May I begin with saying I have the most awesomest pastor in the entire world! Question for PA: Is it really all about you? jaja (that's Spanish for haha) JK my BFF Jill! ... Anywho... As I sit here and reminisce on this trip, i can't help but see the huge splendor and majesty of God the Father. The Ugandan people are such testimonies for what a TRUE Christian looks like. For example: Sunday night we were all sitting on the front porch discussing how we can continue the work God has been doing here and in our lives spiritually. Christine, before saying goodbye, wanted to share a word with us. (And by the way for those of you who don't know her, she's a Ugandan.) She began to tell us her morning prayer. It goes a little something like this, "Dear Heavenly Father, use me today. Shine through me and help me to be a true testimony of your love and compassion on me. Help me to love those who lack love. Help me to show grace on the ungraceful. Help me to reach out to the ones who feel abandoned. God please use me mightlily today to further your kingdom." I compare the "American Christian" to the "Ugandan Christian" and it just convicts me deeply. Everyone here, who claims to be a Christian, looks like Christ. They center their everyday around Him. They constantly have the word of God flowing from their lips. The sun rises and sets and still they are meditating on the Father. I feel like the "American Christian" is blinded by routine and what he's defined as life. I have discovered that my priorities are seriously out of order. Hopefully the lessons I have learned will stick with me for the rest of my life. What an encouragement this trip has been! Especially Dr. Matt, I mean every person this man of God sees he shares the gospel with! And Momma... Woman! You have shown me that a little love can go a LOOOONG way! Even though you were'nt here this year you still have been a testimony of Christ to me. People ask everywhere we go, "Where is Beth?" If you ran for office you would be the first white president of Uganda! Overall God has shown me himself through this trip. We serve a REAL God. :)
Touch my body,
Touch my soul,
Touch my spirit,
Lord make me whole!
AMINA! AMINA!
XOXO,
Mzungu Mary, (AKA Nurse Mary), Also known as Cocodile Hunter Mary, or just Grace.
Sojourning to Uganda to follow-up on church planting and ministry in Africa; to teach, and to be taught; to cultivate, and to be cultivated; that the beauty of Christ might be seen, known, and loved.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Closing Remarks from your Pastor
Dear Eastwood Family,
Today as I write to you, our team has finished our ministry assignment, and some are enjoying a well deserved rafting trip down the Nile River. We will soon be coming home. What an unbelievable week in Kagadi, Uganda working with our church plant that Eastwood helped establish two years ago. The church there is alive and growing, and it won’t be very long before it will have its own elders and deacons. What a privilege it is for our church family, Eastwood, to be a part of New Life Presbyterian Church in Kagadi in its early development. My prayer is that God will make this into a vibrant church for His glory.
The last sermon I preached at Eastwood on a Sunday night was the great promise from Matthew 16 that God would build His Church and to think He is using our team as His means to do is a precious privilege indeed. There can be no higher calling for us at Eastwood as we seek to expand Christ’s Church into all the world.
I want to relate to you how proud I am of each member of our team. One by one they have worked and prayed diligently that God would use them and He has. To the ladies on our team I begin with Jenna McCollough. Jenna is a returnee from two years ago and as she did before, she served our team with constant words of encouragement. She never complained. She exuded so much wisdom in her quiet and godly demeanor. She seemed to always have an appropriate word for the occasion. Thanks Jenna for setting the standard high for our team. Lindsey Dennis, soft-spoken sweet Lindsey, exemplified great courage as she shared the gospel for the first time, in addition to giving her testimony when called on to do so at a moment’s notice. It was so refreshing for all of us to see the way God used her especially in the lives of children. I am “pumped” about her teaching 5th grade at Eastwood School. “Lindsey, you are a diamond.” Mary Grace Owen, our youngest lady on the team, was amazing. She never feared anything. I can see her one day being a missionary, going down the Nile River with crocodiles and hippos right beside her boat, and she is seeking to befriend them. She even caught a bat in our hut. That brave spirit has made her an awesome, bold witness for Christ. She gave her testimony in a HIV ward at the local hospital with such compassion that she and all of us were crying. Is that not her mom, Beth, made all over? What a tender heart God is working in Mary Grace! Watch out ECS. You’ll be hearing from her soon with a great challenge regarding our mission here in Uganda. Alexis Johnson was a great addition this year, and I had the great privilege of being in her hut. She helped keep our blog intact to keep you informed on what was happening here. She kept me laughing all the time with her “witty” personality. I could never “one-up” her on anything. The Lord definitely used this trip to help her into becoming a godly young woman. She was such a blessing to me personally. Stephanie Coppock, a true heart-felt, “I feel your pain” kind of lady who can cry for the Ugandan people like no one I know. At our team meetings she blessed us with her practical, loving applications that pierced our hearts. Thank you so much Steph! Alex Giuffre, what a lady! Her quiet, godly demeanor fit so well her feminine “ballerina” personality. She oozes gracefulness and kindness. Our team benefited so much from her presence. She is a true princess for Christ. Thanks Alex for modeling godly charm. And finally, my wife, Chris. What can I say? She added so much to our team that I personally could not have made it without her. The Ugandan women loved her. They thought she was “hot stuff” because she was the preacher’s wife. I agree whole heartedly. Chris’s love for everyone on the trip humbled us. This “FarmLinks Lady” didn’t mind getting in the deep “trenches” of peoples’ lives. Thanks Babe, I love you.
And now I get to tell you about my band of brothers who found out upon arrival there sleeping quarters would be quite a distance away from the rest of the team. Their conditions were less than desirable. But hey, this was a mission trip, and we heard no complaints from these brothers. They were “commando” all the way! The even had their own P.T. (pit latrine). Pit latrine…hmm. Reminds me of “Pastor Presents” from last year.
Matt Wolfe, our fearless leader, who from day one in organizing our trip, quietly served behind the scenes. Aside from being our financial administrator, and trip photographer, and an all around “go-to-guy” (he was the money man) he was invaluable to all of us. I thought I could never love a guy who wears earrings and flip-flops, but believe it or not, “I’d take a bullet for this guy.” Matt Wolfe is one of my heroes, even though he is a constant source of irritation to his pastor. Jk! J.R. Owen, no way can I say in words what this guy means to me. His quick wit and godly advice kept me laughing as well as helping me see through deeper issues that were at stake with our ministry. His leadership in helping us as a team cannot be measured. He could assess a need faster than you could blink your eye. Then before you knew it, he had met the need himself. That’s a true servant. He took on projects in feeding and assisting the poor, but more so, God gave him a passion for the work of the church here in Kagadi. J.R. is already strategizing about next year. His sweet wife Beth didn’t make the trip this year, but you would have never known it. Beth was remembered by so many, and what a mark she left. A day didn’t go by that some Ugandan didn’t ask about her. We thought about erecting a sign on a billboard that said, “Beth is not here, Get over it!” “J. R., you are a blessed man”. And then there’s J.R.’s son, Spencer, what a pillar of strength for Christ he has become. This man doesn’t know when to stop his “train.” Sharing the gospel has become a passion for him. One night after a crusade, I looked around and there he was with a group of guys surrounding him. It was obvious to me that he had pursued them to share Christ. Spencer has a tender heart that bleeds for people. I know he is excited about putting this passion and zeal that is in his heart into practice when he returns to Montgomery. His pastor is so proud of him. Matt Phillips, our gospel-machine doctor, was amazing using his tremendous gift of evangelism. At times we didn’t know where he was. You guessed it! He was beside some tree or sitting at a table sharing with someone about Christ. He befriended a guy (an atheist) from London, England staying at our facility and for hours witnessed to him over a period of several days. Our team was “blown away” with Matt’s love for Jesus and his love for people. Matt will make you cry when you watch him in action. He also assisted many with medical needs and what compassion he displayed. His son, Daniel Phillips, made up our team as well. Daniel was our youngest member, but don’t let that fool you. For an 8th grader, he has a passion for his Lord just like his dad. I really enjoyed having some time talking with him on the trip about spiritual matters. Watch out Trinity School! He is fired up for his Savior. Austin Gaines, what dynamite for Christ. His zeal and tenacity to spread God’s message was such a challenge to me. Aside from his frequent laughing attacks with Spencer and Soren, I would want this guy on my team any day. He doesn’t even know what “tired” means. He is faithful to do whatever you ask of him. He added a lot of insight to our group. I saw him at times show great compassion for the Ugandan people. That reminds me so much of his father. Auburn University is going to be blessed in having Austin this fall. And last of all, Soren Geiger. Soren has the “golden tongue” on the team. Just like his mom and dad, he can communicate his love for Christ so effectively. This guy is “all go”. Kids were always holding onto him, and he never missed an opportunity to extend Christ’s love to them. This young man is “one godly dude”. Why is he moving to Michigan? Come on, John & Dawn, what’s the deal??? You mention Soren’s name and our team thinks of “blameless character”. May the Lord use this young man greatly. A side note here – Soren won the push-up contest among all the guys. These feats took place around midnight every night in the men’s hut. Congratulations Soren!
