Speaking

Nov. 12

Well as I write we are getting our first bit of snow. The girls were so excited this afternoon hearing about the possibility of snow they wore their snow pants outside to play (before any snow was in the air). At supper the first few flurries fell and all three kids were pressed up against the window looking with excitement. We will see what morning brings…

Our speaking has begun and is going really well. Sundays are busy but always a blessing. Josh has been sharing testimonies from teaching and talking about Freedom in Christ. I share about God’s call to Obule and our team working with us. I also talk about the baptisms and thank the church for being apart of all God is doing in Obule. It is a joy to testify of all God has done and give Him glory for all the lives changed.

I love sharing. Each week I am reminded of all God is doing, how much I love our team and friends, and that we are called to be in Obule. I appreciate each person who has been praying for us, supporting the work, or is touched by the message. It is so encouraging. This past Sunday the pastor just let the Spirit lead the service and let the church ask us questions then had the church gather around us and prayed as God led. What a blessing.

Josh has also been preaching. Last week he was all prepared but realized he hadn’t asked God what he should preach. So after asking God gave him a new word and he changed the sermon the two days before the service. It was so God ordained. We were all move and challenged by God’s Word. Josh preached on Philippians 3 about sharing in the sufferings of Christ. The Spirit was there. After the sermon we sang “Grace Alone” and it fit beautifully. I just have to share some of the words with you (I love the second verse):

 
Every promise we can make
Every prayer and step of faith
Every difference we can make
Is only by His grace.
Every mountain we will climb
Every ray of hope we shine
Every blessing left behind
Is only by His grace

Grace alone Which God supplies
Strength unknown He will provide
Christ in us, our cornerstone
We will go forth in grace alone.

Every soul we long to reach
Every heart we hope to teach
Everywhere we share His peace
Is only by His grace.
Every loving word we say
Every tear we wipe away
Every sorrow turned to praise

Lydia and Grace have both expressed their desire to go back to Uganda. Not that they aren’t enjoying it here but Uganda seems to be home. Isn’t that great! Sometimes they get sick of the homework here or getting up early so they want to go to Uganda. It is a good time to remind them that home schooling is special too. Lydia would like to take her school back to Uganda with her. Sunday night she was longing for posho and pork. Really! She loves it. Grace had to write about her favorite food in school so she wrote about atop. How funny.


I want to share one more thing before I go. Last Wednesday when I woke up and found out that we did not have a new president I literally cried. We have been praying for over a year for a godly leader. It felt like everyone was sad. But I continued to pray and trust in God. He taught me though it too. In my devotions I read 2 Timothy 4:3-5 where it talks about a time that will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them teachers who say what their itching ears want to hear and will turn their ears away from truth. That is what is happening. I also realized the Bible tells us the world will become more and more evil in the end times. So there is hope in this -- Jesus is coming! We need to have an urgency about us to get ready, pray, and to know and stand firmly in the truth in these evil times. We know God is in control and already has the victory!