Our final day in Sudan was spent with the Taposa Tribe. This people group is the largest in this district of Sudan, with over 905,000 members. Three years ago, it was the Taposa Tribe who told us that they now had nearly everything they needed; clothing, schools, water, and safety. The only thing they still lacked was a medical center. Pastor Rob Douglass of Saving Grace World Missions and Ends of the Earth Ministries, was able to gather enough support for the medical center to be built for the Taposa; but to date, the center has not been occupied.
We were then led to a small corral area where we were shown the skin of a goat that was still drying. The goat had been recently sacrificed in hopes that the blood and dung from the goatthat was smeared on a sick Taposa child would make that child well. As we walked through the dusty and dry village, we came to a hut where the 8 year old sick child was. He was sitting in the doorway of the hut. His body was swollen from an unknown disease. He sat very still as he stared at us with a vacant look in his eyes. As we knelt down to pray with him, he slightly pulled away from us; unsure of what we were trying to do. Because of the fact that the medical center has not been funded for operation, this child, like many if the other children of the Taposa tribes, will simply be left to die.
You can imagine how this scene broke our hearts as we could do nothing more than walk away and leave this child in the hands of God. Our hearts have been stirred in many ways while we have been here in Sudan. With the Taus in the middle of a relocation project that will bring them near the medical clinic, this clinic will not only provide for the Taus, but for the Taposa Tribe as well. The vision that God has given us and that we are praying for, is to get this medical facility up and running. How amazing would it be to see this facility staffed by nurses who would be able to administer medications that will save the lives of these children. At the same time; and more importantly, it would allow us to show them that they are loved, that they are not forgotten, and would open the door for the Gospel to be preached.
It is our hope and prayer that the eyes of the tribes in South Sudan will be turned from darkness to light.
We have now .arrived safely back in Uganda and have had a chance to talk to our Gulu team. (remember that some of the missionaries went home last week, we went to Sudan, and another group went to Gulu) Gulu is the area in Northern Uganda where children have been abducted by Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord's Resistance Army, (LRA). At night, thousands of children became night commuters in order to avoid abduction. While this is not currently happening, the effects of the terror still linger. The team met a teacher named Andrew that was abducted by the LRA when he was 14 years old. One night, Andrew chose not to commute with the other children, and stayed back with his family. He was held captive with 50 other children for over a month until he escaped by submerging himself under water and swimming upriver. By God's grace, Andrew is now born again and teaching at a Christian school where the LRA used to have their stronghold. He is now giving children in this war-torn area hope in Christ.
After a six hour bus ride on dirt roads, the team attended a Sunday service at Calvary Chapel Gulu. 150 people gathered in a school facility where some of the team members shared their testimonies. It was a wonderful time of fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Gulu.
Over the past week, the team has been hosting a VBS for over 500 children. These children had come from multiple churches within the Gulu District. Our team sang songs, did activities, and shared the Gospel with the children.
On a lighter note, one day the team was walking by a large bull. As the team passed by, the bull remained calm until Debbie, the team leader, walked by. The bull was startled and tried to chase her. Fortunately, he was tethered and was unable to get to Debbie. Needless to say, she was quite shaken, but the team and Debbie enjoyed a good laugh together afterwards.
Like most areas in Africa, Gulu is also experiencing a drought. The team had been fervently praying for rain and the Lord answered their prayers in a mighty way. One day, out of nowhere, the skies opened up and it began to pour. During the downpour, the team bus got stuck in the African mud. The entire team had to get out and push the bus. By the time they arrived at the school they were ministering in, they were caked with mud but rejoicing over the rain. And it hasn't stopped raining since! Our God is so faithful!
Tomorrow, the Gulu team will be heading back to the capital city of Uganda after a 6 hour drive for a time of debriefing, rest, and shopping. This will be our final update as we will all begin our journey home on Thursday and will arrive in LA on Friday.
It has been an honor and privilege sharing all that God is doing on the continent of Africa with you. On behalf of the Uganda/Sudan/Gulu mission teams, I would like to thank you for all of your support, love, and prayers.
Pastor Brent Kaser
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
New photos from Sudan
Shot gun shells, for a toy.
Danielle with the boys
One of the children that keep them coming to do this work
The scars they have as make up.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Update 10 from Sudan
I hope this finds you well. Over the past couple of days, we have been visiting the Taus Tribe in Sudan. This is the tribe that Pastor Rob Douglass from Ends of the Earth Ministries, and James Nyika from FRUITS Ministries have been reaching out to for the past two years. When we saw the pictures and heard the stories of the Taus people, Promise Child began to sponsor the children of the tribe; bringing the children school uniforms, hot meals, and an education for the first time in their lives. What we can tell you now, is that there is no way that photos or words can paint a true picture of what is happening here.
We have started each day by cramming six people into a modified old Land Cruiser to drive two hours on roads that have never been maintained since their inception in 2002. As we drove, we were able to get the full history of this area of South Sudan from our driver. Four years ago, this region was literally a war zone. The Arabs of Northern Sudan were fighting the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) of the South. Due to the war, many tribes were cut off from access to food and water, causing major relief organizations to carve this road through the deserts of Sudan in order to provide relief. This is the road that we were traveling on. The landscape starts off with a view of nothing more than huge thorn bushes with three inch spikes. It eventually becomes more of the beautiful African landscape that we traditionally see in photographs with the tall umbrella-like Acacia trees being the focal point of this beautiful scene. The wildlife has been amazing; baboons swinging from trees, birds of every size, shape, and color; deek deeks (miniature deer), cows, goats, donkeys, and termite mounds that look like giant chimney stacks. As we went to raise up our cameras to capture the scene, we were quickly told that we were driving through one of the largest military bases of the SPLA and that no photos could be taken. This is the very place where the former leader of the SPLA Army, (John Garang), was shot down and killed. For the members of the SPLA, this war is not really over and they are always on high alert. We came to a military checkpoint where they demanded to see our Sudanese visas that we had mistakenly left at the compound. After driving 1 1/2 hours, the fear was that we would have to turn around. We were momentarily detained while the guards radioed their commanders. This is when we began to pray (silently of course, asking God for favor). We were finally told that we could continue on our journey, but we would have to be escorted by one of the SPLA members. So, what was a tight jeep ride before, became even tighter as the young soldier with his AK-47, piled into the Land Cruiser.
As I stated before, all the pictures and all the stories in the world, could not prepare us for what we were about to see. After driving on roads for two hours, seeing no more than six people walking on the roads, we arrived at the Taus village.
Our initial thought before even walking through the village was, how could people possibly live here? It was so hot and dry, our fears were confirmed when we walked to the village water hole. Some of you have seen the picture of the pit that had very little water. That same pit is now completely dry. The Taus have been forced to barter goods with the local Dinka Tribe, and the water that they barter for is salty and unclean. One of the reasons why we are here, is to talk to the District Commissioner in hopes of moving the Taus Tribe to a more fertile and safe environment. As soon as this is accomplished, we will be able to put up a formal church/school building and raise funds to drill a water well. This will save lives of not only the Taus, but the entire community.
