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.