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