Oct. 29
Josh traveled to Kampala and back on Monday. What a trip! Josh got up just after 3am to take the 4am bus to Kampala. It was the first time any of us took the bus so we did a lot of praying. He got to Kampala around 10am and headed right to immigrations. Then to the bank to pay for our three year work permit or visa. By the time he was done at the bank it was after 12pm. The immigration office told him it would be three days before the passports would be signed. Josh tried to get them to just do it a minute but they went on lunch break instead. Josh talked to the lady in the other office he now knows and she talked to the people over lunch and got them to agree to stamp the passports that day. By 4:30pm Josh was finally heading back to Soroti with stamped passports. Praise God! The only nice part of the day for Josh was he got to have pizza and a milk shake. He didn’t get home until 11:30pm. It took more than four CROWDED taxis, a bus, a motorcycle, and many stops but he was home safe and sound. What an answer to prayer.
Last night we celebrated the New Year with our friends from India. Last year we missed it so this year they had us put it on our calendar a month in advance. We didn’t know what we were getting into or what to expect. We did know there would be fireworks. I even wore my outfit from India they gave me (I fit right in – almost). We went with our friends from the supermarket and as soon as we arrived the party started. The women led me and the girls into their Hindu temple. They rang a bell and prayed to their gods. The girls and I just stood there. They are very proud of their gods. I asked them why everyone rings the bell when they come in to pray. They told me it is so their gods know they have come. Interesting. I am thankful my God knows where I am at all times.
From the temple we went outside where the fireworks were going off. I think everyone brought a big bag full. There was everything from sparklers to big forth of July high in the air fireworks going off. It was loud. Grace had her ears covered from the first bang. The girls were nervous but we tried to sit further back and talk about how pretty it was. THEN, a couple fireworks must have fallen over and came toward everyone! Talk about terror. We ran for it. I don’t know if Lydia was hit but I know one hit my cheek (there was soot to prove it). I thought, “This must be what it feels like to be in the middle of a war.” It sounded like one! Our girls were panicked!!! Ok, Lydia was. Grace just buried her head as deep into Josh as she could while covering her ears. I really though we had damaged our kids. The few other women and kids that ran with us and then went back to their seats as the fireworks continued. But not us. Lydia wanted nothing to do with any of it and wanted to go home. Actually, she was crying for Grandma. Guess she didn’t trust us at this point anymore. We finally got them calmed down by sitting in the safety of the van. I really can’t blame them it was scary. I was so thankful they even ended up enjoying the fireworks from the van.
After an hour of fireworks (that is a lot of money), the show was over. Then everyone gathered to eat, women on one side and men on the other. We were the only non-Indian people there. There were about 90 people there (that is how many Indians live in Soroti). All of the ones we know were so excited we came. The women looked so beautiful in their India clothes. They know so little English so I mostly sat and watched. They are very kind to me. The food was really good but gets to be SO spicy. (Are my lips on fire?!) Josh loved the food and went up several times with the men. Lydia and Grace made friends with the other kids. I am always so proud of them when they join in when we are in foreign settings. The whole night was a cultural experience. I really enjoyed it. I feel like we got to know our friends better and made new friends. Now they really want us to come to India with them next year. Oh boy, that would be a cultural experience I may not be ready for. I am very thankful we could celebrate with them. We left for home at 10pm saying a prayer for all our Indian friends. As they celebrate their New Year with light may they come to know the true Light. Amen!
Shaarda's Story - It's God's Story! Life & Ministry in the village of Obule, Uganda. 1 Thess. 2:8
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Josh's Journal - Oct. 24
October 24
I survived my week of teaching in Katakwi. Katakwi is located east of Soroti, right on the border with Karamoja. It is a fairly remote place which has suffered greatly because of insurgency and raids. As a result, few people go to that area to strengthen the church or to train leaders. Everyone in Soroti that I talk to agrees that Katakwi is the most unreached area in Teso region. Therefore, I offered several months ago to train church leaders there. Things finally got organized. We met at the PAG in Katakwi town. About 80 church leaders attended the training. I was using the “Pastoral Care” materials written by the Timothy Leadership Training Institute of Calvin Seminary.
The road to Katakwi is TERRIBLE. Katakwi is about 30 miles from Soroti, but it still took an hour each morning and evening, even on the motorcycle. On Monday it rained while I was traveling there in the morning, so I arrived wet, muddy, and cold (yes I did say cold.) By Tuesday the road had turned to dust so the white handkerchief I tie around my face (to keep the dust out) had turned brown. People there were surprised I would drive back and forth each day, but I felt that my children should see me at night. I also know that I wouldn’t feel rested if I stayed with that big group each night. So each day I left home before 7 and returned about 6 at night. Let me give you one more glimpse as to how bad the road is. I have four plastic side panels on my motorcycle. Two of the plastic panels cracked this week, my battery leaked acid all over - even though it says it is sealed, and I lost my license plate even though it was held on with two screws and two pop rivets.
