Consider the exchange rate for a moment...not dollars for shillings; but rather, two weeks in Alabama for two weeks in Uganda, an American culture for an African culture, the gospel message of hope and life for the hopeless false teachings that have permeated the homes, shops and churches of Kajjansi. My faith has been strengthened this week as I have watched with awe and joy as God has worked mightily through a partnership between fifteen Eastwood team members and our new friends and fellow believers at New Life Presbyterian Church.
Pastor Francis Mayanja and three elder-elects, Ivan, Francis, and Alfred, graciously received us and have grafted us into their ministry this week. Our typical day would began with a devotion and prayer at New Life. We visited primary and secondary schools, where we shared the gospel through singing, skits, interactive sports contests, stories, crafts, puppet shows, gospel presentations and preaching God's word. Our team walked door-to-door and shop-to-shop sharing the gospel with the people of Kajjansi. We divided up into sub-teams with a team leader, two team members and an interrupter from the church. We shared the gospel and testimonies and invited the people we met to join us for "Good News Gatherings" in the evening and to worship with New Life. Eastwood donated bibles to the church written in Lugandan and in English. Few people here own a bible; however, Pastor Mayanja can now give bibles to those new members that complete a "Beginners Class." Our last outreach was a Futball match that pitted the newly formed New Life/Eastwood team against the skilled and well-coached team from the High-Tech Secondary School. An intense and entertaining game was decided in the last minutes of the game as High-Tech broke a 3-3 tie with a game winning goal that tipped off of the outstretched fingers of our American goalie. This game was well attended and earned our team their ear for an ending program where Pastor Mayanja was able to speak to both teams and the crowd. Spencer gave a passionate gospel presentation and challenged the players to turn away from the world and to make Christ the Lord of their lives!
Now some short comments about the Eastwood DreamTeam:
Chip - the music man of humble heart
Matt - picture this, he has a huge heart for the lost
Joel - loves Jesus, and shows it
Daniel - not Matt's son now, he is God's man
Rome - has had quite the growth spurt here in Africa
AJ - always pondering, confidence increasing rapidly in the Lord
Spencer - his fervor and zeal for the Lord is contagious
Jack - young Jack has captured the heart of many with his love for Jesus
Aaron - has already started a D-group of young men from Kajjansi!!!
Ashley - sugar sweet goes a long way in Africa
Emily - a big smile and compassionate spirit
Mary Grace - sorting thru the marriage proposals, and singing "Power of the Cross"
Dottie - JaJa the Grandma, my mom, a real blessing and clay in the potter's hands
Hannah - high energy for Jesus, she will give her testimony anywhere, anytime
So what is a shilling worth??? I'm not sure....but the exchange rate has eternal value.
JR
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.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Technology - Sometimes for us, sometimes not
So, I'm sure many of you (COUGH Brenda) have been wondering what exactly happened with the blog - where was everybody at? Well, even with a super awesome amount of technology, including smart phones and Jack's iPad, we couldn't quite get it all in sync, and on top of that, JR wanted to be busy from sun up to sun down. So without a dedicated laptop that someone could take to their room, and with everyone being so tired, well, not too much time to blog, let alone explain to Aaron how to use an iPad or to troubleshoot Jack's email problems on his iPad.
All that being said, we should have a pretty sweet video to share once we get back.
So, some funny moments to share...
Joel tried to do a double bounce backflip off the raft in the Nile. He didn't take into account that if your foot is wet it will slide on the rubber raft. So one jump, foot connects with raft, and a very nice slip lands Joel on his back and bouncing off the raft from his back and into the Nile.
Also, there is nothing on the planet, aside from Ridley Scott's "Kingdom of Heaven" movie, that Hannah does not love. Things including, but obviously not limited to: dogs, cats, Twilight, that shirt, those kids, that really cute kid, Justin Bieber, dancing, Gilmore Girls, the Nile, the food on the Nile, flipping over on the Nile in a raft, rafting the Nile, baby goats, baby lambs, baby dogs (safe to assume anything that is a baby or tiny in size)... The list goes on and on and on and on....
Hannah also almost died on the Nile, but A.J. saved her.
Hannah also performed the ritual betrothal dance with a 7-year old. One Ugandan mother is very proud of her son.
Pastor Aaron can't remember the words to the doxology anymore...
Emily, while trying to throw water on me, don't know why she would want to do that, missed me and doused Chip, covering his whole right shoulder and hat, with water. Chip yelled, "what did I ever do to you?!?!?!"
Emily, also, apparently, is easily freaked out if you stand outside her bus window without her knowing you are there until she turns around, screams, and smacks the window with her fists. She also, apparently, is unable to learn that someone might do the same thing twice to her and thus not freak out when it happens again...
