Joy through Setbacks

It's hard to believe that this week we will have completed 1/3 of our stay.  Over the course of the past 1 1/2 months we have covered more ground and accomplished more ministry than we ever though possible.  God has opened doors and provided opportunities that have demonstrated His hand in our efforts.  And we praise Him for that...for we must always check our motives and purposes for doing anything.  If ministry is ever for our own glory, may God shut it down.  But if it is indeed for the glory of God, may it flourish and be multiplied time and time again.

Last week we completed our visit to the village of Kidera.  It was wonderful seeing our dear friends, Pastor Joseph and Lydia Odongo.  Like other weeks, we spent Monday through Thursday evangelizing through the village.  We had wonderful translators who joined the team, and we all continued to grow in Christ as we learned from each other.  From priests to witchdoctors...we spoke to them all!  Each of them having their own image of God, but none having a true knowledge of Him.  What a joy it is when someone has their eyes opened to the truth of the Gospel!  

                                   

 

Of course, a week of ministry is incomplete without its set of challenges...and this week it was our health.  Eli acquired pnuemonia, Jim had a cold, which developed into a nasty flu, and I, Chrissie, got malaria. While Eli and I both took a day off from the field, Jim muscled through it and even preached a strong sermon on Sunday - the day he felt his worst.   At home we were tended to by so many people who care so much about us.  We had neighbors and friends coming, cooking, picking up our medicines, and doing anything that needed doing; what an example of the church!



It was indeed a rough week and I have to admit, I was just a little homesick.  Not that I want to go home, but as I laid on my bed, covered with mosquito netting, I thought for a moment, how nice it would be to back in MY bed, in MY room, in MY house.... Then I ashamedly thought, what of the Christians in Iraq, who are dying for their faith in Christ?  I'm sure they wish they could live another day.  What of those here who have heard the Gospel and have responded to Christ...forsaking all they know to follow?  They may not have a home to come home to.  So, although we may feel uncomfortable, achy, and tired, we are still blessed beyond measure, with a roof over our heads, and in no immediate threat of death. I just needed helping putting things in perspective again.  After that, I couldn't help but think of one of my favorite Veggie Tales songs..."God is Bigger than the Boogieman".  Indeed, He is!

This week, we are regrouping and replanning for the second round of evangelism.  We've yet to visit a couple of churches on our list, so that will come in the next week or so.  We will be speaking at upcoming conferences in the district as well.  The first is a women's conference, scheduled for next week.  Please pray that God speaks through us and that Christ is the focus, not women...women are merely the audience.  Too many times, WE want to be the focus of things - even in the events we say are Christ-centered.  So whether it is a conference or seminar for women, youth, or pastors - may Christ be the center of all that is discussed.


This visit to Uganda has prompted us to look at the specific challenges facing each of the village churches we visit.  Each has a unique set of needs that warrant prayer.  For some, it is an unstable or incomplete church structure, for another, it is the lack of Bibles for worshipers to learn with, and still others that have a pastor and a congregation - but no land to build a church.  Since God's timing and providence are perfect - please pray for the pastor's to rely on His will and resources to come as He sees fit.  I will ask those reading this blog to pray about a specific church need, and for God to send the resources needed to grow His Kingdom through the churches here in Tororo district.

To God be the Glory!

He Who Has Ears, Let Him Hear!

What a fantastic week in ministry here!  Where do I begin?  After recovering from our farewell to Peter, we jumped back into evangelism on Friday.  While we were downtown, I (Chrissie), stopped to order some chapatis (similar to flat bread/tortillas). There were two men working at the stand where Eli and I placed our order.  As we awaited our food, we asked their names.  They responded, "Shamah and Rasheed - we are muslim".  I hadn't planned to share the Gospel at this point, however, hearing this, we could not just walk away without bringing them the reason we are here.  So, Eli and I shared with them and surprisingly, they were so receptive.  They asked some questions, and I never interfered with them working, but they urged us to continue.  Happily, we did and we gave them much to think about.  We continue to pray for their hearts to respond to the Holy Spirit's voice, and we will continue to order chapatis from them, so we can have more chances to talk to them both.

