There and Back Again

Every safari begins with the right teammates. On our most recent survey trip to Beni, Congo and Mbarara, Uganda, we had a great team. Pictured here are Scott Rambo, Pastor James Ouma and Joshua Friedeman. Also along for the adventure were Josh Hallahan, Matt Burke, Kennedy Kirui and Billy.

And what is a safari with maps and still getting lost at least once!

Some of the roads were incredible...

And some roads were not so incredible. But it is all part of the journey, right? Well, that is what we tell ourselves only we were 7 men in one truck so that meant one of us if not two were always in the way back... and on Congolese roads, let's just say that part of the journey was "less than a blessing."

We met with a group of 20 pastors from numerous denominations in Beni to discuss training possibilities. Pastor James (here in black jacket) was a tremendous help as all the communication was done in Kiswahili.

Pastor Jerusalem, "like the holy city," as he explained, was our host in Beni. He is seated here in red stripe shirt with Scott Rambo and another pastor called Timothy. They graciously answered our long list of questions about life and ministry in Beni.

Both afternoons we were in Beni, different churches welcomed us with wide open Congolese hospitality. Notice the drums -very impressive!



And streamers!  

The woman in green is the pastor of the church shown above. She cannot read anything except her Bible. Call that whatever you want, but we had to say, "Praise Jesus."

Once back in Uganda, we headed towards Mbarara and the highway ran right through a game park. This rogue male was enjoying some alone time right beside the road.

Here is Tusker again... because he was amazing.

Mbarara is one of the strategic cities WGM Uganda has been praying over. We would love to locate a team there, specifically to begin discipleship with university students as well as strengthen Africa Gospel Church in western Uganda. We were able to meet with some leaders involved in university ministry both in Mbarara and in a near by town, Ishaka. Pictured here are some of the student leaders in Ishaka as well as Josh (far left), Kennedy, (suit coat), and Pastor James (far right)

Tusker and then Zebra on the way back to Kampala! We felt the Father's delight as all of us relished seeing zebra, some for the first time in Uganda.

Over all the trip was a positive one with ministry possibilities in both Beni and Mbarara. Many of you were praying for our wives - THANK YOU! Our family as well as the Rambos came down with the "throw up bug" - Jesus sustained Joanna and Meg though and all seven of our children lived. Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!

We would ask you to continue praying for God's leading as several members of the team were asking hard questions about where God is leading their families. Please pray for His clear direction.

Also, we'd ask you to pray for some of the key contacts we met. They are increasing the Kingdom...

Pastor Jerusalem and Pastor Timothy as they give leaderhip to New Life Church in Beni;

John, Gideon, and Joram, students giving leadership to United Faith Chapel in Ishaka;

Brian, Richard, and others who are seeking to train and disciple students in Mbarara.

Again, we thank you for being a part of what God wants to do in East Africa - May it be more than we ask or imagine - Eph. 3:20