Some Photos from June 14th

 

Bobby and Brian, The Film Guys

 

 

Edward Being Interviewed

 

 

 

Children's Choir

 

 

 

Dancers at Crusade 

 

Praying over Jinja

"Come to me all you who are burdened and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

I want to start by asking for continued prayer for our team member, Matt, who has encountered a rough bout of food poisoning.  Today he has experienced the Ugandan hospital and received excellent care from a wonderful man who assists us when we are in Uganda, named Dr. Moses.  Matt has meds and is resting.  But prayers for comfortable and safe travel are needed.

Today was a low key day. A time for the team to relax and enjoy what Jinja has to offer. A group went rafting on the Nile. I have not had a chance to talk to them. I am certain they had a blast!

The rest of us spent the day in Jinja. A place I feel very comfortable. Like a second home.

Kariel and I started the day at Ekisa for an hour. I wanted her to have a little more time with the children. It was a free day of the kids so we pushed them on the swing. We walked about the grounds. We loved and laughed. There is a young man, Mwarro (sp?), who is not a small or young guy. He runs up and jumps in your arms for cuddles. No matter how big or small you are!  He welcomed Kariel as soon as we got there! He is always up and then down and off. And then back in your arms! We got to spend time with Grace, Issac, Paul, Rachal, and James. An hour was not enough for her, but it filled her heart once again. Special place. Special work. God's love is present.

From there we began our time with the film crew. I have not mentioned yet that a film crew has been with us this trip. They are here to film footage of the work in the North and South our church is involved. They are going to document the Uganda Project in three short films.... how God connected Edward and I... A personal transformation story.... And a community transformation story.... I have no idea how they will take all the footage they have and turn it into 3 films of 3 to 4 minutes each. I am very excited about the end product though! We have been wondering how we can better show what all God is doing and this is going to be incredible. Bobby and Brian are great men of faith and they have jumped right in with us. They have been a part of the team. Brian took Kariel and I to Ekisa this morning on his own time. They are excellent at what they do and they have been a blessing to our team.

I will say I never knew how how difficult being interviewed can be. Especially when you are asked to keep your answers brief. Brevity is not a talent I have when discussing or telling a story! Edward ad I got to share our perspective of our friendship. It was great.

They walked around town with us and Edward's wife Julie. We just talked and shared and spent time with each other. It was really a great day.

We did end up driving up Bugembe Hill. This is owned by the local tribal chief and overlooks the entire town of Jinja. The view was incredible! You cold see all the way from Lake Victoria to the other side of Jinja. The whole city. I got a chance to stop and say a prayer over this area I love  so much. The pictures do not do it justice.

I am excited to see the end product. I am grateful that God connected us with the film crew. The story He is writing needs to be told and shared. God gets all the glory!

We ended up with a small group of us going to the crusade again. The gospel singer was there again and at the last song the crowd brought Jody, Benson and I up front and tied sashes around our waist and we danced. And danced. And shook our hips. We had Edward ad Julie join us. Ladies and men, and children all down front dancing in worship. It was incredible. Ugandans and Americans all one family of faith worshipping God together. Beautiful.

This will be the last blog post for a few days. Tomorrow our schedule is this.... We get to church with Edward at His Mercy Church. Then the team will visit three different houses we have helped build and bless the home  by presenting to the families framed family portraits as a house warming gift. Then the team will begin the drive to Entebbe and the airport. We will stop at the National Theatre Mall to shop in Kampala. Then onto the airport to begin the long flight home. Uganda to Amsterdam. Amsterdam to Minneapolis. Minneapolis to Arkansas and  Pennsylvania. Wifi access will be scarce after we leave the hotel. So please, pray for our travels and for our final time in Uganda to continue to be a blessing. It has been a great trip. God has done marvelous things through the team. We are thankful for our time here. It has been blessed full of love and grace.

It will be bittersweet to leave. I love it here, but my home is in Arkansas. I cannot wait to see my wife and son! But I will shed a tear as the plane takes off from Entebbe. I will not say goodbye to Uganda. I can never do that. I will say till we meet again God willing.

