After the fact reflections-

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You - Isaiah 26:3

We are not gifted animals; people who only act on our God given instincts. We are Christians and when we put on the character of Christ, God uses us completely outside of our gifting and our comfort zone. This verse is one that reminded me to trust completely in God because He holds all things in His hands including the time when our natural self inhibitions would stop us from doing what He desires.

This trip has been an incredible example of God using me outside of my comfort zone. I am not a natural door to door evangelist or a teacher that feels comfortable going up to complete strangers in a different culture and telling them that God’s plan for their life is different that the direction that they are going; but this is exactly what He used us to do. It is not about me and what I am good at naturally. When we lay down our lives, He can use us as He sees fit and He receives all the Glory. He used each of us on the team as door to door, shop to shop evangelists to share the love of God with a people that were most of the time eager to hear it. I saw God do some amazing things to draw people to Himself when I was just a willing mouthpiece for His good news.

We saw how body life in the church in a small way can work within our team. I don’t remember a single time when there was a divisive comment or movement against the leadership of the team. We were unified in our purpose to build up the church and there was no division as a result. The godly leadership of Chris Goodman and our spiritual shepherding by Aaron led us to build up this small church in Kagadi for God’s glory. I am very thankful for the example of Christ like leadership that both of these men have exemplified throughout the trip. We also had a large team of Ugandans that we joined with, and here again the global unity of believers was amazing to see. We came together with one commonality in Christ that united us in purpose, and some very close friendships developed to encourage them in their walk and to embolden us. There are some very precious and amazing souls that we were with that are turning the land of Uganda toward God by their walk and fervor for the Lord. I saw a picture of what it must have looked like in the early new testament church. There was not a deep church structure to build on, there are starting from scratch in some of these villages that they are going into and trusting in God to provide the way to do it. There are some very godly young men that were being raised up to start new churches in other areas beyond where we were in Kagadi. It was very exciting to see the church growing in this faith building way. The last night in Kagadi we were singing the last verse to Amazing Grace about being there 10,000 years singing God’s praises and I realized this is what it will be like in Heaven, and that may be the next time I see some of these people that we labored with. I did not have to say good bye to them, but just so long for this life, if we do not see each other again we will see each other again in Heaven.

I have seen how God uses us as He sees fit, how the new testament church looked and how we laughed and laughed and laughed with this team at all kinds of situations. Ask anyone on the team and they can tell you quite a few incriminating stories about each other. It has been such wonderful fellowship together.

I hope and pray that God will continue to use us outside of our comfort zones when we surrender to Him and that we will trust Him completely for the work that He wants to do in us as we come back to our normal lives. I pray that we would take this exceptional experience and see it not as unusual and unique to a life, but that God wants to do the same things in us on a daily basis here in Montgomery to use us for His glory here in the same unique ways that He did in Uganda. As we surrender to Him we become useful to Him.

In Christ
Platt Boyd

COMING HOME!!!

Hey everyone, just wanted to write and let you know that we survived our Friday in Kampala and that we are soon to depart for the airport in Entebbe enroute to Amsterdam, Detroit, and Atlanta some 24 hours afterwards.

Thanks for all your prayers and support. Goodie and Platt may still sign on for a blog shout out, but if not, then this may be the last blog. We'll see you soon, muchachos.

Solo Deo Gloria,
Matt

By the way: We also went rafting down the Nile River. Yes. The Nile River.... It was super sweet awesome for sure.

Home Alone with Aaron

Dear Loved Ones,

What a joy to communicate to my church family and friends what this trip to Uganda has meant to me. It is a pastor’s dream to be part of a trip where our purpose going was to “follow up” on the church that God allowed us to plant this time last year. There would be no church in Kagadi if it weren’t for the diligent efforts of Dave and Darlene Eby. Their work at Westminster Seminary and College is raising up faithful leaders. Pastors are being trained to go to the villages and towns of Uganda with the Gospel and establish new churches. Our team was simply reaping the benefits of having Pastor John in place to do the work of a pastor in Kagadi. What a blessing it was to be able to work alongside him and his church.