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News!

We had a wonderful meal, with our old friends Julius and Beatrice (a different Beatrice than mentioned last post).  They are a wonderful couple, who have really helped us get settled here this time around.  We met them both last year and have maintained contact and our friendship has grown so much over this year.  We are blessed to have them in our lives.  Beatrice's mother, Janet, is another blessing to us.  She is a widow with 4 children still left in school.  She is teaching me to cook - African style. Unbeknownst to her, that was more work than she expected...haha.

We received word from Peter who arrived safely home.  However, he is being treated for recurring malaria. The effects of malaria are not as hard on him as was the medication, so please pray for his complete healing.

This past Monday and Tuesday, we traveled 8 miles plus to the village of Tuba by piki piki (motorcycle taxi). There we met up with Pastor Paul Olinga. He is the oldest pastor we work with here, and this shows through his very traditional views and cultural traits. This gives us a richer perspective and look into African culture.


We spent these two days walking deep into the village districts. This area is peppered with churches, but very few preach the true Gospel.  Many who attend are of the mindset that "works or good deeds" are what brings salvation, rather than what the Bible says, "it is by grace you have been saved....not of works, so that no man can boast."

Walking in the rain in Tuba

The church in Tuba is in disrepair and is not a very secure structure.  The walls are falling down and it is at risk of collapsing.  We are praying that God brings funding to provide repairs to this church, so people feel secure in attending again.


Paul's wife, Dorcus, is a beautiful woman, who treated us as family.  She came 2 days to see us and pray with us, all the while fighting typhoid!  In fact, Paul's whole family has typhoid right now.  Yet, each of them were in church with us this week...so humbling.   Jim preached on Sunday and God truly spoke through him. He doesn't feel comfortable preaching, but when he allows God to work, it is wonderful to hear.

Jim Preaching in Tuba

The remainder of the week took place in Maliri, a village even farther than Tuba.  Henry Obongo is a future pastor for this village, which is so in need of a church.  Unlike Tuba, Maliri has few churches and many people who desire to hear the word preached.  Our trip there was very interesting as an intoxicated man tried to steal Eli away from us. It made for a good story later. In fact, Eli has been quite popular with most places we've gone.  Everyone wishes him to stay. Initially, the pastors and those working with our team have some doubt about his ability to bring the Gospel, because of his youth.  But soon after hearing him speak, they realize that he is quite bold in bringing the Word and there is no reason to think him unable.  We know, that is God and nothing else.


While preaching and teaching here, a man approached Henry so excited to have heard the truth, and offered Henry land to build a church.  Not being sure what the man's motives are, Henry asked him to pray about this offer, and ensure that it was God's will to give such a thing to him.  So, that is what we are indeed praying for now.  If this is from God, this land exchange will happen, but if not, we will wait for another opportunity...patiently.  Please pray with us for this future church!

Worship here never ceases to amaze us.  Between people with typhoid and malaria, those who are lame or completely impoverished, that come completely humbled before our Holy God, give thanks and adoration in ways that are beyond my comprehension.  They have such great love and thanks for God, even in their circumstances.  Every time I come to Africa, this brings me to my knees.  If you could see how these people live, and what little they have, yet the praise and joy they bring before God, you too would be humbled and moved.

My wonderful friends and translators, Scovia and Marion, with a family we reached.

 Our days are long and exhausting, but it causes us to sleep very well.  We eat almost the same thing every day, but praise God, we have full bellies at night.  We've had several random power outages, and we just had a two day outage for power and water....Ah Africa!

I know there is much more to write and tell about, but I will prayerfully blog again soon.  Until then, please continue to pray for:  Peter's complete healing and witness at college, for the many orphans and widows here with no help, for each village church we've visited thusfar....each have unique challenges and needs that require divine intervention (ie, land, structure repair, church development, or challenges from district leaders), and of course, for God to continue to prepare the hearts and minds of those we've yet to reach.

We love and miss you all and we covet your prayers.  Blessings to you all!

