In the Beginning...

“In the beginning...” Genesis 1:1 

Recently we had the privilege to be in South Sudan doing a Bible storytelling training. The pastors in the the area of Tonj do not have the Old Testament in their language. Imagine being a pastor with no means of ever understanding creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham or Joseph. And that is just stories from Genesis! It was our privilege to work through some of these OT stories in small groups (through translation) with church leaders who had never heard them. It was awesome and sacred. Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!   

Beginnings and Genesis is a theme for us right now as the the pastoral training program in Uganda is just beginning its third term this year focusing on stories from Genesis 1-11.  We have fallen in love with these stories (again) as they introduce all the major themes in Scripture. During a training to prepare the facilitators to teach these stories from Genesis, we discussed “In the beginning...” is actually an example of so many beginnings. God is doing something and yet it is still dark! (Have you every felt like that?) The pastors love this story because God names the darkness and God is actively at work in the darkness. In cultures here in Uganda, where darkness is so real, this opening creation story captures the hope of the Gospel - God is greater than the darkness and is bringing light into dark places. Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!  

We have been sensing God is opening up for us a new beginning. For some time Jesus has been talking to us about more schooling. We are exploring doctoral studies specifically related to orality. Slowly the light is shining through what has been “dark” concerning timing and logistics. We feel very excited about a “new beginning” but also a little overwhelmed at having to consider leaving what has become “home.” While the way is not completely “light” yet, the next months are going to be filled with transitioning out of our responsibilities and relationships here in Africa as well as trying to process all Jesus has been doing since we left September 4, 2006.  We are making plans to be in the States Spring 2014 and we anticipate seeing many of you. By the grace of Jesus, doctoral

school will “begin” next fall. Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!

As we walk into the shadows of the days ahead, we praise Him for you.  We need your continued love, prayers and support maybe more now than ever before. How God is going to unfold all the details in the days ahead, we do not know. However “...The light was good.” We believe there is more goodness ahead. Hallelujah! Praise God Forever!

Immediate Prayer Requests:

1.) Our family travels in Kenya August 31-September 7 for a Bible storytelling training.

2.) Wisdom as we continue to help Africa Gospel Church with their training curriculum development

3.) Grace as we consider what leaving Arua will look like for our family, specifically the girls