This was the group that you, precious flock of Eastwood, sent to Uganda. I have been honored to serve with them. We laughed, cried, saw the best and worst of each other, but God, by His grace, used us. I am, along with them, forever committed to expanding Christ’s kingdom in this country of Uganda. As your pastor, my convictions have deepened to pray for and work toward Christ building His church here.
Our team ended our discussion last night with asking God to deliver us from all the “clutter” surrounding our lives, clutter that impedes us in being “sold out” for Christ. We are all making some definite applications in the way we will live back in Montgomery. By God’s grace and His enabling, we will do so. Pray for our team that Christ’s love for His church will consume us in coming back to our city.
To quote John Piper: “I plead with you, as I pray for myself, set your face like flint to join Jesus on the Calvary Road. “Let us go to Him outside the camp and bear the reproach He endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Heb. 13:13-14). When they see our sacrificial love – radiant with joy – will they not say, “Christ is great?”
To God be the glory. Your humble servants,
Pastor A and the team
Today as I write to you, our team has finished our ministry assignment, and some are enjoying a well deserved rafting trip down the Nile River. We will soon be coming home. What an unbelievable week in Kagadi, Uganda working with our church plant that Eastwood helped establish two years ago. The church there is alive and growing, and it won’t be very long before it will have its own elders and deacons. What a privilege it is for our church family, Eastwood, to be a part of New Life Presbyterian Church in Kagadi in its early development. My prayer is that God will make this into a vibrant church for His glory.
The last sermon I preached at Eastwood on a Sunday night was the great promise from Matthew 16 that God would build His Church and to think He is using our team as His means to do is a precious privilege indeed. There can be no higher calling for us at Eastwood as we seek to expand Christ’s Church into all the world.
I want to relate to you how proud I am of each member of our team. One by one they have worked and prayed diligently that God would use them and He has. To the ladies on our team I begin with Jenna McCollough. Jenna is a returnee from two years ago and as she did before, she served our team with constant words of encouragement. She never complained. She exuded so much wisdom in her quiet and godly demeanor. She seemed to always have an appropriate word for the occasion. Thanks Jenna for setting the standard high for our team. Lindsey Dennis, soft-spoken sweet Lindsey, exemplified great courage as she shared the gospel for the first time, in addition to giving her testimony when called on to do so at a moment’s notice. It was so refreshing for all of us to see the way God used her especially in the lives of children. I am “pumped” about her teaching 5th grade at Eastwood School. “Lindsey, you are a diamond.” Mary Grace Owen, our youngest lady on the team, was amazing. She never feared anything. I can see her one day being a missionary, going down the Nile River with crocodiles and hippos right beside her boat, and she is seeking to befriend them. She even caught a bat in our hut. That brave spirit has made her an awesome, bold witness for Christ. She gave her testimony in a HIV ward at the local hospital with such compassion that she and all of us were crying. Is that not her mom, Beth, made all over? What a tender heart God is working in Mary Grace! Watch out ECS. You’ll be hearing from her soon with a great challenge regarding our mission here in Uganda. Alexis Johnson was a great addition this year, and I had the great privilege of being in her hut. She helped keep our blog intact to keep you informed on what was happening here. She kept me laughing all the time with her “witty” personality. I could never “one-up” her on anything. The Lord definitely used this trip to help her into becoming a godly young woman. She was such a blessing to me personally. Stephanie Coppock, a true heart-felt, “I feel your pain” kind of lady who can cry for the Ugandan people like no one I know. At our team meetings she blessed us with her practical, loving applications that pierced our hearts. Thank you so much Steph! Alex Giuffre, what a lady! Her quiet, godly demeanor fit so well her feminine “ballerina” personality. She oozes gracefulness and kindness. Our team benefited so much from her presence. She is a true princess for Christ. Thanks Alex for modeling godly charm. And finally, my wife, Chris. What can I say? She added so much to our team that I personally could not have made it without her. The Ugandan women loved her. They thought she was “hot stuff” because she was the preacher’s wife. I agree whole heartedly. Chris’s love for everyone on the trip humbled us. This “FarmLinks Lady” didn’t mind getting in the deep “trenches” of peoples’ lives. Thanks Babe, I love you.
And now I get to tell you about my band of brothers who found out upon arrival there sleeping quarters would be quite a distance away from the rest of the team. Their conditions were less than desirable. But hey, this was a mission trip, and we heard no complaints from these brothers. They were “commando” all the way! The even had their own P.T. (pit latrine). Pit latrine…hmm. Reminds me of “Pastor Presents” from last year.
Matt Wolfe, our fearless leader, who from day one in organizing our trip, quietly served behind the scenes. Aside from being our financial administrator, and trip photographer, and an all around “go-to-guy” (he was the money man) he was invaluable to all of us. I thought I could never love a guy who wears earrings and flip-flops, but believe it or not, “I’d take a bullet for this guy.” Matt Wolfe is one of my heroes, even though he is a constant source of irritation to his pastor. Jk! J.R. Owen, no way can I say in words what this guy means to me. His quick wit and godly advice kept me laughing as well as helping me see through deeper issues that were at stake with our ministry. His leadership in helping us as a team cannot be measured. He could assess a need faster than you could blink your eye. Then before you knew it, he had met the need himself. That’s a true servant. He took on projects in feeding and assisting the poor, but more so, God gave him a passion for the work of the church here in Kagadi. J.R. is already strategizing about next year. His sweet wife Beth didn’t make the trip this year, but you would have never known it. Beth was remembered by so many, and what a mark she left. A day didn’t go by that some Ugandan didn’t ask about her. We thought about erecting a sign on a billboard that said, “Beth is not here, Get over it!” “J. R., you are a blessed man”. And then there’s J.R.’s son, Spencer, what a pillar of strength for Christ he has become. This man doesn’t know when to stop his “train.” Sharing the gospel has become a passion for him. One night after a crusade, I looked around and there he was with a group of guys surrounding him. It was obvious to me that he had pursued them to share Christ. Spencer has a tender heart that bleeds for people. I know he is excited about putting this passion and zeal that is in his heart into practice when he returns to Montgomery. His pastor is so proud of him. Matt Phillips, our gospel-machine doctor, was amazing using his tremendous gift of evangelism. At times we didn’t know where he was. You guessed it! He was beside some tree or sitting at a table sharing with someone about Christ. He befriended a guy (an atheist) from London, England staying at our facility and for hours witnessed to him over a period of several days. Our team was “blown away” with Matt’s love for Jesus and his love for people. Matt will make you cry when you watch him in action. He also assisted many with medical needs and what compassion he displayed. His son, Daniel Phillips, made up our team as well. Daniel was our youngest member, but don’t let that fool you. For an 8th grader, he has a passion for his Lord just like his dad. I really enjoyed having some time talking with him on the trip about spiritual matters. Watch out Trinity School! He is fired up for his Savior. Austin Gaines, what dynamite for Christ. His zeal and tenacity to spread God’s message was such a challenge to me. Aside from his frequent laughing attacks with Spencer and Soren, I would want this guy on my team any day. He doesn’t even know what “tired” means. He is faithful to do whatever you ask of him. He added a lot of insight to our group. I saw him at times show great compassion for the Ugandan people. That reminds me so much of his father. Auburn University is going to be blessed in having Austin this fall. And last of all, Soren Geiger. Soren has the “golden tongue” on the team. Just like his mom and dad, he can communicate his love for Christ so effectively. This guy is “all go”. Kids were always holding onto him, and he never missed an opportunity to extend Christ’s love to them. This young man is “one godly dude”. Why is he moving to Michigan? Come on, John & Dawn, what’s the deal??? You mention Soren’s name and our team thinks of “blameless character”. May the Lord use this young man greatly. A side note here – Soren won the push-up contest among all the guys. These feats took place around midnight every night in the men’s hut. Congratulations Soren!
