Uganda Team Post #6

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Think about the most unique gift you’ve ever been given. Can it compare to a live chicken with its feet bound, a bag of ground nuts, and a rare fruit that the Nationals couldn’t name easily. During our visitation today these are the gifts we received. We couldn’t believe the generosity of the Ugandans once again, giving their best for their honored guests, which we felt so unworthy to receive. A total of 20 home visits were made today. We heard some amazing testimonies about how the mothers came to know Jesus. These people are so content with so little compared with Americans who always want more and more and more.

The men completed work on the fence with the delivered posts. 71 were done yesterday with 40 more done today, for a total of 111. In the next few weeks the fence will be completed for a total of 140 fence posts. Ken and Ron have worked alongside the Nationals, learning their stories, encouraging them, and being blessed by their hard work.

While the team has been split working on the fence and on visitation, the people’s lives we came in contact with were intertwined. David, the hardest worker on the construction team is also struggling with some mental and spiritual issues. Ron and Ken have made a strong connection with him during their work this week, showing him the true compassion and love of Christ. Today, one of the houses visited was the mother of David. She admitted that she has struggled with having faith since David’s difficulties have occurred. We were able to pray with her and encourage her with scripture pointing her to the forgiveness of Jesus in all situations that life throws at us. The team requests special prayers for David and his mother, for peace and salvation for both of them.

186 children and 56 adults were touched by team members today. Please pray for these people to all realize the good news of Jesus Christ. As we wrap up the week, it is hard to believe our time here in Kamonkoli is almost done. Tomorrow we are going on an outing to Sipi Falls and to the baboons, so please pray for safety, continued good health, and for opportunities to show the love of Christ with those that will be with us on the trip. God bless.

Uganda Team Post #5

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Visitation – 153 children, 24 adults

Fence – 26 workers, 15 children observing

At least 218 people we touched today

The impact on the team members – PRICELESS!

From the morning devotion Amber read the scriptures about the harvest being plentiful but the workers being few in Matthew and how we aren’t to grow weary in doing good. Immediately upon reviewing the scripture the Holy Spirit prompted her to look out the window where a man was “mowing” the grass with a machete. This was very revealing to all of the team members present because we are so blessed with all of the amenities back home. We complain about having to mow the lawn with our gas powered mowers and weed eaters, but this man has steadily worked on the yard for hours and he won’t stop until the task is complete.

The home visits were especially powerful today because we had more time at each residence to sit and visit and pray with each family. One mother, Irene, in particular was so excited to see us that she welcomed us with an “olation” a chant of thanksgiving which is a high pitched shrill noise made by vibrating your tongue very quickly and screaming loudly. As supplies were brought out of the van she took us unashamedly into her home to lock the precious food away. Rag dolls were passed out to all of the children at her house as well as “sweeties,” bracelets, and baby clothes. Sitting and listening to the stories of their crops, sickness, and struggles, it was a special time of encouragement and fellowship. Irene even put on her best dress for some special pictures to be taken. As we were driving away in the van Irene was crossing her arms telling us how she loves us.

Various team members took turns delegating tasks at the homes. At one, the team member leading the visit, she made such a connection with the mother Jane that Jane gave us a large bag of ground nuts, despite the fact her family has so little food. It was humbling. Another home which touched our hearts was the home of James and Faith who were married in 1950. They couldn’t remember their ages, just that they were married when still in their youth. James shared his testimony about being in the darkness, but then a missionary came and he came to know Christ. He also talked about the healing in his leg after the prayer of another missionary. It was touching to hear his story.

The men were exhausted after putting in a full day’s work pouring concrete (2 wheelbarrows per hole), into the holes. They completed a total of 71 between yesterday and today. Working alongside the Nationals gave the men time for meaningful fellowship.

Dinner at Katherine’s was the icing on the cake of the day as we had a devotion led by one of her girls as well as beautiful worship. Please remember our team in your prayers, for continued strength, health, and endurance as we wind down the week.

Uganda Team Post #3

Monday, 8/8/2011

Holes…what does that conjure in your mind? For the team here the word will never again be the same. Starting our work project on the fence this morning at 8:30 am we set off from Katherine’s with a machete, grub hoes, shovels, and post hole diggers in hand. Little did we know that this would be the most backbreaking work any of us had ever done. The line was pulled, stakes were placed to indicate where to dig, and the work began. The ladies on the team worked together doing 1 hole to the Ugandans 3-4 in the same time frame. According to the Nationals they were “well done.” The fields where holes were being dug were surrounded by cassava, ground nuts, banana trees, and corn. As we worked children and teenagers showed up to watch. Due to the schedule being held up, the ladies returned to the compound to organize leftover clothes for distribution in the village tomorrow, while the men stayed to work until lunch. There were 38 volunteers working on the fence both men and women. After lunch the men returned to work digging holes, while the women had some much needed rest as well as preparing for the women’s Bible study.

We got the opportunity to do a home visit with a woman who lives on the compound, and she welcomed us into her home providing drinks and Ugandan hospitality. She shared pictures of her family as well as some of her personal story. It was a blessing to see her humble surroundings, while she displayed a graciousness rarely seen in the US. This woman like many works so hard for so little, but still she is very proud of what she has. We also got to visit with some other women who were open to share what their lives are like here in Kamonkoli, and once again we were all reminded how blessed we are where we live.

What continues to amaze us is that despite the poverty, these people are happy and kind and open to our presence and help. Even in the midst of adversity, which Todd experienced in the hospital today with the loss of 2 babies, one of the father’s was proclaiming, “God is good!” Even through our exhaustion and pain and compassion overload, God is good, ALL THE TIME! Thank you for your continued prayers.