May We Shine Like Stars

It is only Saturday, yet my blog is done. This is our last week in our home away from home. While so excited to see family and friends, a piece of our hearts is left behind every time we say "goodbye". And, although it has been one of our shortest journeys here, it has been one of the most rewarding and encouraging. My prayer is that we leave this place better than we found it...as is my prayer for ourselves as well. May the Lord bless our efforts and continue to refine us to be who He has called us to be.

At the seminary in Jinja

Here is a recap of all God has done and graciously allowed us to be a part of it. Our team arrived in June and began evangelism 3 days later. Each week we would go into the villages within the Tororo/Alamagoro Region...there are several. We divided into 3-4 teams (2 muzungus (that's us) and 1-2 Ugandan translators). We often had more than one translator, as Tororo has over 3-4 languages within it. We met and evangelized between 180-300 people per week - telling them about sin, death, hell and the glorious Good News of Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Many walking in the darkness of this world have heard the proclamation, and have seen the light. Others have been made aware, yet still close their ears and hearts to the life-saving Word. We have seen all walks of life, and all sorts of people. We have preached to kings, politicians, welders, taxi drivers, single-mothers, polygamous families, criminals, prisoners, children, and more...There is no end to the need of hearing the Gospel, here or there in America. The fact is, it is easier to evangelize here, as the majority of people have nothing and their need is great. In America, we are so blessed with everything, and most of us have our basic needs met each day, that we don't see our spiritual poverty. "Why would I need God, when I have everything I need? My life is great...I made this money - not God (etc, etc...)." Our blessings often become our curse when we ignore the Creator and Giver of all good things. So, whether we are in Africa or America, or wherever you are, never forget from where your blessings, freedom, and hope come from.

Along with evangelizing, Jim has preached at three churches, two schools, and a leadership conference. His work here is very focused on teaching pastors and leaders right theology. There are some good-hearted men here, who love the Lord, but they have convoluted theology from poor, past teachings. Jim will spend a lot of one-on-one time with many of them in order to show them Biblical truth. Most have been so receptive, like sponges, and have already put into use much of what they have learned.

Our Rock Baptist Church Family

Jim with Julius and Peter at the seminary

 As many of you know, Church of the Open Door is supporting Peter Kwemboi and Julius Odungo (indigenous pastors/missionaries) in attending Uganda Baptist Seminary. We were blessed to have the opportunity to visit the seminary this week. Julius has been on break, while we were here, and Peter was in class when we visited. It was wonderful seeing the grounds, meeting their classmates and some professors during our visit. It is important to see and account for support that is provided by sponsors and churches. We always want to be forthcoming on monies received and how/where it is spent. This is why we provide pictures and testimonies of such things. Those of you on this journey with us share our joys and struggles, and we are grateful for your love, support, and prayers for each of these men.









 Seminary grounds, the library, and a classroom

 Along with painting Rock Baptist Church inside and out, our team was able to watch and participate in the building of the Open Door Annex. This building will be used to teach Children's Sunday School, as well as having a small room with two triple-decker bunk beds, six mattresses, sheets and blankets which are available now for those children who are unable to stay at home due to abuse, poverty, or other circumstances. While the needs are still great, we praise God for His providence and the resources He has provided.

The leveled floor of the shelter

We were also able to take part in repairing or finishing other church buildings that we minister with. Thanks to your assistance, we finished plastering inside walls in one church, and wired another for electricity. We have been blessed to not only share the Word of God, but be fruitful with our resources and our hands. May the Lord bless each of you who helped make all of this possible.

Homes we preached at

Some things I never wrote about, but were indeed actual accounts for our team, included preaching to and against witch-doctors, being asked to pray for dying people, and even experiencing individuals who were, seemingly, demon possessed. It was frightening and sobering. One of the most vivid memories I will take with me from this trip is the visit to Morkatipa Prison. When it came time to leave, a new truck load of prisoners had just arrived. They were shackled and shirtless as they squatted down in parallel rows for in-processing. Some were petty thieves, others murderers...but all, without fail, cast their eyes downward in shame as we walked by to exit. My chest heaved with sorrow at their condition and fate. Please pray for these souls, though they suffer earthly consequences now, their eternal consequence will be so much more terrible, if not for salvation through Christ.

Some of our sponsored kids with our ministry mama, Janet

Today, I took time with each of the children that are sponsored through us and Church of the Open Door. They each recorded a note of thanks and appreciation. Those of you who sponsor will never know the influence and joy you have brought to these sweet souls. To have nothing at one moment, and then a chance for a future in the next is beyond their hopes. There is always an opportunity to help, if you are able and called to. Thank you for your faithfulness.

As we wind down our adventure here, we hope to finish strong with a week of evangelism in the village of Kasoli. We ask for continued prayers as we meet strong-willed people, who are all in desperate need of God's saving grace. Please pray for our family too, as we prepare to say farewell for a while to our Ugandan family...which is ALWAYS most difficult.