See you soon dear family and friends.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Peace and blessings.
Chris

Prayer Request- Urgent

I just got word, that Matt has food poisoning.  He has been with Dr. Moses today who took him to a local hospital.  He is now on meds and back with the team.  We would ask that you would pray for him to continue healing.

Thanks,

Kysia

Photos from June 13, 2014

 

Accessing the Rapids for Tomorrow's Rafting

 

 

Crusade Dancers

 

 

Katherine Sharing Smiles

 

 

Because she's too cute not to put on the blog.

 

 

The Bad Place (Very bad place!

 Don't drink the water! - Kysia)

 

k

 

Youth Choir and Dancers at Crusade

 

 

Chris and Paul

"God is writing a larger story..."

"God is writing a larger story and we are a character in that story and the Author of the larger story created a specific role for you in His larger story.". - Rich Sterns

Our team read the book 'Unfinished' by Rich Sterns as a preparation for the trip. It is a Great book about filling the hole in our gospel. Believing is only the beginning. We have talked about how God is writing a bigger story and He has created us a specific role in that bigger story. Our time each day starts with a devotion and scripture to ground us and center us and prepare us to go and serve. I would recommend both of his books.

This trip is a part of a larger story concerning the Uganda mission project. Each team member came on the trip from different places and with different talents and different reasons. Each of us is getting to be a part of this chapter in God's bigger story. And we have encouraged everyone to go forth from Uganda and find the part God is writing for them in the bigger story. Maybe it is Uganda, South America, Asia, Europe, or America in our own little cities. Wherever, it is do not miss the opportunity to live out the part God is writing for them.

Today was a good day. A little laid back, but still with opportunities to serve. We started with a group of us going to Ekisa.  Kariel, Leigh, Chirs H, Olivia, Benson, Beth and I went and spent a couple of hours with the kids in school. This was a part of the trip Kariel was so excited about and to see her get the chance to have her heart filled was special to this dad. Again we simply spent time with these beautiful children with special needs. We used wine tower flash cards, read and spent time with them. We were present. And we laughed, we played and we loved. It was incredible. The ladies who started this place are heroes to me. Young and open to go where God called them. They started caring for disabled children in Uganda. It isn’t an easy life but it is a blessed one. My daughter was shining. Each team member was right in the middle with a child just giving them attention and love. Beautiful.

The rest of the team went to visit Dr. Moses at his home. They dropped off the remaining medicines from the clinic and thanked him. He is a good man and I love his laugh and heart.

The team got back together and we headed to visit one of Uganda’s Falls. This particular spot on the river Nile is called the Bad Place. It is awesome to behold. It is the half way point on the river rafting trip and includes rapids you have to walk around they are that intense. It is quite a sight to behold especially the day before you are about to tackle it!

We then came back to rest up and prepare for the open air crusade in the village of Buwenda. This is where Edward's church is located. I discovered that in Jinja district a crusade is like church:  Loud music, dancing, singing, and powerful preaching! The choir was rocking it when we got there. And the team did their thing-  filled in among people.  Leigh, Kariel, Chris H, and Olivia joined in the dancing! They had a local Gospel artist sing a few songs.  He had some traditional male dancers and man could they shake the hips! One of them came down to the crowd and low and behold if he did not come into the crowd and pull Katie up in front of everyone and tie a sash around her waist and have her shake her hips with him! She was awesome! And the crowd loved it! The next song he pulled Namoi up and did the same thing. Fantastic! Great job ladies!

I also want to say it is so incredible to see Edward preach. He is loud and powerful! I love to see him share the word. Great man who is my brother and I love him so much. Special.

I am so proud of Katherine, Benson, and Ashley as they each shared their testimony front the stage. Each one was to the point and right on. They did a fabulous job. So proud of our team!

Jody wrapped up and brought a great message as well. And then we danced some more! The crusade was still going as we left.

The team then did our annual awards ceremony. This started a few years ago (neither Jody nor I can remember how it stared, but we love it). People can nominate other team members for fun or encouraging awards from our time together. It is really a great way to wrap up and enjoy time together. I am very proud to serve with this team. We have bonded, cared for each other, encouraged and served. I have found new friends and been blessed by each of them. They give of themselves and do whatever they can to help. Each one has just been the hands and feet of Christ to the people and to each other. I will let them tell you the various awards they won as there were many. We had some fun times on the long bus rides and learned a lot about each other! But we also came together as a community.  We loved each other. I am honored to have served with them.

