Digging Ditches

The one unique aspects of life in Uganda that one never thinks about before actually coming to live is… trash collection. We have seen no such thing as a trashcan in Arua much less knowing of organized trash pick up. For some time we have just had two large piles in the back of our yard, one for burning “rubbish” and one for compost that can be used on the garden. Recently, after Marori’s numerous escapades in dispersing trash all over our yard, we decided something needed to change. We decided to dig two large pits for the waste and then build screen covers that will rest over the pits and hopefully keep the dog out. Raymond, a new friend, is needing some financial assistance and having a building background, we felt he was perfect for the job.

This morning’s devotion included the classic story from II Kings 3 where the kings of Israel and Judah go off to make war on Moab. They pass through the Desert of Edom and promptly run out of water. The kings quickly realize they have many parched warriors and animals that are quite discontent and they call for the man of God. He comes and the word of the LORD is to… dig pits. “Make this valley full of ditches.”
One has to wonder at such commands from God – to dig ditches in a sandy valley under a desert sun when there is no cold coke at the end of the day. Yet they dig ditches and the following morning they awake to a valley full of water. That story is not new but reading it this morning as Raymond labored outside our window, digging a four foot ditch it seemed as though God was reminding us that the ditches we dig are not vain. Many times the relationships, experiences, trips back and forth to the market or receiving another visitor at the gate feel like useless ditch digging; where one works up a sweat, expends a lot of energy with no assurance the thirst in your heart or theirs will be quenched. Yet we have to keep believing He is faithful to fill the ditches.
Pray with us this week that we would be faithful to dig wholeheartedly. And trust that He will fill each ditch with the life quenching waters of Himself. Truly we ourselves and those around us thirst for Him.

LIVING THE DREAM

Some of you all have heard us talk about “LIVING THE DREAM!” We got challenged right before leaving for Uganda that we are amongst the most privileged for we were about to begin living the dream God gave us. At the heart of that dream God laid before us was the training pastoral leadership in Africa. This last Saturday, we began a preliminary training program with five Ugandan pastors! We turned to each other on the way home and realized that this is exactly the dream God gave to us and we are indeed living it out in reality! Hallelujah! Praise God Forever! Jesus has been so kind to us and our team to allow so much to happen in such a short amount of time.
You have heard us discuss the pastoral possibilities in Nebbi and many of you have been praying for God’s unfolding of His divine plan and timetable for working with that cluster of churches that have expressed interest in pastoral training. Jesus led our team to begin working with several of the key church leaders, particularly guiding them through our pastoral manual. The purpose is two fold; one to introduce them to a clearer picture of who we are as Africa Gospel Church. It also acts as a natural discipling tool. Thus while we are not calling Nebbi an official training site (as AGC already has in other areas of Uganda), we are taking those initial steps.
Saturday began with an hour drive south down to Nebbi town. There we were welcomed by the senior pastor, Cosmas and several of his staff. We began with a devotional and then jumped into the nature of God; first Jesus followed by the Father. We broke for lunch together and then closed with a session on the Holy Spirit. Sitting around with Cosmas, Benson, Andrew, John Kennedy, and John (the translator) we really believe Jesus himself sat with us. Their questions were real and their hearts were open. We cannot thank Jesus enough for the opportunity. They invited our team to return July 7th so please continue praying.

Amidst such joys as teaching, there are always “African experiences. We currently have two volunteers, Angela and Amber staying with us. They have been a blessing and it has been fun having them alongside. Two days ago we had a heavy rain and that night the white ants came out in droves. We don’t know how to relay the experience of catching white ants unless you compare it to kids chasing/catching fireflies after the Sunday school evening picnic. Amber and Angela courageous volunteered to help Dennis (our evening guard) capture as many as they could. Amber fried them up last night and honestly we found them best with a little popcorn salt:) Happy Africa!

We want you to know that your Prayers are NOT in vain. Thank you so much for your sacrifice and time in prayer – God is at work in northern Uganda and attribute that to your labor. Joanna and baby are doing well – thank you for all your prayers and love. Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!

P.S. When you come to visit, fried ants are optional:)

Arua Christian Business Network

Jesus has been so good to us! We want to thank you for your prayers and rejoice with you in what He has done. He blessed us with a visit from our dear friend Victoria Mills who was a volunteer serving in Kampala when we first came. She and her father came from Boston, MA to check out what Jesus is doing in Arua! We LOVED having them. Jesus used them in amazing ways in their few short days with us.

Andy is a retired businessman who is serving Jesus as a mentor and discipler of younger Christian businessmen now. Jesus gave us the idea to have a businessmen’s breakfast here in town and have Andy share what God has taught him about bringing Jesus into the business world! Jesus went above and beyond our expectations. Billy and Andy both got to share on a radio program on Thursday afternoon…Andy sharing his testimony of how he met Jesus and then how Jesus led him from that point! Everyone here listens to the radio…it is our main form of communication, so we were thrilled to have that form of media to broadcast from. Also, an announcement was made then about the businessmen’s breakfast and we ended up with 50 present on Saturday morning! Again, Jesus helped Andy share and the Arua Christian Business Network was birthed!

Who knew that Jesus would call us to Arua to train pastors and then open doors to share His love with the business community, but we are rejoicing that He knows what He is doing and His plans are good!We actually do go to Nebbi on Saturday to begin pastoral training with a group of four there. Pray for us as we teach and just love those men and women. THANK YOU for the part you play in sharing Jesus with Africa through your love and prayers and support of us! We cannot thank Jesus enough for you all!