It was our pleasure to carry soccer balls to Kenya for Zeb's Foundation. Kariz is a Pastor in Nairobi who has a deep heart for kids and prisoners and believes in the power of the Gospel. He was saved as a young man and continues his ministry in the slums of Nairobi. One statement he made as he shared his testimony has stuck with me: "After I was born-again, I still didn't have work for about 5 years. I couldn't steal anymore, since I gave my life to Christ, so I ate out of the garbage dump." Wow! What excuses do we use to continue in the "old ways" we practiced in the past? What convictions will we follow no matter what happens or what is required? I have to ask myself this today and every day. Kariz has chosen to STAY in the slums with his wife and kids to minister to the people there. And you can see the JOY that radiates with his obedience. What will I give up?
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Orwaka Church - faithfulness of God's people
After we left Uganda in September, 2019 (our last trip before covid hit), the school leader of Future Joy Primary and Nursery School called Ps. Simon Okuni and asked what would they need to do to start a church. Simon said, "You need land." He called back a few days later & said, "We have land. What else." Simon answered, "You need bricks." A few weeks later, the response came, "We have bricks." The people began to pray for someone to "stand with them" to provide mortar for the bricks. An American family and business decided to "stand with them" and sent money to begin building. Later 85, then 30 more were baptized as they professed faith in Jesus Christ. What a JOY it was to see all these 300 students and adults waiting for our visit to their beloved church building, started and built DURING covid in 2021. Then Matt Osborn Elizabeth Osborn had the privilege of preaching there last week and 100 more people indicated their choice to commit their lives to Jesus Christ.
Gentle Moses
Looking back at old Uganda photos, I found this one from our second trip to Uganda in 2008. The man between me and Hugh taught me many things - One very important one. I called him "Gentle Moses", because there were 2 called Moses, and he WAS a gentle servant man who made sure the clinics ran smoothly (from the outside). He was a true Deacon & Associate Pastor. He would come to me and say "Millie, I have a suggestion." And he would make what always was a GREAT suggestion on how to do things better. (If you know me, I'm always looking for ways to do things better).
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Uganda church Building
Did you know it takes about 12-14,000 bricks to build a village church in Uganda? The church members make those bricks, BY HAND, 2 at a time in a wood form. They are made out of mud which is dug from the ground (or from anthill dirt, which is very fine). The bricks are laid out and dried, then built into a huge stack with openings for a fire inside, perfectly stacked to bake correctly. (This is how bricks were made in the early 1900s in America before Acme Bricks came into being). Imagine doing all this by hand!!
Ebenezer is waiting for a roof while they meet in the old, traditional stick church.
Also when the government closed down all public gatherings in Uganda, the Uganda Christians invited people to their homes to read the Word of God and worship and 10, yes TEN, new churches were birthed out of the pandemic!!
Pigs for Pastors Project
About 18 months ago, with the pandemic in high swing, we started a Pigs for Pastors Project to help the 70+ Pastors with whom we work in Uganda. Many of you responded with donations of money to support this project. We provided 2 piglets per Pastor to 50 Pastors and 1 piglet to 25 Associate Pastors over a few months time. We helped with required vaccines, meds and some food for piglets. The Pastors built the homes for the piglets and cared for them. (8 months before breeding, 4 months gestation and at 2 months , it is ready to sell).
The Miracle of Kibale - God has a plan!
After MANY hours (days) of travel, we finally arrived in Pallisa. Word had spread and we were greeted by Pastor Michael Okoboi of God's Plan, Kibale, Church. What a blessing to hear the stories of the faithfulness of God and His servants for the last 2 1/2 years. They prayed for YOU and thank the Lord for His faithfulness as you shared and supported them.
We stopped by the church on our trip to Moroto. The church members have begun plastering the outside of the church (which protects and preserves the mud bricks from destructive rain). We drove by that "spot" where BOTH vans broke down in 2013 and the faithful team did an impromptu Evangelistic Rally. God had prepared the hearts of 19 young men to hear the Good News! Those men made a decision to follow Christ that day. God's Plan (not in our plan) Church, Kibale was begun. It has grown, and started 2 daughter churches. God is GOOD. SO GOOD! See the story below.
Monday, March 28, 2022
Blessed Goat Gospel Ministry
What a privilege it is to be part of the "Blessed Goat Gospel Ministry" and to be the "gift giver" to Pastors and widows when generous donors give money for goats as Christmas gifts for their family members. These goats typically have 2 kids twice a year, which supplies income, food and school fees for these families. Thank you for your generosity!!
In 2012, FBC Mabank Youth raised $5000 for goats with a 30 hour fast over the New Year's weekend. One of the widows who received a goat was blessed and prospered. Over time, as she raised her goats, she was able to save to buy a cow. As she continued to work and save, her cow and goats produced and she prospered and she was able to build a house. Years later, Agnatius visited her and she gave him a goat - a thank offering for the investment Mabank Youth had made to her. God is good! The Lord provides.