Once again this Easter we had our neighbors over to share in the truth of Jesus' death and the celebration of His Resurrection! We played games with eggs and had a hunt for candy too. This year however the rains came right in the middle of Billy sharing the story of Mary at the empty tomb. We had to quickly snatch up all the candy we could find and move the party of over twenty into our living room!!! We enjoyed kool-aid then and waited it out. After a suggestion of another story, Billy shared the story of Jesus calming the storm...in the middle of our own storm raging right outside (and blowing in) our windows. It was a powerful visual aid and Jesus really helped! We are so thankful for the privilege of sharing His love with our neighbors here in Arua.
That celebration was on Saturday afternoon. Then on Sunday morning we had the honor of hosting a sunrise service in our yard. About 50 were in attendance. Our field pastors and their family were here visiting from the states and Pastor Rick preached this year for the service. Jesus was kind to let the sun actually rise as it was a cold and rainy morning.
Elsie Jayne with Aunt Susan...on Resurrection morning!
Friends enjoying the breakfast after the service...and Rick preaching under the rising sun and the empty cross!
After our busy and exciting Easter weekend we traveled to Kampala and then on to Fort Portal Uganda for our field retreat with all of our colleagues. We had
a refreshing week and were thankful for the time together! We concluded that time celebrating Joanna's 29th birthday!Now we have come home to Arua where we are awaiting the arrival of Elsie Jayne's sister. She is due on the 20th of May, but Joanna is hoping for an early baby. Pray with us for a
safe and healthy birth and baby. We have sensed Jesus leading us to deliver here in Arua, in our home. This is clearly new for us as Elsie Jayne ended up coming in the states in a hospital as we traveled home when her grand-daddy was so ill. So, we are excited and a bit apprehensive, but trusting as Jesus has put together a great medical team and has given us the assurance of His presence as we look forward to meeting this new little life!
4 comments:
praying for you about the birth of new baby coppedge! wishing we were headed your way next month but Jesus has other plans and made it clear to us that its just not our time to go to uganda. thanks for taking care of nick!!
Praying for you during this time. Praying for God's protection and perfect timing of delivery. Happy Belated 29th!
I had a nice visit with your sister Jan--thinking and praying for you both as you welcome new little babies into your families. I trust that God will work out all the details of your labor and delivery and bring your little one into the world safely.
And on a side note, Elsie is adorable:)
Maria Brown
Billy and Joanna, I will be praying for the birth of your new baby girl that is coming really soon! Seems like you all are doing well! much love sent your way!
Kathi and Tim! :)
Post a Comment