What have I learned this second time around in coming to Uganda? That Christ loves His church, all over the world, and He wants me to love it as well; work for it, pray for it, let it be my passion, and let it be what I live for and even die for. I have a burden for Christians to see that the church is God’s agent for His work in our world. It’s been said that the church is always one generation from extinction. That’s why we must proclaim what Psalms 78:4 says, “Tell the coming generations the glorious deeds of the Lord…” I believe our team has sensed that burden. How great it is see every member using their gifts to see Christ’s church established here in this small part of Africa. I Corinthians 12 reminds us that no part of the body is insignificant. We all have played a significant role.

Chris Goodman, our team leader, continues to demonstrate leadership by directing and encouraging and modeling passion for Christ’s church. He is so loved and respected by every member of the team. This guy turns his “motor” on and doesn’t know when to quit. Jeremy Short adds depth with his “behind the scenes service” of discerning and pursuing specific individuals. His gift of discernment always seems to enable him to say the right thing at the right time. I so appreciate him. Platt Boyd is the ultimate, gentle “servant type” who attracts people to his life like a magnet. He convicts us all with his quiet, godly demeanor. His ability to identify with every age group is a special gift from the Lord. He has added much to our team. Matt Wolfe, what can I say, he prods me to be more like Jesus with his never-ending fun sarcasm. I told him I will have the last word in the pulpit. We have a continuing laughing friendship where he keeps me humble. Whenever this quiet guy speaks, you better listen. He is a gold mine to our team. Spencer Owen, this fifteen-year old young man, has been my roommate and how I have learned from him. He has served me from day one in helping this “old man” to keep on keeping on. What a sensitive spirit he has! I’m overwhelmed with his love for Christ and others. Watch out for him to be a missionary pastor one day. His energy is so refreshing and encouraging.

Then there’s our dear godly ladies on the team. Beth Owen has modeled Christ-likeness like no one I have ever seen. Every time she speaks, wisdom pours out of her like water out of a hydrant. Her tenderness towards the Ugandans makes us all cry at times. Beth has been invaluable to all of us, especially to the younger women of our team. Kendall Yates, another quiet one, has a love for lost and hurting people like you would not believe. She accompanied me yesterday in the slums of Kampala. What compassion she exudes! The Ugandans have loved her. Abby McIlvaine, this vivacious young Virginian lady keeps me laughing constantly. A year ago this time she was a little fearful and shaky about being here. She is now a model of boldness for Christ and His Gospel. Wind this lady up and off she goes like the “Energizer Bunny”. Her “Yankee” accent helps to keep me light hearted much of the day. KK Payne, how I have grown to love this young lady, her youth has brought life to this trip and I have seen God working in her life in tremendous ways. She keeps a smile on her face all the time. I have had a great time joking and laughing with her and wonder if I had made her lose perspective in what a pastor is suppose to be like. She’s a “child magnet” like no one I’ve seen! Children run to her everywhere we go. I can see real possibilities of Christian service as she grows physically and spiritually. She and Spencer have a lot to bring back to the youth of our city and Eastwood Church. Pray they will radiate the Gospel when they return.

Today I sit here while my team is rafting down the Nile. They insisted I not go, fearing potential injury to my back. It was hard to submit, but I told our team leader: “sure”. It’s great to spend the day with the Eby’s and my new friend from Oak Mountain Presbyterian in Birmingham, Kay Kniskern. We are all having a good time. Keisha Reid, a member of Eastwood, came up from Johannesburg, South Africa, to spend several days with us. She is such a joy to be around and we love her.

Well, this has been a long blog…..Your pastor misses each one at Eastwood very much. Tomorrow we leave to come back to you, our church family. We arrive Saturday evening and Lord willing, hope to be in church Lord’s Day. I love you dearly.

