Saturday, June 26
From now on when I read about “the garden” in Genesis I will think of Uganda! It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. More beautiful than the place though, are the people of Uganda. It is impossible not to love them.
This week we have seen people who were very sick and suffering. Many were helped by the doctors who came with medicine, but many needed care that could not be accomplished by us or any doctor! People sat in the hot sun for days to get teeth pulled and to receive glasses. In a small way I think I know what is must have been like as the disciples saw all the people who searched for Jesus and wanted to be healed. So many times my heart was broken by the suffering we saw.
Here is the good news! The people in Uganda have not been forgotten by God! People are so hungry for Christ! We saw true conversions. We prayed with people, shared the Gospel in small groups over and over for hours at a time. What a joy to see their countenances change as they heard about a God who loves them and offers them eternal life through Christ. God’s spirit is moving here. The young church is growing. Many young men and women are growing in their faith, going to seminary, and returning to the villages to help the churches grow in faith and knowledge of God. The believers here shine bright for Christ and many are being drawn to Christ through the love they have for one another. I was so touched by a family we visited yesterday. Augustine and Harriett live in Mabaale. The husband had an accident many years ago and is paralyzed. The wife cares for him and loves him and now has 9 orphans in addition to her 3 children. Their home stood out on the road because it was so clean—and they actually have flowers planted in the yard! The children’s faces shone with love and joy. Harriett is so beautiful and kind. The home was orderly and full of joy. There is hope there! Here are people thriving in the saddest of circumstances because of love!
In this area, it is the body of Christ working and worshiping together, that is transforming the lives of the community. The believers are building a school; they have a vision for building a children’s village where children can be nurtured and receive an education; one of the Ugandan doctors has a plan to specialize in obstetrics so he can open a women's clinic to help the women who are suffering from treatable complications of bearing children. With God, all this is possible. I am so encouraged by the men and women who love their neighbors and are giving their lives to serve each other! It reminds me of the miracle of the fishes and loaves. We take what we have and give it to the Lord, He causes it to be multiplied as we receive from him and then give to others.
This week God has shown me things about His power I did not know. Seeing the suffering and poverty and need here does not cause me to despair, because I have also seen how it is relieved by people here who love God and love each other. It has given me hope that will not disappoint. I want to come back! I don’t want to forget this time. I want to bring my friends! Please pray for Uganda! Please pray for the church here. Please pray we will not forget!
Lynn Cobb
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.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
How beautiful are the feet...
After a long week of clinic, which had us seeing over 250 patients a day for four days, and averaging about 60 patients per provider, and giving out thousands of medications, our clinic came to a close. Over those four days we saw many cases of “malaria,” back pain, abdominal pain, reflux, red eye, hernias, some malnourished children, a blind man, and many other interesting patients. We prayed with literally thousands of people. Some prayers were for healing, some were for strength, and some people even prayed to receive Christ for salvation! The one thing that stands out at this moment is the generosity of the Kagadi people. These small town people showered us with gifts over and over. One man in particular named Fred, gave me gifts of avocado, pineapple, a thatch rug, and even a hat. On our last day I went to visit him at his local shop. There I was amazed to see all his shoes for sale, but what caught my attention was his Bible. It was worn and tattered. It had obviously been read many times, and reread again. This man lived by God’s word, and believed that he would answer all his prayers and meet his every need. It was a moment of reflection. I noticed I often feel that my prayers will not be answered when I pray. I realized that I needed to trust in His ability to answer my prayers, and that I should be bold and pray more and ask even more.
On this same day we also had a soccer match. We played a local Kagadi team. Before the game we prayed for safety and the opportunity to share Christ with the local fans. God answered our prayers. After the game we were able to share with about 60 fans, and a few even prayed to accept Christ in the middle of the soccer field.
Overall this trip has been amazing. Many prayers have been answered. I’m sure when I get back to the States there will be many questions and I’ll love to answer them all. Thank you for all of your prayers and support this week! See you in a few days!
James Colvard
James and one of the local doctors who helped us in the clinic for the week, Dr. Bart.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Life Luxuries: Toilet Seats, Hot Showers and Ice...Oh My!
So, we left our wonderfully sweet brothers and sisters in Kagadi this morning. We attended New Life this morning and PA preached how we leave each other physically, but encouraged them to keep the faith and to press on in evangelizing to the lost people of Kagadi. It was a bitter sweet morning; memories were made and friendships began. This made our goodbyes even harder.