The teaching went well. I taught about 7-8 hours each day. The church leaders seemed eager to learn and had many questions. I think the highlight was probably the discussion we had about the place of our families compared to the ministry. I asked Basil (who helps me organize these events) how this week compared with the week we spent in Amuria. (I felt like Amuria had gone better.) He said Amuria was a little more organized, but the church leaders in Katakwi were much more eager to go back home and begin practicing the things they had learned. He felt like the lessons would be applied more in Katakwi.
On a side note, one of the pastors wore a blaze orange hunting coat to the workshop every morning. Yes, it really was a hunting coat. It had the black quilted lining and the heavy duty zipper. It made me wish I was in the woods. Soon enough, three weeks from now we will be driving up 131 on our way to McBain. I can’t wait.
For now, I am just tired. My body is tired and so is my voice. I am looking forward to a weekend of rest.
The blind have begun making follow-up visits to the people who received the orange tree orchards. They have been impressed with how well people are taking care of their trees. They have also been sharing the Bible studies we recorded. I am excited that this is finally happening. Our biggest hurdle at this point is the money we need for their transportation. Our account for the work with the blind is nearly empty. At that point I guess we will need to rest from that work and wait on God.
I survived my week of teaching in Katakwi. Katakwi is located east of Soroti, right on the border with Karamoja. It is a fairly remote place which has suffered greatly because of insurgency and raids. As a result, few people go to that area to strengthen the church or to train leaders. Everyone in Soroti that I talk to agrees that Katakwi is the most unreached area in Teso region. Therefore, I offered several months ago to train church leaders there. Things finally got organized. We met at the PAG in Katakwi town. About 80 church leaders attended the training. I was using the “Pastoral Care” materials written by the Timothy Leadership Training Institute of Calvin Seminary.
The road to Katakwi is TERRIBLE. Katakwi is about 30 miles from Soroti, but it still took an hour each morning and evening, even on the motorcycle. On Monday it rained while I was traveling there in the morning, so I arrived wet, muddy, and cold (yes I did say cold.) By Tuesday the road had turned to dust so the white handkerchief I tie around my face (to keep the dust out) had turned brown. People there were surprised I would drive back and forth each day, but I felt that my children should see me at night. I also know that I wouldn’t feel rested if I stayed with that big group each night. So each day I left home before 7 and returned about 6 at night. Let me give you one more glimpse as to how bad the road is. I have four plastic side panels on my motorcycle. Two of the plastic panels cracked this week, my battery leaked acid all over - even though it says it is sealed, and I lost my license plate even though it was held on with two screws and two pop rivets.
The teaching went well. I taught about 7-8 hours each day. The church leaders seemed eager to learn and had many questions. I think the highlight was probably the discussion we had about the place of our families compared to the ministry. I asked Basil (who helps me organize these events) how this week compared with the week we spent in Amuria. (I felt like Amuria had gone better.) He said Amuria was a little more organized, but the church leaders in Katakwi were much more eager to go back home and begin practicing the things they had learned. He felt like the lessons would be applied more in Katakwi.
On a side note, one of the pastors wore a blaze orange hunting coat to the workshop every morning. Yes, it really was a hunting coat. It had the black quilted lining and the heavy duty zipper. It made me wish I was in the woods. Soon enough, three weeks from now we will be driving up 131 on our way to McBain. I can’t wait.
For now, I am just tired. My body is tired and so is my voice. I am looking forward to a weekend of rest.
The blind have begun making follow-up visits to the people who received the orange tree orchards. They have been impressed with how well people are taking care of their trees. They have also been sharing the Bible studies we recorded. I am excited that this is finally happening. Our biggest hurdle at this point is the money we need for their transportation. Our account for the work with the blind is nearly empty. At that point I guess we will need to rest from that work and wait on God.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Mandy's Journal - Oct. 20 & 22
Oct. 20
I finished up my girls Bible study until I come back. We did a study on purity. I was so excited to talk about this with them and share that God’s Word says about purity, love, and marriage. I was a bit sad that only a few from the group came but I just trust that is who God wanted to come. The two leaders of the group came faithfully and I really enjoy teaching them. They told me that these Bible studies have changed their lives. Praise God! One of them stayed after and shared with me her struggle with purity. It confirmed to me again that it is so easy to cover up sin and how bad it is here in Soroti. I will continue to disciple the ones God has given me and pray for His work among the many others. How God desires for us to know and obey Him. When I see the effect of sin all around me I can’t believe we would forsake the joy God has for us for sinful desires.
We have all been sick around here. Josh started with the cold and since then we have all had our turn. I have it right now and it is a bad one. Sore throat, laryngitis, sinus pain, sneezing, runny nose… We hopeful that this will be all over by the time we fly home.
