Oh the Places You'll Go...

This blog title is one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books I read to both of my boys, years ago.  Being part of the military life for 30 years definitely made that come to life - for all of us.  Yet now, I not only see more of the world, different cultures, sights and wonders than I ever imagined, but I look at people differently.

Jim with Linda, David, and Mercy

Those who know me also know I am a people person.  I've always loved people, as well as being around them.  But now, my love for people has transcended into a love for their souls. I look now at each individual as someone I desire to reach with the Good News, thus God receives the praise He is due when another soul calls out in repentance.  These experiences are remarkable blessings, as well as a heavy responsibility.

Eli and Marion

Evangelizing the neighborhood

Some friends and acquaintances, here and back home, don't understand what we're doing, why we do it, and why on earth would we go to Africa.  But the call within us is much greater than any doubt, questions, criticisms, or warnings we receive from others. God was clear about where WE were to go. His Word is unchanging and He has commanded us ALL to GO and make disciples.  For how will people respond to a Gospel they've never heard, and if no one tells them they are perishing, they will continue down a path that leads to death. While we cannot save them, we can bring the message that saves.

Julius and Jim doing laundry

I recognize many are truly concerned for our welfare, particularly with the Ebola scare.  We are grateful for your prayers and concern, but worry not.  While things can change in an instant, Ebola is still contained to western Africa, and we are very much in the east.

Sipi Falls in Kapchowra

 Since our last blog entry, we have visited the breathtaking mountains of Kapchowra.  I previously stated this village was western Uganda, but it was actually even farther east.  Geography isn't my strong suit.  Nonetheless, this was by far one of the most beautiful places we evangelized. It is also the home of the tourist spot, Sipi Falls. We did not tour the falls, but we stopped on the road and caught some photos.  The pictures do not do justice to the plush, steep mountains; roaring waterfalls, and stunning landscape.The mountains we climbed were approximately 6,200 feet above sea-level, and the air was recognizably thinner. The rain made the paths very muddy, and walking the bush in flip-flops was quite the adventure. Most of the time, I went barefoot, with several stops in the smaller waterfalls to wash the mud off. Once reaching the top of the mountain, the view was glorious. But even more wonderful was the transformation of people, right before our eyes.

The only way up the mountain except by foot

                         


Upon hearing the Gospel presented, some people showed disinterest, apathy, and outright anger!  Jim was shouted at and even chased by some.  However, there were others who looked disbelieving and shocked at the news that Christ died for them.  One man in particular, was intoxicated and obnoxious when being preached to.  He hurled insults and told Jim to, "Shut up!"

Jim and Bushman (the guy that followed him) at church!

But halfway through his message, the man stopped.  His head went down and he looked visibly broken.  At the conclusion of the presentation, the man took Jim by the arm and said, "You must come and preach to my friends. They need to hear this!", as he dragged him to a bar.  There Jim began preaching, and while some did listen, others began to brawl, so Jim made a stealthy departure. However, the man who brought Jim, followed him the remainder of the day, telling people to listen as he helped translate the message. Then, that Sunday, he was in church!  He was clear-eyed and sober.  His countenance had changed and while seeming a bit out of place, he was happy to be among those who welcomed him.  It's not common to actually see people respond so dramatically, but when it happens, it brings immeasurable joy.

Lillian, Pastor Philip, and Pastor Peter

                   

Another blessing this month was the ordination of Pastor Philip Njoroge of our mother church here, Rock Baptist Church of Tororo.  It was indeed a grand event.  It was such a blessing to see such a humble, godly man officially receive the responsibility and authority his title holds.  Our prayer now is that Philip is able to acquire land and a home closer to the church, as he travels over 2 hours (one way), each weekend.  If it be God's will, it will happen.

 We continue to evangelize our neighborhood as our days draw to a close. Spending time with friends has also been a major priority. Our neighbors had quite a scare just over a week ago. Beatrice and Dennis, our next door neighbors, had to rush their little boy to the hospital at 2am. Since they have no car, we called  Julius to take him.  For several days he was unable to walk or talk. But praise be to God, he is slowly but surely recovering. We continue to pray that Antoni regains more and more strength and that he will not succumb to the same condition his siblings have (stroke and seizures from sickle cell anemia).

Today marks 12 days until our return! We still have much on the calendar, such as Jim being a speaker at a Pastors Conference, and I am speaking at church for Women's Day next Sunday.  It is an emotional time as we prepare to leave our dear family here, but we are very excited to be returning home - as Dorothy said, "There's no place like home". The holidays are around the corner, and Nick and Andrea will be joining us for Christmas.  We're thrilled!

Sowers of Seeds...a bit like us!

I'm not sure if there will be another entry after this, as we are down to the wire.  However, I pray I have some time of reflection when home, so I can capture these moments in a final writing...at least from this trip.  We pray it is God's will to bring us back again to our beloved Uganda.  But, until then, we must say, "Kwaheri" (goodbye) for now.