Since we have had no internet connection, this is going to be a jumble of blog posts to catch you up on a few things.
On Sunday the 20, we got the honor of going to the Kagadi Prison and ministering to the inmates there. We pulled up and saw children with torn clothes, no shoes and a trashbag wrapped around a ball of some sort to make a "futbol"(sp). We jumped into action and handed out stickers and lollipops to the children in the surrounding huts. Mary Grace told me there were women inside a little cove and that they might want some suckers aswell. As I walked in, the sight was more than I could handle. I saw 2 women with a little hole in the top of a metal door stretching their fingers through the bars wanting some candy. I was overwhelmed with sadness when I was infromed that the children playing outside were their's. When we were invited in (no pictures were allowed), we had 3 people give testimonies. Patrick Purdue led in the delivery and Soren Geiger followed. His testimony was interpretted by Joseph, and drunk he led to the Lord last year. There was not a dry eye in the house. Lynn Cobb got to give her testimony which she directed to the women, who were mentioned earlier. Our evangelism guru, Matt Phillips, shared the Gospel with the men and led them in prayer. The voices repeating Matt's words was the most beautiful sound I had heard. The joy that Matt had in sharing his love for Christ could have led a door to Christ. This day got me charged and on fire for sharing the Gospel to the precious people of Kagadi for the rest of the week. Thank you for send our team here! This week has been such a joy and such a great encouragement to all our lives and we cannot wait to come home and share with our family the love we have for Kagadi, Uganda.
Clara Lasseter
Yesterday, June 26, we started our morning with an invigorating hike. Most of our team made our way up the side of a mountain with beautiful scenery in every direction. We had some stragglers, including me, but when we made it to the top, it was well worth it. Words nor pictures can describe the beauty that we saw. God's creation is indescribable and it was so wonderful to have the opportunity to experience it together. As a tradition that was started last year, we read Psalm 96. J.R. would read a line and in unison we repeated God's word. The sound of all our voices together reminded us of a picture of heaven. Each and every one of us worshiping God with one voice. How amazing!!! It was such a wonderful start to the day that we were able to share together. We then made our way back for a quick lunch. J.R. had a treat for us...he said we had an opportunity to ride a Boda Boda (for those who do not know...it is an African style, very tiny, motorcycle). Let's just say it was an experience we will never forget. For the girls, we were sandwiched in between men, including one we did not know, as we sped down dirt roads with potholes every 6 inches. Let's not forget the trucks that sped by 2 inches away from our kneecaps with gallons of dust invading our nostrils and ear canals. That was an experience we will never forget. To end the day we had a soccer match between New Life Church and another native church team, which is geared towards youth to keep them off the streets. Unfortunately we lost 2-0, but J.R. ended the match sharing the gospel to both the teams and the many spectators. The day was full of memories, but we know all good things must come to an end. We have had such an incredible time with the Kagadi people, and Lord-willing we will return again.
We will update again tomorrow with pictures. We now have internet!
Allison Trumbull
Since we have had no internet connection, this is going to be a jumble of blog posts to catch you up on a few things.
On Sunday the 20, we got the honor of going to the Kagadi Prison and ministering to the inmates there. We pulled up and saw children with torn clothes, no shoes and a trashbag wrapped around a ball of some sort to make a "futbol"(sp). We jumped into action and handed out stickers and lollipops to the children in the surrounding huts. Mary Grace told me there were women inside a little cove and that they might want some suckers aswell. As I walked in, the sight was more than I could handle. I saw 2 women with a little hole in the top of a metal door stretching their fingers through the bars wanting some candy. I was overwhelmed with sadness when I was infromed that the children playing outside were their's. When we were invited in (no pictures were allowed), we had 3 people give testimonies. Patrick Purdue led in the delivery and Soren Geiger followed. His testimony was interpretted by Joseph, and drunk he led to the Lord last year. There was not a dry eye in the house. Lynn Cobb got to give her testimony which she directed to the women, who were mentioned earlier. Our evangelism guru, Matt Phillips, shared the Gospel with the men and led them in prayer. The voices repeating Matt's words was the most beautiful sound I had heard. The joy that Matt had in sharing his love for Christ could have led a door to Christ. This day got me charged and on fire for sharing the Gospel to the precious people of Kagadi for the rest of the week. Thank you for send our team here! This week has been such a joy and such a great encouragement to all our lives and we cannot wait to come home and share with our family the love we have for Kagadi, Uganda.