Sodas in glass bottles are only a quarter, in a plastic bottle they are about 60 cents.
Neither Emily nor Chip are good at haggling prices at the gift shops. I thought Chip's blood pressure was going to explode as he tried to negotiate for a better price. Emily would just accept whatever outrageous price was offered. Jack, A.J., and Rome haggled their way to some great deals.
But that is about all I got for the evening since Ashley needs the iPad.
Hope you all are well and trusting in th Lord Jesus Christ.
At least we can tell you all our stories when we get back.
- Matt
All that being said, we should have a pretty sweet video to share once we get back.
So, some funny moments to share...
Joel tried to do a double bounce backflip off the raft in the Nile. He didn't take into account that if your foot is wet it will slide on the rubber raft. So one jump, foot connects with raft, and a very nice slip lands Joel on his back and bouncing off the raft from his back and into the Nile.
Also, there is nothing on the planet, aside from Ridley Scott's "Kingdom of Heaven" movie, that Hannah does not love. Things including, but obviously not limited to: dogs, cats, Twilight, that shirt, those kids, that really cute kid, Justin Bieber, dancing, Gilmore Girls, the Nile, the food on the Nile, flipping over on the Nile in a raft, rafting the Nile, baby goats, baby lambs, baby dogs (safe to assume anything that is a baby or tiny in size)... The list goes on and on and on and on....
Hannah also almost died on the Nile, but A.J. saved her.
Hannah also performed the ritual betrothal dance with a 7-year old. One Ugandan mother is very proud of her son.
Pastor Aaron can't remember the words to the doxology anymore...
Emily, while trying to throw water on me, don't know why she would want to do that, missed me and doused Chip, covering his whole right shoulder and hat, with water. Chip yelled, "what did I ever do to you?!?!?!"
Emily, also, apparently, is easily freaked out if you stand outside her bus window without her knowing you are there until she turns around, screams, and smacks the window with her fists. She also, apparently, is unable to learn that someone might do the same thing twice to her and thus not freak out when it happens again...
Sodas in glass bottles are only a quarter, in a plastic bottle they are about 60 cents.
Neither Emily nor Chip are good at haggling prices at the gift shops. I thought Chip's blood pressure was going to explode as he tried to negotiate for a better price. Emily would just accept whatever outrageous price was offered. Jack, A.J., and Rome haggled their way to some great deals.
But that is about all I got for the evening since Ashley needs the iPad.
Hope you all are well and trusting in th Lord Jesus Christ.
At least we can tell you all our stories when we get back.
- Matt
Friday, June 24, 2011
Hi From Jack
Hello Everybody!
Today was very fun. We started today by going to a primary school. We did a David and Goliath skit that the children loved, and sang a few songs. Afterwards, we did some door-to-door evangelism. It went very well. My group talked to a woman whose child had HIV. She wanted us to pray for her family and her boy and I'd ask that you would pray for the little boy too. His name was Paulo.
In the afternoon, we went to a secondary school. We had a few sports competitions (soccer juggling and a push-up contest) that the older students enjoyed.
At around 5:30 p.m. we had our "Good News Gathering". We had a good turn out of people we had previously talked to when we went door-to-door. Many people had recently become Christians, some even had yesterday or today.
Jack Barganier
Today was very fun. We started today by going to a primary school. We did a David and Goliath skit that the children loved, and sang a few songs. Afterwards, we did some door-to-door evangelism. It went very well. My group talked to a woman whose child had HIV. She wanted us to pray for her family and her boy and I'd ask that you would pray for the little boy too. His name was Paulo.
In the afternoon, we went to a secondary school. We had a few sports competitions (soccer juggling and a push-up contest) that the older students enjoyed.
At around 5:30 p.m. we had our "Good News Gathering". We had a good turn out of people we had previously talked to when we went door-to-door. Many people had recently become Christians, some even had yesterday or today.
Jack Barganier
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Meeting Muslims
For Brenda, I just overheard Ashley say that when Rome gave his testimony last night at the "Good News Gathering" - or "Crusade" - she cried.
So this is Matt again, since I have a quick minute here before breakfast. I was able to share with my first group of Muslims, and though it was intimidating at first though I felt confident as I had a friend share with me how she shares with her Muslim friends. But even with that little bit of extra knowledge - even enough to answer every objection at least from Muslims I encountered- I am convinced that the power to transform still and only rests with God alone. In two days I have had the opportunity to share with a group of Muslim women in the city and in New Japan, a village on the outskirts of the city, a mixed group of people that included Muslims, unbelievers, and Christians. Each time we talked for almost 40 minutes each. The first time I was with A.J. and our translator, Alex, and the second time I was with Mary Grace and Jack, and again with Alex.
