Last week, Pastor Jon and Aslan Wixtrom returned home to North Carolina. We were just getting over Brian and Dave’s departure, and now our team (me, Jim, and Hannah) is less than half of what we started with. Having our home church pastor here with us was such a blessing, not only to us, but to those of Rock Baptist Church, along with the surrounding area pastors. Each of them had time to talk and glean from him, as they shared their struggles and challenges of village ministry. Pastor Jon patiently listened and prayed with them.
We were blessed enough to be here when two of our
three seminary students graduated. That was indeed a treat. Maxwell and George
completed their Bachelor’s program with honors. They were awarded a degree from
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. The actual
school they attend is Uganda Baptist Seminary, but it is partnered with SBTS. The team
celebrated their accomplishments, but, as they were reminded at graduation, the real work has now begun!
As Hannah’s days here are coming to a close, we are
trying to balance evangelism, medical ministry, Bible study, and enough fellowship
time with the ladies and the children. Hannah is a real gem! From the moment
she arrived, she embraced the Ugandan ways and picked up quite a bit from the
various tribal languages in Tororo district. The locals love her, and she is
affectionately known as Auntie Hannah (Honna) by the children.
When she isn’t working in the clinic or out for
evangelism, she bops downstairs to the yard to play dodgeball, soccer, or
dance with them all. Even when she is tired, she always has time for them. I
thought after Aslan left, Hannah might be more to herself, but she is still the
bubbly, sunshiny personality that greets us each day. She likes people and isn’t
afraid to jump into any adventure. Please
continue to pray that Hannah’s remaining time here would be profitable for both her and
those around her.
Relationship building and discipleship have been a
greater part of the ministry this time around. Evangelism is critical, but if we
don’t take time to know the heart of those we serve with, we miss a great
opportunity to pour into or be poured into.
We celebrated Independence Day with our friends
here, sharing fried chicken, mac n’cheese, potates, broccoli, and apple crisp.
We found three huge poppers, which shot a cannon of sparkling confetti all over
the balcony and below. We sang patriotic songs and even threw teabags over the
balcony in protest of taxation without representation. Heehee! Our Ugandan
family joined us in our silly antics of the day ;)
We were met the next day with the tragic news of the
Texas flooding. This devastating disaster has gripped our hearts, even from
afar. Tears were shed and our hearts are aching for those who’ve encountered
such loss. Even our brothers and sisters here are lifting up prayers of comfort
and hope for our American families in the throes of such pain. May Christ, who
is our only hope, in his great mercy, comfort those who mourn, and bring a
peace that passes all human understanding. To Him be the glory…even now.
We love and miss our families and friends back home.
Please reach out through Signal, Facebook Messenger, or email. We would love to
hear from you. May the God of peace continue to guard your hearts and minds as
you walk obediently in His way. Shine brightly, until He comes again.
“So
also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will
rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” ~ John 16:22
Until next time…Tuonane!
Chrissie and the team
PS - Picture link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zvQxLmdf6oEGrQG7A
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