I hope you have experienced the sights and sounds, joys, sorrows and successes that have surrounded us through this blog. Please leave comments, as it is so encouraging. I am not the most profound writer, and my grammar is not terribly good. But I write from my heart, and I pray that you can sense that. Life in Uganda is not easy, especially for those who call this place home. But, God has carried our brothers and sisters through the challenges and valleys. We pray he will bless them all richly, and continue sustaining them when there is nothing left. To God be the Glory - Now and Forever!

"Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." ~ Matthew 11:28

Leaving Forever Changed

The newly constructed Open Door Annex

My sincerest apologies for not blogging for some time. I have been caught up with ministry, visiting, and preparing for the departure of my sweet girls...as you read this, they are over one day back in the USA, and I'm sure they are having a bit of transitional culture shock. Before talking about their return, I would like to share how they used their last week in country. 

Julius and Eli saying goodbye to our girls

Last night in Uganda

Our team on the road in Entebbe

Thinking of all God has done

 

 We first visited a deacon friend, whose wife just had a baby girl. We shared a meal with them and got to hold Baby Christine. Deacon Patrick is a faithful friend and ministry partner whom we've known since 2014. We were blessed to share in their joy. Christine is Patrick's and Alice's fifth child.

Eli and Baby Christine

Patrick, Alice and family with us

Julie and Christine

We also visited our friend Sam again. The girls wanted to be sure to say goodbye to him before heading home. Sam celebrated his birthday on the day they flew back. He was sad to see them go, but he was happy they reached well. Sam is one of the most encouraging friends we've ever met. Despite his circumstances, he praises the Lord for everything he does have. I pray we all have hearts like Sam.

Casphar, Rhoda, and Maryon

Scovia and Rhoda

Syd and Casphar

The kids saying thank you and goodbye to our girls <3

Tearful farewells

Rhodie and her babies

Pastor Geoffrey, Charles, and me with a family we ministered to

The team spent three days evangelizing in the village of Mudakor. Each afternoon, we were treated with sugarcane and watermelon from the local pastor and his wife. Pastor Geoffrey Okitela is working to build a church in the village. As of now, he preaches in a very small mud room, attached to local shops on a dirt road. He visited Rock Baptist this week and exclaimed his joy at the work we've done (by God's grace), as it has brought people to his little place of worship. We praise the Lord for this encouraging word. 

 

Evangelism in Mudakor

We left our mark on the shelter

The girls witnessed the near completion of the children's annex, which is to be called, "Open Door Annex" honoring those who made it possible - and knowing that Jesus is the only door to salvation.  All that is left to be done is to pour a cement floor and wire the building for two lights. This may not happen at this time, as the budget did not reach that, but it is still a usable structure, which the children can learn, while protected from the elements. 

The inside of the structure

Sydney painting the final touches

The girls' final Sunday at Rock Baptist found Julie dancing for the Lord, with the youth group, while Rhoda, Sydney, and Eli taught the children. The entire congregation said their tearful goodbyes to the girls. These young ladies will never know the impact they've left here. I also believe, they've been changed forever.

Two days before heading to Entebbe, the team tirelessly worked preaching God's Word on the streets and in the shops of Tororo Town. From boda-boda (motorcycle) taxi drivers, to mechanics, to shop owners, and patrons many heard the truth of the Gospel, and our team ran the race with endurance until the end.

My prayer for our girls, as they are now home, is that they will not lose the fire for sharing the Good News. I also pray that those who surround them are able to feel their excitement and passion about all they've experienced. Transitioning back to American can be a little overwhelming, and bring a flood of mixed emotions.

 

Our final weeks here will be spent with Jim encouraging and leading pastors, elders, and church leaders, and for Chrissie and Eli to continue evangelizing and ministering to the children we (and our church members) help sponsor. My heart was burdened this week - not only am I a little emotional about saying goodbye to the girls - but I received some news that was heartbreaking...

As mentioned, there are several children we and fellow church friends help support for school in Uganda. Per the request of Rock Baptist Church (who monitors these children and the monies), we have been asked to sponsor just school fees. The other needs (food, bedding, clothes, uniforms, school supplies, etc...) were hoped to be paid by family members. However, after inquiring about their home life, I was shaken to find out the severity of their circumstances. Not only have my sweet children gone to school hungry each day - but they have no house to sleep at, as their families have outgrown the house. They have no mattresses, blankets, (they've been sleeping on the wooden pews or the church floor). They have little to no food. Our friend, Janet, who is a widow with no income, has shared with them all she has, leaving her nothing. She has trusted the Lord to provide, and He has. But, the reality is that these kids (and Janet) have nothing. They are neglected and if not for the church members from Rock Baptist and Church of the Open Door, they would have nothing. One of the saddest things was hearing that they had no soap for bathing or washing their clothes. Soap costs $1.25...but they don't have this. Please trust that this is NOT a plea for money. I am just blogging about the abysmal, poverty-stricken conditions these children have to endure. I am so grateful for each of you who have had a part in their lives. They do not complain about anything, but are overjoyed at the blessings from the Lord, that come through you. Please keep these names in your prayers: Janet (our ministry partner who cares for them all), Sunday, Joy, Emma, Isaac, Linda, David, Mercy, Juliana, Julius, and Joseph. There are others who are sponsored, but they have families that are caring for them - Praise God! Please pray those mentioned above will be loved by their families, as God intended them to be.