We were able to see the food storage area, which has also been a place that our supported missionaries hold Sunday school classes. There is a full time watchman protecting the food from not only the wild life, but local raiders as well. South Sudan has gone six months without rain. Because of this, crops have failed and there is a massive food shortage. Seeing the bags of maize (corn), beans, and oil that have been provided for through your love and support, brought great joy to our hearts. In the midst of the tragic conditions here, we at least know that the children are being fed, educated, and loved. It was incredible for us to watch the children do addition and subtraction on their dirt chalkboard with one of our missionaries, Danielle, who is a teacher. They all gathered in a group as Danielle took a big stick and wrote out the math problems on the ground. They shouted out the correct answers for one problem after another. Your support is definitely making a difference here.
It is like we have gone back into the stone- age here with the Taus. If I might paint a closing picture for you: there was a woman here who was preparing a meal. Her baby was strapped to her shirtless back, she was wearing beautiful tribal necklaces and a beaded belt; her face was marked with traditional tribal scars (circular dots on her forehead). She was bent over, stirring a small pot of mush being cooked over an outdoor pit of a few small twigs and branches. Next to her, was an old wrinkled woman under a shade tree who had multiple ear holes and a lip piercing. With a rock in her right hand, and maize in her left hand that she was casting onto a larger stone, she was grinding away in preparation for the next meal. As the women worked, one of the tribal chiefs passed by with spear in hand. He wore a fancy beaded headdress, a multi-colored necklace, and a colorful wrap around skirt.
Seeing what we have seen, has given up just a taste of what Paul meant when he said; "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and counted them as rubbish so that I may gain Christ."
For us; counting the cost has meant dealing with cockroaches the size of cats, the buzzing of mosquitoes, long bumpy jeep rides, cold showers, hanging out with chickens that you know will become dinner, drinking water that is the temperature of hot tea...all the time, and sleeping in a pool of sweat because of the sweltering heat. This may sound terrible, but in the end, we know we will get into a jeep and drive away, board a plane, and fly home, enter into a nice home with air conditioning and incredibly comfortable beds. For the people in South Sudan, this nightmare never ends; they are stuck in this cavern of hopelessness. Counting the cost for them means suffering from disease due to lack of sanitation, walking miles in the scorching heat to work for pocket change, and watching their children die from starvation, disease, and despair.
So what can we do? We can go. We can send. And we can pray; trusting that the Lord has a love for the people of South Sudan that is so much deeper than ours...a love that can bring hope.
"For the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted perish forever. Arise, O'Lord do not let the enemy prevail."
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Update 9 SUDAN
Greetings From Sudan!After a good night's sleep in Kenya we had a wonderful team devotion and began our journey into Sudan. As we pulled through the small town of Lokichoggio, we began to sense that there was something different about this place. The friendly smiles and waves that we experienced in Uganda have been replaced with what seemed to be looks of disgust. As we went to take pictures of the local people, men came to our vehicles and begin to shout, forcing us to lower our cameras. Our drivers told us how sad it was that the people here have nothing more important to do than to harass the newcomers. This was difficult because we really wanted to take pictures of the Turkana Tribe women. They were dressed in a traditional wrap around dress called the kikoi, they had reddish hair worn in a mohawk style; but by far the thing that most caught our attention was that their necks had been stretched by the colorful beaded necklaces they wear. Because of the fact that their necks have been so stretched, these women are forced to wear these necklaces 24/7 for support. One thing I can promise you, I will sneak in a good picture of these women before we leave!
As we moved our way between Kenya and Sudan, I think we were hit with the fact that we were now in the remotest parts of the earth. (Acts 1:8) There seems to be nothing here but desert. The roads are dusty, dry, and rocky. About the only people we have seen besides the military presence have been the goat, cow, and camel herders. Most of the people here are herders and they have to protect what they own. This is why this morning we have seen children as young as 10 years old, walking with their arms laced around AK 47's. I think the realization that we were in a war zone hit us as our vehicles drove head on into the SPLA's military convoy. It is not every day that the vehicle you are driving in is looking down the barrel of a tank. As the men walked by with their AK 47's and RPG's, (rocket propelled grenades), sitting on their shoulders, there seemed to be a hardness here. While some smiled and waved, others seemed to be interrogating us with their eyes. If I said our hearts did not begin to race a bit, I would be lying. The bad news is that when we got to the checkpoint, the military escorts we had hoped we would have had already left the area. The good news is that because the goat herders were out on the roads, we knew that it was safe to travel.
When we arrived at the compound in Sudan, we noticed that there were a large number of cats. Rich is allergic to cats so we kept chasing them away until one of the local workers told us that cats keep the cobras away. So Rich replied with, "Here kitty kitty kitty!!
"On a serious note, in the midst of the darkness of this place called Sudan, we were reminded of the simple fact that we have been called here for the purpose of letting our lights shine. Isaiah 60: 1-3 says: "Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, the darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
"Here's what we know; we have been called, many of you have sent us out, many of you are praying for us, God is with us, and that is all the comfort that we need.Tomorrow we will be visiting the Taus Tribe where we have 58 Promise Children. We will be sharing the Gospel, interviewing the children and their families, and learning more about how the Taus Tribe survives on a daily basis.We covet your prayers.
These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer.Acts 1:14a
As we moved our way between Kenya and Sudan, I think we were hit with the fact that we were now in the remotest parts of the earth. (Acts 1:8) There seems to be nothing here but desert. The roads are dusty, dry, and rocky. About the only people we have seen besides the military presence have been the goat, cow, and camel herders. Most of the people here are herders and they have to protect what they own. This is why this morning we have seen children as young as 10 years old, walking with their arms laced around AK 47's. I think the realization that we were in a war zone hit us as our vehicles drove head on into the SPLA's military convoy. It is not every day that the vehicle you are driving in is looking down the barrel of a tank. As the men walked by with their AK 47's and RPG's, (rocket propelled grenades), sitting on their shoulders, there seemed to be a hardness here. While some smiled and waved, others seemed to be interrogating us with their eyes. If I said our hearts did not begin to race a bit, I would be lying. The bad news is that when we got to the checkpoint, the military escorts we had hoped we would have had already left the area. The good news is that because the goat herders were out on the roads, we knew that it was safe to travel.
When we arrived at the compound in Sudan, we noticed that there were a large number of cats. Rich is allergic to cats so we kept chasing them away until one of the local workers told us that cats keep the cobras away. So Rich replied with, "Here kitty kitty kitty!!
"On a serious note, in the midst of the darkness of this place called Sudan, we were reminded of the simple fact that we have been called here for the purpose of letting our lights shine. Isaiah 60: 1-3 says: "Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, the darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
"Here's what we know; we have been called, many of you have sent us out, many of you are praying for us, God is with us, and that is all the comfort that we need.Tomorrow we will be visiting the Taus Tribe where we have 58 Promise Children. We will be sharing the Gospel, interviewing the children and their families, and learning more about how the Taus Tribe survives on a daily basis.We covet your prayers.
These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer.Acts 1:14a
Update 8
Hi Everyone,We can't thank you enough for your partnership in prayer. God has done so much on this trip and we can really feel your prayers. From this point on, the updates you will be receiving will be from the Sudan team consisting of Rich, Kerry, Danielle, Pastor Brent, and Pastor Rob.
The Entebbe team finished up the pastor's conference today, meeting up with the Kampala team. Tomorrow for them will be a day of debriefing, shopping, and getting packed for the trip home, or for some, further ministry in Gulu.
