Once again, I am a bit delayed in posting, but we've had some down time since finishing a full round of evangelism through nine villages. God has brought us places we never thought we would go and we still have 6 weeks remaining...Wait! Only six weeks?! When did that happen? I'm not ready for this to end. Fortunately, we have a little bit of time left, and we need to put our best efforts forward in reaching as many as we can before we leave.
During our time at home, we've been very busy planning for our pastor's ordination ceremony, which will take place 25 Oct. There is much to do, but things are coming together nicely. It will be such a blessing to see Pastor Philip Njoroge ordained. Please pray for this upcoming event, as well as for a home closer to church, in order for him to serve the community even more effectively than he already does.
 |
| Pastor Philip and family (minus one) |
Having a couple of weeks without traveling couldn't have come at a better time. Jim cracked a tooth and we were on the hunt for a dentist that would actual repair his tooth, rather than pull it, as most do here. We were blessed to find a lovely dentist named, Hope. She is a beautiful lady, with a matching spirit. After doing a terrific, and very affordable job fixing Jim's tooth, she came to the house that week to check on his progress. Hope is a believer, but had never heard the Gospel presented in the way in which we bring it. After hearing it, she was moved and very excited about it. She even came to church Sunday and wants to visit us again, before we leave. She is a true blessing.
 |
| Jim and his lovely dentist, Hope |
We spent this week visiting and working with, "Heart for Children", a ministry which provides orphans from neighboring villages boarding and schooling.
 |
| Our Team with Heart for Children's founders, Cor and Grace |
It is a ministry started by a Dutch engineer, Cor Koelwijn, married to a lovely African lady, Grace. They started this ministry nearly a decade ago and it has flourished. We were allowed to teach and help recruit orphans for next year. Tomorrow is our final day with them, but we are grateful for the time spent with them all. We pray that we get more future opportunities to serve with Heart for Children in years to come. Pray for this organization, its workers, and all it does for children in Uganda.
 |
| Working orphan recruitment |
Next week, we are heading out to the mountains of Kapchorwa. This village is over two hours away in West-Central Uganda. We are back in the field to evangelize and couldn't be more excited to do so. Please pray for God to prepare the soil to hear His Word.
We are really missing Peter. We spoke with him and he is doing well in school, and has healed entirely from Typhoid - Praise God! He has asked for prayers in discerning what path God has chosen for him, so please join us in doing so.
 |
| Jememiah Odongo |
Since our time to leave Uganda is drawing near, we are spending much time with friends in the ministry and our neighbors. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people surrounding us. We found this out when our compound had an intruder earlier this week. Around 11pm, Jim and I heard quite a noise in the trees right outside our bedroom window - next to our wall. We jumped up, shined our flashlights, and heard some shaking and a thud...then, silence. We called our friend, Julius, who came running with his brother, to check the outer perimeter of our compound, then came in and did the same on the inside. Imagine - 11pm at night, he came without hesitation...such love and concern they have for us. While we never managed to catch the person, but we suspect he was a common thief, looking to steal our chickens, shoes or whatever else was left outside. Glory be to God, we are all safe and sound.
Eli is continuing to grow in height, maturity, and spirituality. We are working hard to fit all subjects in daily, but his life experience is outweighing anything he is doing in books. Nonetheless, school work must be accomplished. His curriculum is GREAT this year, and while some material is a bit advanced, it is challenging him to problem-solve and think outside-the-box. We pray this will continue to develop his evangelical spirit and desire to preach the Good News to a dark world.
 |
| Jemi with Eli |
 |
| Eli and Joshua - Duckface! |
 |
| Lovely Beatrice and Jemi |
The countdown for our return is on (42 days today), and while it saddens me to think about it, I am excited to see family and friends in America too. I believe God will allow us to come back, yet again - prayerfully with even more people next time. May God's blessing be with all of you who continue to journey with us through prayers and support. We pray the Lord put it on hearts back home, to join us on mission next time - as there is much to do for His Kingdom.
Grace and Peace to you all!
