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