Lydia and I are plugging away with school. Last week we had fun learning about the five senses. I blind folded Lydia and she touched, heard, and tasted different things to figure out what they were. Fun! Now she is learning about maps. She gets sick of the basic stuff we have to do but she does enjoy learning new things.
I noticed the other day when I laid down with Grace for her nap that she still plays with her hair when she falls asleep. She did that since she was a baby. Lydia is now trying not to suck her thumb so she can pick out a new DVD of her choice when we get to MI. She has done well so far. We are praying for her.
Oct. 22
Lydia asked us last night how God makes a baby inside of me. I am as stumped as she is. It truly is a miracle. Life is from God and is amazing! I am so glad she asks such great questions.
Josh is teaching this week in Katakwi. It takes him over an hour on the motorcycle one way. He comes home pretty muddy seeing how it has been rainy. I am thankful all has gone well. Today is his last day. There is a lot of need in Katakwi. No one seems to go there and help and they have been hurt by the LRA and Karamojan. Josh is training 80 church leaders. Josh asked how many of them have a degree from a Bible college and only 6 of them raised their hands. About 10 others had started some kind of training but didn’t complete it. Most of them don’t even have High School degrees. Can you imagine? All those church leaders leading with almost no training. It is shocking. They had a really good discussion on putting family before your ministry, the importance of listening to people before you minister to them, and so many other things to at least get them thinking about what God’s word says. I am amazed at Josh and his gift to teach God’s Word. I am very proud of him. He will be tired by the end of it all and we will be ready to have him home again. But it is all worth it knowing God’s kingdom is advancing.
I have really been enjoying the weather this week – cloudy and cool. People in MI can’t understand how we love cloudy weather here. The difference here is that it protects us from the sun and 100degree temperatures. It rained softly here and there too. It must be our fall time here.
We are getting pretty anxious around here. The other night Lydia woke up and I was tucking her back in. Grace woke up and asked sleepily if we were going to the airport. It is fun to start to pack. I have begun packing things up too. No need for everything here to be left out in the dust. Two weeks from today we will travel to Kampala!
I finished up my girls Bible study until I come back. We did a study on purity. I was so excited to talk about this with them and share that God’s Word says about purity, love, and marriage. I was a bit sad that only a few from the group came but I just trust that is who God wanted to come. The two leaders of the group came faithfully and I really enjoy teaching them. They told me that these Bible studies have changed their lives. Praise God! One of them stayed after and shared with me her struggle with purity. It confirmed to me again that it is so easy to cover up sin and how bad it is here in Soroti. I will continue to disciple the ones God has given me and pray for His work among the many others. How God desires for us to know and obey Him. When I see the effect of sin all around me I can’t believe we would forsake the joy God has for us for sinful desires.
We have all been sick around here. Josh started with the cold and since then we have all had our turn. I have it right now and it is a bad one. Sore throat, laryngitis, sinus pain, sneezing, runny nose… We hopeful that this will be all over by the time we fly home.
Lydia and I are plugging away with school. Last week we had fun learning about the five senses. I blind folded Lydia and she touched, heard, and tasted different things to figure out what they were. Fun! Now she is learning about maps. She gets sick of the basic stuff we have to do but she does enjoy learning new things.
I noticed the other day when I laid down with Grace for her nap that she still plays with her hair when she falls asleep. She did that since she was a baby. Lydia is now trying not to suck her thumb so she can pick out a new DVD of her choice when we get to MI. She has done well so far. We are praying for her.
Oct. 22
Lydia asked us last night how God makes a baby inside of me. I am as stumped as she is. It truly is a miracle. Life is from God and is amazing! I am so glad she asks such great questions.
Josh is teaching this week in Katakwi. It takes him over an hour on the motorcycle one way. He comes home pretty muddy seeing how it has been rainy. I am thankful all has gone well. Today is his last day. There is a lot of need in Katakwi. No one seems to go there and help and they have been hurt by the LRA and Karamojan. Josh is training 80 church leaders. Josh asked how many of them have a degree from a Bible college and only 6 of them raised their hands. About 10 others had started some kind of training but didn’t complete it. Most of them don’t even have High School degrees. Can you imagine? All those church leaders leading with almost no training. It is shocking. They had a really good discussion on putting family before your ministry, the importance of listening to people before you minister to them, and so many other things to at least get them thinking about what God’s word says. I am amazed at Josh and his gift to teach God’s Word. I am very proud of him. He will be tired by the end of it all and we will be ready to have him home again. But it is all worth it knowing God’s kingdom is advancing.
I have really been enjoying the weather this week – cloudy and cool. People in MI can’t understand how we love cloudy weather here. The difference here is that it protects us from the sun and 100degree temperatures. It rained softly here and there too. It must be our fall time here.
