"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." How this rings true for me each day. Every day is a gift, and one we are not owed. Each life-breath comes from the Creator and Giver of all things. Each time we travel to Uganda, I am brought low by the realization that God entrusted us to bring the greatest message to this part of the world. What a responsibility! But, we work diligently to carry this mission out faithfully - and, now with only two weeks remaining here, we want to invest ourselves deeper than we ever have before.
When I think about all of the memories we have made previously, as well as this year, it makes my heart so happy and it overflows with joy. It is hard to believe we've already been here ten weeks and how fast the time has slipped by. While there are things we do without here in Uganda, it is much more of a privilege and honor to serve here, rather than a sacrifice. It can be difficult to be so far from our friends and family, but we have our Ugandan family here too, which has made our lonely times so bearable.
While we have traveled to many places within Uganda, Tororo has a special place in our heart, and it is where we call home while we are here. This year has been such a special one, as we were able to share this adventure with so many others. We pray the team that came with us will never forget their time here and all the lives they touched with the Gospel of grace. Eli and Ella have continued reaching souls throughout the towns and villages - particularly spending time downtown Tororo. They preach to the market vendors, taxi drivers, and shop owners, in hopes that, even one, will hear the truth and have their eyes opened.
We've been trying to make a few more different and fun memories this time. For instance, Ella invited Janet's daughters, Casphar and Marion for a sleepover. It was fantastic, as they watched movies, did each other's hair, and talked all night - in typical girl fashion. We also took our friend Sam out for the day. As most of you know, Sam has been paralyzed for 7 years, and hasn't had a day out since then, so you can imagine the joy and excitement.
So, although we've missed a lot at home, as well as the first day of Homeschool Co-op, we have gained even more though friendships, experiences, and memories than we could ever hope to imagine. Thinking about leaving makes me sad, because we never know exactly how long it will be until we can return. But, God remains ever faithful, and we trust He will continue to bring us back at His perfect time. Until that day, we rejoice in all God has done for us and through us.
This week, we will continue in market street ministry, as well as finishing up plans for the youth conference in less than two weeks. Please lift up the team in prayer, as we prepare to finish strong, and that God will continue to be the focus of all we do. For those of you who have partnered in ministry with us, your generosity helped provide clothes, backpacks, and school fees for a few needy children, three Pastor Training Conferences, Bibles for churches and new believers, repairs and renovations on four area churches, and evangelism and doctrinal resources for area church leadership. You will never know the impact of such gifts this side of eternity, but please know, you have blessed more people than you will ever realize, and for this we are so grateful.
Blessings and Grace to you all!
When I think about all of the memories we have made previously, as well as this year, it makes my heart so happy and it overflows with joy. It is hard to believe we've already been here ten weeks and how fast the time has slipped by. While there are things we do without here in Uganda, it is much more of a privilege and honor to serve here, rather than a sacrifice. It can be difficult to be so far from our friends and family, but we have our Ugandan family here too, which has made our lonely times so bearable.
The kids spoke to one young man, named Simon, who had been in church his whole life, yet had never heard about repentance. They told him about sin, repentance, forgiveness, and grace. While not expecting to see him again, we were blessed to see Simon in church with us on Sunday. We took him to lunch and talked for hours about Christ and what it means to serve Him. He told us he would meet us again next Sunday too! It was such a blessing for all of us.
So, although we've missed a lot at home, as well as the first day of Homeschool Co-op, we have gained even more though friendships, experiences, and memories than we could ever hope to imagine. Thinking about leaving makes me sad, because we never know exactly how long it will be until we can return. But, God remains ever faithful, and we trust He will continue to bring us back at His perfect time. Until that day, we rejoice in all God has done for us and through us.
This week, we will continue in market street ministry, as well as finishing up plans for the youth conference in less than two weeks. Please lift up the team in prayer, as we prepare to finish strong, and that God will continue to be the focus of all we do. For those of you who have partnered in ministry with us, your generosity helped provide clothes, backpacks, and school fees for a few needy children, three Pastor Training Conferences, Bibles for churches and new believers, repairs and renovations on four area churches, and evangelism and doctrinal resources for area church leadership. You will never know the impact of such gifts this side of eternity, but please know, you have blessed more people than you will ever realize, and for this we are so grateful.
Blessings and Grace to you all!
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