Homeward Bound

After an early 6am start, we are now in London where we are enjoying good water pressure and HOT water!  Some have ventured into London for some sightseeing, while others plan to enjoy a GOOD steak or some other non Ugandan food.  We look forward to returning home tomorrow.  Continue your prayers, we aren't home yet.  See you soon.

Laughter

For the last 12 days, Josh and Marc have kept us laughing even when we were tired.  Today as we traveled back to Entebbe, we all have laughed, relaxed and had a good time.  For the first time all week, the vans were 15 minutes early!  We loaded our vans and off to Jinja we went.  To save money, we bypassed the national park at the Nile, and boarded our boat along the shore of the Nile  We boarded what looked like 20 pieces of wood nailed together with a tarp for a roof.  I think the team was wondering if I had lost my mind!  We boarded one by one, and carefully took our seats so not to turn the boat over.  Not until we were all on the boat did we learn that Aidah can't swim and is afraid of water.  We laughed and had fun teasing her.  This was the first time Morris and Aidah had been on the Nile and witnessed the source of the Nile with us.  An underground spring feeds both the Nile and Lake Victoria and we saw where the water was bubbling out.  It was an awesome sight.  We stopped to take pictures on an island, and got to see some local fishermen and their boats.  After seeing their boats, with gaps between the boards along the side of the boat, I felt safer about ours.  That was until I saw our captain bailing water out of the bottom!  Don't worry, we were safe and we enjoyed a nice ride up and down the Nile. Josh kept us laughing the whole time.  Josh took time to spend some time with Morris and pray blessings on his ministry.  This picture if priceless.  

After lunch, we headed to Kampala for shopping.  This is always an adventure as we go from little shop to another, looking for a "good" deal.  It was fun, if you call shopping fun, and everyone now has to find a place to pack all their loot.  As I write this entry, while many were in the shower, the water suddenly shut off!  We are all having a good laugh at hearing Marc tell of his experience standing in the shower all soaped up and no water.  (not a pretty picture)

We arrived at our hotel in Entebbe early enough to shower and relax a bit.  We board our plane tomorrow morning (3am Tx time) and have a stop over in London.  We spend the night there before continuing on to Houston.  Continue to pray for our traveling safety.

Hopefully I will get a chance to send another blog from London.  I promise to bring everyone back.

Celebration

Today was a great day of celebration.  I sit here tonight both physically and mentally drained.  Our day was filled with great excitement and celebration.  We presented each child with a new bible that was age appropriate.  Thank you to FBC Monahans for this gift.  The look on each child's face as they were presented with their bible cannot be expressed in writing.  They cherished every moment as we did as well.  The children's home staff was then presented with backbacks and small gifts.  It was a great site to see.

Mary and I had our annual meeting with the teachers and administrators of the school to share our hearts with them and to hear their comments.  We presented them with new backpacks and school supplies.  Again, the joy on their faces was priceless.

After lunch, the team was taken to a neighboring village to witness life in the village.  I did not go, but hearing the stories of what they witness brings sadness and joy to our heart.  They have so little, but have such joy.

It was then time to celebrate and dedicate the library.  Just before we were to begin a heavy rain began to fall.  We were told that if it rains during a ceremony it is a blessing from God.  This brought tears to my eyes because the day I shipped the books, it rained as well.  The children danced and sang songs to begin our time.  Then, Mary and I led everyone down to the library where I cut the ribbon and showed everyone around.  What a joy it was to hear their tribal chants of joy upon seeing the books.  I am humbled to have been apart of this dream.  It was then time to return to the main building where we had more song and dance, words from Pastor Morris, the village leader  and Educational Inspector.  It was encourageing to hear their words to those in attendance.  Mary and I then had the honor along with Pastor Morris and Aidah and 2 children to cut the cake of celebration.  After cake, it was time for snack!  I think all we did was eat for several hours.  Then it was time to say goodbye.  This is always hard, but it is a comfort to me to know that is God allows, I will be back next year.

We ask for special prayers tonight for Stefani.  She is beginning to feel sick and has a sore throat.  We ask for healing before we board our plane Friday morning (Thursday evening for you).  We also ask prayers for traveling safety tomorrow.  We get a chance to relax a bit as we travel back to Entebbe.  We spend the night tomorrow in Entebbe and board our plane early on Friday.  This will probably be the last blog until we reach London Friday night.  Continue to pray and remember us.