This was the group that you, precious flock of Eastwood, sent to Uganda. I have been honored to serve with them. We laughed, cried, saw the best and worst of each other, but God, by His grace, used us. I am, along with them, forever committed to expanding Christ’s kingdom in this country of Uganda. As your pastor, my convictions have deepened to pray for and work toward Christ building His church here.
Our team ended our discussion last night with asking God to deliver us from all the “clutter” surrounding our lives, clutter that impedes us in being “sold out” for Christ. We are all making some definite applications in the way we will live back in Montgomery. By God’s grace and His enabling, we will do so. Pray for our team that Christ’s love for His church will consume us in coming back to our city.
To quote John Piper: “I plead with you, as I pray for myself, set your face like flint to join Jesus on the Calvary Road. “Let us go to Him outside the camp and bear the reproach He endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Heb. 13:13-14). When they see our sacrificial love – radiant with joy – will they not say, “Christ is great?”
To God be the glory. Your humble servants,
Pastor A and the team
A Great Trip!!!
Hi everyone! There's so much to say and no way to write everything that has happened here and all the ways that God has transformed our hearts! We got back to Kampala (the capital) on Saturday night and compared to the villages (Kangadi and Mabale) I feel like we're back in the states.
Yesterday, Sunday, we were able to visit the church connected to the Seminary. It was a sweet time of worshiping the Lord! After church we were able to visit with the people of the church, and I really enjoyed meeting three sisters who worship at the church whose parents had both died of Aids and live with their 12 other brothers and sisters. Although their whole family (15 brothers and sisters) love God, according to these three sisters, not one person owned a bible. What a joy to be able to give them a bible, and how blessed we are to have unlimited access to the Word of God!
Next, we were able to tour the seminary. It is so exciting to see people learning about God's word and being sent out to their own villages to make the glory of God known! I have found here that those who have faith in God have a deep faith, that we can all learn from. They truly trust and hope in God alone, and in turn have seen the power of God! When things seem impossible people here simply pray and fast and trust in the Lord, and it is amazing to hear the testimonies of what God has done and how He has answered prayers! But you can definitely see the need for Pastors with a great knowledge of God.
After resting for the afternoon, the Ebbys had invited some of their Ugandan friends over so that we could all worship God together. We were serenaded by native worship songs sung to the beat of two drums. What an amazing picture to know that one day people from every nation, tribe, and tongue will come together and worship the Lord!!! In the middle of the singing we went around and many people (Ugandans and Americans) shared their testimonies of how God brought each of us to Himself. What a picture to see the power of God working in so many different ways in so many different lives. We continued to sing and worship the Lord, and there was so much heart felt praise in the room, I can't wait for heaven when we will be able to praise God like this forever and ever!
It has been an amazing trip, and it went by so fast. I can't believe that we will get on the plane tomorrow night to head home. I wish that there was some way to convey everything that we've experienced and felt. We have a great God who is worthy of our lives!!! I hope that everyone is doing well, and I'll look forward to hearing what has gone on in each of your lives.
Alex Giuffre
Yesterday, Sunday, we were able to visit the church connected to the Seminary. It was a sweet time of worshiping the Lord! After church we were able to visit with the people of the church, and I really enjoyed meeting three sisters who worship at the church whose parents had both died of Aids and live with their 12 other brothers and sisters. Although their whole family (15 brothers and sisters) love God, according to these three sisters, not one person owned a bible. What a joy to be able to give them a bible, and how blessed we are to have unlimited access to the Word of God!
Next, we were able to tour the seminary. It is so exciting to see people learning about God's word and being sent out to their own villages to make the glory of God known! I have found here that those who have faith in God have a deep faith, that we can all learn from. They truly trust and hope in God alone, and in turn have seen the power of God! When things seem impossible people here simply pray and fast and trust in the Lord, and it is amazing to hear the testimonies of what God has done and how He has answered prayers! But you can definitely see the need for Pastors with a great knowledge of God.
After resting for the afternoon, the Ebbys had invited some of their Ugandan friends over so that we could all worship God together. We were serenaded by native worship songs sung to the beat of two drums. What an amazing picture to know that one day people from every nation, tribe, and tongue will come together and worship the Lord!!! In the middle of the singing we went around and many people (Ugandans and Americans) shared their testimonies of how God brought each of us to Himself. What a picture to see the power of God working in so many different ways in so many different lives. We continued to sing and worship the Lord, and there was so much heart felt praise in the room, I can't wait for heaven when we will be able to praise God like this forever and ever!
It has been an amazing trip, and it went by so fast. I can't believe that we will get on the plane tomorrow night to head home. I wish that there was some way to convey everything that we've experienced and felt. We have a great God who is worthy of our lives!!! I hope that everyone is doing well, and I'll look forward to hearing what has gone on in each of your lives.
Alex Giuffre
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Real Appreciation
Hey yall, this is Austin, this is my first blog to write and all the other opportunities i have had others were on the computer or i was just too tired to stay up! But back to the title, do you really appreciate what you have? Over the last week i have to come to have a much greater appreciation of things that i consider to be basic. Items such as water are more than something thrown in a ballon or squirted from a gun. Water is life! And that is a truth that i have seen clearly portrayed on this trip by the people of Uganda. They treat water like liquid gold, i have never really wanted and cherished bottled water like i have over the past few days. In the home of the pastor a Mabaale Presbyterian a lady walked in and was walking around, kneeling, and washing our hands, as each drop of water passed out of the container it burdened my heart and i for once in my life actually wanted to not clean myself but rather conserve water. It was a simple yet very powerful act on the part of the Ugandans. Also i have grown to love the Bible so much more! People here want to grow so much, they thirst for the word more than most Americans yet we have dozens of Bibles in our home and many of them have never surpassed the sight of the Bible. They long for Christ and it encourages me to see their fervor and want of the Word. It is very convicting to think of the fervor i have had for my quiet time, they are reading the Bible as soon as you give it too them! Americans will throw it in the back seat, stick it in their pocket or put it on the table as a decoration, these people are devouring God's word quicker than a monkey can eat a banana! Their fire is a testament to God's work in this country!
Last night i was encouraged even more by believers in Uganda as i had a chance to meet with six believers and talk with them, i went through some simple diagrams and also just encouraged them, they had questions and i along with a few members of the team were more than happy to answer what we could. Two of the men had come to Christ at the crusade in Kagadi on Monday night! I was trying to encourage them and give them tips about being a new believer, they were telling me that they could sleep now, that they had a peace unlike any they had ever experienced and also one told me of the joy he had, the fulfillment he felt that he had longed for his whole life! I cannot begin to explain the emotions i was feeling, there was a little man in my heart that was throwing a party! I was so encouraged that i had trouble sleeping for about an hour! God is at work in this place and i cannot begin to tell you powerful your support and prayer has been, not just to the team but to this country. I have had so many people thank me for what we are doing and several who want me to tell you back at home how much they love you, even though they have never met you or seen your face. The people here are working on a foundation that will grow into an amazing place! Thank you again for all your support and I hope to blog again soon! Mocama simawe (sp?) in english, Praise God!
Last night i was encouraged even more by believers in Uganda as i had a chance to meet with six believers and talk with them, i went through some simple diagrams and also just encouraged them, they had questions and i along with a few members of the team were more than happy to answer what we could. Two of the men had come to Christ at the crusade in Kagadi on Monday night! I was trying to encourage them and give them tips about being a new believer, they were telling me that they could sleep now, that they had a peace unlike any they had ever experienced and also one told me of the joy he had, the fulfillment he felt that he had longed for his whole life! I cannot begin to explain the emotions i was feeling, there was a little man in my heart that was throwing a party! I was so encouraged that i had trouble sleeping for about an hour! God is at work in this place and i cannot begin to tell you powerful your support and prayer has been, not just to the team but to this country. I have had so many people thank me for what we are doing and several who want me to tell you back at home how much they love you, even though they have never met you or seen your face. The people here are working on a foundation that will grow into an amazing place! Thank you again for all your support and I hope to blog again soon! Mocama simawe (sp?) in english, Praise God!