We are getting pretty anxious around here. The other night Lydia woke up and I was tucking her back in. Grace woke up and asked sleepily if we were going to the airport. It is fun to start to pack. I have begun packing things up too. No need for everything here to be left out in the dust. Two weeks from today we will travel to Kampala!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Mandy's Journal Oct. 13
Oct. 12 2008
I probably will not write much this month seeing as though it is our last month here before we go on home service – things are busy! (Although, this is me do I ever say anything short?)
We had a wonderful time in Kampala last week. We stayed with our new friends the Munshaws and really enjoyed it. Lydia and Josiah played and played. I am so thankful for good friends. We ate a lot of good food together too. I saw the doctor and all is well praise the Lord. I have now gained over 10 pounds which at least the doctor was glad to see. We also
got our air conditioner fixed in our van. Oh, how I love air – especially in Africa! Josh took us to the Speke Resort for a night. It was my mother’s day present I finally redeemed. I love that place. It is so much fun and so nice. The girls swam and swam. They also loved riding the horses once again. I love eating there. The atmosphere is wonderful and the food is fun. So we were all happy and thankful for our stay. What a treat! The only negative part of our trip to Kampala was that we did not get our work visas. They were supposed to be ready two weeks ago. These people really irritate me. I think they are hoping for something to hurry the posses because there is no reason why they shouldn’t be done. There is nothing we can do. Unfortunately, that means when ever they are ready Josh or all of us will have to make a trip back to Kampala to get them.
Oh, I forgot. We signed on the new house! We met the landlord in Kampala and finalized things with him. So when we return in March we will move in. I pray it all comes together because it has been a lot of work and stress. This week I have been getting the carpenter started, did a first cleaning with Tabitha, and talked to the plumber. I am glad we are only in charge of a few things. The landlord and the guy he has in charge here in Soroti are to get most of the work done. I picked out paint colors, which is quite a job for me. What if I made a mistake? I have to live with these decisions. And of course, you can’t get just the color you want here. The landlord isn’t sending the painter till November so I am a bit nervous because we will already be gone. Josh is stressed looking at the money situation. All the repairs are paid for by rent money but that means we had to give a bunch of rent money up front. Thankfully, we really do like the house. I am sure it will all be worth it.
Yesterday is Grace’s 3rd birthday! She knows she is three now but doesn’t seem to be too excited about it all. Lydia is more excited about the presents than her sister. We decorated the house and cake. Grace wanted tacos for supper. Tabitha’s kids came to eat cake with us. The grandparents and others called to wish Grace a happy birthday too. We are so thankful for Grace – a gift from God!
I was amazed to sit back and watch Tabitha’s kids here the other night. There are three girls ages 13, 11, and 10 and one boy about 4 years old. They were so excited over all the toys. The girls got all dressed up in Lydia and Grace’s jewelry and sunglasses, put on birthday hats, and read/looked at kids books. These kids have been abandoned by their mother and father, abused, and seen too much. They have a lot of hurt and anger. Last night I saw that they so badly just want to be kids. I realized how little I am doing to love them. Imagine a 13 year old girl playing like a little girl because she never got to be a little girl. Breaks my heart. I just found out the 11 year old girl was kidnapped at 6 years old and was going to be sacrificed. For some reason the man who took her didn’t do it but he did try to cut out her tongue and cut her by her throat. When they found her she was so traumatized she couldn’t speak for hours. The evil done to her and the hurt she has experienced shows now in her anger. She really needs our prayers. Pray with us for Tabitha’s nieces and nephew that she cares for.
At church today I realized how much I enjoy it now. I am thankful for the worship. When we sing about worshipping in front of God’s throne I can just imagine our church in front of God praising. There is a song they sing that says, “Only you Jesus, only you” and I think that just sums it all up for me. It is only for and because of Jesus that I live, that I am in Soroti serving, it is only Jesus who these people need, that I need, and He is the one who can do great things here and everywhere. I also thankful for Pastor Francis’ sermons. I am encouraged and challenged by them and get excited about the truth he is sharing with the church. Josh is doing a good work too with the children. Today he did the story of Jesus death and many kids received Christ. Praise God!
I probably will not write much this month seeing as though it is our last month here before we go on home service – things are busy! (Although, this is me do I ever say anything short?)
