With Love and Tears

 We just finished our halfway point in Uganda. It seems as if we just began. We started with a team of seven, and now only Jim and I are left. We had a very tearful goodbye with Hannah on Saturday. After giggling at how she was going to fit 60 pounds of goods into a 40 pound bag, we had so many moments of tears. She is an amazing teammate and friend. She made an impact on many here, but especially the neighborhood children who come to visit nearly every day. Below are some of Hannah’s thoughts before she left Uganda.

“As I sit here reflecting on my time here in Uganda, I can’t help but be thankful. I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given in order to be here in the first place as well as all of the opportunities that have been given me here. I’m thankful for the medical ministry I’ve been able to help with while here in Tororo with Esther. I’m thankful for our U.S. healthcare system all the more. I’m thankful for Jim and Chrissie adopting me in their family and taking me under their wing. I’m thankful for the evangelism ministry helping me to get out of my shell more and helping me learn the art of fumbling over my words…

 I’m most thankful for the children. I always love working with kids. I love their zeal. I love their hearts and Love! I’m not sure how I will make it back home in the U.S. without hearing Auntie Anna! Auntie Anna! ‘But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’

Matthew 19:14

All I can say is if of such is the kingdom of heaven means there are children everywhere in heaven, I can’t wait! I’m going to miss my sweet friends, but I know that if it’s God’s will for me to return, He will see to it that it happens. Thank you all for your prayers and love. I’m very appreciative of every one!”

This will be a first for Jim and I to be alone in Uganda. We will continue to evangelize (though we are down to two teams, instead of five). We will be doing some marriage counseling, holding a few Backyard Bible Club type events, being part of a wedding, home and hospital visitation, and spending time in Bible study and with our family here.

Jim continues to meet with and minister to, encourage, and exhort the local church leadership teams. We are so blessed to be part of Rock Baptist Church! Even the neighbors who don’t attend the service attest to Pastor Julius’ kindness and availability to talk to them anytime. Their children are those who flood the area each afternoon and even attend Sunday School. Each person on the compound of RBC is a representation of Christ in their own way. Esther, the full-time nurse, shows care and compassion for those who come to the clinic. She and Hannah would also pray for and with each patient. Beatrice, Pastor Julius’ wife, witnesses or encourages all who visit her shop each day. Janet and Immaculate visit women who are homebound or in the hospital, to encourage and pray with them. Now that two of our three seminary students have graduated, they are helping alleviate some of the teaching and preaching responsibilities from Julius, as he continues to work on his Master’s Degree. And soon, the roofing project, which was funded by this year’s VBS offering at Church of the Open Door, will begin as soon as the weather cooperates, as it has been unseasonably rainy.

We do have some prayer requests, if you are so inclined:

*For Maxwell and Juliana’s upcoming wedding and their future home, which is yet to be built

*That we all would be a light to the children at RBC, as well as those in the surrounding neighborhood, so that we may point them to and teach them about the Lifegiver, Christ Jesus

*For the hearts we’ve yet to evangelize to

*That the Lord would continue to keep us humble and focused on Him and His mission here and at home

*For Julius, Joseph, (and Eli) to push on through school, strong and steady

*For the new souls who have started to visit or attend RBC, that they may find a spiritual home to serve and grow in

*For the roof repair to be accomplished without any issues or delay

Be grateful for the gifts you’ve been given. We all face suffering and loss, but there will always be someone who hurts as much or more than you. Give thanks, even in the pain. Nothing God brings is useless.

Until next time…Tuonane!

Chrissie and Jim

Link to photos:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/kgdUvRzLgPRSimdx7