As for us, we flew into Kenya on Wednesday and then took a smaller plane to a village called Lokichoggio. This is the staging area for some of the largest relief organizations working in Sudan. As we got off the plane, we instantly noticed the change in climate. The weather had gone from a comfortable 75 degrees with a cool breeze blowing off of Lake Victoria to a sizzling 98 degrees at 6:00 p.m. As we stepped off the plane, we noticed that there was a heavy presence of the Kenya military. We soon found out that on our plane was a high ranking government official that represented this region of Kenya. For us, was very good news as the dignitary and the military protection will be traveling on the very same roads that we will. We will be on a desolate, mountainous road that runs through what is called "no man's land", meaning that this is an area of land not protected or managed by the Kenyan or Sudanese governments. Because of this, it is a very dangerous stretch of road to travel on. Now the military is providing escorts through this area because of this government official traveling on this road. We feel we will have the best security that man can provide, but knowing that God is our ultimate protection.
Our final stop tomorrow will be Narus, Sudan, where we will stay at a very primitive Catholic compound. There we will meet up with the Promise Child Sudan Director, James Nyika and his family. We were blessed to be able to bring James into our pastor's conference in Kampala. On the way back to Sudan, James picked up his daughter Fiona who is nine years old. They flew with us from Nairobi to Lokichoggio. This was Fiona's first time on an airplane. You should have seen the smile on her face and heard her sweet giggle as she peered out the window of the plane. It reminded me of the first time I took my kids to Disneyland. When we arrived at our hotel, we were hungry so we were thinking about dinner. We asked Fiona what her favorite food was. We expected her to mention a typical African dish like casava or goat meat, but she said, "What I just left." When we asked her what she just left, she said through a sideways grin, "hamburgers and french fries!" Who would have thought there would be an In-N-Out right here at the Kenya airport!? (just kidding).
Over the next three days, we will visit the Taus tribe. Taus is translated "forgotten people." We have been providing support for these people for the last two years, and we are thrilled at the opportunity that we have to meet them in person. We hope that our presence here is very clear evidence that God has NOT forgotten them.
Please continue to pray for us as our adventure continues.Until the last one hears, Pastor Brent for the Sudan Team
The Entebbe team finished up the pastor's conference today, meeting up with the Kampala team. Tomorrow for them will be a day of debriefing, shopping, and getting packed for the trip home, or for some, further ministry in Gulu.
As for us, we flew into Kenya on Wednesday and then took a smaller plane to a village called Lokichoggio. This is the staging area for some of the largest relief organizations working in Sudan. As we got off the plane, we instantly noticed the change in climate. The weather had gone from a comfortable 75 degrees with a cool breeze blowing off of Lake Victoria to a sizzling 98 degrees at 6:00 p.m. As we stepped off the plane, we noticed that there was a heavy presence of the Kenya military. We soon found out that on our plane was a high ranking government official that represented this region of Kenya. For us, was very good news as the dignitary and the military protection will be traveling on the very same roads that we will. We will be on a desolate, mountainous road that runs through what is called "no man's land", meaning that this is an area of land not protected or managed by the Kenyan or Sudanese governments. Because of this, it is a very dangerous stretch of road to travel on. Now the military is providing escorts through this area because of this government official traveling on this road. We feel we will have the best security that man can provide, but knowing that God is our ultimate protection.
Our final stop tomorrow will be Narus, Sudan, where we will stay at a very primitive Catholic compound. There we will meet up with the Promise Child Sudan Director, James Nyika and his family. We were blessed to be able to bring James into our pastor's conference in Kampala. On the way back to Sudan, James picked up his daughter Fiona who is nine years old. They flew with us from Nairobi to Lokichoggio. This was Fiona's first time on an airplane. You should have seen the smile on her face and heard her sweet giggle as she peered out the window of the plane. It reminded me of the first time I took my kids to Disneyland. When we arrived at our hotel, we were hungry so we were thinking about dinner. We asked Fiona what her favorite food was. We expected her to mention a typical African dish like casava or goat meat, but she said, "What I just left." When we asked her what she just left, she said through a sideways grin, "hamburgers and french fries!" Who would have thought there would be an In-N-Out right here at the Kenya airport!? (just kidding).
Over the next three days, we will visit the Taus tribe. Taus is translated "forgotten people." We have been providing support for these people for the last two years, and we are thrilled at the opportunity that we have to meet them in person. We hope that our presence here is very clear evidence that God has NOT forgotten them.
Please continue to pray for us as our adventure continues.Until the last one hears, Pastor Brent for the Sudan Team
Update 7
The pastors & leaders conference has started in Kampala and there has been a huge turn out. It has been amazing seeing how the Word of God is changing lives. Pastors have traveled in from as far as Pakistan, Congo, Somalia, & Sudan. The workshops are dynamic, and there has been great interaction between the attendees and our team. Worship has been awesome- half of the songs are in English and half are in Lugandan. With the African flare,as you can imagine, the congregation really gets moving. The conference closes tomorrow with a full day of teaching and workshops. Please join us in praying the Word of God will continue to change the hearts of the people here.
Our Entebbe outreach started off very rough. There was a second team that merged with ours once we got to Kampala. It was to establish team unity all over again with a whole new group of people.
The outreach team went to some islands off of Victoria Lake yesterday. These islands have literally been abandoned by the Ugandan community. The boat was a banana shaped, old wooden rig with a little motor in the rear of the boat. The nationals were in the center of the boat wearing life jackets (because they do not swim), and our team stood on the angled sides for over an hour in the cold choppy water. Once arriving to the first island there were hundreds of children jumping with joy greeting the team. The team hosted a VBS, spoke at a school & did hut to hut evangelism. Not only were their emotions rocked from the boat ride, but more so by the things they saw this day: barely standing shacks made of wood that certainly would be hauled to the dump in America, malnourished children wearing torn, soiled clothing, and some with no clothing at all. These islands were a far cry from the fun, sun and umbrella drinks we often think of when we picture visiting an island. However, in the midst of the suffering, the Gospel went out. A man wanted to recommit his life to Christ, but wanted to do it in front of his wife. He invited a couple of team members to come into his small hut and surrendered to Jesus.
As the team returned to Entebbe, the boat became stuck on the rocks close to the shore and they had to bring out small boats to evacuate the team. One thing I know for sure is that the group has a new- found understanding for what the disciples went through on the Sea of Galilee.
Tomorrow the team will do street evangelism and continue with the last day of the conference. Brent, Rich, Kerry, Danielle and Rob will start the journey to South Sudan. The first leg will be a flight to Kenya with a bit of rest before traveling into Sudan. We love you all and are so thankful for your prayers..
Our Entebbe outreach started off very rough. There was a second team that merged with ours once we got to Kampala. It was to establish team unity all over again with a whole new group of people.
The outreach team went to some islands off of Victoria Lake yesterday. These islands have literally been abandoned by the Ugandan community. The boat was a banana shaped, old wooden rig with a little motor in the rear of the boat. The nationals were in the center of the boat wearing life jackets (because they do not swim), and our team stood on the angled sides for over an hour in the cold choppy water. Once arriving to the first island there were hundreds of children jumping with joy greeting the team. The team hosted a VBS, spoke at a school & did hut to hut evangelism. Not only were their emotions rocked from the boat ride, but more so by the things they saw this day: barely standing shacks made of wood that certainly would be hauled to the dump in America, malnourished children wearing torn, soiled clothing, and some with no clothing at all. These islands were a far cry from the fun, sun and umbrella drinks we often think of when we picture visiting an island. However, in the midst of the suffering, the Gospel went out. A man wanted to recommit his life to Christ, but wanted to do it in front of his wife. He invited a couple of team members to come into his small hut and surrendered to Jesus.