As I said earlier, I am all give out so I will say goodnight.  Peace to all.

We then began our time of celebration

God Is Faithful To Those Who Listen

I sit here tonight with my emotions running over and tears in my eyes as it all hits home what has been accomplished this week.  Little did I know when I answered God's call to build a library for Lulwanda, the impact it would have on so many people, including myself.  When God first put this on my heart, I remember saying "you have got to be kidding!"  I had no idea how to even begin such a project.  I responded like Moses and said "not me Lord, I don't know how to do this."  But God provided the resources I needed one morning while watching the news, when they did a report about a school librarian in Round Rock who had an organization called Libraries of Love.  She had been building libraries in Uganda for 5 years and she was just down the road.  God is Awesome!  With her help, I was able to learn how to catalog the books so they would be ready to put on the shelf, how much lumber to order, what supplies I would need, etc.  Since I am not a fundraiser, I was unsure how to raise the funds to pay for supplies and shipping.  But again, God answered my prayers and provided just enough funds.  Now to see the completed project and the joy on the children's faces, I can only praise God and say "Thank You" to everyone who helped make this possible.  I don't want to take the credit, it all belongs to God!  Since shipping the container in March, I have already collected another 3000 books to begin another library at Covenant Primary School here in Mbale.  Hopefully this will take place next year or the next.  You will be hearing more about this later, so don't hang up the phone when I call asking for help.  Pray with me about how you can be involved.  As I have said, God is faithful to those who listen to His voice.  

Our day started with all but Josh going to the children's home.  Josh will share his comments later in this blog entry.  Mary with help from the team, instructed each class in the proper way to use the library.  She explained the different categories, how to look for a book, how to check out the book and fill out the pocket card, and how to return the book.  The children could hardly sit still, the anticipation of looking at a book was too much.  We gave each student a bag to carry their books in with their name on it.  They were told if they did not bring their bag to the library, they would not be able to check out a book.  Hopefully this got their attention, only time will tell.

Marc, who is a real trooper, spent his day teaching computers to the children and staff.  He is such a blessing and patient with the children.  I don't know if I could have the patience he has.  The children swarm the computers when they see them on.  We are trying to teach them how to take care of them so they will continue working properly.  Once the new school block is finished in several weeks, they will be moved into their new computer lab.  This will hopefully better protect them.

Before lunch, Edward wanted to take Leon, J.W. and myself out to see the farmland.  Since I had seen it in March, I knew what to expect.  After a very bumpy ride out into the countryside, we had to hike a short distance to the land.  Edward wanted to show us the entire property, all 10 acres, so we proceeded to walk the land.  You must know it has been raining allot, and the soil was soft and muddy.  J.W. fell a couple of times and it was HOT!!  We saw where they are growing corn and beginning to plant other crops.  Due to the heavy rains they had earlier, most of the crops were flooded.  The plan is to grow as much food as possible to cut down on the food cost.  We can say we got our exercise today!

After lunch, half the team went to Covenant Primary School in Mbale to deliver some books we collected for their school.  This school is connected with Mbale Presbyterian Church, Pastor Morris's church.  Mary and I have been providing teacher training for their teachers for several years.  Since we collected so many books, we decided we would take some to their school.  Since they do not have room for a full library, we chose books to put in each classroom.  Like I said earlier, we hope to find the room to build them a full library.  After we delivered the books, the Head Teacher was talking to us and told us that several years ago all their library books were stolen and they had been praying for them to be replaced.  I had not heard this story before and it was just another answered prayer.

As promised, I asked Josh to share his experiences the last 2 days at the Bible College.  Little did I know he would write a paper, but after reading it, it was worth the wait.  Here is his observation:

For the past few days, I have had the distinct honor of serving as a guest lecturer at the Covenant Bible Institute.   When class began on Monday morning, around forty timid souls gathered in a small room and stood around wooden desks and benches.  I arrived a few minutes after nine o’clock and entered the room as the pastors, ministers, and students were lifting their voices in song and prayer.