IN HIS GRIP,

Aaron

The Spearhead

(Written last week, but Matt dropped the ball on publishing this. Sorry. :( .... )

I never get tired of this place. This is my second time to Uganda and it’s always worth it—the airline food, the lack of sleep, the cold “bird bath” I take here every morning, the bug spray—the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Speaking of, you should know that I haven’t slept very well since being here (possible side effect from malaria medicine) so this could all sound jumbled.

My heart has been filled with joy as I’ve seen many familiar faces from last year. Ugandan Believers that were our translators and co-laborers last year greeted us once again with excitement, “You came back?!!” and “Praise God you are here!” But I have been most thrilled to see a young man I shared the Gospel with last year named Opoka Bob Francis. We had some great discussions last year and we exchanged email addresses upon leaving. Francis has just recently come to Christ this past month (before we arrived this summer) and has joined the church plant, New Life Presbytery! We looked at how to study the Word last night, and he is very zealous to “preach the Word to others” as they say here. “We need to reach all of the schools and all of Kagadi with the Gospel!” Francis tells me.

And just as Francis was hoping, our team already had numerous appointments with schools planned this week. Spencer and KK did a great job telling their testimonies at a high school, so much that a great number of students crowded around them to ask questions afterwards. Platt and Beth did the same with a primary school later in the afternoon, causing numerous students to want to put their trust in Christ later. Can you believe the schools initiate to us to come explain the Gospel to them here?

Most of all, I’ve been filled with passion to go out to the shops and market places of Kagadi to share the Gospel. As soon as I see a Muslim walking my way something in me nudges my translator to join me in talking with them. Many Muslims have listened intently to the Gospel, only to ask about the church afterwards so they can learn more. What I love here is that Banyoros always ask honest questions—they never have an agenda. “Should I pray to Mary?” and “Where did God come from?” and “Is Jesus more than a prophet?” are simply questions they do not know the answers to. This testifies to Africa’s lack of church leadership and the necessity for Bibles to become available to them. Thank God for the seminary currently being planted in the capital, and I believe our generation will watch Uganda become the spearhead of Christian leadership for the millions of Africans coming to Christ all over the continent.

‘Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” – Prov 25:25

Jeremy

KK's Thoughts... all jumbled together. For You. Yeah. Awesome.

“But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’” (Psalm 31:14)

Oh my goodness this is one of my favorite verses in the Bible! It is so short, but what could be more simple and clear? Over the past week and a half I have been able to remind myself over and over of this verse as we have encountered people and situations which you can’t seem to handle or make sense of on your own! This trip has been the most amazing experience of my life. I thank God for every opportunity we have had while here and even more so for the fantastic team I have been blessed to be put on. I’m serious. I love every single one of the people on this team as each one brings his or her own unique personality and gift.

I have loved having my two “moms” here--Mrs. Owen and Kay--as they have encouraged me countless times and make sure I always have my Deet on. Kendall and Abby…what can I say?! They are two of the most amazing and Godly young women I know. I have had the best time staying up talking with them and just joking around, and I have learned so much and been given some amazing counsel from them.

That’s only half the team because then we have the six best guys you could ever dream of! Spencer, of course being my best friend, has been such an encouragement to have here, and I have loved sharing this experience with him as we plan on returning to America even more on fire to spread the name of Christ in every area of our lives. Then there’s our dear Pastor Aaron who I have learned more about then I ever even really needed to know! Haha! He has been a great leader for our team and has kept me laughing at every moment of the day. Platt, Platt, Platt! He has to be one of the happiest people I have ever met, and with the biggest, most contagious smile and someone who is just so real. You can truly tell he has a heart for the people of Uganda though as he can never get enough of pouring into the lives of everyone he comes in contact with. Then there is my “brother” Matt! He has so much knowledge and depth to him, but he tends to be humble and keep it to himself unless called upon for it. He also has such a servant’s heart and has definitely been the only reason I have survived as he keeps me hydrated and makes sure I am watched out for. I have loved spending this trip getting to talk to him in depth and overall just spending time with him!