As the team returned to Entebbe, the boat became stuck on the rocks close to the shore and they had to bring out small boats to evacuate the team. One thing I know for sure is that the group has a new- found understanding for what the disciples went through on the Sea of Galilee.
Tomorrow the team will do street evangelism and continue with the last day of the conference. Brent, Rich, Kerry, Danielle and Rob will start the journey to South Sudan. The first leg will be a flight to Kenya with a bit of rest before traveling into Sudan. We love you all and are so thankful for your prayers..
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Update #6 from Africa
As you are aware, our team has gone in two different directions over the past couple of days. It was difficult to split- Psalm 133:1 says "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity." We have been amazed at the fact that 23 people representing 10 different churches can come together and unite with one common goal. We are so very thankful for all of your prayers. We very much feel that you are part of our team as well. The majority of the group has had a wonderful time debriefing at the Murchinson Falls Safari Lodge. This time was so critical as many of the team members needed to open up and pray through not only the amazing things that God did in Midigo, but also the difficult things.
The team was able to see God's creation up close and personal as we encountered hippo, crocodile, water buffalo, giraffe and the most adventurous animal...the baboon. We had a baboon who tried to jump on our bus and snatched a bag through the window. It was quite a surprise as we many screamed in fear. The fear quickly turned into laughter and several team members caught the whole baboon attack on video. The only thing that was missing was the theme song to "The Lion King!"
The team members who stayed in Midigo continued to visit the Promise Child families. Our first trip was to visit a widow who lives 3 kilometers from Sudan. When Chris and Brent visited Uganda last year, this woman was living in a Sudanese refugee camp. She had been separated from her children and was living in hopeless conditions. It was early in the morning on Friday when we came to Joyce (her American name) and she had already been out working. As she walked in from the fields, she greeted us with a smile and by lifting her right forearm, which is a cultural way to greet someone if your hands are dirty from working. The women work so hard here. They are responsible for cooking, cleaning, fetching water, working the fields and chopping fire wood. It is rare for women in Midigo to ever have help from their husbands for these grueling daily tasks. We noticed that in the center of her dirt walkway was a huge tree stump. She explained to us that her hands were calloused from the machete that she was using to try to remove this eye sore. Dr. Mays and Chris almost simultaneously knew what they had to do. They picked up the worn and dull machete and began whacking away at the tree stump. After a half hour, Chris raised the stump up as if it were a trophy from a championship victory. Joyce joyfully laughed aloud, but I think deep down inside she sensed our love for her. We did not realize when we arrived that Joyce's hut and the crops that were growing so abundantly were provided by Promise Child support. We shared the love of Christ with her and reminded her that the Lord has been her provider. We always ask the question...Can love bring hope? In this situation, it was crystal clear...the answer is YES!
Saturday we invited the Promise Child kids to the church for a Vacation Bible School. As Brent interviewed the children and gathered profile card information, Chris and Dr. Mays shared and acted out the story of David and Goliath. As Dr. Mays crashed to the floor as a dead Goliath, the children laughed hysterically. This was the first of three times that we shared the gospel with the families throughout the day. In addition to the VBS, we were able to provide a full meal for everyone who attended that included cassava bread, goat, chicken, rice, beans, and soup. As we piled the food on the plates, Pastor Juventine explained to us that this was such a blessing for the families because it was the first time since the food shortage that these children had had enough to be full.
The highlight of the last day in Midigo was having the opportunity to share the gospel with one of the Promise Child mothers who has been diagnosed with HIV. She could not stop repetitively thanking us for supporting her children, but the seriousness of her condition was still at the forefront of our minds. We excused the children (who do not know that their mother is HIV positive) and openly and honestly shared the love of Christ and her need for a Savior. We encouraged her to come to that place where she would leave a legacy for her children that will last for eternity. Her head dropped and her eyes welled up with tears as the Word of God pierced her heart. She immediately responded and prayed to receive the free gift of salvation.
Monday- Wednesday the team will be in Kampala. We will be hosting another pastors conference, and many team members will be ministering medically and spiritually to the surrounding communities, including some of the islands on Lake Victoria. Please continue to pray for us!
The team was able to see God's creation up close and personal as we encountered hippo, crocodile, water buffalo, giraffe and the most adventurous animal...the baboon. We had a baboon who tried to jump on our bus and snatched a bag through the window. It was quite a surprise as we many screamed in fear. The fear quickly turned into laughter and several team members caught the whole baboon attack on video. The only thing that was missing was the theme song to "The Lion King!"
The team members who stayed in Midigo continued to visit the Promise Child families. Our first trip was to visit a widow who lives 3 kilometers from Sudan. When Chris and Brent visited Uganda last year, this woman was living in a Sudanese refugee camp. She had been separated from her children and was living in hopeless conditions. It was early in the morning on Friday when we came to Joyce (her American name) and she had already been out working. As she walked in from the fields, she greeted us with a smile and by lifting her right forearm, which is a cultural way to greet someone if your hands are dirty from working. The women work so hard here. They are responsible for cooking, cleaning, fetching water, working the fields and chopping fire wood. It is rare for women in Midigo to ever have help from their husbands for these grueling daily tasks. We noticed that in the center of her dirt walkway was a huge tree stump. She explained to us that her hands were calloused from the machete that she was using to try to remove this eye sore. Dr. Mays and Chris almost simultaneously knew what they had to do. They picked up the worn and dull machete and began whacking away at the tree stump. After a half hour, Chris raised the stump up as if it were a trophy from a championship victory. Joyce joyfully laughed aloud, but I think deep down inside she sensed our love for her. We did not realize when we arrived that Joyce's hut and the crops that were growing so abundantly were provided by Promise Child support. We shared the love of Christ with her and reminded her that the Lord has been her provider. We always ask the question...Can love bring hope? In this situation, it was crystal clear...the answer is YES!
Saturday we invited the Promise Child kids to the church for a Vacation Bible School. As Brent interviewed the children and gathered profile card information, Chris and Dr. Mays shared and acted out the story of David and Goliath. As Dr. Mays crashed to the floor as a dead Goliath, the children laughed hysterically. This was the first of three times that we shared the gospel with the families throughout the day. In addition to the VBS, we were able to provide a full meal for everyone who attended that included cassava bread, goat, chicken, rice, beans, and soup. As we piled the food on the plates, Pastor Juventine explained to us that this was such a blessing for the families because it was the first time since the food shortage that these children had had enough to be full.
The highlight of the last day in Midigo was having the opportunity to share the gospel with one of the Promise Child mothers who has been diagnosed with HIV. She could not stop repetitively thanking us for supporting her children, but the seriousness of her condition was still at the forefront of our minds. We excused the children (who do not know that their mother is HIV positive) and openly and honestly shared the love of Christ and her need for a Savior. We encouraged her to come to that place where she would leave a legacy for her children that will last for eternity. Her head dropped and her eyes welled up with tears as the Word of God pierced her heart. She immediately responded and prayed to receive the free gift of salvation.
Monday- Wednesday the team will be in Kampala. We will be hosting another pastors conference, and many team members will be ministering medically and spiritually to the surrounding communities, including some of the islands on Lake Victoria. Please continue to pray for us!
