Preaching, Painting, and Praising!

It has been a week of sniffles, colds, and new experiences. Because of climate changes, new diets, and a lot of dust, a few of us were a little under the weather, but no major health issues. We are all on the mend and I'm sure by next week we will be 100%. 

We had a great opportunity to speak to about 60-70 students at Tororo Technical Institute. We shared songs with them and each of us had a chance to bring some biblical encouragement to them. They were so friendly and welcomed us with so much appreciation. Please pray for these students that they may continue to seek and grow in the knowledge and grace of God.

Bringing an encouraging word to the students at Tororo Technical Institute

Riding in the back of a pick-up truck on the way to Tororo Technical Institute.

Rhoda preaching to a family

Eli driving his little friends to school...on the other side of the road

We continued evangelizing and preaching to villages throughout Alamagoro District - a sub-district of Tororo this week, we collectively reached over 170 people with the Gospel. We were faced with many stubborn, self-righteous souls who actually believed they were without sin and were perfect. It was truly sad and frustrating. It is so difficult to help a person who doesn't believe they need help.  

Eli and Sydney bringing the Word

Our kids also had a fun adventure climbing Tororo Rock. As you can see in previous posts, Tororo Rock is the highest point in Tororo. It is an inactive volcano in the middle of Tororo, and many tourists and natives find it a necessity to climb. It is approximately 5,000' above sea level, and one can see the all the way to Kenya from the top.

Tororo Rock

The climb to the top

 

Toward Kenya

The view from the top

This Sunday at church our kids were asked to sing a song for the congregation. They sang "How Great Thou Art", and actually did it quite sweetly. Our African friends asked if all of our songs were sung without "beats"...drums. We laughed and said, "No, but too many of them are without." We are all really enjoying the percussion and harmony each African song delivers. While not always on key, it forms from a cacophony into a symphony, especially to the ears of God.

 Julie and Jumade, the son of our friends, 

Joseph and Shalom

Jim preaching the sermon at Rock Baptist

 The kids of Rock Baptist finishing Sunday School and receiving their new clothes.

Sydney helping Mercy tie her dress

Eli tying up dresses too

Modeling their new dresses

                               

Happy faces because of new clothes

After Sydney and Eli taught kids Sunday School, the children's leaders delivered the clothes that were so graciously and lovingly donated from members of Church of the Open Door, Fayetteville, NC. The little girls loved the dresses, and the boys were so thrilled to have a new shirt or two. Each of you are so appreciated for the contribution to each little soul. They are so grateful!

 

                      

                           

 

                                             

 

We concluded this week with beginning the painting of Rock Baptist Church. Since its beginning, the church has never been painted. This week we began the process and we will continue to post pictures to show the finished product. After the undercoating is on, we will add the colors which will help preserve the integrity of the church building. It is remarkable how excited people here are just to have a new coat of paint on their church.  I often wish we Americans would be so grateful for such things.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." ~ Galatians 6:9

Finally, on Ugandan Soil

After a very long journey, I am pleased to say we are finally at our second home in Uganda. We began our journey Wednesday, June 6, as we all headed to the airport in Raleigh, NC. The Brockman transport (Mila and Edward Joyner) had a flat tire only 20 miles down the road, which of course gave us a little bit of concern. But thanks be to God, Ame Rexford came to rescue. The Wixtrom transport had a minor traffic delay, but thankfully, we all arrived at the airport around the same time, and more importantly - on time. At the airport, we said our goodbyes and excitedly headed off on our great adventure. This year's team consists of the three Brockmans (Jim, Chrissie, and Eli), Julie Prewitt, Sydney Wixtrom, and Rhoda Norris.

Travel was very smooth, but our layovers were the longest I've ever had. From start to finish we had about 43 hours travel time! We were delayed in Doha for 14 hours, which thankfully had a men's and women's quiet room, which came with semi-reclined seats and allowed us to rest for a little while. They had a decent food court with Mediterranean selections and even a Burger King.  

The time finally came for us to board our final flight to Entebbe. We happily boarded our plane in great anticipation. Rhoda was the most excited as it is her first time out of the country and in Africa. Watching her facial expressions are such a delight. I cannot wait to see how she, and all the rest, respond to this adventure. 

Julius, our ministry partner and friend, picked us up from the airport right on time. We stayed one night in Entebbe, as to travel safely in the daylight hours the next day. It was fascinating to watch the reactions and expressions at their return or first tastes of Africa. When we arrived home, we were greeted by old friends and loud shouts of joy. Wow...such a welcome!  I know our two newbies were likely in shock from such a greeting. 

We worshipped on Sunday with our home church, Rock Baptist. They were so very happy to receive us back. Church was lively and even more wonderful than I remembered it.

It was great to back in our home here, with beds draped with mosquito netting. And just to ensure our newbies had the true African experience...we lost internet once and water twice...this is Africa!

Today, Monday, June 11 was our first day of true ministry. We had evangelism training and hit the field for a short time. Tomorrow we will be out most of the day, as we minister to the villages throughout Tororo District. I pray hearts are soft and our words are gentle but bold. Please continue to pray with us as we are obedient to the mission of Christ.

"...you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." ~ Acts 1:8