April...

 April started off with a great time of re-connecting with our World Gospel Mission Uganda team in Fort Portal, Uganda.  Jesus spoiled us with Mom and Dad Coppedge as our speakers this year!!! What JOY to be with our grandparents and what incredible challenges from the Word of God He brought to us through them!  We enjoyed sharing Uganda with them on journey back home!!!

A Grand-father delighting in his grand baby (Sophie).
We had friends come to see the "miracle!"  We praise Jesus Daddy's heart attack is five years in the past and he was healthy and strong the whole time he was with us in Africa!!!  God is so good!!! Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!!!

Easter morning we worshiped together at a Sunrise Service overlooking Arua town and the surrounding area. What GLORY to rejoice in His LIVING Presence even here!!

Easter Monday we joined friends at an annual Goat Roast! A new experience for both Mom and Dad, but a fun time to connect with some of our Arua friends as well!

The men then headed to Nairobi for a conference on Oral Strategies in East Africa.  This was a great way to introduce Dad to Storying at a deeper level and Billy to network with others in the field.  Uncle Scott went with them and Matt Burke.  Matt and his wife Joy along with Judah and Lily are our newest WGM Uganda team members. They have just moved to Jinja, Uganda. Do pray with us for their transition and Jesus' nearness as they obey Him in a new land!

The ladies stayed at home this time and Grammy shared at an Arua Ladies Women's Retreat.  The ex-pat ladies of the area were challenged by her teaching from the Word and enjoyed some relaxed time away while these little ladies LOVED having Grammy around!!!

Joanna celebrated a birthday last week and what fun to get to do that with four little princesses!  We had a really special day beginning with daddy dressing everyone in their princess dresses for the occassion!  Then an unexpected invitation came. Could the birthday girl drive a friend to his home in the village to pick up a goat and bring it to town.  There was a burial of a relative and food was needed...so these princesses packed up and enjoyed the journey!!!

You can just see the goat's ear in the back in this picture...but beyond him was a mzee (very old) lady with crutches and only one leg. We got to give her a ride to town along the way...and then we ran into a daughter of the man we were helping...so we got to get out and greet her and introduce the twins! Next we dropped off the old lady and prayed with her at her home! Finally we got to where we thought we were dropping the goat off and found out we were at the burial and we needed to greet the mourners! SURPRISE!!! Just mom and all four wee ones in princess attire found themselves unexpected in the middle of a funeral!  As soon as ladies in attendance realized I could not physically get us all out of the car, I had more helpers than I bargained for and we were all paraded around the compound. Happy times!!!  We did encouraged some mourners at least! We were quite a sight for so many different reasons!!!

In the afternoon, we celebrated with friends in our home...a bit more (American) traditional birthday celebration with cake and friends. We love living in Arua!!! Jesus brought Ugandans, Germans and Americans to our spontaneous party. He truly has brought the world to our doorstep! Pray we are faithful in sharing His light EVERY day!

Tomorrow, Thursday 26th, Billy leaves for some time with our dear friend Imam. He will be gone until Sunday. It should be an exciting adventure as they travel to Imam's home village. Will you pray for safety in the journey and many opportunities to share the LIFE of Jesus!? Will you pray for Joanna and the girls here at home?! THANK YOU!

Chloe is finishing up an antibiotic and seems much stronger. Thank you for your prayers.