Clara Lasseter
Yesterday, June 26, we started our morning with an invigorating hike. Most of our team made our way up the side of a mountain with beautiful scenery in every direction. We had some stragglers, including me, but when we made it to the top, it was well worth it. Words nor pictures can describe the beauty that we saw. God's creation is indescribable and it was so wonderful to have the opportunity to experience it together. As a tradition that was started last year, we read Psalm 96. J.R. would read a line and in unison we repeated God's word. The sound of all our voices together reminded us of a picture of heaven. Each and every one of us worshiping God with one voice. How amazing!!! It was such a wonderful start to the day that we were able to share together. We then made our way back for a quick lunch. J.R. had a treat for us...he said we had an opportunity to ride a Boda Boda (for those who do not know...it is an African style, very tiny, motorcycle). Let's just say it was an experience we will never forget. For the girls, we were sandwiched in between men, including one we did not know, as we sped down dirt roads with potholes every 6 inches. Let's not forget the trucks that sped by 2 inches away from our kneecaps with gallons of dust invading our nostrils and ear canals. That was an experience we will never forget. To end the day we had a soccer match between New Life Church and another native church team, which is geared towards youth to keep them off the streets. Unfortunately we lost 2-0, but J.R. ended the match sharing the gospel to both the teams and the many spectators. The day was full of memories, but we know all good things must come to an end. We have had such an incredible time with the Kagadi people, and Lord-willing we will return again.
We will update again tomorrow with pictures. We now have internet!
Allison Trumbull
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday from Kampala
The week has been incredible and God has done an amazing work. We apologize for the late blog entry, but the Internet connection in Kagadi was spotty and the days were very full with breakfast at 7 and supper at 8.
The days have been packed full with the clinic from 8:30 to 6:00p where we saw a total of 900+ patients and over 200 +teeth pulled! So many teeth pulled that John developed blisters that required makeshift bandages made of duct tape to press on! You can fix anything with duct tape! Soren, a budding dentist, pulled four teeth during a rare break for John! He even went through the crowd with a flashlight screening the worst teeth to be pulled! If up to Soren there would be few teeth left in Kagadi!
James Colvard, family practice resident, consistently saw the most patients each day, setting the bar high for the other doctors. His contagious laugh and joy in clinic spurred us to serve with the joy of the Lord! His genuine love for the people endeared him to the people of Kagadi.
Matt Phillips has been his typical cheerleader self rallying us all in the clinic and at the team gatherings. His smiling enthusiasm was especially needed to get us all going on that third morning at breakfast. With women lining the hall throughout the day, his tireless drive to treat every patient in Uganda provided the spark of energy we all needed to make it through the long days.
The clinic was a great tool to do what we really came to do which is to love the people, present the gospel and support New Life Pres. Church. What a joy to be used by God in this unique way. Thank you to all of you who made this trip happen! God is Alive and Active in Uganda!
Wish we could blog more but we three have a flight to catch! The rest of the team will remain to worship and serve at New Life Pres. Church in Kagadi. Continue to pray for their work and safe return!
Den, Matt and John
Monday, June 21, 2010
Putting Christ in the Clinic
This picture is of our brave/goofy doctors and fearless/timid (Yes, we did say timid...hand up!) leader on the first day of our clinic! It was a very exciting day for all of us!
This is us at the Eby's before we left for Kagadi, and it is the only group picture to date :( We'll try and be better about that.Monday, June 21
The first day of clinic was a beautiful example of the body of Christ working together. Our team is made of people with unique gifts perfectly sculpted for their role on the trip. All of the team has been willing to work outside their gifts and comfort zones.
Administration has been beautifully displayed. J.R. has been masterful in the art of leadership. He has carefully delegated tasks to every member of the team stretching them to reach their potential. At one point during the clinic on the first day, I needed an exam table. J.R. learned of the need and promised me a table within the hour. Learning that there were no tables available, he employed a local carpenter for a few dollars only to build a table! I had my table within the hour! His ability to troubleshoot has been instrumental in the success of this trip. Den Trumbull and Patrick Purdue have been key players in the running of the clinic. We are seeing 200 plus patients today in tents made with sticks and tarps with greater efficiency than we do in my own office. (maybe I should hire Patrick in my own Montgomery office)
Allen and Beth McDaniel have exhibited Christ like service in the pharmacy. With over 800 prescriptions filled in one day. The most impressive thing is their tireless energy while working in a tent that faced the sun in the hottest parts of the day. An unsurprising hero of the pharmacy was Chris Fleming. She and her usual humble way took a job out of the lime light that had to be done-counting pills.