Are we at a retreat center?
Hey Everyone!
This is Stephanie Coppock...and I'm excited to share a few high lights from our team's time in Kagadi and Mabaale. We traveled all day today back to Kampala and I'm now writing from the Eby's home in Kampala, which feels like a retreat center!!! After eating rice and beans all week (which I love), tonight we were treated to salad and lasagna and it was amazing!
I have been challenged in so many ways this past week by the lives of the men and women of Uganda. I'm so encouraged by the faith of the people I've met and I want to share an example of young women I was able to spend time with. Three girls in high school at URDT approached Alex and I mid-way through the week and we were able to encourage each other. These girls didn't have bibles, so we had the opportunity to give them a personal copy. We met three times over the course of the week, disscusing the essentials of the christan life, how to share our faith with others, and how to study the word.
My brain is tired right now, so my blog is short. This is just a small example of how God has allowed me to serve the body here is Uganda.
To Adam: I love and miss you so much! See you in a few days!
This is Stephanie Coppock...and I'm excited to share a few high lights from our team's time in Kagadi and Mabaale. We traveled all day today back to Kampala and I'm now writing from the Eby's home in Kampala, which feels like a retreat center!!! After eating rice and beans all week (which I love), tonight we were treated to salad and lasagna and it was amazing!
I have been challenged in so many ways this past week by the lives of the men and women of Uganda. I'm so encouraged by the faith of the people I've met and I want to share an example of young women I was able to spend time with. Three girls in high school at URDT approached Alex and I mid-way through the week and we were able to encourage each other. These girls didn't have bibles, so we had the opportunity to give them a personal copy. We met three times over the course of the week, disscusing the essentials of the christan life, how to share our faith with others, and how to study the word.
My brain is tired right now, so my blog is short. This is just a small example of how God has allowed me to serve the body here is Uganda.
To Adam: I love and miss you so much! See you in a few days!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Are Hard Times Really That Bad?
Hello friends and family! This trip has been a joy to be apart of! As you may know I was privledged with the oppurtunity to be part of the trip last year and even though we are doing many things which are similar to last year this trip has been very different to me in many ways. Last year it seemed as if wheneverI had the oppurtunity to share the gospel people were so open to it and most times they would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. This year's trip however has had its challenging moments. God has shown me as much as last year but in a different way. The first couple days of evangelism were tough. We mostly ran into 7th day adventists and catholics during those first days. We experienced many evangelism trips which turned into debates. Last year it seemed as if someone would come to Christ every day when my group would go out, but this year it was very discouraging the first couple of days because no one came to Christ. I know that only God can change people's lives but it still was a little discouraging. The rewards from these first days seemed minimal. However, God had a different plan, he used these first few days to give me a different kind of reward, one which was not easily seen on the surface. These rewards overflowed like the rivers of the Nile. I have learned a key part of ministry that will be easily applied when I return to Alabama. The lesson is of perseverance. I have learned to keep sharing the gospel because that is what we are called to do and to rejoice with others when they are the ones chosen by God to bring others to Himself. Those few days reminded me of ministry in America, ministry which is hard and filled with debates and tiring conversations. After the first couple of days God used me to bring a woman to Christ and she had a huge smile on her face, which she tried to cover with the Bible that we gave her. This one conversion gave me hope and showed me how God can use us long as we continue to be faithful to Him. Today also had its ups and downs. Especially in one time of the day when we went door to door after lunch. We were in the town of Mabaale and Alex had done a spectatcular job presenting the gospel at the last house and it was my turn to present to the next place. We arrived at a shop and there were about seven guys which grew into about twenty. I gave a presentation of the gospel and asked if anyone would want to trust in Jesus as their personal savior and nobody desired too, instead they gave a few responses why they did not and had a few questions which started to lead into a game where the guys we were talking to (high school students) were trying to stump us with questions about the Bible. At the end I gave a testimony of my life which I was sure would help relate and show them they needed a saviour now at their young age, but still no one desired. This was kind of a discouragement because I had really put my heart all into it.
Later that evening we had a crusade. At this crusade I was going to sit down with some of the team but I passed some guys who looked as if they would want to talk. This is a common occurance because most Ugandans love to talk with Americans, but I usually walk on past and go to my team because I am tired and just dont want to exert the energy. This time though I decided to talk to these three young men and over time the group turned into fifteen guys. My dad and I told them the gospel and six guys kneeled down and prayed to receive Jesus as their personal saviour. I learned that even though you may be tired or discouraged that God uses those who put themselves in situatuions to be used by Him.
Spencer Owen
Later that evening we had a crusade. At this crusade I was going to sit down with some of the team but I passed some guys who looked as if they would want to talk. This is a common occurance because most Ugandans love to talk with Americans, but I usually walk on past and go to my team because I am tired and just dont want to exert the energy. This time though I decided to talk to these three young men and over time the group turned into fifteen guys. My dad and I told them the gospel and six guys kneeled down and prayed to receive Jesus as their personal saviour. I learned that even though you may be tired or discouraged that God uses those who put themselves in situatuions to be used by Him.
Spencer Owen
Thursday, July 23, 2009
How Many Muzungus Can Fit in the Back of a Pickup Truck?
Today we traveled to Pastor Francis' village, Mabaale. The team split up between two vehicles. Five of us ladies crammed into a car...that's right, five women in one car. Plus a driver. The rest of the team rode in a van. An intersting thing that I have experienced twice now in Uganda is that when one driver is ready to go - he goes. There's no caravanning here...it's every car, van or boda boda (motorcycle) for himself. So, our car was ready and our driver was off. Initially, I thought maybe we were in a race, then I remembered I was in Uganda! After a short and bumpy drive, we made it to Mabaale.
Our first stop was the home of Harriet and Augustine. For me, this started off a day of being humbled about my own life. Harriet and Augustine are pretty amazing people. They have three children of their own and have adopted nine others. Here's the twist, Augustine had an accident ten years ago that left him paralyzed and bed-ridden. So, Harriet, with her 12 children, take care of their home. And their home brings new meaning to the phrase, humble home. Next, they took us on a tour of their property, garden and the well where they draw their water. The distance from house to well was about 1.2 km as the puff pit viper mamba slithers (according to J.R.). The walk to the well went winding downhill through sugar cane and past a witch doctor's home. We felt like we were in "Honey, I shrunk the Kids." (Minus the witch doctor.) We saw the well and made our way back to their home. I must confess, about half-way up to the house I was out of breathe. Harriet and all 12 of her children walk this path every day, each carrying a five gallon jug to collect water for the day. That's a hefty commute.
Later in the day, a woman brought around a jug of water, a basin and soap so we could wash our hands before lunch. For me, this was incredibly humbling. To know how hard these women have to work to have a small amount of water - I certainly didn't want to use any of it. The scriptures about Christ washing the disciple's feet came to mind and took new life for me. It's a lot different when you can't just go over to your refridgerator and press a button and viola...water. The water she poured on my hands was like diamonds to me at that point.
Prior to lunch, Pastor Francis gave us a tour of his church and the church's school. We broke up into teams and shared with the different classes. My team included Mary Grace and Pastor Dave. We told the story of David and Golliath (as did several others). I was the narrator, MG was David and Dave was Golliath. It was a lot of fun watching Pastor Dave crumble to the ground defeated by David (MG). The kids liked it to!! The classrooms here are pretty similar to the ones back home, it you count the fact that they both include students and teachers. Other than that, picture dirt floors, brick walls, tin roofs, chalk boards and wooden benches. We were all very encouraged by what these kids are being taught - in the P4 class (4th grade) the Religion chalkboard had questions like: who is the head of the church?, what is baptism? and what is a missionary?. It's pretty awesome to see such things, along with prayer, taught and practiced in the public school.
