On the Way to Gulu

Pastor Festo lives with his family in Pakwach, on the way to Gulu from Paidha. If you remember, this is where Hal prayed over a baby who was very weak and was then able to provide some formula for the mother to feed the baby. We heard the child is gaining strength and were hopeful to stop for a visit, so we purchased two tins of formula.   We arrived and were instead introduced to a woman caring for a baby who had been abandoned when she was one month old by her mother who had a mental illness. Another mouth to feed and care for can be a burden for a family already struggling to make ends meet. It was a privilege to pray for this woman and child and to offer one of the tins of formula to assist with feeding. We sat among Festo’s family and were introduced to the mothers (his father had 3 wives), and brothers, aunties, and uncles. We prayed and were ready to leave when all of the children got up and began a chase – they were chasing after the chickens to see who could catch the prized possession and gift for the visitors – that would be us! A boy grinned as he appeared in the middle of the group of children carrying a live chicken, placing it on Hal’s lap as a gift! They provided some twine so Hal could tie the legs to prevent it from flying away. It was our stowaway to Gulu!

We just had one last stop in the town of Pakwach to purchase some dried fish for Charles’ family and for some widows in Gulu. While making our purchase a young man asked if we might be going to Gulu. Bonese had been in Pakwach to visit his brother who was being treated for cholera. Bonese recently graduated from Gulu University in development studies and is a born again member of a church in Gulu. We enjoyed the view of the countryside, including a herd of elephants washing and playing in the water as we crossed the bridge over the Nile River.

Elephants near the Nile

(The elephants were enough of a distraction that Hal missed his usual stop in the middle of the bridge to announce, “We are in the middle of “de nile!” . . . J). We are thankful for travel mercies and for a place to rest and recharge for a new day.

 

On a Jesus Adventure

Our stomachs felt full after being graciously served the Country Cottage breakfast of hot milk for instant coffee or tea, two slices of bread, Blue Band (margarine), and a boiled egg.  Pastor Charles who often travels with Hal while in Paidha, has been preaching from Ephesians and reminded us of the many blessings we have been given.  We prayed for our day and set out for Zeo to visit with Pastor Francis and his wife Mary.  The light rain last night settled the dust on the dirt roads and brought a cool breeze for this bright sunny morning.  Many road repairs are being made in every district as elections are coming up soon.  A small group of men working to smooth out some deep ruts near a bridge kindly motioned us to slow to a stop.  As Hal often does, he commended them for their hard work, which opened the door wide for their eager request for a “toll fee”.  After some joking and laughter we were glad to pay a small fee for their work.

Mary – Mingling Casava

The day stretched on filled with long discussions, a hospitable lunch, traveling to several villages, and interviews and prayers for seminary students.  Students have managed to leave their families for weeks at a time to attend seminary training.

Seminary Student Christopher & Maureen

  They receive certificates and diplomas as they complete each level.  Again we were sobered to hear the common occurrence of the loss of a child – Albert lost his three year old son last term which caused him to sit out.  The deep sadness and pain of losing his child was evident as he responded to our questions.  He is hoping to return to seminary in January.

It seemed the adventure for today was coming to a close, so we headed back to Paidha.  On the way back, a phone call from Richard, one of the local Bible School graduates, led us to another “diversion” – we arranged a meeting place not too far from the road we were on.  We spotted him on his “borda” motorbike and stopped to hear the details of his story.  He explained that as he cut down a tree on his land it fell on a neighbor’s roof, damaging it.  The neighbors are not willing to wait for him to get the money to repair the roof, so they plan to have the police arrest him in the morning, putting him in jail to wait for a court date with intent to sue him.  We were glad to help him out with enough money to purchase some tin to make the repairs on their roof.

