Welcome from Kishanje, Uganda! (The “ki” in this region is pronounced as a “ch” very strange). Let me first tell you, this place is absolutely gorgeous. I read that Winston Churchill once called Uganda the “Pearl of Africa” and now I know why. I assumed hot, flat, empty, and dirty…but the weather has been perfect, it looks a bit like Switzerland with the gorgeous mountains and valleys, and the ministry has been awesome. It is dirty, the roads fill with dust every time a car drives by, but who doesn’t enjoy a little dirt once in a while ; )
This month we are working with an incredible ministry called Juna Amagara, which means “Saving Lives.” Juna started in 2004 and God has blessed them dramatically in just a short time. One of the ministries is a secondary school (similar to our high school) comprised of around 90% orphans. They house all of the complete orphans (those without Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, etc.) at the school in dormitories. Our contact Reverend Ben likes to call his ministry dream revivers, because they look to restore the broken dreams of so many of the hurt and broken youth in Kishanje. Most of the kids parents have died due to AIDS or other diseases, and without funds to attend school these children then seek anything that might fill the depth of the void in their hearts…a road that usually leads to destruction. These students are happy, healthy, well fed, and full of dreams for their future and the future of Uganda. I am so pleased to be working with such a life changing ministry.
The “Morning Glory” service at the Juna Armagara secondary school
There are actually many opportunities for you all back home to be apart of this awesome ministry! All of the students must satisfy the school fees, and clearly, there are many orphans who do not have the resources to make that possible. So each one must receive sponsorship to stay in school. Juna does an incredible job at finding as many funds as they can, but they heavily rely on the church (that is us, the body of Christ) to take care of these orphans. At this point there are many students who have not yet received commitments for sponsorship. If they do not meet the requirements then they will be forced to leave the school, and most likely fall into the destructive paths many of their uneducated peers enter. Many of my teammates and I are getting the chance to actually meet these students and then sponsor them! We are so excited to play a part in one persons life, and I want to offer the same opportunity to you. Please ask God if this is something He is moving you to do. If you feel led you can visit this website Juna Armagara, go to the Kishanje location and pick a student or more to sponsor. You really will be reviving dreams, investing in the Kingdom of God…an investment that always gives large returns ; )
Playing with some of the Juna Armagara kids
Anyway, our primary ministry will be working with the students at the school. Most of them just left for the holiday, which actually makes it easier for quality time with those who stuck around. So I will be attempting to disciple of couple of guys named Isaac, Boaz, Dixon, Edson, and Ezra (great names right!). Ezra has struggled to walk with the Lord consistently, and this is the 4th school and last chance to finish secondary school, but he has a sweet heart and so much potential. Isaac is a passionate and eloquent young man who has lofty and godly aspirations. His dream is to return the gifts he has received as an orphan and restore hope to all of those orphans who think life is essentially over. The other three are best friends who exude so much joy. I expect them to be mountain shakers! Please join me in praying for these men!
Preaching to the kids at the primary school
Other ministries we did/will do: we visited a school and preached on our first day of ministry and 30 students made decisions to follow Christ! Definitely a highlight of the Race for me! We preach at local fellowships and at church on Sunday, we will be helping to construct another building on the school, and of course discipleship with the men. Oh and our contacts love Christ so much, and take care of us so well. We actually have beds and a real toilet this month!
One of our contacts Michael
So in summary, God is good and He has been moving. Thanks for all of your prayers from back home. God has been working overtime in my life.
Team Establish Dominance (minus Amy…sorry ; /)
(From left to right) – Kristi, Liz, Lindsey, Kathryn, Katie, Nate
p.s. So last you heard was that I had been informed that I was changing teams. Well I have been with my new team for over a week now and it has been great. God has shown me so many reasons as to why He changed me teams, and I am so thankful that He cares more for my character then my plans. My new team renamed itself Establish Dominance, because when the love of God enters a room He establishes dominance (and it just sounds awesome to say I’m on team Establish Dominance ; )). They have welcomed and loved me so well during this time and for that I am so thankful. I still miss team Powerhouse, but I would much rather be uncomfortable in the will of God then “comfortable” and on the outside looking in. Praise God for His refusal to let me setting for anything less than His best.
Just a few more pics for your viewing pleasure…
The coolest church I’ve seen on the race
They ride this truck for over two hours to get into town…
Playing with the kids after preaching