Couple of wrap up things....

We still have some illness running through the team, so please keep up the prayers for strength and to finish strong.

The team going river rafting is pumped and anxious! Please pray for a fantastic time (and to keep the crocs and hippos away. Hippos are aggressive creatures especially during the calving season!) They should all have a blast!

I want to give a shout out to Jody. He is a fantastic team leader and has way more faith in me then I do! He does a great job keeping us centered and focused and is always ready to share and encourage. Thank you for your part in this story my friend! I am honored to serve with you.

I also want to thank my wife Kysia. She is constantly in prayer for the team while we are away. She edits and published each day’s blog post and pictures. She is a beautiful lady and does so much back home to stay in contact with family members and friends. I could not do this without her.

Finally, be patient with your friend or family member as they come back home and begin to get in the swings of normal life.  It will take some time for some to share. They have seen and experienced things that rocked their world. They have seen the face of the poor and suffering, seeing Jesus in his most distressing disguise. They have heard stores that broke their hearts. They made new friends that they will love forever. They have so much to share. But they may need time to decompress. Just allow them to share on their own time. Because when they are ready... Oh the stories they will tell and the people they will introduce you to! I am changed every time I come. They are changed as well. Be ready to listen, laugh, cry, pray and celebrate with them.

Also, the red dirt that covers us all will eventually come off and stop leaving a residue in the shower. I promise!

Goodnight. God bless. Talk to you tomorrow.
Chris

Pictures from June 12th

 

Benson the Painter

 

Cheryl and Mercy (Viola and Reagan's younger sister)

 

 

The children entertaining us during the rain.

 

 

Finished Product

 

Jinja Market

 

 

Kariel the Painter 

 

Making us feel welcome!

 

 

Working hard!

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." - Mother Teresa

Today was a little different again for the team. We split up into two groups with one going to the Ekisia orphanage and the other back to His Mercy School in Kikubo.

The group at Eksia was Chris H., Olivia, Katie, Leigh, Allison, and Diane. They had a great time with the children and it was exciting to hear Chris, Leigh, and Katie be able to put their talents and skills in therapy to work!

The rest of us headed back to the school.... But not before the entire team went to the local prison. We have visited here before. It is where people who have been arrested are held while they go through the court system. On our way we stopped and bought blankets, soap, and razors for the prisoners. Yes I said razors. I have been here before but it is always a strange feeling to enter through the gate. We are among the prisoners and guards when we walk through the court yard. Jody, Matt, Naomi, and I spoke to the prisoners and shared our faith. I was intimidated. I felt unfit to speak anything of value to the men. I have not walked in their shoes. I simply shared my faith and the love of Christ. I shared that we all have made bad decisions and choices. We all have hurt others and taken advantage of other people. I shared that Christ died and rose again to save us all because He loves us all. No matter what we have done. Jesus came to give us life and life to the fullest no matter where we are or what we have done. I hope I was able to be used by God. I can only share and plant a seed.

Matt and Naomi were fantastic. These young people are wise and strong. I am honored to serve and know them and call them friends.

Jody shared his life story and once again was great. He really resonated and many of the men chose to follow Christ. The God of second, and many more, chances. God desired for those men to be free before they walk out of prison.

Our team that went to the school were going to paint some classrooms, help build the library, and play with kids (surprise!). As we pulled in the skies began to rain again. We are currently in the middle of the rainy season (ends in July). While the rain brings cooler temps it also turns red dirt roads to red mud! Which gets everywhere! The ladies cooked lunch for us again and it was a feast. The chapatti was pretty good today, but not as good as yesterday! :)

The rain eventually subsided so we could get out and begin to actually do something! Kariel, Jody, Matt, Benson, and I began painting the outside of the classrooms with primer. Edward is going to paint them red with yellow trim. I was not quite prepared to paint, so I ended up with white splatters all over my arms and head. I must say we did a good job for Muzungus! Mondi (he is one of our helpers and a member of Edward's church. He is a great man and good friend. I enjoy my time with him) told me the work I was doing was "not bad". When assessing Kariel's work he told her she was "very very ok". Seems Mondi was happier with Kariel's work. Oh well.

