The Last Week or So

Dearest Friends and Family –
The last week has been good. Thank you so much for your prayers. Last (last) weekend we had the privilege of hosting Terry and Karen Duncan, our regional director, and his family. They were a tremendous blessing and we were excited to include them in a number of ministry experiences. Saturday, June 24th, we had a staff appreciation celebration for all those

who help us. They all brought their families which added to quite a crew and everyone seemed to enjoy the cokes and popcorn. It also gave us a great opportunity to express our gratitude, allow Mr. Terry to share a bit about WGM, and Erica to share her testimony.
Then Sunday, we traveled to Nebbi where our group divided up and we attended three different churches – the pastors of which are the ones with which we have begun preliminary training. The village experience was good for all of us; one of the churches literally pulled chairs and tarp out under a tree being as yet they do not have even a temporary structure. Perspective.
On Tuesday, we traveled with Duncans back to Kampala and Wednesday we met the lady who is going to deliver Joanna in November. It was very exciting and we were able to get a tour of the hospital. We were able to hear the baby’s heart beat which was super exciting and we praise Jesus for a healthy mama and baby. Thank you so much for your prayers.
Saturday (30th), we returned with our colleague, Jeannie Banter and her family who are visiting. We have known the Banters for many years and it felt a bit like our own family was here! Praise Jesus for His sweet blessings.

Monday (July 2nd), we had the privilege of hosting John Onek who is a pastor working with us in Juba, Sudan. He has started a fellowship there and came to discuss church and mission registration in Sudan. While there are many details involved which will take some time, it was a privilege to talk and pray with Pastor John. Please pray for continued guidance on God’s timing for registration and for the church fellowship in Juba. Sudan needs Jesus.
Tomorrow (July 5th), we fly to Nairobi for the Nairobi Evangelical School of Theology graduation. We have been asked to attend, representing the Uganda field. Primarily, we are going to love and celebrate with our close friend, Brent Duncan. Secondarily, we hope to follow up with several of his Congolese classmates whom we met in April. Please pray for traveling mercies and God’s combination of celebration and ordered conversations.
Many of you know also that our colleagues and friends, the Rinehimers, visited Rethy, Congo over the weekend. They had an excellent (and safe) trip and felt like the experience was worthwhile. Thank you for your prayers. As you are praying, we are trying to put together another exploratory trip to Congo at the end of this month. Please pray that Jesus would open the right doors and give us guidance about how to go forward.
We miss you all today and trust your 4th celebrations will be filled with Jesus, BBQ, and fireworks. Inspite of all issues, days like today make us most grateful for the privilege to carry American passports. Happy 4th!

Billy & Joanna & Baby:)