We are now counting down and time is running as we prepare our final push for ministry. Thank you for your continued prayers and your love for us, our ministry, and the Lord. You are our blessing, as you share your love with us, by the Grace of God!

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." ~ Philippians 2:1-2

Enjoying and Enduring

Kid's Worshipping this Sunday

This week we will complete Week 6 of our journey. Time is running, and we wish we could slow it down just a bit. Our adventure has brought joy and sorrow, triumphs and trials, smiles and tears, strength and weakness, but through it all, it has been one none of us would trade. From the people we’ve met, the pain and sickness we’ve pushed through, to the miraculous and marvelous message we bring…it has all been worth it. Our Ugandan friends often ask us when we’ve completed a long day or if we are trying something new (food, music, etc…), “Are you enjoying or enduring?” Most days we find unspeakable enjoyment. However, on occasion – like facing malaria and very difficult people, the answer is indeed, “enduring”.  

Youth at Rock Baptist

Chrissie with Janet and Immaculate

Sweet Sydney with Jemi

Our Rock Baptist Church Family

But isn’t that what we are called to do as Christians? We are encouraged that, “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.” (2 Tim 2:10) Believers who persevere give evidence of the genuineness of their faith. Our hope is to have left evidence enough that even after we leave, fellow believers will be encouraged to push through the difficulties that life and ministry produce, knowing the unfettered power of the Gospel prevails.

  

Pastor John Obbo and his family

Recently we met with a pastor/friend whom we’ve previously worked with, but because of some communication misunderstandings, we thought he had abandoned the ministry. Thankfully, we took time to meet and straighten out the problems and next week we will be evangelizing in his village. Our time at his home was a great encouragement and delight as we shared a meal and the afternoon with his family. We are praying for the field that we will be reaching next week, as it is very strong Muslim influence.

Rhoda evangelizing

Visiting Peace at school

We had the opportunity to visit Julius' daughter, Peace, at her boarding school. She loves school and since attending this new school, she has improved in all of her subjects. Although boarding school was not what Julius and Beatrice wanted to do, the non-boarding school began at 5am and Peace would not return home until 9pm, not to mention the student-teacher ratio was not conducive for learning. 

As you read last week, Rhoda had contracted malaria and had been treated, but like two years ago when Sydney had malaria, the first treatment helped alleviate the symptoms, but did not purge the parasites. She is now undergoing Round 2 of treatment for this nasty disease. We are so grateful that it is curable, but it is a difficult condition to be in. 

Even with malaria, she's a beauty

 Those of you who know Rhoda, she is ever smiling and laughing. Well, even through malaria, she still finds reason and strength to smile. J  She has been given the Japhadola name: Kisangala, which means ‘Happy’…it is so fitting. We pray she gains her strength and her body is rid of the nastiness of those terrible mosquitoes very soon. She misses being out in the field, and we all miss her being there with the team.  Until she is strong, I am staying with her at the house while the team moves about the district. Please pray for Rhoda and the team, as we endure this week through the trials.

Sharing the Gospel to a woman who brewed alcohol

Telling construction workers about the Lord

Sunday at Rock Baptist Church was a joy. Church was so full that benches had to be added. The church is thriving and we pray she continues to draw those in who need the truth and light. We pray that Biblical truth and real knowledge is preached and taught, that leaders will be full of integrity and discernment, that members will show the true love and fruit of the Spirit to everyone they meet, that sinners will be taught and repent, and broken people restored to the body and in their relationship with Christ.

Progress on the children's shelter

Our time here is anything but dull. We have had very few down days, and even though our internet makes it difficult to communicate, please know that we haven’t stopped being mission focused for the Gospel of Christ. 

The children’s classroom is over half completed and it has been a privilege to have had a hand in it.

Teaching Sunday School

Thank you all for your support, love, and prayers you have contributed to the efforts of Rock Baptist Church, Julius Odungo & Peter Kwemboi, and our mission in general. 





Next blog I am hoping to feature some pictures and information from the students some of our families at Church of the Open Door are sponsoring, and those who still are praying for a sponsor. You have all done so much and please know how grateful we are. By the way, it was such a treat getting to Skype with you all on Sunday! Although we couldn’t see you, it was great hearing your laughter. I am so happy you could all see us – especially the parents of the kids who are with us. Technology is such a blessing.

A full church this Sunday 

If anyone has questions about something general or specific to anything we’ve done here, please either send me a Facebook message or leave your question in the comments section of this blog. It can be to the whole group or an individual. We are happy to address any subject. God Bless each of you as you continue to adventure with us. May God be glorified in it all!

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that when the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” ~ James 1:2-4