Finally, for our two fearless leaders who I can’t imagine going on this trip without--Goodie and Short!! These are by far the two most inspiring and Godly men I know. I watch them with such awe because of their fire for spreading the name of Christ, and pray my two brothers can grow up to be like them! They definitely set the tone for this team and keep me laughing so hard! If you can’t tell I am completely in love with this team, and I am just sad that when I return home I won’t have them in my life every second of every day! :)

Ok, so now let me tell you about our day today. This morning we all loaded up and went on a tour of Makerere University in Kampala. Our tour guide Max showed us around and explained to us just how prevalent Islam is throughout Kampala and even more so in the schools as the Islamic leaders even offer to pay for tuition for the students if they convert. After touring the campus we left to go eat at the most beautiful lakeside place you can imagine called the Ggaba Beach restaurant. Ok, now no joke, but I ate the largest Tilapia fish I have EVER seen in my life along with sharing a bowl of fries with Mrs. Owen! We each had our own fish to eat, and it was the best seafood meal I have had in my life! Ha Now I know I’m going on and on about it, but all I can say is that it was just that good.

After eating and jumping off of the dock taking crazy pictures, we finally left for the highlight of the day--visiting some slums of Kampala. As we drove through this poverty stricken part of town where 35,000 people live pretty much homeless and in complete filth, a wave of such sadness hit me because I see how beyond blessed I am with my lifestyle, and my heart pours out for these people.

The verse I quoted at the beginning of this came to my mind as I took all this in just trying to continually tell myself that no matter where I am or what is happening to these people, God is in control of it all. He has a purpose and a plan for all of their lives. I wish more than anything that I could have shared and driven deep into the hearts of the Kampalans in these slums 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak then I am strong.”

Not only has this verse been such a help to me in my times of trouble, but I just pray that some of these people can learn to have this perspective and know that even in the hardest of situations we can glorify God! When we got to the slums and piled out of the bus kids swarmed us and started clinging to us and hugging us. All I can say is that it was just amazing! We sang and danced with them and told them Bible stories along with bubbles and stickers!! Ahh I loved just playing and ministering to them, and along with the kids in Kagadi I have fallen in love with every single one of them, and I thank and praise God for these children because each and everyone of them is truly incredible!

Now I sit here writing this after a huge dinner Mrs. Darlene made for all of us while Americans and Ugandans sit around playing drums and singing together. I am in awe as I picture heaven being just like this, and just can’t believe that we only have 4 more days left here?! Ha, I have written so much already and only about one day. I can’t even begin to tell how wonderful the whole trip has been, but I can’t wait to give every detail of it to everyone when we get home!

I miss those of you that I love back home so much and can’t wait to see you!!! And for all of the people that wrote Spencer and me those encouraging e-mails, thank you so much because we sat there laughing and just so happy to have heard from friends!! Please continue to pray for us as we continue to go these last 4 days spreading God’s name still passionately and just know that those of you who mean so much to me I do miss; but don’t get me wrong I don’t think I’d come home a day earlier though because God is doing so much for me through this trip. I just can’t wait to finish it out and see what the final results from this are for all of our lives!!! To God be the glory!

PS. I miss you so much, Maria, and love you!! :)

More Photos Part 3

We have Abbie and KK surrounded by some students while attending a football (soccer) game.



Ugandan kids LOVE bubbles!!!

Spencer and KK sharing with some high school students.



A tribal dance to say goodbye before we left Kagadi for Kampala...


Ol' Platt-imus Rex himself...