We had a wonderful time in Kampala last week. We stayed with our new friends the Munshaws and really enjoyed it. Lydia and Josiah played and played. I am so thankful for good friends. We ate a lot of good food together too. I saw the doctor and all is well praise the Lord. I have now gained over 10 pounds which at least the doctor was glad to see. We also
got our air conditioner fixed in our van. Oh, how I love air – especially in Africa! Josh took us to the Speke Resort for a night. It was my mother’s day present I finally redeemed. I love that place. It is so much fun and so nice. The girls swam and swam. They also loved riding the horses once again. I love eating there. The atmosphere is wonderful and the food is fun. So we were all happy and thankful for our stay. What a treat! The only negative part of our trip to Kampala was that we did not get our work visas. They were supposed to be ready two weeks ago. These people really irritate me. I think they are hoping for something to hurry the posses because there is no reason why they shouldn’t be done. There is nothing we can do. Unfortunately, that means when ever they are ready Josh or all of us will have to make a trip back to Kampala to get them.Oh, I forgot. We signed on the new house! We met the landlord in Kampala and finalized things with him. So when we return in March we will move in. I pray it all comes together because it has been a lot of work and stress. This week I have been getting the carpenter started, did a first cleaning with Tabitha, and talked to the plumber. I am glad we are only in charge of a few things. The landlord and the guy he has in charge here in Soroti are to get most of the work done. I picked out paint colors, which is quite a job for me. What if I made a mistake? I have to live with these decisions. And of course, you can’t get just the color you want here. The landlord isn’t sending the painter till November so I am a bit nervous because we will already be gone. Josh is stressed looking at the money situation. All the repairs are paid for by rent money but that means we had to give a bunch of rent money up front. Thankfully, we really do like the house. I am sure it will all be worth it.
Yesterday is Grace’s 3rd birthday! She knows she is three now but doesn’t seem to be too excited about it all. Lydia is more excited about the presents than her sister. We decorated the house and cake. Grace wanted tacos for supper. Tabitha’s kids came to eat cake with us. The grandparents and others called to wish Grace a happy birthday too. We are so thankful for Grace – a gift from God!
I was amazed to sit back and watch Tabitha’s kids here the other night. There are three girls ages 13, 11, and 10 and one boy about 4 years old. They were so excited over all the toys. The girls got all dressed up in Lydia and Grace’s jewelry and sunglasses, put on birthday hats, and read/looked at kids books. These kids have been abandoned by their mother and father, abused, and seen too much. They have a lot of hurt and anger. Last night I saw that they so badly just want to be kids. I realized how little I am doing to love them. Imagine a 13 year old girl playing like a little girl because she never got to be a little girl. Breaks my heart. I just found out the 11 year old girl was kidnapped at 6 years old and was going to be sacrificed. For some reason the man who took her didn’t do it but he did try to cut out her tongue and cut her by her throat. When they found her she was so traumatized she couldn’t speak for hours. The evil done to her and the hurt she has experienced shows now in her anger. She really needs our prayers. Pray with us for Tabitha’s nieces and nephew that she cares for.
At church today I realized how much I enjoy it now. I am thankful for the worship. When we sing about worshipping in front of God’s throne I can just imagine our church in front of God praising. There is a song they sing that says, “Only you Jesus, only you” and I think that just sums it all up for me. It is only for and because of Jesus that I live, that I am in Soroti serving, it is only Jesus who these people need, that I need, and He is the one who can do great things here and everywhere. I also thankful for Pastor Francis’ sermons. I am encouraged and challenged by them and get excited about the truth he is sharing with the church. Josh is doing a good work too with the children. Today he did the story of Jesus death and many kids received Christ. Praise God!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Josh's Journal Oct. 11
October 11, 2008
It is Grace’s Birthday today. We made pancakes to celebrate for breakfast. Mandy asked Grace what she wanted for her birthday. Grace simply said, “Cheese!” Therefore, we had cheese for lunch. Tabitha and the kids will be coming over for cake at 7 tonight. It would have been nice to have Tim and Angie here to celebrate, but that is how it all played out.
We mailed in our absentee ballots yesterday. I will not tell you who I voted for, but I will say I have prayed often for McCain/Palin to win. I have been saddened to hear how many Christians are considering to vote for Obama. I can’t imagine voting for someone who supports the slaughter of unborn children. Not to mention supporting an assault on something as fundamental and Biblical as marriage. I am not surprised to hear pagans would vote for him; why would I expect them to fear the LORD. Sadly, it seems like the fear of God has also left the church. While we were in Kampala we experienced a small earthquake - no damage, just enough to scare people, including me. I was reminded afresh about the great and dreadful day of the Lord in which He will unleash His wrath on all who opposed Him and His kingdom. Opposing His kingdom would also include opposing His rule and commands now. As a Church we need to positively influence our culture, not just reflect our culture.
Tomorrow I teach the children at church the most important story of all time: the death and resurrection of Jesus. I am going to teach it two weeks in a row, focusing on the death tomorrow and the resurrection next week. I pray that God will use these simple story times to radically transform the lives of some of the kids there.
This coming week I have to teach the Timothy Institute in Otuboi on Monday. Tuesday I might be going to Kampala again. We spent 5 days in Kampala trying to finish our immigration process last week, but made no progress. We finally gave up and came back to Soroti. I will call Monday, if we have been approved it will be on the road again. I hope it is approved because the following week I have to teach Timothy Institute in Katakwi district (a rural district bordering Karamoja) for five full days in a row. I have a cold and soar throat now, so hopefully I will be well by that time.
