//Testimony//
“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
John 17:3
//Squad -photocred- Daniel//
Most of the team arrived in Kampala, Uganda on Sunday, January 8, 2017. We briefly met our Fusion Squad Mentor Daniel and Leaders Papa T. and Mama K. before taking rest. That afternoon we had a short session to kick off training camp. We got to know our squad members and leaders through some ice breakers. Mama K. shared the power of testimony and how Christians are ALWAYS READY to give an answer for our hope. We did “three minute testimonies” to practice being ready. Dakota, Rosa and I were on the lawn at Reformed Theological College enjoying some free time when we found ourselves joining a youth fellowship. Some of the Theological students were leading a youth group Bible study and asked us to encourage them with a testimony.
//Youth Fellowship Kids, Tedi, Annett, Dakota and me -photocred- Rosa//
Praise the Lord for our African brothers and sisters who recognize the power in sharing how Jesus changes us! Since then all of us have had multiple opportunities to testify in; villages, churches, fellowships, homes, at meals and on the streets. I have learned not to underestimate the power in testimony. This is how we share the gospel. This is what connects us together. It is Jesus.
“I will rejoice in the simple gospel I will rejoice in you God. “
-Simple Gospel; United Pursuit
The Lord used training camp to bring all 20 of us to common ground – on vulnerability in sharing our stories, community through serving each other, knowledge to be on the same page with Ministry living and freedom in Christ.
Through the teaching and examples of our leaders the Lord brought me to a place of surrender. My identity is not in the gifts the Lord has given or the things I offer our team but in Christ alone. I am free to just be because the Lord’s strength is made perfect in my weakness. Wherever I am and whatever I am doing the Lord has equipped me by the nature of bearing His image to be “successful” to make His name known.
A leader spoke this to me one of the first nights in worship together. “Be familiar with the secret place. Be more comfortable there then any place on the planet. God will reveal His heart, His mind, His desires and His secrets to you there. Hide them in your heart. Ponder them. And only speak them when He tells you to do so. I love you.” I have rediscovered what it means to continually rest in the presence of our God and not leave. I don’t leave the presence of God when I leave church or eat lunch or have a team meeting. The Lord dwells in me and I dwell in Him. I do not want to be anywhere else.
//Along for the Ride//
//Team -photocred- Beth//
On World Race Fusion 2017 we were broken up into four teams. My team is incredible! I am so thankful for this Fusion family. Matt(PA), Nat(China/GA), Walter(Canada), Taryn(AL), Liz(TN) and me make up squad SixPack!
This month my team traveled in a nine hour African night bus to Northern Uganda to do exploratory ministry with Pastor Uche and Joseph in Sudanese Refugee camps. Our expectation was to bring light to the darkness. To love on and bring joy to the kids there and build relationships with community leaders in hopes to send more mission teams (possibly World Race teams) there in the future.
“Darkness can’t drive out darkness only light can. Hate can’t drive out hatred only love can.”
-Dr. King
//Kids at the Camp -photocred- Pastor Uche//
Pastor Stanley, who lives and works directly with the kids in the camp said to our team when we first arrived, “you are not meant to be an echo but a voice.” This reminded me yet again of the power in testimony. We are to share Jesus with all we meet.
As I sat around the camp fire on our first night in the camp I over heard a middle aged man sharing that his three year old daughter died on their way from southern Sudan to this camp but God is good. I realized in that moment I have gone to really dark places over much less. The Lord continues to teach me about His grace.
“The price of receiving grace is extending it.”
-unknown
//Refugee Orphanage – photocred – Liz//
//Journal Entry: January 25, 2017//
Today a truck came to the Sudanese refugee camp with new school shoes for all the children. When we took the girls for class we painted nails, giggled, sang, danced and talked about our families. For a second life seemed familiar then news came that ten of the children have Hepatitis B. Lord Jesus heal them now. As I sit in the shade seeking a bit of comfort during the mid day heat a young boy, (Joel) runs captured by enthusiasm as his UNHCR plastic bag, sticks and string take flight like a plane headed toward heaven. Life seemed to stop. As a sand twister comes spinning through our camp and all the children come out of their hiding places to chase after it with delight.
//Back on the Road//
Leaving the camp we drove to the South Sudan and Ugandan boarder meeting pastors, refugees and community leaders along the way to pray together. We arrived at Reaching Africa’s Unreached after a long day of travel. Just a little over a mile up the road is the South Sudan border. The entire time we were there the road was constantly full of refugees trekking to the UN check in. This is one picture that will stay with me the rest of my life.
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love His as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”
-Leviticus 19:33-34
Jacob and Carol Lee are some of the most incredible people. Their mission is to reach the predominant Muslim and refugee community of the northern Ugandan bush. They run a farm and Bible school. Training pastors in agriculture allows the community leaders who have become pastors to support their families. They are interdenominational which paints a beautiful picture to their community/world that all need Jesus and all labors in the Lord are welcome. And they have the most eco friendly and sustainable compound I have ever seen with solar energy to compost and everything in between. Oh and Carol is an MK from India. I love them so much! I was so encouraged by their hospitality and testimonies.
//Carol, Me, Jacob -photocred- Nat//
During our time with the Lee Family I saw people healed from sickness of the body and heart. When our team went trekking into the mountains to reach those forgotten we prayed, preached, ate, hugged and talked to many throughout that region. The Madi people not only live in poverty but extreme isolation. On our way back we stopped at a cluster of homes. There was a woman who said, “God had revealed Himself to her in a dream and she had been waiting for us to come tell her about God.” That woman gave her life to Jesus that afternoon!!! Praise the Lord! There are so many people in this world that are waiting to hear the Gospel!
//Team, Patrick, Lauren, Pastor Uche, Joseph -photocred – Jacob//
SixPack ended our time in Uganda with the Lee family before heading back to Kampala for Debrief with the whole squad.
//One Last Thought//
Also, thank you for all the birthday wishes!!!! After training camp we had two days of sabbath rest in Jinja, Uganda. Celebrating my birthday here was such a gift. Tribal dancing, rafting the Nile, bungee jumping and ice cream were a few of the highlights! Love you all!
//Kylee, me -photocred Liz//
“Life is a gift and the Giver is good!”