Spencer's turn

No one can ever doubt the majestic glory of God, especially in Uganda.
Psalms 96 11-13 says Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar and all that fills it; let the field exalt comma, and everything in it! And shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in His faithfulness.
The beauty of the Uganda exemplifies the glory of God. It is amazing how America is so contaminated with technology and sexual things. In Kagadi it is shocking on how people are so content having only a small hut and a little garden. Few places have electricity and we were one of the lucky few huts to have running water. Most people are wearing the same pair of clothes for most of the week, where we have closets full of clothes. In Kagadi I did not see any PDA or even guys holding girls hands, instead boys hold boys hands and girls hold girls hands. You are probably thinking everyone in Uganda must be gay but on the contrary it is just a friendly thing to do. They have not been brainwashed by the American mindset of homosexuality. We take so much for granted in America and become to content with our lives. We stay in our comfort zones and I would never use any opportunities to share the gospel. I am going to work on changing that in my life because people in America are in need of the gospel just as much as Uganda.
Saturday we hiked up a big rock. At the top we could see even more how great the glory of God is. Hiking up was a team process because K.K. and Abby were wearing skirts and sandals. Even though the handicap, we hiked the rock and overcame the obstacles. And later that day we played a soccer game against Kagadi Secondary School. We made a free kick to bring the game to 1-0 but later they made a free kick to tie it at 1-1. After the kick the game was over and led us with a great opportunity to share the gospel with around a 100 or more people. Praise God for this opportunity to share the gospel. He would never say this but I found out that Chris is a spectacular soccer player but has a even greater heart for the Lord.
On Sunday we had the worship service. The church building had to be extended to make room for the people. Pastor Aaron preached and gave pastor John a charge from 1 Tim. 4 6-15. After the service we had to say goodbye and leave. The goodbye's were said and to send us off on our journey they performed a tribal dance with drums. It was great in Kagadi and the Lord blessed our mission. Even if a person did not except Jesus as their personal savior, a seed was planted.
At Kagadi Matt took a picture of me and a little child with a Polaroid, to which the child kept. This child looked around 3 and was wearing boots. "Boots" became his name around the group. When Boots received the picture he ran off jumping up and down with a huge smile. It is amazing how the children can be so happy about something so small. That picture with him was the most meaningful picture of my life. The picture attached is not the original but it is him and me.

New PHOTOS Part 2

And some more...

SOME PHOTOS!!!

Just wanted to get you guys some photos. Been super busy, and now we're back in Kampala from the village of Kagadi. More blogs are on their way from your loved ones. Sorry for the delay!!!!

-Matt

“Honor One Another”

I wish I could accurately paint a picture of God’s beauty here. We have had beautiful weather… no humidity, a nice breeze, unbelievable sunsets, and a full orange moon that stops you in your tracks. I can’t forget to mention birds the size of a 747 and resident baboons. Tomorrow a bunch of us are waking up early to climb a small mountain to get a better look at God’s wonder and see the sunrise.

Each morning after breakfast our team meets to go over our devotional Building Up One Another, which is led by our wise elder, Pastor Aaron. Today’s devotional was especially meaningful for me. It focused on Philippians 2:3-4:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

I know several of my teammates have already mentioned the humility of the people of Kagadi, but even though I was here last year it still strikes me how they put others before themselves. One instance of this happened at the crusade tonight. Chris (a.k.a Cousin) and I were walking up to sit with the people and an old lady got up from her chair and carried it over for Chris to sit on. She insisted he sit while at the same time a young man brought a chair for me sit on. Then, they both went and sat on the ground. We see Christ in them and how they honor us.

Today we also got to visit two schools, an elementary school and a high school. Several of us shared our testimonies and our team pastors have led with powerful Gospel teaching. Of course, visiting the elementary school was my favorite. The students sat for two hours in the sun without a peep. Again, they honor us.

God is teaching us to humble ourselves and to honor one another. Please continue to pray for our team and the people of Kagadi. We are seeing true heartfelt conversions and God working in miraculous ways. I encourage you to meditate on Philippians 2:3-4 and see how He will bless you.

Love,

Abby

How Dirty Are the Feet of Those that Bring Good News

Greetings from Kagadi! Today we awoke bright and early (some earlier than others due to jet-lag). We have gone non-stop, but today’s work has been incredible!! We have seen God work in amazing ways!

This morning when I awoke I read this passage in Romans 10 because I was somewhat nervous about going door to door to share the Good News.