Monday, July 27, 2009
FROM DANIELLE
We had the oppertunity to briefly hear from Danielle, she says the updates have been very accurate to how she has felt. She did have one personal prayer request for herself. She asked that we pray for her home-sickness.
We love you Danielle and are in prayer each day for you.
Lisa
We love you Danielle and are in prayer each day for you.
Lisa
Update 5 from Africa
Thursday was another incredible and amazing day. God has done so much and it is absolutely overwhelming.
The medical team spent their time with patients and helped the clinic staff and doctors organize and inventory the supplies we had given to them. It was a blessing to see how much we were able to give. Several members were also able to provide a CPR training session for the clinic staff, who were very excited to learn another way of saving lives. The CPR presenters also were able to share Bible verses and tell the participants that God is the one who saves lives and we are simply used by Him.
Now that the pastor's conference in Midigo has come to a close, there were many more team members who were able to join the outreach team and go out into the community. At the morning briefing, Dr. Juventine shared that there was an area about 45 minutes from Midigo called Yumbe that was 98% Muslim, but that there were many families located there that were in darkness and despair. He warned that people in this area may be hostile to our group and the message we bring. When we had driven through this area earlier in the week, we saw men sitting along the town streets glaring at us with anger and resentment. There were 10 team members that accepted the challenge to go to this place. The initial plan was to visit 12 families from this area that Pastor Ben from Calvary Chapel Yumbe had identified as being in need, and to hear their stories so they could potentially become Promise Child families.
When we arrived in Yumbe, we were instructed to go to the Town Hall to gain permission to travel in this area. The officials interviewed the team leaders and after much questioning agreed to allow us to visit the families. Before leaving the office, they informed us that a government official would be traveling on our bus throughout the day to document our activities and provide a report. We agreed to this, but had reservations about how it would affect the day.
We stopped in 10 different locations throughout the day and each team member was able to minister to many different people. There were so many amazing stories that came out of this day. Here are just a few of the highlights: We met a woman who had 4 children that she was caring for alone since her husband had left her. She shared that her crops had not grown this season due to the drought. Her oldest daughter had an eye infection that had caused her eye lid to swell severely. When we asked the mother if she had taken her to the medical clinic, she explained that her hut had recently burned and that the medical paperwork for her daughter had been destroyed so the clinic had turned her away without assistance (this was not the Safe Harbor Hospital). She was desperate for hope. We were able to pray with her, meet her children, and give her hope for the future.
The government official assigned to monitor our activities witnessed the love we had for one another and the love of God that was poured out on this community through our team. She shared with one of the team members that she had a Muslim upbringing that was forced upon her. As the conversation went on, it was evident that it was not a coincidence that she had been assigned to spend the day with us. As the opportunity presented itself, the team continued to share with her about why we had come to Ugand - to meet the needs of the people, but more importantly to share the gospel with those who are without hope. Later in the day, while standing under a mango tree, she accepted the Lord. She also requested pray for her son who has epilepsy. Her countence completely changed from that moment. Within a few hours, God used her to bring another person to the Lord as she translated for a team member who was sharing the gospel.
Each time we stepped off the bus we were surrounded by kids from the community who were so interested and curious about what was going on. We were able to share songs with the kids, which brought many smiles. At one of the stops, the kids decided to sing us a song which was entitled "The Pillars of Uganda." We were blessed by these children who chased after the bus for several blocks as we left the area. Many team members were heart broken and brought to tears as we can only help a few of the families and the needs are so vast. Many of us have traveled the world and have seen a lot, but the poverty and hopelessness in Yumbe was something that is hard to put into words. We were able to bring smiles to the faces of these children, despite their situation. Please continue to pray for these little ones.
Part of the team was able to go out to a high school that had approximately 80 or 90 students. The students gathered outside and we were able to share testimonies and the gospel. We talked about Christ being our only hope and the way of salvation. We were also able to pray with students who wanted to receive Christ. We thought that was the end of that meeting, but later found that four of the high school girls rode their bikes 5 miles from their school to the compound where we are staying so that they could speak with us about the Lord. These girls are all believers and attend Calvary Chapel Midigo. They shared their stories with us and told of their difficulties being orphaned and struggling to stay in school. They also asked how they can encourage non-believers to come to know Christ. We spent over an hour fellowshiping and sharing with them.
The team is rejoicing over the fruitfulness of the day and is so excited to see what your prayers have done. Please continue to pray for us and those who have been touched by the gospel. We are so thankful for your partnership.
PS from Nancy:
I spoke to Brent this morning. He said he was staring up at the clearest possible view of the Milky Way, as he listened to booming thunder from the storm that was blowing in, while "I Bless the Rains Dow in Africa" played from a transister radio in the guard shack- now that isn't something most people can say they've experienced! 18 of the team members left Midigo Friday morning. They have the opportunity to go on a well-earned safari tour while making their way to Kampala. It is sometimes very difficult to process all that one sees and experiences on a trip like this, and this down time is so necessary for the team.Once they arrive in Kampala there will be another pastor's conference at Calvary Chapel Kampala, and some of the team will be traveling to an island on Lake Victoria to do a medical outreach and evangelism. Brent, Chris and Dr. Mays opted to forgo the safari to spend more time in Midigo. Dr. Mays will continue to assist Dr. Juventine in the hospital, and Brent and Chris will be running a VBS for the 70+ Promise Child kids in Midigo. Please pray for the continued health and safety of our team, for the Lord to minister to them as they rest up for the next part of the mission, and for the VBS to glorify the Lord and bless the children.
The medical team spent their time with patients and helped the clinic staff and doctors organize and inventory the supplies we had given to them. It was a blessing to see how much we were able to give. Several members were also able to provide a CPR training session for the clinic staff, who were very excited to learn another way of saving lives. The CPR presenters also were able to share Bible verses and tell the participants that God is the one who saves lives and we are simply used by Him.
Now that the pastor's conference in Midigo has come to a close, there were many more team members who were able to join the outreach team and go out into the community. At the morning briefing, Dr. Juventine shared that there was an area about 45 minutes from Midigo called Yumbe that was 98% Muslim, but that there were many families located there that were in darkness and despair. He warned that people in this area may be hostile to our group and the message we bring. When we had driven through this area earlier in the week, we saw men sitting along the town streets glaring at us with anger and resentment. There were 10 team members that accepted the challenge to go to this place. The initial plan was to visit 12 families from this area that Pastor Ben from Calvary Chapel Yumbe had identified as being in need, and to hear their stories so they could potentially become Promise Child families.
When we arrived in Yumbe, we were instructed to go to the Town Hall to gain permission to travel in this area. The officials interviewed the team leaders and after much questioning agreed to allow us to visit the families. Before leaving the office, they informed us that a government official would be traveling on our bus throughout the day to document our activities and provide a report. We agreed to this, but had reservations about how it would affect the day.
We stopped in 10 different locations throughout the day and each team member was able to minister to many different people. There were so many amazing stories that came out of this day. Here are just a few of the highlights: We met a woman who had 4 children that she was caring for alone since her husband had left her. She shared that her crops had not grown this season due to the drought. Her oldest daughter had an eye infection that had caused her eye lid to swell severely. When we asked the mother if she had taken her to the medical clinic, she explained that her hut had recently burned and that the medical paperwork for her daughter had been destroyed so the clinic had turned her away without assistance (this was not the Safe Harbor Hospital). She was desperate for hope. We were able to pray with her, meet her children, and give her hope for the future.