While we were in Kampala Mandy decided to redeem her Mother’s Day gift so we went to Speke resort for a night. It is a lot of fun because there are two pools and ponies for the girls to ride. The girls really enjoyed it, so did their parents.
While we were in Kampala we also got the stove fixed. Burners had not been working well. Flames were small. It turned out that the piping had been filled with an ants nest. It works now.
It is Grace’s Birthday today. We made pancakes to celebrate for breakfast. Mandy asked Grace what she wanted for her birthday. Grace simply said, “Cheese!” Therefore, we had cheese for lunch. Tabitha and the kids will be coming over for cake at 7 tonight. It would have been nice to have Tim and Angie here to celebrate, but that is how it all played out.
We mailed in our absentee ballots yesterday. I will not tell you who I voted for, but I will say I have prayed often for McCain/Palin to win. I have been saddened to hear how many Christians are considering to vote for Obama. I can’t imagine voting for someone who supports the slaughter of unborn children. Not to mention supporting an assault on something as fundamental and Biblical as marriage. I am not surprised to hear pagans would vote for him; why would I expect them to fear the LORD. Sadly, it seems like the fear of God has also left the church. While we were in Kampala we experienced a small earthquake - no damage, just enough to scare people, including me. I was reminded afresh about the great and dreadful day of the Lord in which He will unleash His wrath on all who opposed Him and His kingdom. Opposing His kingdom would also include opposing His rule and commands now. As a Church we need to positively influence our culture, not just reflect our culture.
Tomorrow I teach the children at church the most important story of all time: the death and resurrection of Jesus. I am going to teach it two weeks in a row, focusing on the death tomorrow and the resurrection next week. I pray that God will use these simple story times to radically transform the lives of some of the kids there.
This coming week I have to teach the Timothy Institute in Otuboi on Monday. Tuesday I might be going to Kampala again. We spent 5 days in Kampala trying to finish our immigration process last week, but made no progress. We finally gave up and came back to Soroti. I will call Monday, if we have been approved it will be on the road again. I hope it is approved because the following week I have to teach Timothy Institute in Katakwi district (a rural district bordering Karamoja) for five full days in a row. I have a cold and soar throat now, so hopefully I will be well by that time.
While we were in Kampala Mandy decided to redeem her Mother’s Day gift so we went to Speke resort for a night. It is a lot of fun because there are two pools and ponies for the girls to ride. The girls really enjoyed it, so did their parents.
While we were in Kampala we also got the stove fixed. Burners had not been working well. Flames were small. It turned out that the piping had been filled with an ants nest. It works now.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Busy couple weeks
Sept. 26
We have been busy! But it has been good. Two weeks ago a few people from Zambia (a missionary couple from Denmark and two Zambian pastors) came to visit the Bible College and the churches here. The night they arrived we (Pastor Francis, Pastor Patrick, Beatrice and their families) all had dinner together. It was a blessing to all fellowship together. The guest came to our house the next week for dinner and we were so encouraged by their visit. They were good listeners with good advice too.
The guests were also here for Bethel Bible College’s first graduation. It was a wonderful celebration. Ten students graduated from the last two classes. It was long but good. They had fun too. They sang a song about stomping on satan and everyone danced around. I just watched and though how appropriate it was. It was a day of rejoicing and satan was defeated because God’s work was being done here. Praise God! I was glad we could be apart of it all. Everyone was celebrating.
My girls Bible study began again last Saturday. Once again I remembered how much I love sharing God’s Word with them. I get so excited. We are doing a study on purity and it seemed to really open their eyes up to the truth in God’s Word. I pray God work in them, keeps them pure, and uses them to share the message.
Josh and I have watched a couple football games now. (Makes it feel like Fall time J.) We went on a date and watched one game at a restaurant and went to missionary friends for another one. We think it is fun and the girls love when we go on a date and they get to play with Tabitha our house help. So everyone is happy.
We took the girls to Lake Kyoga to fish one Saturday. We only caught one tiny fish but the girls thought it was fun. (Actually, Lydia caught the only fish!) It is beautiful out there and something different for us to do as a family. It was hot though. I just sat and drank a pop enjoying watching my girls play with rock and fish. They are really cute. Grace liked playing with the bait, worms, best. Lydia thinks they are yucky.
Grace got a haircut the other day. Her hair was really long. I took off two inches and it is still to her shoulders. Still cute as a button! She often say to us now, “your kidding me” or “are you serious?” She doesn’t always say her R’s very well yet so she talks quite cute too.
Lydia continues to learn with school. She catches on so quickly. I have learned to enjoy it more. We have become more creative too. This week we sat outside and she drew living and nonliving things. I am proud of her. I told Josh I think we are paying for her to go to school in MI just for her to have a social life because she will be ahead of them with all the one on one teaching she has had.