We ended up waiting for the team from the orphanage to arrive while playing with the children. I love times like this. We simply interact and answer questions while we learn each other’s names. There is a lot of laughter and fun with simply being in the now with the kids. I love that. So many children I have seen the last few years are getting older. They ask me about America and I still have some of them asking where my son is! I show them pictures of Jonah and Kysia (the girls all tell me I have a beautiful wife!). They all are so surprised and love that I am here with my daughter. So special of a time. No agenda but to be with them. Kariel always seems to have a few girls holding her hand and arms. She is never alone here! I am so proud of my girl. She has been amazing. Today she jumped right in the middle of a game with the children and their teacher. And the kids accepted her right in and loved it!

We ended the day with the entire team having dinner at Edward's father’s home. He has done this for us the last few years and it is truly an honor. They lay out a full Ugandan spread and we sit in front of his house on his lawn to eat and fellowship. Tonight we had a bonus... Little fish and a Rollex. The Rollex is a street vendor food made of chapatti with egg, onions, and peppers rolled inside. Never had it before and it was great! Little fish was a new dish, as well.  Let’s just say it was not my favorite. But I did try it. Mr Magumba is a wonderful man with an incredible story. He was a mechanic in the army during the time of Idi Amin. When Amin was overthrown he was out as a political prisoner for 5 years. He lived in Kampala with his brother for a while after getting out of prison, but could it make any money. He moved to Maygue district and became a farmer. His home is powered by solar and methane gas which he installed and set up himself. Mr Magumba and Edward’s mom divorced when Edward was 1. His mother did not allow him to see his father, but when he was 16, he and his sister left and found their dad to reconnect. Edward's father donated the first strip of land the school sits on currently. I am always honored to be welcomed in his home.

It was a great day. We were stretched outside our comfort zones. We put our hands to work physically. Some got to use their talents and skills to be a blessing. And we all got to simply be present and share the love of Christ.

God used us all in various ways today. Small ways, but with great love.

Peace and blessings,

Chris

Side note... Couple of things we have learned this trip... One, after having Chris drive our dear bus "Rosa" for our team the last 6 years we learned today his name is not Chris. It is Grace, but the Ugandans have trouble rolling the r and it sounds like Chris. Neither Edward nor Grace have ever corrected us. Silly Americans.... Second, it seems that Ashley is super ready to float the “Amazon” river on Saturday. That.... Should be awesome!

Technical Problems

The first year Chris went with a team to Uganda, I called Mary (Jody's wife) and asked if she had heard anything.  She said, "No news is good news."  A few days later we heard something.  Technology has evolved majorly over these last eight years.  Chris just texted me to tell me they are having trouble with Wi-Fi.  We've been very fortunate this year not to have many issues.  Now we have hit a glitch.  We will get the blog up probably in their morning -meaning 11 or 12 tonight, if I stay up to edit and post it. It may be a sloppy post, but it will have the days details from Chris' perspective, of course.

Word of caution:  If you hear from your crew member you might keep it short today or they might be charged for it.

For now,  please keep the team in your prayers.
 As they near the end, team members are more tired and their bodies become more susceptible to illnesses.  Please pray for them to have good rest and healthy bodies.

 For Friday's ministries, they are set to continue helping with Ekisa Ministries (special needs orphanage), working on the house build and do home evangelism by inviting people to attend the Jesus Film to be held Friday evening.  Prayers for a huge success and for people to come to know Christ.  As always we pray our missionaries would be protected by God as they work to be His hands and feet.  Thanks so much for reading!

Kysia

Pictures from June 11th, Clinic day

 

Ashley and Katie in wound care.

 

 

Chef Chris cooking chapatti

 

 

(Feeling better) Kariel with her sponsor child, (feeling ill) Viola

 

 

Lines for Doctor

 

 

Waiting out the storm.

 

 

Waiting on prescriptions

"Let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us..."

After a rough travel day yesterday, the team was left tired.  Some members were even struggling with health issues.  We still hit the ground running today.