But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

I wish I could describe the feeling I felt today as I shared my faith and led a young boy named Vincent to Christ. I was somewhat nervous yet so very excited. I am amazed that God can use such a vessel as me. I am humbled that He called me to Uganda and that I have ample opportunities to share my faith with non-believers and encourage believers.

Something else I am so humbled by is the selfless devotion to the Gospel the Ugandans have. They have said time and time again how amazing it is for us to come all the way from the USA to share God’s love with their people, BUT they have no idea how blessed and encouraged we are by their devotion and love for their own people. I hope I take back their zeal for Christ in sharing God’s love to the States.

Lastly, I am so encouraged by my teammates. I have such an overwhelming love for them. They each have such unique qualities they bring to the team, and it’s awesome to see everyone in action. I am truly in awe by God’s power and grace.

To conclude, I want to thank you for your prayers and comments. We are truly blessed to have such caring friends and families back home who are lifting us up. Please continue to pray that God goes before us and for divine appointments. Also, please pray for the team because we are exhausted yet want to do and experience everything possible. Please pray that God will multiply our rest and that we rely solely on Him for everything.

On a side note and to clear up any misunderstandings…I am not sick, so no worries. I just had a bit of motion sickness on the plane ride here but nothing a Phenergan can’t fix (thanks to Beth). And by the way, I don’t sleep with my mouth open; however, Matt did drool.

All For HIS Glory,

Kendall

Day Trip to Kagadi

After waking this morning at the Ebby’s, I had to pinch myself to see if this has all been an amazing dream. It seems surreal that we are actually in Uganda. It is so pleasant: the temperature is about 78 to 80 degrees with no humidity and the landscape is gorgeously green with banana trees, varying-sized lush hills, and gardens scattered along the countryside. After prayer time we loaded our two SUVs and headed to Kagadi. Even though today was mainly a travel day, I have learned much today from my teammates and the people and precious children of Uganda.
This team is comprised of God-seeking, humble-hearted, others-first people. No doubt, God has hand-picked each member of our group to join as one body as we spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. For months we have talked and prayed about not complaining. Today I have seen this lived out by our team and Ugandans. First, we put a lot of people in some tight squeezes and no one complained for the grueling six hour drive to Kagadi. (Except for me now by even telling you this.) For example, Jeremy selflessly volunteered to sit in the back and during some hot vehicle moments just sitting contently.
For lunch, we stopped in a town called Hoima, where we met up with Edward (Pastor in Hoima/student of the Ebby’s) and Christine (his wife) and their children who will be joining us as interpreters in Kagadi. He took us to his lovely new church building where we met young men whom he discipled that are helping plant another church nearby. As we were coming out, three children who had seen us arrive from a good distance away had just run all the way to meet us. They were so eager to meet us. This was our first chance to get our arms around Ugandan children. Kendall, Abby, KK and I were so excited to finally touch and hug them. We then proceeded on our journey down a pretty rough road for the next three hours. Let’s just say it’s really only big enough for one car and the county does NOT maintain that road. This road has huge pot holes and a peaked center so at times our SUV had to almost drive on two wheels and lean very close to the shoulder of the road while passing people on motor bikes and regular bicycles. Our driver just continues going at a high speed while honking. Pedestrians do not have the right of way.
Okay, so how did I see contentment in the faces of the Ugandans? Well, water is scarcely available and far, far away from their homes. They walk or bicycle for miles to the nearest creek and scoop up water into a big jug that looks somewhat like a large gas can. Then they proceed to make the return trip home with approximately 20 to 30 pounds of water in each container. Older adults, young adults, little children, all ages helped in carrying water. Ladies carried baskets with vegetables on their head and knapsacks on their back filled with maize flour and sugar cane. There are so many people that live here and lots of children. It is not mandatory for children to go to school so some are walking around the numerous hut-like shops along the roads. There are also lots of schools on the sides of the roads with students dressed in colorful uniforms playing soccer out in the school yards. How do I see contentment in these people of Uganda? They seem to be so complacent in their lot that God has given them. It is obvious they are not caught up, like many of us, in material things like clothes or houses or cars. Kendall and I waved the entire six hours (minus her 30 minute nap) as we passed by these people. And most of the time we received the warmest, refreshing smiles in return. That’s really what made us keep waving; it was their response; especially the children’s. As our vehicles would pass and the children spotted us “muzungos” (means traveler in Lugandan, but usually refers to white people since they are more often the travelers), they would cheerfully wave and sometimes yell, “hey muzungo!” How could we not keep waving after being blessed with such a warm welcomes from the people of Uganda. Would American children welcome foreigners in such a vivacious way? Once arriving in Kagadi we met up with Francis and Topi at their church, New Life Presbyterian Church, where we were again warmly welcomed with hugs and handshakes from other their church members and other Ugandan pastors and wives. The children, oh the children, are so precious. When they greet you they say how glad they are to meet you and bow in honor of you. We are so humbled by their reception. We are staying at a University camp in huts with real thatched roofs and mosquito nets over the beds. Much nicer than camping and yet still the feeling of rural Uganda. After dinner we discussed plans for the upcoming week.
Aaron, Chris and Jeremy have been helping those of us less confident in sharing the Gospel. Tomorrow, we hit the ground walking sharing Christ door-to-door with whoever opens the door. Pray for us that God would not only open doors, but open the hearts of these people that they may repent, receive Him and believe that He is Lord. It is almost twelve o’clock in the evening so I must rest now. We miss you all and so need your prayers: pray for discernment and direction in who exactly to share with, boldness, confidence in Christ alone to do what we are here about, and right words and recall of Scripture. We love you and love being here. We are all well. Love you Owen family and church family. Brenda, KK is doing great.
One other thing, I have personally realized how vain I am. I love leaving the world and it’s vanity behind. Very freeing! You were right David Morrison.