Our unborn child is doing well. Kicks are much stronger now and my belly is growing! I think the baby has had hiccups too but they don’t last long so I’m not sure.
We have had guests staying in Tim and Angie’s duplex all week. They are from WA but are mission work in Uganda for six months. They stay in Kampala but come to Soroti about once a month. They have a 5 and 2 year old boys. Lydia has loved it and played with him every day. They are very nice and we have enjoyed getting to know them.
We have been busy! But it has been good. Two weeks ago a few people from Zambia (a missionary couple from Denmark and two Zambian pastors) came to visit the Bible College and the churches here. The night they arrived we (Pastor Francis, Pastor Patrick, Beatrice and their families) all had dinner together. It was a blessing to all fellowship together. The guest came to our house the next week for dinner and we were so encouraged by their visit. They were good listeners with good advice too.
The guests were also here for Bethel Bible College’s first graduation. It was a wonderful celebration. Ten students graduated from the last two classes. It was long but good. They had fun too. They sang a song about stomping on satan and everyone danced around. I just watched and though how appropriate it was. It was a day of rejoicing and satan was defeated because God’s work was being done here. Praise God! I was glad we could be apart of it all. Everyone was celebrating.
My girls Bible study began again last Saturday. Once again I remembered how much I love sharing God’s Word with them. I get so excited. We are doing a study on purity and it seemed to really open their eyes up to the truth in God’s Word. I pray God work in them, keeps them pure, and uses them to share the message.
Josh and I have watched a couple football games now. (Makes it feel like Fall time J.) We went on a date and watched one game at a restaurant and went to missionary friends for another one. We think it is fun and the girls love when we go on a date and they get to play with Tabitha our house help. So everyone is happy.
We took the girls to Lake Kyoga to fish one Saturday. We only caught one tiny fish but the girls thought it was fun. (Actually, Lydia caught the only fish!) It is beautiful out there and something different for us to do as a family. It was hot though. I just sat and drank a pop enjoying watching my girls play with rock and fish. They are really cute. Grace liked playing with the bait, worms, best. Lydia thinks they are yucky.
Grace got a haircut the other day. Her hair was really long. I took off two inches and it is still to her shoulders. Still cute as a button! She often say to us now, “your kidding me” or “are you serious?” She doesn’t always say her R’s very well yet so she talks quite cute too.
Lydia continues to learn with school. She catches on so quickly. I have learned to enjoy it more. We have become more creative too. This week we sat outside and she drew living and nonliving things. I am proud of her. I told Josh I think we are paying for her to go to school in MI just for her to have a social life because she will be ahead of them with all the one on one teaching she has had.
Our unborn child is doing well. Kicks are much stronger now and my belly is growing! I think the baby has had hiccups too but they don’t last long so I’m not sure.
We have had guests staying in Tim and Angie’s duplex all week. They are from WA but are mission work in Uganda for six months. They stay in Kampala but come to Soroti about once a month. They have a 5 and 2 year old boys. Lydia has loved it and played with him every day. They are very nice and we have enjoyed getting to know them.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Sept. 16 -- Mandy's Journal
Sept. 16
We visited with out Indian friends at OM supermarket the other day. I wore my Indian out fit the ladies gave Angie and I after returning from their trip to India (it was so nice of them to think of us). They were very happy to see me in it and welcomed all of us the the back of the store where they live. They served us chi and some Indian snacks. We sat and talked with the men as the women got ready for a picture together. The women kept bringing out jewelry for Lydia, Grace, and me. Their kindness and hospitality are so generous. We had a very nice time and are thankful for their friendship. We pray God continues to work in their hearts through our friendship.
I have so many feelings as we prepare for home service. I don’t think anyone can really understand unless they have been on the mission field. Please forgive me. Know I think and feel too much and writing is how I process it all. (I bug myself sometimes with all my feelingJ.) Anyways, I will share but you don’t have to read it if you don’t want too. I live on the mission field but all year I look forward to our home service when we get to go MI. We plan for it at least a year in advance and begin preparing six months in advance. We have to find housing (furnished which isn’t easy for only 4 months), a vehicle to use, schedule all of our speaking, plane tickets… It is quite a bit of work getting everything lined up on that side of the ocean not to mention what needs to be done on this side. It is not simply a vacation! Then, when it still seems so far away to all of you, I have begun a count down. I think about it, plan what to do, where to go, and dream. How can I describe it all to you? I look forward to being normal again. To having comforts again, even simple things like soft carpet I enjoy. I will be with our families! Celebrate holidays, birthdays, and most of all just being together. Share my children with them again. I look forward to taking a walk with my girls and having no one notice or calling out “Muzungu” (white person) over and over again. We will just blend in. I can truly relax and be comfortable. Everything is normal and nice rather than odd and frustrating. What else? Clean everything, food/ treats and easy to make, wonderful showers, easy driving, shopping, being cold, watch the snow fall… I grew up in MI and the memories are a part of who I am.