We knew the enemy would show up to try and distract us. At devotions this morning we talked about how we are surprised when we are surprised an attack comes. Our trip has gone so well. The team has been amazing and so supportive of each other. We have stayed centered on God and grounded in scripture. Of course, the enemy would look to throw us off course. But God is good! And the team went forth to serve today.

We headed out to the Mayuge district to the village of Kikubo to His Mercy School for Orphans and Vulnerable Children to hold a medical clinic. Usually our trips include several clinic days and after about a day and a half we hit our stride. Holding only one day of clinic left us curious how quickly we could turn chaos to order and get a flow going. God is good!  It took us a short time to get things going and the team was amazing!

      Jody, Matt, Benson, and I took over crowd control and ushering. Great job keeping the patients flowing where they should.  Go gents!

      Julie was in the prayer room.  I saw many hugs and celebrations!

      Ashley and Katie handled wound care. They were not as busy as usual, but this gave them plenty of time to engage the children! They both led cheers, call and responses, dances and a game of tag!

      The pharmacy was run by Cheryl.  She is amazing. Cheryl had things set-up with the flow going smooth. She was our captain!

      Kariel, Olivia, Beth, Chris, Naomi, Diane, Allison, and Leigh manned the pharmacy. Captain Cheryl and these ladies rocked! They kept things flowing and filled.  Scripts for at least 250 people. All this in 5 hours of clinic time. God does amazing things!

We had to slow things down a little bit when an African rain storm blew in and drove everyone under cover. It was heavy at times.  I enjoyed sitting under cover talking to the children. Then the kids started playing the drums and a choir broke out. It was a blast. The red dust became red mud!

I also got to fulfill a dream I have wanted to do at the school for a few years. The school has a kitchen and the ladies cooked a traditional Ugandan meal for lunch. I donned my chef pants and jacket then went to town making chapatti (fried flat bread). It was incredible! I have wanted to cook at the school for the kids and today was all I thought it would be! The teachers and cooks loved that I was there and helped me learn how to do it. All of them came by and wanted to try the muzungus chapatti! I got rave reviews! Fantastic!

As we finished the clinics we got the chance to stop by Mama Jessica's house. This is the family with two kids my family sponsors- Viola and Reagan. Kariel has been writing letters to Viola the last 4 years and this is one of the things she has been excited to finally do! When we saw Viola in the clinic, Viola wasn’t herself. She told the interpreter she was not feeling well. She is quiet already and today even more so. But later in the day she was feeling better and ecame the same shy but smiling girl I first saw out the bus window in 2010. We looked up when Kariel and I got off the bus, Mama Jessica came running, hugged us and danced!  Mama picked up Kariel and twirled her around in the air! It was a blast to see the excitement! Mama Jessica prepared a meal for the team of brown rice, gravy, matooke, and chicken. It was delicious and such an honor. One of our hosts told me that chicken is a huge honor. Also when you visit someone's home you cannot ask them to prepare a meal for you. The home will prepare one and you cannot turn it down, so everyone joined in and ate. The goat our family got them last year had twins. One of the twins a female. The goat from last year is pregnant again! The gift that keeps on giving! Before we left I had the chance to lead the team in a prayer over the family. I was honored. This little family in a village in Uganda is special to our family. I loved being able to spend time with them. As we left Mama Jessica handed me a hand woven mat that she made as a gift for her daughter in America (Kysia). I was about to lose it. How sweet and special. Here this lady who has nothing compared to the worlds standard and she spends the time to make a gift for my wife as a thank you and to say she loves us. Humbling.

Today was a good day. After such a rough day yesterday we stopped and prayed last night. And prayed again this morning. We stayed in scripture and made sure to be ready to be used by God. And He is faithful! Today went smooth and we were able to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Tomorrow the team splits up into two teams... One will spend time at Ekisa which is a special needs orphanage and the other will go to the prison to minister and then back to the school to work on some of the new buildings.

Keep the prayers coming. The team is almost done with the ministry portion of the trip.  They need your prayers and support to stay focused.

God bless,

Chris

Longer than expected, but God is with us...

Sometimes things just take longer than we expect.  Such is the case with the travel from Gulu to Jinja.  The team has just arrived after a 12 hour drive (instead of 8) with two members who could use some prayer for healing.  We are thankful the team arrived safely and that rest is ahead.  We would appreciate your prayers for our sick members, for a peaceful night of good sleep for everyone after a really long day, and for each heart to be renewed and ready to serve as they go out into the Jinja area tomorrow. 