---Beth Owen

The Good, the Bad, and the Nausea

Greetings and salutations. We have arrived in Uganda and are now enjoying the settling in our bellies of breakfast at the Eby estate, or as Flem (Aaron that is) calls it, The Garden of Eden Part 2.

Goodie and Flem were able to share the gospel on the trip, while KK and Spencer worked on fleshing out how to convey the gospel within their own testimonies. Kendall slept a lot, and was very nauseated with motion sickness and airline food. Short beat me soundly in a game of Reversi, and I watched Alvin and the Chipmunks and thought a lot. Kendall told me, as I sat next to her on the plane, that I drool when I sleep; I thought: "Well, you sleep with your mouth wide open." But I didn't tell her that...

It was good to be in Europe again, as we spent a layover in Amsterdam. It's very familiar to me; I lived in Germany for a number of years and traveled abroad while residing there. It seems some things never change... Goodie and I were walking through an electronics store within the Airport to find a plug adapter for the laptop, and there, in the movie section, first row and spanning the entire rack, were all adult movies... To give you an idea, it was eye level with a 10 year-old's height. There was even a casino in the airport, and a multi-faith meditation room... This has been flashing through my mind and mixing in with the scene from CS Lewis' "Last Battle" where the dwarves are stuck in the same room with Eustace and Jill. The dwarves see only a black hole and keep thinking the human kids are going to hurt them or take things from them. But Eustace and Jill find themselves at a feast, a banquet table... Someone tries to give one of the dwarves some food from the table, but the dwarf is unable to taste the succulent meal. And it is revealed that they are simply unable to taste the goodness of the feast because they refuse to see beyond themselves... I was saddened at the airport.

I am set upon by a more intentional and purposeful mentality, at least call it thus because 1) I have two weeks in Uganda and need to make the most of it, 2) for what other purpose do I serve as one being sent, and 3) the end conclusion of all my ponderings still are God... Piper wrote: "evangelism means depicting the beauty of Christ and his saving work with a heartfelt urgency of love that labors to help people find their satisfaction in him."