Obediently Serving Our King

As you might gather, I'm quite late on posting anything, as we have been busier than I ever imagined.  This time around, we have a very aggressive schedule as we work at reaching the lost for Christ.  While we know, WE cannot save them - we are all instructed and commanded to tell others of the saving Grace of God and how to receive such a gift.  Our time is truly short, in perspective of the task that we've been given.

So, now to catch up a bit...For those of you with Facebook, you know Peter Rexford's time here ended this Tuesday.  He returned home to prepare for college.  Peter's time here was most wonderful for all of us.  His attitude was that of a servant the entire time.  He hit the ground running, along with the family, with evangelism by Day 3, trips to town, walking through the slums of Kasoli (as well as bringing the Gospel and a Bible-study there too), riding motorcycle taxis to outlying villages to preach and evangelize, and unfortunately, even getting Malaria.  Yes, on Day 14, Peter acquired the miserable, albeit curable, disease that plagues Uganda more than the common cold.  While the effects of Malaria were not quite as terrible as could have been, thanks to his anti-malaria meds, the medication for treatment gave him horrible side-effects.  Never once, through his ordeal however, did he ever complain or whine.  He was miserable, but grateful for everything and everyone. His presence here was truly a blessing and we miss him so much.  Our prayer is that he continues to shine the light of Christ to everyone, never forgetting what he's seen and heard while here.

Peter bringing the Gospel to Philip (Sam's son).  This was also the day he got malaria.

Peter with one of his translators, Patrick

It is hard to believe that we are on Day 21 today!!!  I think it is important to those who follow our blog, that I provide some detail about what our schedule looks like and what really happens during "Evangelism and Discipleship".  This is NOT to show what we are doing, but what Christ is doing through us.  For we are nothing apart from Him.

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Every single day, since Day 3, we have presented the Gospel to approximately 30-50 people (not counting children)!!  From Monday-Thursday, we travel to a different village. Sometimes we walk, other times we ride motorcycle taxis, depending the distance. We then split up into 3 teams, each with a translator - for those that do not speak or understand English.  We then canvas the entire village, as far as time allows.  Unlike America, these places do not have NO SOLICITATION signs on their mud huts or cement block homes, and in all cases, we have been welcomed to come in and talk. The people don't always like what we have to say, but they are curious.  We have preached to young, old, healthy, sick; some who believe in a god, to those who have no belief at all. Many here call themselves "Christian", but have no real understanding of such a claim.  While they know that Jesus died on the cross, they do not understand the implications of such a sacrifice. When asked, they do not know what Salvation is, nor what they have been saved from.  Yet I wonder, for anyone in the world who claims the name "Christian" - do they know the answers to the same questions? Many claim, "a good God would not send people to hell..."  Yet, if He is indeed GOOD, He must punish sin and without Christ, hell is our destination.  If one doesn't know the simple answers to the questions presented, how can he/she bring the life-saving message to anyone.  For it is not Church that saves you, or a Pastor that saves you, or the Bible that saves you....while all of these are good, it is ONLY through REPENTANCE and FAITH IN CHRIST that one might be saved. No amount of good deeds or behavior can earn your Salvation.  It costs nothing to receive this glorious gift - but it costs everything to follow...at times, even your life.  Jesus wants total surrender, not a half-hearted commitment. All in! 

Chris with some school kids

Walking the road to Nangyoli

Jim bringing the Word

 As we present this message, many people get very uncomfortable as conviction falls upon them.  However, it is through this conviction, that true repentance can begin to take root.  God does not ask us to count the number of people who say they decided to follow Him - that is the Holy Spirit's job.  We are the seed sowers and in some cases, the nurturers of the seeds that may have already been planted some time ago. However, one cannot help but be moved and excited to witness a person who 'gets it'; when the a face goes from downcast with conviction, knowing they are guilty before a Holy God, to overjoyed in hearing that the Good News of forgiveness and eternity with God is possible!!!