 

Without introduction, I began my lecture.  We discussed God’s invitation to people for deepening relationship.  We explored spiritual geography and illustrated the Ugandan landscape as a place of God’s presence and activity.  As eyes began to widen with wonder and enthusiasm, conversation and discussion started to swell.

 

Today, we continued our exploration into the area of spiritual formation.  We considered the numerous spiritual disciplines and formation practices: worship, solitude, silence, hospitality, fasting, prayer, spiritual direction, Sabbath, and sacred reading.  As we explored these topics, hands raised with questions regarding biblical application and how God might work to shape our individual lives, to direct communities of faith, and to transform the nation of Uganda in the power of God.  Periodically, a student would ask a random question seeking to answer a lingering question within their minds or perhaps trying to stump the teacher.

 

For two days, my heart swelled with joy as I gathered with brothers in Christ and fellow pastors to explore the possibilities of life in and with God.  My faith was encouraged by the passion, faith, and commitment of these men.  Each day they step forward in profound faith and extend the light of Christ to the communities and villages they serve.

 

As the my time at the school concluded, the staff and student presented me a gift of rhythmic clapping, thanks, and an invitation to return.  The president of the school asked me to teach on the book of Revelation and spend a week or more offering instruction.  One student asked if I could spend a year with them.

 

My heart has long asked my feet to walk and service God on African soil, and these past few days that God-placed passion has become a reality.  Thank-you to First Baptist for giving me this unforgettable opportunity.  Thank-you to my family for sacrificing  our time together so that I can meet and encourage our African brothers and sisters in Christ.  They are noble people with the light of God burning bright in their hearts.  I have been encouraged to stand with greater boldness and walk with more determine faith.  Finally, glory be to God for opening the door of partnership and fellowship with our team and everyone we have encountered during our trip.  I long to share more, but I have already been accused of being long winded so I will sign-off until I can see you all again and share with you the great things God has done.

 Thank you again for your prayers and support.  Tomorrow we conclude our time here.   We will go out into the country to experience life in the villages.  Pray that our hearts will be filled with compassion as we witness African life.  After lunch we will have the dedication for the library with several dignitaries in attendance.  This will be a very emotional time for me, so pray for me as we dedicate this library to the Lord.

My eyes are having trouble staying open (since Josh took so long) so I will close.  Stay tuned for the rest of the story.

It is Finished (the library that is)

At 5:30pm today the last label was put on the shelves and the tables were placed in the library.  The dream has become a reality.  Over 4000 books are now part of Lulwanda Primary School Library.  The faces of the staff and children say it all.  They are so amazed at what they have been given.  Thank you to each of you who have contributed one way or another to see this dream come true.

Our team split up into 2 groups today.  One team went with Josh to the Bible College while the other went to the children's home.  Because it is late, Josh will share his experiences at the Bible College in tomorrow's blog.  I can tell you it was a meaningful expereince for both Josh and the pastors.  He is so gifted that he can relate to anyone when he is speaking.  One comment he did make, is that they told him other white skined pastors who have come teach them knowledge, while Josh was teaching them relational material.  They enjoyed that very much.  More to come on that tomorrow.

Leon, Pat and Becca went with Josh so Leon could visit with the staff more about the plans for the Bible College.  He received some much needed ideas.

The Lulwanda team continued the library most of the day.  For those of our family, you would not believe that J.W. was teaching a local how to use the miter saw and sander.  You must understand that J.W. and power tools do not go together well.  No fingers were lost, and 5 stools and one bench were made.  Hopefully they hold together!  Ha!  It was great to see his patience (for once) as he worked with Michael (the janitor at the school).  It is a good thing Michael did not understand Tex Mex, because I think I heard some not so good words.

Marc spent his day working on the computers trying to get them all working so he could work with the children learning how to type.  We brought a typing program with us, and he has had his hands full trying to get them all working properly.  After lunch he spent some time with the older children.  We are grateful to have him with us to help in this area.

Kathie is finally getting some time with the Babies and Tops teachers.  However, they began to paint their rooms today, so her time was cut short.  We pray tomorrow she gets more time to work with these teachers. We so much want to use her skills in this area.  Make this a prayer item today.