Then there is the other side and all the other emotions. I will be excited and prepare for months then it comes time to leave Uganda, my home, for four months and I don’t know how to feel anymore. I am a bit scared, sad, nervous… I am not sure what I want anymore. I realize I really don’t belong anywhere. Living in MI I often feel like an outsider. People don’t understand where I come from, all I’ve been through, and all I have seen. I get overwhelmed by all America and Americans have. All the waste. All the wealth. All the choices. Sometimes it makes me sick. But so few seem to want to know or care about how the rest of the world lives. How most people suffer in poverty. I see some Christians living the same as the culture around them. They want more, bigger, or better things. We want more money to spend when God’s Word tells us He gives us more to give more. Selfishness and self centeredness plague our land. People sit in front of their TV all evening but having no time in their lives to read God’s Word or for doing ministry. There is passiveness in our churches instead of passion. There is a lack of standing on and for God’s Truth – maybe because they don’t know it. Then when someone does tell the Truth other Christians mock or criticize instead of accept and encourage. Have we forgotten God? Does He lead us every day in every decision? Do we care about the rest of the world the way God does?
I know this really sounds harsh and has turned into a sermon, but it is often what I see and how I feel when I go to MI. Yes, there are godly, faithful people there too! But too many have become complacent. I have learned quickly in life that everywhere around the world there is sin and hardship and everywhere there is God and His people. Life is a mix of emotions and feelings sometimes, huh. That is why I am so thankful that every new day I can trust in my Father – God of the whole universe.
We visited with out Indian friends at OM supermarket the other day. I wore my Indian out fit the ladies gave Angie and I after returning from their trip to India (it was so nice of them to think of us). They were very happy to see me in it and welcomed all of us the the back of the store where they live. They served us chi and some Indian snacks. We sat and talked with the men as the women got ready for a picture together. The women kept bringing out jewelry for Lydia, Grace, and me. Their kindness and hospitality are so generous. We had a very nice time and are thankful for their friendship. We pray God continues to work in their hearts through our friendship.
I have so many feelings as we prepare for home service. I don’t think anyone can really understand unless they have been on the mission field. Please forgive me. Know I think and feel too much and writing is how I process it all. (I bug myself sometimes with all my feelingJ.) Anyways, I will share but you don’t have to read it if you don’t want too. I live on the mission field but all year I look forward to our home service when we get to go MI. We plan for it at least a year in advance and begin preparing six months in advance. We have to find housing (furnished which isn’t easy for only 4 months), a vehicle to use, schedule all of our speaking, plane tickets… It is quite a bit of work getting everything lined up on that side of the ocean not to mention what needs to be done on this side. It is not simply a vacation! Then, when it still seems so far away to all of you, I have begun a count down. I think about it, plan what to do, where to go, and dream. How can I describe it all to you? I look forward to being normal again. To having comforts again, even simple things like soft carpet I enjoy. I will be with our families! Celebrate holidays, birthdays, and most of all just being together. Share my children with them again. I look forward to taking a walk with my girls and having no one notice or calling out “Muzungu” (white person) over and over again. We will just blend in. I can truly relax and be comfortable. Everything is normal and nice rather than odd and frustrating. What else? Clean everything, food/ treats and easy to make, wonderful showers, easy driving, shopping, being cold, watch the snow fall… I grew up in MI and the memories are a part of who I am.
Then there is the other side and all the other emotions. I will be excited and prepare for months then it comes time to leave Uganda, my home, for four months and I don’t know how to feel anymore. I am a bit scared, sad, nervous… I am not sure what I want anymore. I realize I really don’t belong anywhere. Living in MI I often feel like an outsider. People don’t understand where I come from, all I’ve been through, and all I have seen. I get overwhelmed by all America and Americans have. All the waste. All the wealth. All the choices. Sometimes it makes me sick. But so few seem to want to know or care about how the rest of the world lives. How most people suffer in poverty. I see some Christians living the same as the culture around them. They want more, bigger, or better things. We want more money to spend when God’s Word tells us He gives us more to give more. Selfishness and self centeredness plague our land. People sit in front of their TV all evening but having no time in their lives to read God’s Word or for doing ministry. There is passiveness in our churches instead of passion. There is a lack of standing on and for God’s Truth – maybe because they don’t know it. Then when someone does tell the Truth other Christians mock or criticize instead of accept and encourage. Have we forgotten God? Does He lead us every day in every decision? Do we care about the rest of the world the way God does?
I know this really sounds harsh and has turned into a sermon, but it is often what I see and how I feel when I go to MI. Yes, there are godly, faithful people there too! But too many have become complacent. I have learned quickly in life that everywhere around the world there is sin and hardship and everywhere there is God and His people. Life is a mix of emotions and feelings sometimes, huh. That is why I am so thankful that every new day I can trust in my Father – God of the whole universe.
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