After lunch our ENTIRE team crammed into a pickup truck. We had 14 adults piled into the truck bed! We rode like that (down the good roads of Uganda) for about 30 minutes to see another Presbyterian church. Now, this was a very remote area that we went to, so we couldn't quite figure out why they got the good roads. I figured it was because the tobacco farmers lived on that road. When we arrived at this next church, there was a crowd dancing and singing to welcome us. (Yes, Ugandan Presbyterians dance..shhh, don't tell anyone!) While we were there, they asked us to pray for a young boy who was recently in a severe accident. He sustained a head injury and also fractured his femur bone. I think this pretty much broke everyone's heart. I know it did mine, I was ready to go straight to the bank to get this child help. The day he was hurt, his family took him to the hospital in Kagadi, but they weren't equipped to help him. His parents were told to take him to Kampala - but they couldn't, due to lack of money. Earlier in the day I hurt my foot, I immediatly whipped out the first aid kit for some peroxide, bandaids and Ibuprofen. Wow, was this humbling. Here this child was injured far worse than I could imagine - yet unable to get any help. His life could potentially be affected or hindered by this for the rest of his life.
That's the jist of our day. For me, it was the most engaging, humbling and convicting day I have had here.
We also had some fun conversation with some of the women of the church. They asked us (the girls) about cooking and if we knew how. I think someone said "no" - so they asked "does your man cook for you?" - everyone got a big kick out of that!!
Be thankful for running water, 24 hour emergency rooms, all night pharmacies....and men that cook for you! :)
Blessings,
Jenna
ps - we had another crusade tonight as well - but you've already heard about those. :)
Oh yeah - Pastor Aaron was awesome (and a prankster) as usual!
Our first stop was the home of Harriet and Augustine. For me, this started off a day of being humbled about my own life. Harriet and Augustine are pretty amazing people. They have three children of their own and have adopted nine others. Here's the twist, Augustine had an accident ten years ago that left him paralyzed and bed-ridden. So, Harriet, with her 12 children, take care of their home. And their home brings new meaning to the phrase, humble home. Next, they took us on a tour of their property, garden and the well where they draw their water. The distance from house to well was about 1.2 km as the puff pit viper mamba slithers (according to J.R.). The walk to the well went winding downhill through sugar cane and past a witch doctor's home. We felt like we were in "Honey, I shrunk the Kids." (Minus the witch doctor.) We saw the well and made our way back to their home. I must confess, about half-way up to the house I was out of breathe. Harriet and all 12 of her children walk this path every day, each carrying a five gallon jug to collect water for the day. That's a hefty commute.
Later in the day, a woman brought around a jug of water, a basin and soap so we could wash our hands before lunch. For me, this was incredibly humbling. To know how hard these women have to work to have a small amount of water - I certainly didn't want to use any of it. The scriptures about Christ washing the disciple's feet came to mind and took new life for me. It's a lot different when you can't just go over to your refridgerator and press a button and viola...water. The water she poured on my hands was like diamonds to me at that point.
Prior to lunch, Pastor Francis gave us a tour of his church and the church's school. We broke up into teams and shared with the different classes. My team included Mary Grace and Pastor Dave. We told the story of David and Golliath (as did several others). I was the narrator, MG was David and Dave was Golliath. It was a lot of fun watching Pastor Dave crumble to the ground defeated by David (MG). The kids liked it to!! The classrooms here are pretty similar to the ones back home, it you count the fact that they both include students and teachers. Other than that, picture dirt floors, brick walls, tin roofs, chalk boards and wooden benches. We were all very encouraged by what these kids are being taught - in the P4 class (4th grade) the Religion chalkboard had questions like: who is the head of the church?, what is baptism? and what is a missionary?. It's pretty awesome to see such things, along with prayer, taught and practiced in the public school.
After lunch our ENTIRE team crammed into a pickup truck. We had 14 adults piled into the truck bed! We rode like that (down the good roads of Uganda) for about 30 minutes to see another Presbyterian church. Now, this was a very remote area that we went to, so we couldn't quite figure out why they got the good roads. I figured it was because the tobacco farmers lived on that road. When we arrived at this next church, there was a crowd dancing and singing to welcome us. (Yes, Ugandan Presbyterians dance..shhh, don't tell anyone!) While we were there, they asked us to pray for a young boy who was recently in a severe accident. He sustained a head injury and also fractured his femur bone. I think this pretty much broke everyone's heart. I know it did mine, I was ready to go straight to the bank to get this child help. The day he was hurt, his family took him to the hospital in Kagadi, but they weren't equipped to help him. His parents were told to take him to Kampala - but they couldn't, due to lack of money. Earlier in the day I hurt my foot, I immediatly whipped out the first aid kit for some peroxide, bandaids and Ibuprofen. Wow, was this humbling. Here this child was injured far worse than I could imagine - yet unable to get any help. His life could potentially be affected or hindered by this for the rest of his life.
That's the jist of our day. For me, it was the most engaging, humbling and convicting day I have had here.
We also had some fun conversation with some of the women of the church. They asked us (the girls) about cooking and if we knew how. I think someone said "no" - so they asked "does your man cook for you?" - everyone got a big kick out of that!!
Be thankful for running water, 24 hour emergency rooms, all night pharmacies....and men that cook for you! :)
Blessings,
Jenna
ps - we had another crusade tonight as well - but you've already heard about those. :)
Oh yeah - Pastor Aaron was awesome (and a prankster) as usual!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sporadic Blogging, and other some updates
Hey everybody, I just wanted to fill you in on what's going on so far.
Eastwood-New Life Presbyeterian vs Kagadi Peoples Secondary School Football (Soccer) Match
We had our soccer match yesterday, and after a strong first half showing, we ended up with a draw, leaving Eastwood's record at 1-0-2 (1 win, 0 losses, 2 draws). I played sweeper in the first half, Austin was in the No. 5 slot (which made him midfield in the back a little, or the center fullback forward of the sweeper). Spencer played on the flank with Daniel Phillips, and Soren played in the striker position. The crowd errupted in laughter at so many of our attempts to kick the ball and then missed. I did however block a shot on goal after the goalie was pulled out. The Ugandans liked that as well.
A typical day in Kagadi looks like this:
7:30 am - breakfast in the tiki hut dining hall which usually consists of pineapple, boiled eggs, instant coffee or hot tea, sliced bread (not like American bread), and butter and sugar.
8:30 am - devotional at New Life Presbyterian Church
9:00 am - a teaching/training time by an Eastwood team member, the rest of the other team members will procede to either: door-to-door or shop-to-shop evangelism
1:00 pm - lunch at the tiki hut dining hall that usually has some of the following: rice, beans, chipotte (like a flour tortilla), some kind of indiscernable meat or chicken, matoki (like a potato version of a bland banana), more pineapple, bottled water or glass bottle sodas (they include "coke" and "pepsi" and Fanta, Stoney - which is a ginger ale on steroids - and Mirinda; Mirinda tastes like a tootsie roll actually, and Steph Coppock LOVES it).
2:00 pm - evangelism again
6:00 pm - evangelism event at the church
8:30 pm - dinner
9:30 pm - team devotional
10:15 pm - closing meeting
10:30 pm - go to hut to sleep
Teaching times have been phenomenal with Matt Phillips teaching on Sexual Purity and JR teaching on Familes and the Role of the Father According to the Bible. During these teaching times there is about a 30 minute talk given (you have to multiply that number by 2 since there's also a translator), and then a Question and Answer section that can last for 2-3 hours. I don't think Matt Phillips was really prepared for the sheer number of questions.
The Ugandans ask some pretty interesting questions, all based on real examples. Here are a few:
If a man with three wives becomes a believer, what should he do with his wives? Divorce them all, divorce all but one, and if all but one how do you pick which one to keep? (All the wives were not believers.)
If a woman leaves her husband, has children with another man, but refuses to grant a divorce to her husband - what can the husband do?
What is the process for approaching a brother or sister who is in sin? And what do you do if an elder is spreading gossip about a discipline problem?
We visited the HIV/Aids ward of the Kagadi Hospital yesterday, and a school for children with special needs. The school told us they had just run out of money to feed the children. They told us that with 60 special needs students and almost 600 total students, it only costs $1500 a month to keep the school running with food and salaries for 14 teachers. We did buy them 100 kilograms of poshe (a kind of flour for porridge) and we're traveling to Mambaale to buy them beans.
Beth, at the HIV/Aids ward, your daughter gave her testimony and just started weeping in the middle of it. I couldn't see her because I was backed in a room off the main waiting room, but I almost started crying, too, I don't know why. Alex gave her testimony as well, and she ended up crying throughout her testimony as well. Matt Phillips later told me that as Mary Grace gave her testimony and started crying, she made several ladies in the waiting room start crying as well. It was a sweet moment. ALSO, everywhere it go it seems, people keep asking me: "Where is Beth?" HAHAHA. You could come here and run for office of the mayor I think. If they have one. I don't really know.
