Our Rough Return

The day of our departure from the US finally arrived. With luggage in hand, our friend,  Justin, brought us to the airport at the crack of dawn. All was well until we were asked for our visas. Upon booking tickets, I confirmed that we could indeed purchase our visas at the border – just as we always have. However, this was not the case for the airlines and we were promptly told that we would not be flying if we had no visa.

I cannot recall a time in my life that I had such anxiety when traveling. I was visibly shaken and distressed, when two airline staff members took pity on us and began to work furiously to help us. We began the process of applying for e-visas to Uganda, which normally would take minutes, but due to poor WiFi, and using only a phone, it took much longer. Very long story short – we made it to Uganda on every flight we were originally booked on!!! Praise God for intervening, because it really didn’t look like that was going to happen at all.

We even had a bit of delay at the Ugandan Immigration Office, but Pastor Julius waited patiently for us to finish up and we were happily reunited a few short hours later. We are now safely home in Tororo, and have even started the work. Jim and Eli have already had some evangelism opportunities with Mormon missionaries and an Anglican pastor.

 We attended one of the training sessions at the new Tororo Biblical Training Center, called The Aletheia Project, where pastors and ministries from villages all around come to learn and study. The focus of this training was finishing up the Doctrine of Salvation.

Church service on Sunday was most glorious! I have always loved worshiping with my Ugandan family each Lord’s Day, and to be in the presence of my brothers and sisters here was most joyous and refreshing. There is so much raw beauty in the music and prayers, and the teaching and preaching were solid and strong bringing conviction and encouragement.

Pastor Julius preached on the joy of contentment in Christ. “Contentment comes from learning to accept less than you are due. Train yourself to rejoice!” Amen and Amen!

Though far from home, and without some conveniences for a time, we are most content and for that we praise God!

Please continue to pray for the mission of evangelism and discipleship, helping raise up leaders to stand firm in churches despite the opposition or difficulties of no pay. Also, pray that Julius and the other young men in the seminary will remain faithful and strong in their calling. Finally, please pray for Eli this week, as he was asked to preach his first sermon at Rock Baptist Church this Sunday. Your prayers are coveted, and we remember you in our prayers as well.

Please feel free to email, text, or message us. We love hearing from you and we will get back to you as time allows. May the LORD bless and keep you all. Until our next update…Tuonane.