The government official assigned to monitor our activities witnessed the love we had for one another and the love of God that was poured out on this community through our team. She shared with one of the team members that she had a Muslim upbringing that was forced upon her. As the conversation went on, it was evident that it was not a coincidence that she had been assigned to spend the day with us. As the opportunity presented itself, the team continued to share with her about why we had come to Ugand - to meet the needs of the people, but more importantly to share the gospel with those who are without hope. Later in the day, while standing under a mango tree, she accepted the Lord. She also requested pray for her son who has epilepsy. Her countence completely changed from that moment. Within a few hours, God used her to bring another person to the Lord as she translated for a team member who was sharing the gospel.
Each time we stepped off the bus we were surrounded by kids from the community who were so interested and curious about what was going on. We were able to share songs with the kids, which brought many smiles. At one of the stops, the kids decided to sing us a song which was entitled "The Pillars of Uganda." We were blessed by these children who chased after the bus for several blocks as we left the area. Many team members were heart broken and brought to tears as we can only help a few of the families and the needs are so vast. Many of us have traveled the world and have seen a lot, but the poverty and hopelessness in Yumbe was something that is hard to put into words. We were able to bring smiles to the faces of these children, despite their situation. Please continue to pray for these little ones.
Part of the team was able to go out to a high school that had approximately 80 or 90 students. The students gathered outside and we were able to share testimonies and the gospel. We talked about Christ being our only hope and the way of salvation. We were also able to pray with students who wanted to receive Christ. We thought that was the end of that meeting, but later found that four of the high school girls rode their bikes 5 miles from their school to the compound where we are staying so that they could speak with us about the Lord. These girls are all believers and attend Calvary Chapel Midigo. They shared their stories with us and told of their difficulties being orphaned and struggling to stay in school. They also asked how they can encourage non-believers to come to know Christ. We spent over an hour fellowshiping and sharing with them.
The team is rejoicing over the fruitfulness of the day and is so excited to see what your prayers have done. Please continue to pray for us and those who have been touched by the gospel. We are so thankful for your partnership.
PS from Nancy:
I spoke to Brent this morning. He said he was staring up at the clearest possible view of the Milky Way, as he listened to booming thunder from the storm that was blowing in, while "I Bless the Rains Dow in Africa" played from a transister radio in the guard shack- now that isn't something most people can say they've experienced! 18 of the team members left Midigo Friday morning. They have the opportunity to go on a well-earned safari tour while making their way to Kampala. It is sometimes very difficult to process all that one sees and experiences on a trip like this, and this down time is so necessary for the team.Once they arrive in Kampala there will be another pastor's conference at Calvary Chapel Kampala, and some of the team will be traveling to an island on Lake Victoria to do a medical outreach and evangelism. Brent, Chris and Dr. Mays opted to forgo the safari to spend more time in Midigo. Dr. Mays will continue to assist Dr. Juventine in the hospital, and Brent and Chris will be running a VBS for the 70+ Promise Child kids in Midigo. Please pray for the continued health and safety of our team, for the Lord to minister to them as they rest up for the next part of the mission, and for the VBS to glorify the Lord and bless the children.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Update from AFRICA # 4
We hope this finds you well. The team rose early Wednesday morning to an incredible African thunder and rainstorm. The flashes of lightning, roars of thunder, and rain that pounded the dry African soil reminded us of God's power and the words of Job as he said in Job 26:14; "His mighty thunder, who can understand?"
As I prepared this update at 5 a.m. in our small dining hut, our team guards, who are in tents by the compound gates, came running into the hut...it is not everyday that you hear "good morning sir!" from a group of men carrying AK-47s. I am sure I will fail to put adequately into words the glorious day in ministry that the team had.
The pastor's conference has been an incredible success. The pastors have been awed by the Calvary Chapel style of verse by verse teaching. During our afterglow, some of the pastors were crying out to God and repenting of some of their sins that had been made clear through this conference and the Word of God. Many denominational pastors have confessed to us that they have not been teaching the full counsel of God and have been convicted and now have the desire to teach verse by verse. The workshops have been impacting not only for the pastors, but for the teachers as well. These workshops opened up the door for us to field some of their amazing questions that were sincere and heartfelt. Towards the end of the conference, we had a powerful communion message and a time of worship that truly helped us understand the impact that this conference has had on the hearts of these leaders. The final song was a traditional African goodbye song. The congregation began praising and dancing. The mood was magnified even more when the power went out; worship got even louder in the darkness.
As the conference closed, a local pastor brought in two young girls. One was struggling with evil spirits. Her head seemed almost forced down, her back was hunched over, and her neck was turned sideways. As she spoke, it seemed as she was almost controlled by someone else. Oftentimes, she would only nod her head to answer our questions. The pastors explained the scriptures to her and expressed how she could be freed from the bondage of the spirits by putting her faith in Christ. As we laid hands upon this precious child and prayed over her, she told us she wanted to know the love of Christ. She prayed the sinner's prayer, and we began to see a change in her countenance. What began as an empty stare, was replaced with a wonderful joy and a beautiful white smile that touched our hearts.
The other little girl who was 14 years old wanted the same peace. She told us that she wanted to receive Jesus, but her father, who is Muslim, had threatened her and said he would no longer pay for her schooling if she converted to Christianity. She began to weep and shamefully raised her worn hands to cover her tears. As we began to minister to her, we noticed the cuts on her arms; scars from the spells of witchcraft. We explained to her that God has a great love for her and that He will be her provider. We introduced her to David Onzima, our Promise Child director so that he could watch over her and get her into discipleship. She gave her life to Jesus; it was a wonderful close to a simply amazing day of serving the Lord.
The hospital was another trying day for the team. A little baby was rushed into the hospital; she was dying from the effects of malaria. She was in desperate need of an immediate blood transfusion. The malaria parasites had attached to this one year old's spleen, her hemoglobin levels had dropped, and dehydration had set in. Her body had begun to break down. This child was in desperate need of blood immediately. The problem was that because of dehydration, the team could not find this child's veins. It was a chaotic scene as our medical team assisted the staff while others prayed and cried out to God for mercy. Our prayers were answered as the team was able to get the blood needed for a blood type match, and immediately start the blood transfusion. All we can do is wait and pray, but what we are seeing, is that this is an everyday occurrence for the medical staff here in Midigo. For our team, it was a crushing reminder of the depths of despair that the people of Midigo face every single day. Their only hope lies within the hope of a God that most here have never heard of.
The other thing that has touched the lives of our medical staff is what the women in Uganda have to endure. We could see the pain in the eyes and facial expressions of the women who bring their children to the hospital. In some cases, grandmothers have been forced to raise children whose parents have abandoned them or have been killed. The aged and worn faces of the women here make a 50 year old look like she is 70. Almost all of these women have been abused in one way or another. Please remember to pray for these women who are suffering.
The entire team was also able to attend a formal ceremony with the government health care officials, community leaders, and elders from Midigo where we formally presented the 15 bins of medical supplies that were donated and purchased in country for the Safe Harbor clinic. The ceremony and the time spent together did a lot to build goodwill with those involved and laid the groundwork for the future.
