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.
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."
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.
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.
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!
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| 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 |
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. |
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!
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