I did the teaching time today on the Importance of Viewing the Beauty of Christ. After all, if you don't desire Christ above all things, then you have not been converted by the gospel. I have to ask myself this everyday, do I desire Christ more than anything else? Would I accept going to heaven if it had all the foods I loved, all the friends I liked, all the natural beauties I loved, yet without all the sickness and disease and death and sin, would I take this heaven if it did not have Christ in it? If I answer this in the affirmative, that yes I would take this heaven without Jesus Christ, then I have no idea what heaven really is, and what is really there, and what it is really about; that all of the blessings, all the joys, all the rewards, all the miracles, they all point to one thing: the Glory of God and beholding the Lord Jesus Christ eye-to-eye. And so as you can tell, I may have made it more complicated than it needed to be, especially since when it comes to translating, simple is best. Oh well. They at least got two great talks from Matt Phillips and JR Owen.
Anyway, this is long, and I should be going. I apologize for the sporadic blogging, and the lack of pictures. I hope when we get back, our post-Uganda trip presentation with satiate all your inquiries and curiosities.
"Grace be to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible."
Matt Wolfe
Eastwood-New Life Presbyeterian vs Kagadi Peoples Secondary School Football (Soccer) Match
We had our soccer match yesterday, and after a strong first half showing, we ended up with a draw, leaving Eastwood's record at 1-0-2 (1 win, 0 losses, 2 draws). I played sweeper in the first half, Austin was in the No. 5 slot (which made him midfield in the back a little, or the center fullback forward of the sweeper). Spencer played on the flank with Daniel Phillips, and Soren played in the striker position. The crowd errupted in laughter at so many of our attempts to kick the ball and then missed. I did however block a shot on goal after the goalie was pulled out. The Ugandans liked that as well.
A typical day in Kagadi looks like this:
7:30 am - breakfast in the tiki hut dining hall which usually consists of pineapple, boiled eggs, instant coffee or hot tea, sliced bread (not like American bread), and butter and sugar.
8:30 am - devotional at New Life Presbyterian Church
9:00 am - a teaching/training time by an Eastwood team member, the rest of the other team members will procede to either: door-to-door or shop-to-shop evangelism
1:00 pm - lunch at the tiki hut dining hall that usually has some of the following: rice, beans, chipotte (like a flour tortilla), some kind of indiscernable meat or chicken, matoki (like a potato version of a bland banana), more pineapple, bottled water or glass bottle sodas (they include "coke" and "pepsi" and Fanta, Stoney - which is a ginger ale on steroids - and Mirinda; Mirinda tastes like a tootsie roll actually, and Steph Coppock LOVES it).
2:00 pm - evangelism again
6:00 pm - evangelism event at the church
8:30 pm - dinner
9:30 pm - team devotional
10:15 pm - closing meeting
10:30 pm - go to hut to sleep
Teaching times have been phenomenal with Matt Phillips teaching on Sexual Purity and JR teaching on Familes and the Role of the Father According to the Bible. During these teaching times there is about a 30 minute talk given (you have to multiply that number by 2 since there's also a translator), and then a Question and Answer section that can last for 2-3 hours. I don't think Matt Phillips was really prepared for the sheer number of questions.
The Ugandans ask some pretty interesting questions, all based on real examples. Here are a few:
If a man with three wives becomes a believer, what should he do with his wives? Divorce them all, divorce all but one, and if all but one how do you pick which one to keep? (All the wives were not believers.)
If a woman leaves her husband, has children with another man, but refuses to grant a divorce to her husband - what can the husband do?
What is the process for approaching a brother or sister who is in sin? And what do you do if an elder is spreading gossip about a discipline problem?
We visited the HIV/Aids ward of the Kagadi Hospital yesterday, and a school for children with special needs. The school told us they had just run out of money to feed the children. They told us that with 60 special needs students and almost 600 total students, it only costs $1500 a month to keep the school running with food and salaries for 14 teachers. We did buy them 100 kilograms of poshe (a kind of flour for porridge) and we're traveling to Mambaale to buy them beans.
Beth, at the HIV/Aids ward, your daughter gave her testimony and just started weeping in the middle of it. I couldn't see her because I was backed in a room off the main waiting room, but I almost started crying, too, I don't know why. Alex gave her testimony as well, and she ended up crying throughout her testimony as well. Matt Phillips later told me that as Mary Grace gave her testimony and started crying, she made several ladies in the waiting room start crying as well. It was a sweet moment. ALSO, everywhere it go it seems, people keep asking me: "Where is Beth?" HAHAHA. You could come here and run for office of the mayor I think. If they have one. I don't really know.
I did the teaching time today on the Importance of Viewing the Beauty of Christ. After all, if you don't desire Christ above all things, then you have not been converted by the gospel. I have to ask myself this everyday, do I desire Christ more than anything else? Would I accept going to heaven if it had all the foods I loved, all the friends I liked, all the natural beauties I loved, yet without all the sickness and disease and death and sin, would I take this heaven if it did not have Christ in it? If I answer this in the affirmative, that yes I would take this heaven without Jesus Christ, then I have no idea what heaven really is, and what is really there, and what it is really about; that all of the blessings, all the joys, all the rewards, all the miracles, they all point to one thing: the Glory of God and beholding the Lord Jesus Christ eye-to-eye. And so as you can tell, I may have made it more complicated than it needed to be, especially since when it comes to translating, simple is best. Oh well. They at least got two great talks from Matt Phillips and JR Owen.
Anyway, this is long, and I should be going. I apologize for the sporadic blogging, and the lack of pictures. I hope when we get back, our post-Uganda trip presentation with satiate all your inquiries and curiosities.
"Grace be to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible."
Matt Wolfe
Eye Candy, part Deuce
Pastors Aaron and Edward at a evangelism event.
Katie, from San Diego who joined our team along with the Ebys, and Mary Grace walking around.
Lindsay saw me with the camera.
Alex talking with the children.
Jenna reading Bible stories.
Lindsay saw me with the camera.
Alex talking with the children.
Jenna reading Bible stories.
EYE CANDY!!!! Part One
A special needs school in Kagadi.
The prison in Kagadi - yes, we're sitting around with the prisoners... :)
Topi (Pastor Francis' wife), Pastor John, Julian Ray, Topista (Pastor John's wife) and their child.
The inside of New Life Presbyterian Church in Kagadi.Monday, July 20, 2009
Rule #24: Tuck your mosquito net under your mattress..
Early this morning, as I was quietly snoozing away, I felt something flutter across my face. I looked up and saw a dark spot on my net. I thought, "Hmm...that looks like a moth, but I better check." So, I got out of my net and got my flashlight. I pointed my flashlight on the net and it was a BAT! Yes, I repeat, a bat! Leslie, you would be so proud! I was so brave.. I didn't even scream. My mosquito net that is supposed to prevent mosquitos from entering, allowed a bat to come in! I wasn't sure what to do because it was on the inside of my net. So, I went out into the front room and woke up Mary Grace. I definitely chose the right person! She came in my room and we looked at it, and then we made a video of me telling the story (We will try to post it, but you have to listen very carefully. I am whispering because it was 4:45 in the morning). Mary Grace wiggled the net. The bat stretched one wing out, but still clung tight to the net. Mary Grace found a cup and a piece of paper. She put the cup over the bat, then slid the paper in between the net and the cup. It started flapping and we both jumped. We opened the door and threw it out of the cup. So..Mary Grace saved me. I pray that she doesn't have rabies now. She even offered to let me sleep with her in the little bitty twin bed before we found a way to get it out. Thank you for loving me Mary Grace!
All jokes aside, our time here in Kagadi has been amazing! Today Dr. Matt taught a seminar for the men of the church on sexual purity. There was a very large crowd. He said they listened intently and asked lots of questions.