Eli and Peter with the kids at Nangyoli

While most of our evangelism opportunities happen at homes, we have a few other unusual places. Some of our other evangelism sites have included: taxi stands (where Eli preached to about 8 taxi drivers in the middle of town), village centers (the center point of many villages, where homes/land intersect), construction sites (where Jim preached to about 9 men working); high-school dormitories (where Chris preached to over 12 girls during their lunch break).  Needless to say, God has presented many interesting opportunities and locations for us to bring His Word.

Tororo Rock

Many people cannot stop working to hear the Good News, so what then?  We work or preach along side of them.  In some cases, we have uprooted ground-nuts (G-nuts - more commonly known as peanuts back home),  stripped corn cobs, sat with grave diggers as they continued digging and with mothers caring for babies while tending their gardens.  We must "go" where and when God says to go.

Chris with Sarah (worship leader at Nanyoli) and her twin sister

This week we walked to the village of Nangyoli.  It is approximately 3 miles away.  We arrived at 9:30 each morning, and were greeted with overwhelming joy and hospitality.  This little church is about to be torn down, due to the construction of city road and the lack of land the church owns.  Yet, the members welcomed us as family, fed us breakfast and lunch, and walked beside us another 2+ miles, as we walked through the village, bringing God's Word.

Pr. Patrick preaching

I conclude this post with our visits with two neighbors, Sam and Beatrice.  I wrote about them last year, but their joy and faith challenges and humbles me.  For those who are hearing of them for the first time, Sam is a man who once worked at an upscale hotel as the Guest Services Manager.  He was climbing the ladder and had a reputation of a hard and honest worker with his employers.  However, the more successful he became, the farther from God he walked.  Until one day, Sam had a stroke, which left him a parapalegic. While his employers were concerned, they could not keep him on the books, nor was any money given to assist with his medical treatment. His condition changed his life forever.  His wife left him, his eldest son went to prison, and Sam was now dependent on his mother, brothers and son to care for him. He suffers from pain and a poor immune system that makes fighting sicknesses difficult.  Yet, Sam finds purpose in every day and believes God allowed his stroke to bring Sam closer to Him.  He actually thanks God for his circumstances. Wow!!!

The guys with Sam and his brother, Peter

Beatrice (who shares the name of many of our friends here), lives next door.  She is a mother of 3 children and is raising her nephew. Beatrice always has a smile.  She is illuminated with the joy of the Lord.  All of her children have sickle cell anemia. Her oldest is Jane and she is 13.  Jane was very smart and full of life, until sickle cell debilitated her.  She suffered a stroke from the disease 3 years ago. Antoni, her middle child is 6. He is the only child who has not yet suffered the affects of the disease. John is the baby and is 4, who also suffered a stroke at 2.  Her nephew, Joshua, is 9 and helps Beatrice as much as possible, when he's not at school.  Her husband, Dennis is a school teacher, who works so hard to provide for his family and still helps his wife with chores, which is almost unheard of for an African man.

Beatrice and Chris

Yesterday, while visiting our sweet friend, she shared that she lost a child to sickle-cell a few years ago. Her second-born, Pascal, suffered a stroke and died at 7.  She spoke of how she broke down and almost lost her will to live.  Yet, God had not forsaken Beatrice.  She finally surrendered to Him, realizing she had no power to change anything - and it was only the grace and mercy of God that held her together.  She talked about how merciful God is because her children have not been to the hospital lately, and of how He has spared them, even through suffering.  She said God spoke to her through His Word one night at 2AM.  She heard his voice clearly saying to read Psalm 103. So pulling herself out of bed, she opened her Bible and turned to it.  To her elation, this Psalm speaks of the Love and Mercy of God!  She said her soul was refreshed and she knows without a doubt that He cares for her and knows her every need. We were humbled and moved to tears at the faith and love of this woman.  I've read about Christians of old, who suffered immeasurable pain and trials, but now, I know one personally.  

Saying farewell to Peter :(

Please pray for Sam and Beatrice, for the multitudes here living without basic needs, for Peter and his continued ministry at college, and for the continued spreading of the Gospel to Tororo, Uganda and beyond. Grace and Peace to you all.