The outreach team journeyed out to one of the most remote areas in Midigo where some Promise Children live. To meet and see the huts that were funded through those of you who had given to the Promise Child Ugandan relocation project, brought tears to many eyes and joy to all of our hearts. We were able to minister to the widow and her two teen age boys. We found out that they have given their lives to Christ and are regularly attending Calvary Chapel Midigo. The team was able to install malaria nets in the new huts that were large enough for the entire family to sleep under. David then pointed out that the acre of land surrounding the new huts were filled with corn and other vegetables, which were completely funded by Promise Child support. (The land was donated by the community elders).
Next, the team spent time witnessing to the Promise Children and their families at local schools. The first school we went to after receiving permission from the teachers, allowed us to go and share worship music with each of the classrooms. The children's eyes were big and smiles were bright, as they clapped with us while we worshipped. When we played the song, "Let it Rise", we taught the children to join us when the song says, "Whoooooooa, let it rise". So here's the picture; Joe strumming on the guitar, the team is worshipping, and the children are singing and lifting their hands in a song about worshipping Jesus; a pretty sweet scene for a Muslim school! Eventually, the district representative came to the school and said we were causing chaos, and forced us to immediately leave. The joy and the laughter of the children told a different story.
At the next school, we used a little more wisdom and approached the principal in a more diplomatic way. This is a school where five Promise Children are being supported and the principal is very much behind the program. He explained to us that the doors to their classrooms have fallen from their hinges, paint was peeling off the walls, the roof was damaged from recent storms, and the government has no funding even for school supplies. We told him that we are grateful for the opportunity to love the children of Uganda and asked for permission to have a general assembly. We let him know that we had bags of school supplies and gifts for the children. He was excited about our team sharing the message of hope. After leading a few worship songs, we preached the uncompromised Word of God to this Muslim school. It is difficult to determine the fruit of an outreach like this, but we know that the seeds have been cast. David will give follow up discipleship to those students who received Christ. We closed our time at the school by presenting the headmaster with school supplies, Gospel bracelets, and visors that the children can decorate. We decorated the first visor with the message, "God loves me" and brought a little girl forward, placed the visor on her head, and the other children roared with laughter. As we left, the headmaster explained to us that more than funds for buildings and more than school supplies, these children need food. With the food shortage here in Midigo, he explained to us that some of these children will go two days at a time without food. Please join us in praying for the precious children of Midigo.
The team continued by gathering updated profile card information for more than 58 current Promise Children. With the food shortage that is devastating this area, we have decided to take a step of faith and take on 60 new Promise Children and are trusting God for His provision on these children and their families. If you feel led to support one of these children, please go directly to our website at promisechild.com and click on "Support a Child".
Thank you for allowing us to bring the good news of the Gospel to the broken and hurting in Midigo, Uganda. Your prayers and partnership are an irreplaceable blessing. Thank you for sending us out; we love and miss you all.We will be sending an update about Thursday shortly- it was another incredible day!
These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer.Acts 1:14a
As I prepared this update at 5 a.m. in our small dining hut, our team guards, who are in tents by the compound gates, came running into the hut...it is not everyday that you hear "good morning sir!" from a group of men carrying AK-47s. I am sure I will fail to put adequately into words the glorious day in ministry that the team had.
The pastor's conference has been an incredible success. The pastors have been awed by the Calvary Chapel style of verse by verse teaching. During our afterglow, some of the pastors were crying out to God and repenting of some of their sins that had been made clear through this conference and the Word of God. Many denominational pastors have confessed to us that they have not been teaching the full counsel of God and have been convicted and now have the desire to teach verse by verse. The workshops have been impacting not only for the pastors, but for the teachers as well. These workshops opened up the door for us to field some of their amazing questions that were sincere and heartfelt. Towards the end of the conference, we had a powerful communion message and a time of worship that truly helped us understand the impact that this conference has had on the hearts of these leaders. The final song was a traditional African goodbye song. The congregation began praising and dancing. The mood was magnified even more when the power went out; worship got even louder in the darkness.
As the conference closed, a local pastor brought in two young girls. One was struggling with evil spirits. Her head seemed almost forced down, her back was hunched over, and her neck was turned sideways. As she spoke, it seemed as she was almost controlled by someone else. Oftentimes, she would only nod her head to answer our questions. The pastors explained the scriptures to her and expressed how she could be freed from the bondage of the spirits by putting her faith in Christ. As we laid hands upon this precious child and prayed over her, she told us she wanted to know the love of Christ. She prayed the sinner's prayer, and we began to see a change in her countenance. What began as an empty stare, was replaced with a wonderful joy and a beautiful white smile that touched our hearts.
The other little girl who was 14 years old wanted the same peace. She told us that she wanted to receive Jesus, but her father, who is Muslim, had threatened her and said he would no longer pay for her schooling if she converted to Christianity. She began to weep and shamefully raised her worn hands to cover her tears. As we began to minister to her, we noticed the cuts on her arms; scars from the spells of witchcraft. We explained to her that God has a great love for her and that He will be her provider. We introduced her to David Onzima, our Promise Child director so that he could watch over her and get her into discipleship. She gave her life to Jesus; it was a wonderful close to a simply amazing day of serving the Lord.
The hospital was another trying day for the team. A little baby was rushed into the hospital; she was dying from the effects of malaria. She was in desperate need of an immediate blood transfusion. The malaria parasites had attached to this one year old's spleen, her hemoglobin levels had dropped, and dehydration had set in. Her body had begun to break down. This child was in desperate need of blood immediately. The problem was that because of dehydration, the team could not find this child's veins. It was a chaotic scene as our medical team assisted the staff while others prayed and cried out to God for mercy. Our prayers were answered as the team was able to get the blood needed for a blood type match, and immediately start the blood transfusion. All we can do is wait and pray, but what we are seeing, is that this is an everyday occurrence for the medical staff here in Midigo. For our team, it was a crushing reminder of the depths of despair that the people of Midigo face every single day. Their only hope lies within the hope of a God that most here have never heard of.
The other thing that has touched the lives of our medical staff is what the women in Uganda have to endure. We could see the pain in the eyes and facial expressions of the women who bring their children to the hospital. In some cases, grandmothers have been forced to raise children whose parents have abandoned them or have been killed. The aged and worn faces of the women here make a 50 year old look like she is 70. Almost all of these women have been abused in one way or another. Please remember to pray for these women who are suffering.
The entire team was also able to attend a formal ceremony with the government health care officials, community leaders, and elders from Midigo where we formally presented the 15 bins of medical supplies that were donated and purchased in country for the Safe Harbor clinic. The ceremony and the time spent together did a lot to build goodwill with those involved and laid the groundwork for the future.
The outreach team journeyed out to one of the most remote areas in Midigo where some Promise Children live. To meet and see the huts that were funded through those of you who had given to the Promise Child Ugandan relocation project, brought tears to many eyes and joy to all of our hearts. We were able to minister to the widow and her two teen age boys. We found out that they have given their lives to Christ and are regularly attending Calvary Chapel Midigo. The team was able to install malaria nets in the new huts that were large enough for the entire family to sleep under. David then pointed out that the acre of land surrounding the new huts were filled with corn and other vegetables, which were completely funded by Promise Child support. (The land was donated by the community elders).