I wonder if as we grow, part of our growth is our weaning off of "good" things into a single-mindedness of the reality that we really are satisfied in Christ, and Christ alone. As babes we dance with shadows, but when we are grown up we pass from the fanciful shadows to dance instead with the Shadow-Caster Himself.

That day of rest and knowing just as we are known will come soon, just not today. And today, there is much work to be done.

I woke up this morning at 3:30 or so Uganda time. I lay in bed till about 5 am, then got up and read and watched the sunrise over Kampala. I read this morning: "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law of righteousness for everyone who believes." (Romans 10:1-4)

May we all reveal this reality of God's mercy and grace, in deed and in action, in life and in death. Whatever part of the body of Christ that we may be, may we be it, and may we rejoice in the work of God at hand; laboring as ambassadors, God making His appeal through us, and through you, to reconcile all who will receive His Word...

Continue to pray for us, and we will do the same for you. Living, laboring, and loving with you all; for the King.

-Matt

Team 2008 Line-Up

"All lasting joy is on the Calvary road of love and suffering...all the riches of the glory of God in Christ are on that road. All the sweetest fellowship with Jesus is there. All the treasures of assurance. All the ecstasies of joy. All the clearest sightings of eternity. All the noblest camaraderie. All the humblest affections. All the most tender acts of forgiving kindness. All the deepest discoveries of God's Word. All the most earnest prayers. They are on the Calvary road where Jesus walks with his people. Take up your cross and follow Jesus." - John Piper

We are eager to meet Jesus on the dusty roads of Uganda. Oh the joy... truly this is no sacrifice!

I wanted to profile our team so you can get to know them. Over the next two weeks we will be blogging every day of our adventure and each member will give their stories.

KK Payne (15) has talked more about loving orphans than anyone on our team. Don't let her cute and innocent look fool you, she is very determined, tough, and full of zeal to serve Christ. Spencer Owen (15) is shaping up to be a mans man in a Godly way. He could physically out walk, run, and serve anyone on the team and has as a goal for the trip to become confident and capable in evangelism. Matt Wolfe can take anything and make it better. He'll be snapping pics like crazy and has a gift to make people feel loved. Beth Owen is married, the mother of four, and has a heart the size of Texas, seriously. She will head up childrens ministry and the church office staff are expecting her to bring back at least 3-4 orphans. Kendall Yates just finished her masters in teaching English as a second language and loves missions. She is very wise for her age and is joyfully faithful to every task. Jeremy and I have anxiously awaited the day to labor overseas with her. Platt Boyd is married, the father of three young girls, and an architect. He has a kindness, patience, and gentleness that exudes Christ. Don't let that fool you though, he is an adventure junky. Abby McIlvaine hails from D.C. and teaches third grade. To give you a picture of her loving heart, she hugs every third grade student in her class, everyday, as they walk in the door. She could bring home 2 or 3 orphans if no one is watching. If Jeremy Short was around back in the day, he could have been an apostle. He is as genuine as they come and will go sun up to sun down telling people about Jesus. Pastor Aaron Fleming has shaped all of us to have a passion for Christ and His Kingdom. He will be mentoring Pastors, evangelizing, preaching, and a busted fire hydrant of Christ, I don't know how he does it. I (Chris Goodman) am like the locker boy trainer who washes the clothes and takes out the trash, someone has to do it. Stay posted.

Chris

The Pre-trip video

OUR UGANDA VIDEO!!!!!

Uganda Team 2008!

Well if you haven't heard already, Eastwood Church is sending a new team to go BACK to Uganda this summer! This team will include: Aaron Fleming, Chris Goodman, Abby McIlvaine, Jeremy Short, Platt Boyd, Matt Wolfe, Beth Owen, Spencer Owen, K.K. Payne and Kendall Yates. The ten of us will leave June 14 and return on June 28, all with the purpose of reaching Uganda for Christ through evangelism, church planting and mercy ministry. We will each need to raise $3,200 so please contact any of us if you would like to help!