We felt relieved to be back at our room after a long day.  We had eaten a big lunch, so Hal decided to walk to the kitchen area to order some “chips” (fries) and an avocado for our dinner.  On the way back he stopped to ask a woman who looked troubled, what was troubling her.  She shared with him that she had just received news she has typhoid and would be starting treatment.  She was glad and encouraged when Hal prayed with her.  This was the final closure for today’s “Jesus adventure” (thanks to our friend, Channelle for the title).

Look How Far We’ve Come

From Kampala to Jinja, stopping for a good meeting with the Baptist Union Seminary, through a “Diversion” (a detour due to road work), through the town of Mballe and Lira, to an overnight stay in Pakwach (13 hours driving), to our final destination – Paidha! Look how far we’ve come! Yes, there have been many miles of travel to get here but even more so, we had the privilege and joy of seeing how far the church in Paidha has come. We arrived just in time to attend the graduation ceremony for the first seven of ten students who have successfully completed the eight-week course work (over two years), in Paidha Local Bible School. The celebration included several pastors and leaders as well as some city officials. The program, scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. began at 10:00 a.m. and included singing, dancing, and many speeches, ending with final words of encouragement, exhortation, and prayer for the students at 4:00 p.m.! Then we celebrated some more by eating food together that some of the women had cooked over the outside fires. Large pots of casava, beans, rice and more were so full and heavy some of them needed to be carried in by three men! So, this all started two years ago with an Advent Conspiracy to provide a floor, roof and final construction of a church building for Paidha Baptist Church. The people are grateful! The building has allowed them to host and graduate the first class of Paidha Local Bible School. Pray for the students as they lead and teach in each of their churches. Their desire is to accurately and skillfully teach the Word of God and be leaders of good character. I spoke with one of the men who completed only one of the four-week sessions, so he is anticipating the next graduation. He had some challenges to take care of at home and in his church – during this time, sadly, he also lost a child. There are many challenges and obstacles here. Thank you for your continued prayers for these students.

This Honeymoon with Jesus

Sunday, September 20, 2015 – it’s 2 :38 a.m.  We awoke to the sound of a dull rhythmic beat of music blaring over loud speakers into the megaphone of the darkness, dogs howling and barking, and crickets and frogs keeping time right outside our open window – it’s a Saturday night in the big city of Kampala.  We each were laying still in the darkness, quietly pondering in our hearts the day before, thankful to the Lord for bringing us here – I know it sure doesn’t sound very romantic does it?!  But, strangely it is . . .

We arrived in the dark at 11:30 p.m. Friday night, shuffling five 50-pound heavy bags, two carry-ons and two backpacks – relieved to finally stretch out on our mosquito net-covered bed.  I woke up (at 6:50 a.m. instead of 2:38 a.m.! 🙂 ), and looked out the window to see our surroundings for the first time.

Good Morning “Sunrise”! 🙂

The light was just beginning to dawn.  As Hal described it, it’s as if we are on a “honeymoon with Jesus”.  We watched the sunrise progress through clouds on the horizon, having the luxury of time to read and meet with Jesus.  This honeymoon with Jesus is intimacy and discovery with Him, undistracted devotion to Him.   This is right where we want to be!

Over coffee and a traditional British breakfast of beans, toast, eggs and sausage we discussed the plans ahead.  In the end, Hal took a four-stop “borda-borda” ride to pick up the truck, purchase airtime for our phones, and some water and supplies.  We arranged meeting times and I finished our interview form for the Bible students we would be meeting;  and I took a nap.

We smiled and hugged and got to catch up with two of our “rare and beautiful treasures”, Stephen and Grace.  Stephen and Grace are the two oldest children of a widow we met in 2006.  Stephen is now running a good business in the market place; Grace has a 1-year old son and is continuing her education in a master’s program in agriculture.  They brought news of their mother and three brothers who are all healthy and doing well.  God has blessed and provided for our Ugandan family!

And we are blessed to be here!  We are blessed and grateful for the opportunity and for all of you – rare and beautiful treasures – who are holding us up with your prayers and support!  Thank you!  We are grateful for you!