While he was doing that, all of the girls, Austin, Matt, and JR went to a Christian school. They have almost 600 students, 60 of them having special needs. They showed us around the school and then we went into the main hall where the children were singing praise songs. It was such a blessing! They were jumping up and down and singing to the top of their lungs. They are so excited about Jesus! The deaf children performed a couple songs for us in sign language. Then Alex and Alexis shared their testimonies with the children. I feel like God was working through these two young ladies. I feel like the students could really relate to what they were saying. Then Jenna, Stephanie, and Katie (a young friend of the Eby's who is here with us) shared the gospel by using a gospel bracelet. Then I prayed for the chilren and several raised their hand saying they wanted to trust in our Savior! Then, some of us went outside and blew bubbles for the children. They LOVED them! They were knocking us over and pulling on our skirts trying to get as close as possible. The other team members had a meeting with the school officials. They shared their needs with us. This school desperately needs our prayers. They have faith that God will provide. Many of the students live on campus, and their parents only contribute money to cover food. Many of the students with special needs are abandoned, and the school is all they have. These children touched all of our lives today. These children, as many of the people I have encountered, have nothing. Yet, they give all they have to Christ. They give out of their poverty. We have all that we could ask or think of, and yet can be reluctant to give. I pray to have a heart of giving like our friends here in Uganda.
A third group (Pastor Aaron, Soren, Daniel, Spencer) went shop to shop to evangelize. Soren and Pastor Aaron had 2 of the 4 people they met to pray to accept Christ. What a joy to leave these precious converts in the hands of our church family here in Kagadi. Pray that we can continue to minister to the people we met today. We know that God's word does not return void.
This afternoon the boys went shop to shop and the girls were privileged to meet with the women of the church. Jenna and Stephanie gave encouraging words to them about being women and their role as women. They also had lots of questions for us.
Then, tonight we had our first crusade. Alex and Soren gave their testimonies and Pastor Aaron preached. I love watching the people o f Kagadi worhip. First of all, they dance like you would not believe! I need to learn some dance moves from them! When someone is speaking, if they hear something they agree with or really like, they shout out, "Amena!" or "Hallelujah!" I appreciate it because they are listening intently..they could sit and listen to the word of God for hours! These people are such an encouragement to me.
Pray for us as tomorrow we will go into a hospital ward filled with HIV patients. We will also have our 2nd annual soccer game with students from a local school. It will be a great opportunity for evangelism during and after the game.
I'm so sorry this is so long. I am just so thankful to see what God is doing here, and I want all of you to know what we are experiencing. I am thankful not only for what he is doing here in Ugandans, but what He is doing in my life as well.
Dad, Mom, Leslie, and Caiden, and the Fuhrmans: I miss all of you! Trust that I am safe. I hope all of you are well and I love you sooooo sooooo much!
In His Hands,
Lindsay (aka Chatty Cathy..thanks Pastor Aaron)
All jokes aside, our time here in Kagadi has been amazing! Today Dr. Matt taught a seminar for the men of the church on sexual purity. There was a very large crowd. He said they listened intently and asked lots of questions.
While he was doing that, all of the girls, Austin, Matt, and JR went to a Christian school. They have almost 600 students, 60 of them having special needs. They showed us around the school and then we went into the main hall where the children were singing praise songs. It was such a blessing! They were jumping up and down and singing to the top of their lungs. They are so excited about Jesus! The deaf children performed a couple songs for us in sign language. Then Alex and Alexis shared their testimonies with the children. I feel like God was working through these two young ladies. I feel like the students could really relate to what they were saying. Then Jenna, Stephanie, and Katie (a young friend of the Eby's who is here with us) shared the gospel by using a gospel bracelet. Then I prayed for the chilren and several raised their hand saying they wanted to trust in our Savior! Then, some of us went outside and blew bubbles for the children. They LOVED them! They were knocking us over and pulling on our skirts trying to get as close as possible. The other team members had a meeting with the school officials. They shared their needs with us. This school desperately needs our prayers. They have faith that God will provide. Many of the students live on campus, and their parents only contribute money to cover food. Many of the students with special needs are abandoned, and the school is all they have. These children touched all of our lives today. These children, as many of the people I have encountered, have nothing. Yet, they give all they have to Christ. They give out of their poverty. We have all that we could ask or think of, and yet can be reluctant to give. I pray to have a heart of giving like our friends here in Uganda.
A third group (Pastor Aaron, Soren, Daniel, Spencer) went shop to shop to evangelize. Soren and Pastor Aaron had 2 of the 4 people they met to pray to accept Christ. What a joy to leave these precious converts in the hands of our church family here in Kagadi. Pray that we can continue to minister to the people we met today. We know that God's word does not return void.
This afternoon the boys went shop to shop and the girls were privileged to meet with the women of the church. Jenna and Stephanie gave encouraging words to them about being women and their role as women. They also had lots of questions for us.
Then, tonight we had our first crusade. Alex and Soren gave their testimonies and Pastor Aaron preached. I love watching the people o f Kagadi worhip. First of all, they dance like you would not believe! I need to learn some dance moves from them! When someone is speaking, if they hear something they agree with or really like, they shout out, "Amena!" or "Hallelujah!" I appreciate it because they are listening intently..they could sit and listen to the word of God for hours! These people are such an encouragement to me.
Pray for us as tomorrow we will go into a hospital ward filled with HIV patients. We will also have our 2nd annual soccer game with students from a local school. It will be a great opportunity for evangelism during and after the game.
I'm so sorry this is so long. I am just so thankful to see what God is doing here, and I want all of you to know what we are experiencing. I am thankful not only for what he is doing here in Ugandans, but what He is doing in my life as well.
Dad, Mom, Leslie, and Caiden, and the Fuhrmans: I miss all of you! Trust that I am safe. I hope all of you are well and I love you sooooo sooooo much!
In His Hands,
Lindsay (aka Chatty Cathy..thanks Pastor Aaron)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Happy Birthday Camille!
Dr. Matt sends all of his love to his beautiful wife on her birthday. He was sad that he couldn't talk to her, so he made this adorable card for her instead. The rest of the team sends our Happy Birthdays to her also! Soren celebrated his birthday today, as Jenna did yesterday. We love you all, and hope that God continues to bless us during our wonderful trip.
Sweaty Armpits
Gosh... it's so hot.... Today, Sunday, the men woke up at 7 am to hear Bruce St. Clair preach at an Anglican church - two hours long - and then everyone went to the New Life Presbyterian Church here in Kagadi to hear Matt Phillips teach sunday school as well as hear Aaron preach. That service was 3.25 hours long. And then, we drove over to a prison to share testimonies and share the gospel as well.
Needless to say, we all have pretty sweaty armpits. Unfortunately, my deodarant is in my building, oh, about 20 minutes walking away. And I'm too tired to go and get it.
But anyway, you've all heard that we made it here safe and sound. The plane flights were about the same as they always are. Long. Amsterdam was fun. I tried to convince Aaron that I had an annointing and that he should let me take the team's money into the airport casino and see what would happen. He said no. So I didn't.
Also, at the prison, while the women of the group were sharing their testimonies with the three women incarcerated at the Kagadi prison, Soren, Austin, Spencer, and Daniel decided to entertain the local children that were around the prison house. There was no one to translate, but we were able to teach them how to do a "fist bump," how to do the Superman dance, and how to play duck-duck goose. It was amazing. AND - taking a picture of the kids and then showing them a picture of what they look on the LCD screen of the camera - priceless. They would all scream and point fingers and laugh. If we have done nothing so far, we have at least broken the language barrier. HAHAHA.
Well, I'll leave the serious talk to all the rest of the team, I'm sure they've got stories to tell you about what God is doing. I just wanted to drop a short line.
Continue to pray for us and our time left here - yes, even though it has just begun. Gerald, a graduate of the seminary and who is going to get his PhD in San Antonio, the first for a member of the Presbyterian Church of Uganda (PCU), was talking to the group for orientation, and he said this very interesting thing I'd like to end on.
"Americans have watches, Ugandans have time."
Grace and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ,
Matt
Needless to say, we all have pretty sweaty armpits. Unfortunately, my deodarant is in my building, oh, about 20 minutes walking away. And I'm too tired to go and get it.
But anyway, you've all heard that we made it here safe and sound. The plane flights were about the same as they always are. Long. Amsterdam was fun. I tried to convince Aaron that I had an annointing and that he should let me take the team's money into the airport casino and see what would happen. He said no. So I didn't.