Our triage nurses, Allison Trumbull and lay nurse, former school teacher Lindsey Dennis, greeted every patient with Christ like hospitality while professionally discharging their duties. It was a joy to me to work along side Den Trumbull, James Colvard and John Barganier. These men glorified Christ through speedy service and compassionate care despite extreme conditions. I have been with these men now since Thursday and have yet to hear a negative complaint.
Pastor Aaron has been called upon to preach and teach throughout the week. In his usual style he has presented the Word of God in a passionate way to spur people on to live in Christ. Sunday he preached at a sunrise service at 7 AM and at New Life Church at 11:30. He preached from a make shift stage at the Crusade Monday night calling all who would come to be saved.
The real heroes have been those serving on the Evangelism Team. The warriors of Christ start every morning with one on one evangelism and don't quit until after dark. Amazing stories of people trusting Christ and the gospel being preached are so numerous I do not know where to begin. These fire balls for Christ gave out 600-800 plus tracts and ending with innumerable gospel presentations and led an estimated 150 plus Ugandans to the Savior in the first day alone. To God be the glory! He is using our feeble efforts to draw people to himself. I wish all of you could look into the eyes of the people eager to hear the gospel message.
All the people on this trip are here for one reason and one reason only-that Christ may be known. This is the passion from which they have displayed. They have prepared themselves for usefulness and God has taken them up on their offer. The harvest is truly plentiful, but for once the labors do not seem few. Please continue to pray to the Lord of harvest to bless this effort. Pray for our strength and untamed love and unity. Praise the Lord no one has fallen sick-that too deserves your prayers. As for the warriors from Eastwood in Uganda, we thank you for sending us!
Matt Phillips
The first day of clinic was a beautiful example of the body of Christ working together. Our team is made of people with unique gifts perfectly sculpted for their role on the trip. All of the team has been willing to work outside their gifts and comfort zones.
Administration has been beautifully displayed. J.R. has been masterful in the art of leadership. He has carefully delegated tasks to every member of the team stretching them to reach their potential. At one point during the clinic on the first day, I needed an exam table. J.R. learned of the need and promised me a table within the hour. Learning that there were no tables available, he employed a local carpenter for a few dollars only to build a table! I had my table within the hour! His ability to troubleshoot has been instrumental in the success of this trip. Den Trumbull and Patrick Purdue have been key players in the running of the clinic. We are seeing 200 plus patients today in tents made with sticks and tarps with greater efficiency than we do in my own office. (maybe I should hire Patrick in my own Montgomery office)
Allen and Beth McDaniel have exhibited Christ like service in the pharmacy. With over 800 prescriptions filled in one day. The most impressive thing is their tireless energy while working in a tent that faced the sun in the hottest parts of the day. An unsurprising hero of the pharmacy was Chris Fleming. She and her usual humble way took a job out of the lime light that had to be done-counting pills.
Our triage nurses, Allison Trumbull and lay nurse, former school teacher Lindsey Dennis, greeted every patient with Christ like hospitality while professionally discharging their duties. It was a joy to me to work along side Den Trumbull, James Colvard and John Barganier. These men glorified Christ through speedy service and compassionate care despite extreme conditions. I have been with these men now since Thursday and have yet to hear a negative complaint.
Pastor Aaron has been called upon to preach and teach throughout the week. In his usual style he has presented the Word of God in a passionate way to spur people on to live in Christ. Sunday he preached at a sunrise service at 7 AM and at New Life Church at 11:30. He preached from a make shift stage at the Crusade Monday night calling all who would come to be saved.
The real heroes have been those serving on the Evangelism Team. The warriors of Christ start every morning with one on one evangelism and don't quit until after dark. Amazing stories of people trusting Christ and the gospel being preached are so numerous I do not know where to begin. These fire balls for Christ gave out 600-800 plus tracts and ending with innumerable gospel presentations and led an estimated 150 plus Ugandans to the Savior in the first day alone. To God be the glory! He is using our feeble efforts to draw people to himself. I wish all of you could look into the eyes of the people eager to hear the gospel message.
