Time to Go

Off we go again! After a very full and fulfilling visit to Michigan, it is time for us to return to Uganda. We invite you to praise the Lord for all He has done and to pray for us and Freedom in Christ Ministries.

 Praise and Prayer:

-          Praise God for progress made on the FIC Marriaga Course. Draft 1 of every teaching session has been completed; 8 testimonies have been filmed; the devotional series is 80% ready; the manuals that will accompany the marriage course are taking shape. Pray for continued passion and strength to finish the process and publish the FIC Marriage Course.

-          Praise God for the individuals and churches in Michigan going through the FIC Course.  We rejoice that five supporting churches are doing (or have completed) the Freedom in Christ Course. Through the freedom they have received God is bringing fruitfulness in their lives and in the churches.

-          Praise God for using Mandy to walk with a friend through her healing journey.  We celebrated her and her daughter’s baptisms and new life in Christ. Pray that the Lord continues to heal, protect, and provide for her as she renews her mind.

-          Praise God that we could share with supporting churches and individuals while in Michigan. Pray that God would continue to strengthen and use our partnership.

-          A team from East Martin CRC is praying about coming to visit us in Uganda in June.

-          We feel that the Lord has led us to adopt again. Pray for our family as we prepare to adopt a baby later this year.  Pray for our sixth child as the Lord knits him together in his mother’s womb.

-          Pray for our children to experience God’s peace during the transition back to Obule.

-          Pray specifically for Makai to trust God to keep us safe from snakes. He is very fearful and says he is never going outside.

-          Pray for our team as they mourn the unexpected death of Tom, a key leader within Freedom in Christ Uganda.

-          Pray for peace in Uganda during and after the national elections this week.

-          Pray for safety and good health as we travel back to Uganda from January 22-24.

 

From the Heart of a TCK

Grace was asked to write in a book written by TCKs (Third Culture Kids). Although it breaks my heart to hear, learn and realize the hurt and trauma my child went through, I feel it is important to listen, grieve, and learn from TCKs. Thankful God is in it all and above it all. He knows our pain. He is our Healer.

So here is what Grace, and other TCKs, want us to know...

 

 

Merry Christmas

 

Josh & Mandy, Grace, Lydia, Makai, Luka and Emalai Shaarda

Merry Christmas! 🎄 

In this world the enemy makes us lonely, hopeless, and ashamed. He brings chaos, darkness, and pain. He tries to deceive, enslave, and destroy us.

Jesus came to be with us.

The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. John 1:14

 

Jesus brings us Hope,

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him. Romans 15:13

 

Peace,

For unto us a child is born…and He will be named wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Is. 9:6

 

Light,

The true light, who gives light to everyone, came into the world. John 1:9

 

Healing,

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted. Is. 61:1

 

Truth,

…the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

 

Freedom,

…to proclaim freedom for the captives. Is. 61:1

 

Grace,

Indeed, we have all received grace after grace. John 1:16

 

to Rescue,

For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son…that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:16-17

 

and give us Life!

Life was in Him and that life was the light of men. John 1:4

 

Go tell the world the Good News this Christmas! 

Christ has come for us!

The Road to State Finals Football

What a football season!  Luka (a Junior) was on Unity Chr. Varsity team this year.  He started on the offensive line, mixed in some defensive line, then ended up starter on the defensive line!  Luka worked hard, is a smart player and improved all season. By playoffs he was playing the whole game as a starter.  It was so much fun!  Luka loved being on the team.  I am so proud of him.  He isn't prideful at all, just enjoyed using his gifts and being on the team.

The team had no super stars but worked as a team and were awesome! They went 10-1 in regular season losing their last game to a bigger school. Playoffs were so fun and so intense!  Every week was earned. The team won conferences, districts then regional!

Then we went to the State Finals at the Lion's Ford Field in Detroit!!! What an opportunity and honor. On the snowy Friday after Thanksgiving we were at State. It was an awesome day!  Isaac TesLaa, a Lions player who played football at Unity Chr., was there with the boys in the locker room, led them out and supported them on the sideline. The game was so fun and close.  Luka started, played every defensive snap, and did awesome. The other team told him he is a monster! He was double or triple teamed (most games he was). Sad to say we lost by one little point!!!

It was a hard lose, but they earned the right to be there and played their hearts out. Everyone was proud of them. It took a few days to process. It was a long four months of football and Luka was ok with having normal life again. Thankful he still has Senior year to play.

I loved watching Luka play football!  I enjoyed tailgating and going to the game with our family, the faithful grandparents and the Mesburgens.  Ryan and Rebecca's (Josh's sister) daughter was a manager on the team so we shared the season together. 

Thank you Luka for taking us on the road to the State finals!  You are glorifying God with your talents, attitude and relationships.  Love you!