Also, at the prison, while the women of the group were sharing their testimonies with the three women incarcerated at the Kagadi prison, Soren, Austin, Spencer, and Daniel decided to entertain the local children that were around the prison house. There was no one to translate, but we were able to teach them how to do a "fist bump," how to do the Superman dance, and how to play duck-duck goose. It was amazing. AND - taking a picture of the kids and then showing them a picture of what they look on the LCD screen of the camera - priceless. They would all scream and point fingers and laugh. If we have done nothing so far, we have at least broken the language barrier. HAHAHA.
Well, I'll leave the serious talk to all the rest of the team, I'm sure they've got stories to tell you about what God is doing. I just wanted to drop a short line.
Continue to pray for us and our time left here - yes, even though it has just begun. Gerald, a graduate of the seminary and who is going to get his PhD in San Antonio, the first for a member of the Presbyterian Church of Uganda (PCU), was talking to the group for orientation, and he said this very interesting thing I'd like to end on.
"Americans have watches, Ugandans have time."
Grace and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ,
Matt
Saturday, July 18, 2009
no worries
HEY!
We made it safely to Kampala yesterday (Friday) around 10 p.m. After a short night's sleep, we woke up and headed to Kagadi. Although the trip was supposed to be five hours, there were a couple problem, as well as many blessings along the way. Our bus broke down in a remote village, and while we were waiting for a mechanic, children flocked to us. We instantly pulled out the bubbles and soccer ball; even Mrs. Chris played soccer. Soren and Dr. Matt got to share the Gospel with two Ugandan adults. Two hours later, we were on our way to Kagadi again. Although driving on the road was much like a wooden roller coaster, we completed our journey without any more complications. We were so wonderfully greeted at the church by Pastor Francis, his wife Topi, and members of their church. Then, the university gave us our room assignments and we soon retreated to our huts. Tomorrow will be a relatively busy day, with many services planned. Please pray for Pastor Aaron who left his sermon notes at home. We will also be visiting a prison where several people will give their tesimonies. Thank you for all of your prayers so far, and hope you will keep us in your thoughts for the remainder of our trip.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Packing Party Tonight!!!
Yesterday had me running around trying to change out old $100 bills for NEW $100 bills... You don't know how awkward it is to walk into a bank and say: "I'm sorry, I have these OLD $100 bills, and I NEED new, crisp $100 bills... No, I'm not being a snob, but I can't exchange these old bills in a foreign country, you know what I mean? No. Well... they don't. So can I get some new bills?"
HAHA.
Anyway, we're riding out tomorrow for Atlanta, Amsterdam, and then Entebbe. But before that, we're having a sweet packing party over at the Flemings if you want to see us and aren't planning on coming to the EPC parking lot to see us drive off.
Think about it - it might be fun.... :)
"Grace be with all who love the Lord with love incorruptible."
HAHA.
Anyway, we're riding out tomorrow for Atlanta, Amsterdam, and then Entebbe. But before that, we're having a sweet packing party over at the Flemings if you want to see us and aren't planning on coming to the EPC parking lot to see us drive off.
Think about it - it might be fun.... :)
"Grace be with all who love the Lord with love incorruptible."
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Team
It seems that just last week I went to the first Uganda meeting, but in three days we will be on an airplane going to the “Pearl of Africa.” The team has been preparing for many weeks, and we can only pray that God will bless our fervor and dedication. We are so very thankful that the Lord has provided the funds for our entire team through the support of our church and many others. Now as we embark to serve Him, it is our hope that He will grant us much wisdom and the ability to communicate His Word to the wonderful people of Uganda.
The members of this year’s team are some of the loveliest people I have ever met. Pastor Aaron Fleming and Matt Wolfe are fantastic leaders and we are very grateful for their devotion and guidance. When I think of these next women, the only term that comes to mind is the fab five. Mrs. Chris Fleming, Jenna McCollough, Stephanie Coppock, Alex Guiffre, and Lindsay Dennis are simply amazing. I could never say enough good things about their patience and helpfulness in every situation. Dr. Matt Phillips is obviously the go-to person if there is ever a health question, but he has also been wonderful in explaining numerous evangelism tools. The boys, Soren Geiger, Austin Gaines, and Daniel Phillips are full of life and energy, which will be most useful after the long days of sharing the Gospel. Rounding out the group are Spencer, Mary Grace, and J.R. Owen, who are each uniquely talented. Spencer, one of the few veterans on the team, will be great at showing his sister the ropes, although Mary shouldn’t be underestimated. I am expecting great things from the little one. Their dad J.R. will be a wonderful teacher to every Ugandan he meets. I, Alexis Johnson, received the wonderful job of managing the blog, which I am sure will be more and more of a blessing every day.
I look forward to the coming weeks, and hope that you all will keep us in your prayers as we seek to proclaim God’s Word to this great country.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
8 Days till UGANDA!!!
Hey folks, we've got 8 days till we leave!
As of right now we have $44,600 of our needed $46,000 turned in for support.
But we have, from what I hear, about $4,000 more committed. PTL!
Soon and very soon!!!!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Support so far...
The team needs to get about $52,000 to go. So far we have about $26-28,000 committed and/ or turned in.
HOW AWESOME IS THAT?
It's funny, I keep telling the team to be proactive in talking to people about support, yet it is in fact, for me anyway, the very opposite for me in how I've received most of my support. 20% of my support goal has been met so far by people who simply heard or knew I was going back to Africa, and wanted to give me money. One girl has given me three checks so far!!! Of course this doesn't mean I'm going to stop being proactive and talking to people, but it does mean that I am reassured that God really does own the cattle on a thousand hills, and that He provides the way to accomplish what His purposes are.
I think that's neat.
And that's my quick thought at 7 am today!
-Matt
Monday, May 4, 2009
Support Video (08 version)
Here is the pre-trip video I made from last year. Still applicable today, and Chris's prayer requests are still very relevant to what you can still pray for us even for the trip this summer - that God would reign, in Uganda, and in Montgomery, in our workplaces, in our neighborhoods, and in our hearts.
Summer 2009
Greetings and salutations,
We're gearing up for a new summer trip to take place in mid-July. So far we're look at 9 girls and 6 guys... Flem is going back, and surprise, so is Mrs. Chris. I'm sure that will be very interesting.
KK and Spencer are returning, along with Beth and myself, and J-Mac (Jenna) from two years ago. Some of the newbies include Mary Grace (Spencer's sister) and JR (Spencer's dad). Kerry Alex, a ballerina who is typically quiet by nature, but very unafraid to talk about Jesus with anyone, Karin Alexis (Spencer's cousin) who just started at Huntingdon, Lindsey, a school teacher and Soren, who spent 6 months with Steven Spanjer's ministry and received numerous broken bones to show for it, Austin, a senior from ECS, and Stephanie, wife to the illustrious Adam Coppock, director of youth ministry at Eastwood Presbyterian. We may have one more surprise add on, but that's what it looks like right now.
We're looking to head back to Kampala to stay with Dave and Darlene, to visit Westminster Theological Seminary, then to Kagedi to help out at New Life Presbyterian Church, PCU, and also to Mambale to see Pastor Francis and his church.
For prayer and financial support information, please contact Eastwood Presbyterian Church and ask for Aaron Fleming, or use the brown box link on the right side of the main page and click on the interested link.
We're gearing up for a new summer trip to take place in mid-July. So far we're look at 9 girls and 6 guys... Flem is going back, and surprise, so is Mrs. Chris. I'm sure that will be very interesting.
KK and Spencer are returning, along with Beth and myself, and J-Mac (Jenna) from two years ago. Some of the newbies include Mary Grace (Spencer's sister) and JR (Spencer's dad). Kerry Alex, a ballerina who is typically quiet by nature, but very unafraid to talk about Jesus with anyone, Karin Alexis (Spencer's cousin) who just started at Huntingdon, Lindsey, a school teacher and Soren, who spent 6 months with Steven Spanjer's ministry and received numerous broken bones to show for it, Austin, a senior from ECS, and Stephanie, wife to the illustrious Adam Coppock, director of youth ministry at Eastwood Presbyterian. We may have one more surprise add on, but that's what it looks like right now.
We're looking to head back to Kampala to stay with Dave and Darlene, to visit Westminster Theological Seminary, then to Kagedi to help out at New Life Presbyterian Church, PCU, and also to Mambale to see Pastor Francis and his church.
For prayer and financial support information, please contact Eastwood Presbyterian Church and ask for Aaron Fleming, or use the brown box link on the right side of the main page and click on the interested link.
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