While Mike and J.W. were slaving away finishing the library, the ladies went out into the neighboring village and handed out more dresses.  I will let Mary tell you about that:

Imagine a "Free" sale at Dillards or Macy's, better yet, Nieman's!  Well, that is exactly what I imagined.  The young girls, from 3 months to teenage years, waited patiently for their turn to "shop" for a dress.   The church was filled with the girls from the village and while we were waiting, we could see little trails of girls walking from their homes  to the church.  Our team of women, once again set up the make shift "Dress Shop".  While we waited, Betty from the Lulwanda Children's Home led the girls in singing praise choruses in their native language.  We clapped, sang, and prayed that God would cover these young women with His grace and mercy.  We prayed that they would be reminded of His love for them and to attend church on Sunday to hear the preaching of the Word.  We prayed that as they put on their dresses the love of God would flood over them and allow them to feel Christ's love.  

After just about 30 minutes, and about 300 dresses, yes I said 300 hundred dresses, we gathered the girls outside for a photo.  My lense was not able to capture all the girls in one photo so I  took three different pictures.  Together they will make a wonderful picture.  I would like to thank, "Little Dresses for Africa" Ministry for donating all the dresses that were handed out this week.  Before leaving, we prayed together for God's protection for each of the hearts, their minds, and their souls.  Pat Sligh had a blast assisting the girls in selecting their dresses.  Audrey and Stephanie both found babies to hold while we were assisting with the dresses. 

The team of ladies trully enjoyed being with a church full of young girls that will someday be the women of the church and village.  As we walked back to the school, we shared with one another and the Mommas from Lulwanda how God had truly touched each of our hearts in so many ways this week.  

Our team has had many facets of ministry this week.  I believe tomorrow night in the blog, we will try and share all the great things God has empowered us to do this week.  

It is late and we are truly ready for a good night's sleep.  Thanks again for your prayers and encouraging words.  Each day we are so aware of how God is using us and answering so many prayers.  You are here with us in Uganda through your prayers.

Love, Mary

I will close with a humorous note:  each night at dinner I read all the comments from the blog.  Tonight, something got into Josh and Marc (who just so happen to be rooming together).  Theri wives ended their comment with "hugs and kisses to ____, so they each gave each other a kiss and hug as it was read.  The pastor and chariman of the deacons may be getting too close!  Ha!

Good night to all.  Continue to pray.  Tomorrow is another long day.

Worship African Style

What a wonderful day in the Lord!!  We worshiped at Mbale Presbyterian Church and was it a service.  Since our vans were late (as usual) we arrived at church after Sunday School had already begun.  J.W., Marc and Leon spoke to the men while Pat and Pat spoke to the women.  The rest of the team took over the children.  I estimate about 200 children!  We split them up into 3 groups and taught them a Bible story and craft.  Overall it went very well.  At dinner the team was sharing their experiences of church.  I cannot begin to tell you all the stories.  From responses to their teaching time, handing out ties to the men, dancing and singing in the service, those who walked 5 miles to come to church, the list goes on.  It was a meaningful day for all.  They look forward to sharing them with you.  I'm not sure, but I think Josh has picked up some new customs to bring back.

In Africa, church is church.  You sing, pray, sing, have 3 special choirs sing, dance and shout for over an hour then you have the sermon.  Josh did and AWESOME job preaching.  The message was just what the church needed to hear.  In 4 years, this is the first time I have ever seen Pastor Morris taking notes during a visiting pastor.  He commented how many notes he took, and is looking forward to talking more with Josh tomorrow when he teaches at the Bible College.  It was a wonderful morning, early afternoon.  

After finishing lunch at the church all but Pat S. and Josh returned to the children's home to try and complete the library.  BUT, wouldn't you know it, we were 10' short of wood.  I sure miss Home Depot and Lowes (didn't think I would ever say that).  So we WILL finish tomorrow if I have to go cut down a tree myself.  Ha!

Tonight we have 2 1/2 guest bloggers:

Haha Nathan, told you the dresses were awesome!! =] Thanks for all the comments, I love reading stuff from home!

