of our three seminary students graduated. That was indeed a treat. Maxwell and George completed their Bachelor’s program with honors. They were awarded a degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. The actual school they attend is Uganda Baptist Seminary, but it is partnered with SBTS. The team celebrated their accomplishments, but, as they were reminded at graduation, the real work has now begun!

As Hannah’s days here are coming to a close, we are trying to balance evangelism, medical ministry, Bible study, and enough fellowship time with the ladies and the children. Hannah is a real gem! From the moment she arrived, she embraced the Ugandan ways and picked up quite a bit from the various tribal languages in Tororo district. The locals love her, and she is affectionately known as Auntie Hannah (Honna) by the children.

When she isn’t working in the clinic or out for evangelism, she bops downstairs to the yard to play dodgeball, soccer, or dance with them all. Even when she is tired, she always has time for them. I thought after Aslan left, Hannah might be more to herself, but she is still the bubbly, sunshiny personality that greets us each day. She likes people and isn’t afraid to jump into any adventure.  Please continue to pray that Hannah’s remaining time here would be profitable for both her and those around her.

Relationship building and discipleship have been a greater part of the ministry this time around. Evangelism is critical, but if we don’t take time to know the heart of those we serve with, we miss a great opportunity to pour into or be poured into.

We celebrated Independence Day with our friends here, sharing fried chicken, mac n’cheese, potates, broccoli, and apple crisp. We found three huge poppers, which shot a cannon of sparkling confetti all over the balcony and below. We sang patriotic songs and even threw teabags over the balcony in protest of taxation without representation. Heehee! Our Ugandan family joined us in our silly antics of the day ;)

We were met the next day with the tragic news of the Texas flooding. This devastating disaster has gripped our hearts, even from afar. Tears were shed and our hearts are aching for those who’ve encountered such loss. Even our brothers and sisters here are lifting up prayers of comfort and hope for our American families in the throes of such pain. May Christ, who is our only hope, in his great mercy, comfort those who mourn, and bring a peace that passes all human understanding. To Him be the glory…even now.

We love and miss our families and friends back home. Please reach out through Signal, Facebook Messenger, or email. We would love to hear from you. May the God of peace continue to guard your hearts and minds as you walk obediently in His way. Shine brightly, until He comes again.

“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” ~ John 16:22

Until next time…Tuonane!

Chrissie and the team

PS - Picture link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zvQxLmdf6oEGrQG7A