Blessings,

Kysia

 

Pictures from June 9, 2014

 

Allison Sharing at Koch Goma

 

 

Ashley getting hair braided.

 

 

Children at Prime Time Primary School

 

 

Koch Goma UMC

 

 

Little girl taking care of sibling.

 

 

Parents praying over their children's teachers.

 

 

Titus, Douglas, Solomon, Alphonse, and Peter is kneeling.

UMC pastors in Gulu area.

 

The community walk through the brush.

 

When you catch a glimpse of Heaven...(Revelation 7:9-10)

Today was our final day in Gulu district. We spent the day with the church at Koch Goma whose pastor is Peter. It was a similar day to yesterday at Koch Chorom.

First we visited the Prime Time Primary school which is run, personally, by Pastor Soloman from Layibi. The different classes shared various songs and poems with us. Many of the mothers of the children were there as well. It was such a blessing to see a mother smile and clap excitedly when her child got a solo speaking or singing part. Pride in our children. Not any different than in America. It was a short visit but so much fun to spend time with these little children. They were not quite sure what to think of us, but they shook hands and took pictures with us. Today in Uganda is a national holiday, Heroes Day. Today honors those who fought in battle for the country. Jody led a prayer over the teachers where he called them heroes; He had the parents come up and surround the teachers in prayer for them. Incredible! Even more so is we did not know what holiday it was till after the prayer!

We arrived in Koch Goma and were welcomed by the choir with singing and dancing as we entered the modest church building.  Out front a group of us jumped right in line with the choir and danced unto the Lord! What a joy (well it brings much laughter from our Ugandan brothers and sisters) when we join in. They may laugh but they dance right along with us and help us with the moves.

As we entered the church, the team spread out among the people. Every time we have come to Uganda and met they have seats at the front for us as special guests. This always makes me uncomfortable. I don't want to be seen as anything other than a brother in Christ from another country. The great thing was the team spread out and I saw people sitting on mats next to adults and holding children. I saw members sitting on benches around the walls talking to adults. It was fellow spiritual family members coming together to worship! Beautiful sight!

We got to worship with another song from the choir, as well as a couple from the youth choir. Lots of music, singing, clapping and dancing!

Pastor Peter then shared about the various projects the church has started to bless the community. They have a brick making venture that the youth run. They train the youth to make and lay bricks. The youth have committed to making all the bricks for the permanent church building when it is time for construction. They have already made 10,000 of the 25,000 they will need. We also got to see the new banana farm the church planted. They plan to grow and sell fruit at the market. Church members will be able to earn an income from working the farm, as well as the church when the product is sold. And finally they have a micro finance project.  Once again, this project is growing and helping by supporting each other. The fund has more than doubled from loans and payback with interest many times over. Community members are able to get some capital and start a business, expand or help their household and they pay it back which benefits the church and others. The great thing is the micro finance project is open to all community members. No requirement to be a church member, but the church does give God the glory and it is a way to share their faith.

I am so blown away by the vision and creativity of the Gulu district churches. They are growing their churches by preaching the gospel first and foremost, but they are also reaching out to the community with tangible solutions for needs. This makes me so happy! To see it working on the level it is working is incredible. Each church had members who stood up and told us how the various income projects had changed their family’s lives. They gave God the all the credit and praise! Outstanding!

We all took a stroll down to see the banana farm and brick kiln. It was quite a sight to see about 50-60 people walking down a road and through the bush made up of a few muzungus (white people) and Ugandans. What a picture! We walked about a kilometer there and back; it was great to see each team member talking,  fellowshipping and sharing while walking the red dirt roads of Uganda through beautiful country.

When we returned we had lunch. Always an adventure for some in the villages. We had posho, goat, chicken, cassava, sweet potatoes, avocados, bananas, and rice. Today was a treat as we had plastic forks. I forgot to report that yesterday in Koch Chorom we went full on traditional and ate with our hands!