Being in the village is very different than being in the city. People are more hospitable in the rural areas, placing more emphasis on making sure guests are attended to - much like my past trips to Kagedi in the years past, where the team normally goes when we come here to Uganda. In the city, it is almost like we are getting in the way of their busyness, in the villages, it is a priviledge to have guests, even guests who have a different "religion". Why? I suppose more value is placed on people when there aren't so many other things to distract you.
But both times the people thanked us for coming, but it was in the last time where a man named Surah - which is the name also given to the chapters of the Quar'an I believe - after our talking said he now wanted to read the Gospel of Jesus Christ himself, so he could know for sure what was true.
Please pray for Surah and his friends that the living God would open their eyes to the living Word and the beautiful gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So this is Matt again, since I have a quick minute here before breakfast. I was able to share with my first group of Muslims, and though it was intimidating at first though I felt confident as I had a friend share with me how she shares with her Muslim friends. But even with that little bit of extra knowledge - even enough to answer every objection at least from Muslims I encountered- I am convinced that the power to transform still and only rests with God alone. In two days I have had the opportunity to share with a group of Muslim women in the city and in New Japan, a village on the outskirts of the city, a mixed group of people that included Muslims, unbelievers, and Christians. Each time we talked for almost 40 minutes each. The first time I was with A.J. and our translator, Alex, and the second time I was with Mary Grace and Jack, and again with Alex.
Being in the village is very different than being in the city. People are more hospitable in the rural areas, placing more emphasis on making sure guests are attended to - much like my past trips to Kagedi in the years past, where the team normally goes when we come here to Uganda. In the city, it is almost like we are getting in the way of their busyness, in the villages, it is a priviledge to have guests, even guests who have a different "religion". Why? I suppose more value is placed on people when there aren't so many other things to distract you.
But both times the people thanked us for coming, but it was in the last time where a man named Surah - which is the name also given to the chapters of the Quar'an I believe - after our talking said he now wanted to read the Gospel of Jesus Christ himself, so he could know for sure what was true.
Please pray for Surah and his friends that the living God would open their eyes to the living Word and the beautiful gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, June 20, 2011
"Have you peed on yourself yet?"
Monday: our first hardcore evangelism day. The team loaded up in the bus at 7:40 a.m. and we headed to the primary school in Kajjansi for VBS. We were soon reminded of the 11th commandment: Be flexible! When we walked through the school gate we were greeted by 800 students standing outside! We were, in a few words, caught off guard. So, we quickly regrouped and the Lord greatly blessed our efforts. We shared testimonies, a puppet show, music, gospel presentations... It all came together beautifully! It was so encouraging to see God working through the team. (We found out later they had been standing out there for an hour and a half waiting for us due to a miscommunication!)
Afterwards, at about 10:30, we met under a large African shade tree to break up in groups to go door-to-door. I was with Rome, Mr. Allen, Caroline (a Ugandan student staying with the Eby's), and a local guide named Fausta. We went through a Muslim dominated area and were unfortunately rejected by multiple different people. But through the rejection, we were reminded even more that it is God that saves and not ourselves. We are merely beggers telling other beggers where to find food.
At 1:00 we headed back to New Life for a lunch of brown rice and beef. We breaked, used the pit latrine or at least attempted to (Hannah), and were soon ready to go back out for some door-to-door evangelism. This time, however, we went to a brick making district.
Again, we faced opposition in our evangelism as the first man we spoke with was Muslim. Mr. Allen and Caroline tried to tell him of Christ and his need of salvation but he stubbornly argued everything they said. Although our group did not see many souls come to Christ, we followed the great commission and planted the seed. To God be the glory!
- Mary Grace Owen
PS. Matt Wolfe is awesome! (no he didn't edit this for me for grammar and spelling...)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
A minute with Chip
I know I'm to be short and to the point - you've got be kidding. Well here goes. First, thank you my family, for taking up any slack with home respondibilities which I would do so I could plan to pursue this trip. Second, thank you to all who were able and chose to contribute to the financial part of this trip. Third, to those who are praying daily for the Lord to use us HOWEVER HE WILLS, PLEASE CONTNUE.
Dave and Darlene Eby have expressed such hospitality and love towards us. Our team leaders have spent a lot of time in planning with the Uganda church leaders so we can be used in many community ways. God has given us a very joyful Lord's Day and given us opportunities to get to know some of NLPC's (New Life Presbyterian Church) members and visitors just today. Tomorrow we begin to work in the community through schools and door-to-door or shop-to-shop.