Hello everyone!  We had a wonderful day worshiping at Grace Presbyterian Church in Mbale.  Leon, J.W. and I each spoke to the men during the S.S. time.    I shared the plan of salvation and then we passed out Roman Road cards to all of the men at the end of S.S.  After S.S. a young man came up to me and said he wanted to speak with me after the service.  He accepted Christ as his Savior.  Praise the Lord!  We also passed out the neckties that many of you sent.  It was like kids in a candy store!  They were so excited and appreciative.  Several of us showed them how to tie them.  Our intent was to distribute them to the men but women were picking out one to wear as a sash or belt.  We were able to get some good pictures to show later.  Thank you all for blogging.  We read your comments each evening after supper during our      share time.

Marc A.

Greetings from Uganda. What a special day worshipping with these people. There  also was a team which arrived this morning with a global mission organization. How exciting as we began to make connections with mutual acquaintances. Then how special to hear the people sing and dance as they worship God. Our worship services will seem a little “dull” after today with these people. They have so little and express much joy. We have so much and express little joy. God forgive us. We prayed for Josh tonight as he teaches tomorrow and Tuesday at the Covenant Bible Institute. Many pastors will be coming.  We feel your prayers because so many “God moments” have happened. Keep praying.

 Pat Sligh 

 

Tomorrow, Josh begins his time of teaching the students and pastors of the Bible College.  They are excited and looking forward to hearing him speak.  Pray for him as he teaches that God will give him the right things to say.  Pray that we get the wood in time to finish the library.  We need Tuesday to teach the children how to use the library.  Continue to pray for rest for the team.  They are working very hard and it is hot and exhausting work.

Fourth of July in Africa

Can you believe the slave driver is tired!!  It has been a long 3 days of hard work by the entire team.  We have accomplished much in the short time we have been here.  If you remember yesterday's theme, flexibility, then you will understand that today was no different.  After finally receiving the new wood, it was observed that it was a different wood than the other.  Our first batch was a very hard wood and the new was a soft pine.  It was then determined that we need to put the lighter Easy Reader books on the pine, and the heavier Reference books on the hard wood.  That means moving all the books we shelved yesterday onto other shelves.  Being the troopers they are, the team said "no problem."  We still have 2 shelves remaining to build and then the books can be reshelved and the library will be complete.  Praise God!!

Tomorrow (Sunday) our team is in charge of Sunday School and worship at Mbale Presbyterian Church.  While some teach the women, men and children, Josh will preach.  Although it is custom in Uganda to have a 2 hour service, and we know how much Josh loves to preach and preach and, well you get the idea, we hope he keeps it shorter than custom.  After lunch, some of us will enjoy our afternoon of rest finishing the bookshelves while others will observe the day of rest.  Pray for our day as we minister to the congregation of Mbale.  We were told to expect up to 300 children alone.

As is custom, I have been having a team member share their thoughts for the day.  Today it is Mary's turn:

Today began an hour later.  The casual breakfast of preparing the verses for the children's Sunday School began an exciting day.  Marc ushered in the celebration of the 4th, African style.  You can ask him when we return.

We arrived at the children's home and immediately began to sort the dresses for the girls!  An organization, "Little Dresses for Africa", donated close to 300 dresses for us to hand out to the girls, the girls in the neighboring village, and for the staff's girls.  Pat Alderfer, Stepanie Turner, Becca, Jill and Audrey set up a "Dress Shop" so that the girls could go "shopping".  With delight on their faces, the girls were able to select their own dresses and immediately ran to their dorms to try them own.  

While waiting on the boards to arrive, the men worked on the computers and various other task getting ready for the true labors of love to begin.  The children were in classes for remedial teaching and the others were working on their chores.

The joy of the afternoon was when Josh patiently took two of the staff and taught them how to use a miter saw.  "Such powerful machines."  "This would take us a week to do what we are doing in a day."  So many things we take for granted, electricity, air conditioning, etc...  My prayer is that we will always be dependant on God and that we will not take for granted the many luxuries we have at home.  Mike and I have been enjoying a fan instead of air conditioning, but I will say, I have slept well.  Thanks for all your prayers and comments.  We enjoy hearing Mike read them every night at dinner.  They are so encouraging.  We hope to hear from S and R......Love you two.  MOM

Time for rest for the weary.  Signing off from Africa.