All the people on this trip are here for one reason and one reason only-that Christ may be known. This is the passion from which they have displayed. They have prepared themselves for usefulness and God has taken them up on their offer. The harvest is truly plentiful, but for once the labors do not seem few. Please continue to pray to the Lord of harvest to bless this effort. Pray for our strength and untamed love and unity. Praise the Lord no one has fallen sick-that too deserves your prayers. As for the warriors from Eastwood in Uganda, we thank you for sending us!
Matt Phillips
Sunday, June 20, 2010
In the Pearl of Africa
This is our first morning in Africa at the Eby's
June 19, 2010
Good Morning!!
WE MADE IT!
We are all here, safe and sound. We got in last night and went to pick up our luggage at the baggage claim. Seven bags didn’t make it in, so JR talked to the airport about getting it in as soon as they could. Matthew and Monica came and helped us get everything loaded into the bus and then we left for the Eby’s house in Kampala. When we got in, the Eby’s gave us a snack and then we split up into our rooms. We were all able to take showers and get a good night’s sleep.
In the morning, Patrick went to the airport to check on our luggage and we retrieved five of our seven missing bags. PRAISE THE LORD! After breakfast, we met and sang together, and then Pastor Aaron gave us a short devotional about being a servant without asking for recognition or thanks in return. Now we are loading the bus back up to go to Kagadi.
Izzy Cobb
P.S. We have a VERY hard time getting on the internet, so we will do our best throughout the week in keeping you updated. We hope to have more posts by tonight.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Who's your pilot?
The Uganda team of 2010 is headed to the airport!!!
Please join us through your prayers.
We depart Montgomery at 1:55 PM, fly into Atlanta
We depart Atlanta at 5:20 PM, fly into Amsterdam
We depart Amsterdam at 11:00 AM Friday, fly into Entebbe, Uganda
Arrival Time - 7:50 PM Friday
8489 miles in the air
3 airplanes
1 pilot for all of eternity
Please join us through your prayers.
We depart Montgomery at 1:55 PM, fly into Atlanta
We depart Atlanta at 5:20 PM, fly into Amsterdam
We depart Amsterdam at 11:00 AM Friday, fly into Entebbe, Uganda
Arrival Time - 7:50 PM Friday
8489 miles in the air
3 airplanes
1 pilot for all of eternity
Monday, June 14, 2010
Uganda2010
2010
June 17th -30th
Twenty-two people. One team. One country. One purpose. Sharing the Gospel!!!
Eastwood returns to New Life Presbyterian Church of Kagadi, Uganda.
This year we are including a medical clinic.
Meet the medical team:
Dr. Matt Phillips
Dr. Den Trumbull
Dr. John Barganier
Dr. James Colvard
Allen McDaniel
Beth McDaniel
Allison Trumbull
Meet the Evangelism team:
Aaron Fleming
J.R. Owen
Soren Geiger
Patrick Purdue
Chris Fleming
Beth Owen
Lynn Cobb
Lindsey Dennis
Clara Lasseter
Izzy Cobb
Mary Grace Owen
Virginia Lasseter
Elijah Owen
Den Trumbull IV
Daniel Phillips
"That Your way may be known on the earth, your salvation among all nations." Psalm 67:2
Pastor Aaron Fleming
June 17th -30th
Twenty-two people. One team. One country. One purpose. Sharing the Gospel!!!
Eastwood returns to New Life Presbyterian Church of Kagadi, Uganda.
This year we are including a medical clinic.
Meet the medical team:
Dr. Matt Phillips
Dr. Den Trumbull
Dr. John Barganier
Dr. James Colvard
Allen McDaniel
Beth McDaniel
Allison Trumbull
Meet the Evangelism team:
Aaron Fleming
J.R. Owen
Soren Geiger
Patrick Purdue
Chris Fleming
Beth Owen
Lynn Cobb
Lindsey Dennis
Clara Lasseter
Izzy Cobb
Mary Grace Owen
Virginia Lasseter
Elijah Owen
Den Trumbull IV
Daniel Phillips
"That Your way may be known on the earth, your salvation among all nations." Psalm 67:2
Pastor Aaron Fleming
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