After lunch we basically spent the next few hours playing with kids. The team put on a puppet show again. That brought out the adults and teenagers. This was a hit! Great job to our team of Ashley, Chris H, Beth, Olivia, Kariel, Benson, Katie, and Leigh for putting on a fantastic show!

We then played the "I have a Game" game.  That is a blast. Of course, the people like to pick us so we have to get in the circle and make the crazy movements. Kariel, Leigh, Jennifer and Cheryl were fabulous!

Shout out to Katherine for sharing her testimony with the kids. The teenage girls were at full attention when she was speaking. Great job to this young lady for making an impact of other young ladies.

Today we face painted the children. Every child and some adults got a cross on their check or arm. It was another huge hit. As were bubbles. Bubbles are big time in Uganda!

The pastors began to set up for the crusade, so we moved the children to a spot next door. The team just kept playing, running, laughing and loving the children. Soccer. A jumping game that Kariel got pulled into. A slide. Bubbles. And then a huge game of Duck Duck Goose broke out. It was great hearing the laughter from the children and adults. Everyone had a blast. Ashley was picked numerous times! Everyone was yelling as the two players raced around the circle. What a joy. I was even picked and could not catch the young man, but I picked Dennis (one of our helpers. He is a wonderful young man I love to visit with) and I was about to pull in safely when my Chacos slipped and I lost balance and went to bear crawling before finally diving head first on the ground. Flat on my face. Let's just say the roar of the crowd was in awe of my gracefulness. I bring the joy of the Lord to Uganda!

The crusade started. Chris H. And Allison shared their testimony. Our team does a great job of being real and honest about themselves.  It really resonates with the people. The locals believe that in America all is awesome and there are no problems. When we share trials and struggles or simply how we lean on God for everyday life the people see that we are all the same. Just from different places and look different. Both ladies were fantastic.

The team jumped in and joined the dancing and singing with our brothers and sisters and it was great! We shared in prayer with those who had struggles. We joined with other believers. We were the church. Together.

I titled this post "When you catch a glimpse of heaven..." and I believe we did over these last three days. All colors, nationalities and languages will stand before the throne and praise the Lord. This happened. We were not different. We were family. Praising one God. It was a glimpse of heaven. And it was beautiful.

Tomorrow we leave Gulu for Jinja. Another 8 hour bus ride. It will be sad to leave our friends. The team has fallen in love with the pastors, their churches and family just as I have.  It is sad to go. But our time together was a blessing to both of us. It is time we will all remember and cherish. The farewell at each church was not good bye... It was 'till we meet again'

Peace my brothers and sisters. May God bless you all.
Chris

The Leaders of Gulu district...

These are the pastors we worked with this year. Incredible men. Faithful men. Leaders in their community. I am honored to call them friend,

Pastor Soloman - Layibi UMC
Pastor Douglas - Ariega UMC
Pastor Titus - Opit UMC
Pastor Peter - Koch Goma
Pastor Alphonse - Koch Chorom

These men are gentle and humble yet powerful and strong in their faith and as leaders. Each of them come from the communities they serve. They each came up with the ideas for the different income projects in their churches. Incredible men who serve an incredible God.

Photos from June 8th

 

Beth sharing her testimony.

 

 

Cheryl and Jennifer praying with a grandma.

 

 

 

Matt sharing his testimony.

 

 

Children of Koch Chorom

 

 

Leigh sharing with Okello

 

 

Katherine and Matt loving on children.

 

Naomi spending time with children.

 

 

 

Olivia, Leigh, Kariel, Katie, and Ashley

in children's ministry with Dennis and Eric.

 

 

Tailoring shop

 

 

Kariel spending time with children.

"There is something today in the house of the Lord"

The title of today's post is from a song the Ugandan church sings. It is one of my favorites, as it is upbeat, great to dance to, and the church sings it with passion.

Today there was a lot of something going on in the House of the Lord. We spent the entire day with the church at Koch Chorom.  Koch Chorom was a displacement camp and has transformed into a permanent village. When the war was in full force the government forced people into camps to better protect them from the LRA. Koch Goma grew to a large population and the government could not adequately protect the camp, so they moved half of the people to Koch Chorom. We will be spending the day at Koch Goma tomorrow. Both camps are now active villages.