Please pray for His kingdom to come and Christ Jesus to be exalted.
Also, to my family - thank you for SUCH A SUPRISE with Fathers Day cards in my Bible - I love you all.
Chip L.
Dave and Darlene Eby have expressed such hospitality and love towards us. Our team leaders have spent a lot of time in planning with the Uganda church leaders so we can be used in many community ways. God has given us a very joyful Lord's Day and given us opportunities to get to know some of NLPC's (New Life Presbyterian Church) members and visitors just today. Tomorrow we begin to work in the community through schools and door-to-door or shop-to-shop.
Please pray for His kingdom to come and Christ Jesus to be exalted.
Also, to my family - thank you for SUCH A SUPRISE with Fathers Day cards in my Bible - I love you all.
Chip L.
Still Here
Still a little tired from jet lag. Some of us anyway.
Also, apologies since we didn't bring a laptop and we're blogging all this from a smartphone connected via dial-up internet connection.
Church today in Kanjanssi at New Life. Inside an actual building in somewhat of a slum district. Different here than from previous because 1) Kagedi didn't have a completed building, 2) here in Kajanssi it's urban, so all the houses are really close together and almost everyone has a wall with razor wire, even some houses had broken glass bottles on top of the walls instead of razor wire or barbed wire, 3) being in the city that has many foreigners traveling through it the spectacle of being a "mzungu" - or European-type traveler - is somewhat lost.
So the trip "feels" different than from my last two years being here. But that's Uganda - keep up with change because everything is changing.
Both Dave Eby and Aaron Fleming taught today. And we're planning right now for the Programs we're going to do at the primary (elementary) schools and secondary (junior high to senior high) schools for the next four days. AJ might be writing material for skits. I don't know if I should be scared or not.
Also, because Spencer and Rome and Daniel were too lazy to walk back to the Eby's house from a market they decided to ride some Boda-Boda's. And of course Rome and Daniel got the driver who didn't speak English. So when they needed to turn right to go to the Eby's, the driver said, "yes" - and continued to go straight. Needless to say, they were a little late getting back, and they still ended up walking back, just from a different direction.
And because you are by now tired of my postings, I hope to get someone else on here by tomorrow.
Grace and peace,
Matt W.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
We made it!
Okay. So we all made it safe and sound. One bag is MIA (missing in action).
We got into Entebbe around 1 AM today, Saturday, after a delayed flight from Montgomery and a long delay in Kigali, Rwanda.
Aaron broke a seat tray on a plane.
Emily gave a ten euro note for 6.80 bill and didn't know what to do when the cashier told her she needed another 10.00 note. She responded: "What does that mean? I'm just American..." Everyone in line laughed at her.
The baby behind Rome on the plane cried for three hours straight.
Spencer had an "accident"... plumbing related...
...
And now it's time to eat! More to come another time.
- Matt
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Flight in less than 18 hours!!!
Well, everyone is packing up and getting ready to head out to Uganda. We sure do have an interesting team this year, not what I'm used to from previous years, what with not having Matt Phillips or Chris Goodman or Jeremy Short spearheading evangelism. I guess that means I'll have to exercise faith in trusting God that He is bigger than my own deficiencies in evangelism ability and technique; that He is able with all that is available; that what we may lack does not cripple His plan. Imagine that, having to actually trust God in faith.
I look forward to the trip and seeing all that God may do in us, through us, and to us.
Grace and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ,
- Matt W.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A WEEK AWAY!
We are gearing up to head out next week for our two week adventure in Kajjansi, Uganda. We're not heading back to Kagedi this time... but maybe next time if circumstances can work out.
Last Sunday we only had 81% of our necessary funds in - so if you'd like to give or have the time to pray for our funding, that would be much appreciated.
Some other things you can pray for us would be:
Last Sunday we only had 81% of our necessary funds in - so if you'd like to give or have the time to pray for our funding, that would be much appreciated.
Some other things you can pray for us would be:
- team unity
- courage to step out in faith and talk to people, both on the plane and obviously while we are there; that we would not shrink back from talking with people, but would make wise use of every opportunity we are in (something to pray for us not only while we are away, but while we are here)
- that our hearts would be open to learn what God would have us learn while we are on our trip
- that the people we encounter in Kajjansi would be receptive to the Gospel message, even from inadequate speakers and spoiled Americans such as us
- there will be a children's VBS, please pray for that
- we will have a mini-soccer tournament, that is also something to pray for
- and pray for Dave and Darlene Eby, whom we will be staying with during our trip, that we would be a blessing to them, and they to us
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