Next, the team spent time witnessing to the Promise Children and their families at local schools. The first school we went to after receiving permission from the teachers, allowed us to go and share worship music with each of the classrooms. The children's eyes were big and smiles were bright, as they clapped with us while we worshipped. When we played the song, "Let it Rise", we taught the children to join us when the song says, "Whoooooooa, let it rise". So here's the picture; Joe strumming on the guitar, the team is worshipping, and the children are singing and lifting their hands in a song about worshipping Jesus; a pretty sweet scene for a Muslim school! Eventually, the district representative came to the school and said we were causing chaos, and forced us to immediately leave. The joy and the laughter of the children told a different story.
At the next school, we used a little more wisdom and approached the principal in a more diplomatic way. This is a school where five Promise Children are being supported and the principal is very much behind the program. He explained to us that the doors to their classrooms have fallen from their hinges, paint was peeling off the walls, the roof was damaged from recent storms, and the government has no funding even for school supplies. We told him that we are grateful for the opportunity to love the children of Uganda and asked for permission to have a general assembly. We let him know that we had bags of school supplies and gifts for the children. He was excited about our team sharing the message of hope. After leading a few worship songs, we preached the uncompromised Word of God to this Muslim school. It is difficult to determine the fruit of an outreach like this, but we know that the seeds have been cast. David will give follow up discipleship to those students who received Christ. We closed our time at the school by presenting the headmaster with school supplies, Gospel bracelets, and visors that the children can decorate. We decorated the first visor with the message, "God loves me" and brought a little girl forward, placed the visor on her head, and the other children roared with laughter. As we left, the headmaster explained to us that more than funds for buildings and more than school supplies, these children need food. With the food shortage here in Midigo, he explained to us that some of these children will go two days at a time without food. Please join us in praying for the precious children of Midigo.
The team continued by gathering updated profile card information for more than 58 current Promise Children. With the food shortage that is devastating this area, we have decided to take a step of faith and take on 60 new Promise Children and are trusting God for His provision on these children and their families. If you feel led to support one of these children, please go directly to our website at promisechild.com and click on "Support a Child".
Thank you for allowing us to bring the good news of the Gospel to the broken and hurting in Midigo, Uganda. Your prayers and partnership are an irreplaceable blessing. Thank you for sending us out; we love and miss you all.We will be sending an update about Thursday shortly- it was another incredible day!
These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer.Acts 1:14a
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Update #3
"Our team would first like to thank all of you for your love and support. Your prayers have definitely been felt. As our small propeller planes began to land in the Arua airport, we could see the lush green landscape, the Nile River and the thatched roofs of the tukles (African huts). The team was hit with the reality that we were actually in Africa. Of course if that wasn't enough, the dirt runway was enough to remind us where we were.
We boarded our buses and jeeps and began the long drive to Midigo. On the way, we noticed the devastation that the lack of rain has caused. Most of the crops have been burned out and there has been no rain here for five months. With all this devastation, the people walking along the road were still so joyful to see our buses go by. As the team waved, the countenance of the people changed, and we were greeted with warm smiles and waves. There has been such a food shortage in this area; it seems as though just our presence is bringing hope.
We arrived at our Safe Harbor compound, had a wonderful meal, and retired to our tukles with the giant lizards, spiders, and malaria nets. The team had a good night's rest and were very refreshed by the ice cold showers in the morning.
Today we started the day off with worship and devotions and the team was excited to finally do what God has called us to do; love the people of Midigo and share the Gospel.We broke into our three assigned teams; the pastor's conference team, the medical outreach team, and the evangelism team.
The pastor's conference has been amazing. The people here have such a love for the Lord and a passion to learn more about God's Word. As each of the teachers shared, the people were attentive and taking notes. Today they had three main sessions and three workshops. The workshops were crowded and it was a great time for us as teachers to get to know the pastors intimately. Teaching the pastors here how to teach verse-by-verse is a big blessing. Many of the pastors and leaders have been so excited about the Word being taught, they have invited us to do more teaching in their own villages.
The medical team hit the ground running and instantly dispersed to their assigned areas. While overall the team enjoyed serving, it was a very difficult day for them emotionally. The sickness was overwhelming with malaria being the most prevalent of the illnesses. Today was a day for our team to learn about tropical medicine and for many of our team members to train the Midigo staff how to use the new equipment that we brought to them. Please pray for the medical team as they have seen and experienced some very difficult situations.
The outreach team visited the villages and met 14 of the Promise Children and their families. We learned how your support has been helping the children, we shared the Gospel with them and their families, installed malaria nets in their huts, and prayed for them. God opened up amazing doors as the team went to speak to one Promise Child at a Muslim school. The school master brought all of the children from the school outside to sit under a mango tree while our worship leader played his guitar and sang a few songs for them. The children loved the music so much, that they were singing and clapping their hands. The children and teachers listened carefully when we presented the Gospel using the Evangecube. When we gave them an invitation to accept Jesus as their Saviour, one of the teachers and the director of the school raised their hands. Everyone on the team felt involved. From praying with an elderly grandmother that was ill, to playing with the children, teaching children how to play the guitar, installing malaria nets, and praying for the families; everyone felt used by the Lord.
Tomorrow is another day full of similar ministry opportunities. Please pray that our teams will be led by the Spirit and that many souls will be won for Christ. We again would like to thank you for your prayers and support. We love you all very much.
The 2009 Uganda Mission Team
For Danielle:
Dear Danielle,
I have been praying this verse for you little sister:
"But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard."
Isa 52:12
I pray that God will go before you to each location that you are called to minister to on this trip. I pray he will protect your body both inside and out. I pray that you will have peace, strength and wisdom as you bless others.
Love,
Nicole
Monday, July 20, 2009
UPDATE #2 from Africa
Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
July 18, 2009
From Nancy Kaser- Pastor Brent's wife)I spoke to Brent briefly very late last night (my cell phone said our conversation was 49 seconds!). He said that the team had arrived safely in Midigo, Uganda. After nearly three full days of traveling, everyone was very ready to begin ministering. The pastors conference began around 8 am our time today (Monday evening in Midigo), with introductions and a bible study. Brent said that everyone is in excellent health, that spirits are high, and that everyone is united.
I expect that the evening went very late for the team, and that everyone was quite tired after traveling for so many days. I anticipate that I will receive an email or phone call in the next 24 hours giving us full details about the blessings of their first day of ministry.
The first full day of the conference, medical outreach, and village evangelism begins in about 12 hours, our time. Please continue to keep each aspect of this mission trip in your prayers.
Serving Him until the last one hears,
Nancy Kaser for the 2009 Africa Mission Team.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
UPDATE: Arrival in Africa!!
Below is an update from Pastor Brent, on Danielle's mission team.
Our team of 23 has arrived safely in Dubai. The flight was very smooth, but a long 16 hours. However, the team is surprisingly fresh. The airport in Dubai is all we thought it would be and more...very, very beautiful. The hotel is also very nice. We enjoyed a wonderful buffet dinner, and Pastor Trent was sipping Turkish coffee almost as soon as the plane landed!
It seems like we are all bonding together nicely but please pray that the Lord keeps us all united for His glory. Our next stop will be Entebbe, Uganda, where we will have an overnight stay and then make our way for the long journey to Midigo. Spirits are high, and the team seems ready to minister the Gospel to a lost country. Thank you for partnering with us on this journey.
Serving Him until the last one hears,
Pastor Brent for the 2009 Africa Mission Team.
"These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer." Acts 1:14a
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