We started off with worship. African church is so alive and full of joy. The choir led us in songs while they danced unto the Lord. The place was packed. Things can go on for hours, but today it was shortened due to our visit.  I love worshipping with my African brothers and sisters. Yes they laugh sometimes when I dance, but I like to think my dance worship brings them joy in the Lord! (ok... Maybe not.)

It was a beautiful day. We had the opportunity to hear some church members speak on how they were drunkards in the camp, but God brought them hope and life.  They are now followers of Jesus and leaders in the church.

Matt and Beth shared their testimony in church today. Both rocked it! It was incredibly to hear them share what the Lord has done in their lives and see how the people respond and connect to their story. Truly incredible! Great Jo to them both!

We then broke for lunch, the local ladies cooked some Ugandan food and we ate with the church in the church building.... Let's see... Ugandans and Americans worshipping, singing, eating, fellowshipping and sharing together in the name of God... Glimpse of heaven?

Children’s ministry was another great day. Chris, Olivia, Ashley, Leigh, Kariel, Matt, Katherine, and Benson put on a fantastic show! Puppets, bubbles, and games brought lots of laughter and smiles (and the kids love it as well!)

There was one game that was a blast... Our helpers would be in the middle of a large circle (make a BIG circle - not a small circle.) They sang these words and the kids repeated back to them as the circle expanded. You jump in the middle and shout out "I have a game" and the kids repeated back to you. Then you shout "now act like this" and make some kind of crazy dance or movement with sounds and the whole circle does it as well. It was a simple game but incredibly fun!

The children also put on a drama for us that told the beginning story of Genesis.

Frisbees and bubbles were a hit once again!

In the church during this time the members were speaking on how the income projects the church is operating have helped their lives. Jody and I went to see the ox plough project. This is where the church purchased two oxen and they rent them to plough land for planting. It is much easier than by hand. The farmer can get his garden going quicker and the plough generates money.

They also have a tailoring project with 4 machines making clothes for sale, plus a bakery. All projects create income for the church and various members who operate the businesses.  The community benefits.

It has been a huge blessing to see the church generating these types of ideas and making a difference in their community on an economic level. They sharing the gospel, as well as, providing jobs and services. Amazing!  I am touched to see the church operating this way! They are the hands and feet of Christ to their neighbors!

We took the team to see the original mango tree this church was worshipping under when we first met them in 2008. The church building is the first permanent Methodist church in Gulu district. It was good to see the place we held the medical clinics in Koch Chorom the last few years.

The open air crusade began and once again the choir began to sing and dance with the whole area surrounding them and joining in. All brothers and sisters joining together to worship. Our group of ladies jumped in and joined the dance once again, it is a beautiful sight to see the Ugandans leading, helping, and dancing right along with our team!

When we said goodbye, we were thanked by everyone for joining them and spending the day with them. Our presence was, again, a blessing to our hosts and the church. Everyone I talked to said thank you for coming. Thank you for spending time with us. Thank you for showing us you love us.

I also made my way over to the kitchen hut and visited with the cooks. I told them I liked to cook. They laughed at that! I told them I wanted them to teach me to cook next time I came to Koch Chorom. They loved that and we all promised it would happen! Awesome!

It has also been a huge blast to introduce Kariel, my daughter. Everyone loves to hear that and hug her and ask questions. She is right at home with kids and adults. I am so proud of my girl. Happy dad here!

It was hard to drive away. I wanted to stay and dance, hug the grandmas and talk with the men. I was blessed today to be there.

This idea of joining, spending time, listening and celebrating as a blessing is hitting me so hard. The joy in the people eyes. The excitement to see people we have spent time with before is overwhelming. Jesus spent time in the presence of sinners, the shunned and the lower class of his day. He knew that a personal connection and showing attention adds value to people. Showing them you love me simply by being with them is powerful. I have seen that here this week. And it has been a blessing.

Tomorrow we go to Koch Goma. And do nothing again!!

Thank you for your prayers and support!
Peace

Chris

Photos from Ariaga, UMC

 

Cheryl hanging out with kids.

 

 

Olivia and Kariel giving piggy back rides.

 

 

Ladies choir at Ariega UMC

 

 

Ashley, Jennifer, Julie, Leigh and Allison

joining the ladies choir in worship.