It is amazing what a big difference two years makes, when the Lord is in control. Today, we went to the PCM orphanage and school again. When we went on Saturday, I was so busy knocking out the to-do list of video, photos, and testimony we needed to stop, look around, and appreciate what God has done. I had the opportunity to do that today. In just two short years, God has used the faithfulness of all of you to: i) provide clean water for the kids, rather than pulling it out of the river, as before; ii) completing the dorms (what will soon be only the girls’ dorm) with plaster and a portico on the outside, protecting the kids from the rain; iii) nearing completion on another set of dorms, which will house the boys; iv) two new classroom buildings, one a dedicated classroom, and one that serves as a classroom during the week and the church facility on the weekend; v) bathhouses and bathroom facilities that provide much cleaner, safer, and more modest facilities for both the boys and the girls; vi) a major gate entrance and fencing surrounding the entire property; viii) a culvert that diverts water and prevents erosion that was eventually going to destroy the school kitchen, and ix) landscaping throughout the facilities that, again, prevents erosion during the rainy season.

That’s not to mention uniforms, blankets, better food, mattresses, teacher training, and dozens of other things that Bub could remember, but I can’t. The point is that I was completely overwhelmed by God’s goodness and provision, working through the hearts of so many of you. I know I’ve said it several times during these blogs, but thank you again for your generosity and faithfulness. God has used you to perform a dramatic work in the lives of these kids.

We traveled to one of the churches in Kakagate, pastured by Januario (which sounds kind of Latin, don’t you think: “Don Januario”). Anyway, the purpose of our trip there was to preach to his church and several others, as well as several of the pastors in Emmy’s network. The funny event of the day came during the preaching portion of the service. Emmy led off with about a 10 minute introduction of Rumpf. Rumpf did a very good sermon about being available to God and not prejudging others, preparing to share the gospel at any time, in any place, to any one. It was your standard fare, 35-minute American sermon. Emmy asked if I planned to teach, and I said “no”, thinking with my American brain that the service had gone on long enough. Little did I know that Emmy was going to do a 30 to 45-minute “summary” of Rumpf’s sermon, adding his own points for good measure. When he finished, Pastor Januario stood and told us that these pastors had done such a good job presenting God’s Word that he was not releasing us, requesting instead that we continue preaching. And, the people agreed! I had a couple of barely illegible notes on spiritual gifts, based upon extensive preparation from the 25- minute van ride to Kakagate over bumpy roads, but it was all we had. So, I presented it. Emmy followed with another summary, this time a “brief” 15 minutes. We were afraid that it would keep going, and that we’d have to remember our commencement addresses from high school and give those. Fortunately, however, I think my message beat them into submission.

In an American church, or certainly one in my hometown, the congregation would have responded to two hours of preaching by calling out a mob to lynch the pastor. But these folks were staying with us, following along in God’s Word and taking notes. Amazing.

On our way back to the school to say our goodbyes, Rumpf drew some interesting comparison to Uganda, which has more of a western, Christian worldview, and other nations he had visited that were predominantly Islamic or Hindu. Rumpf was impressed by the relative lack of poverty, the depth of the people’s joy, and the cleanness of the area as compared to the surroundings of those other nations (trash everywhere, a heavy feeling of oppression, lack of education and personal freedom, and the like). It caused us both to reflect and give thanks for the redemption we enjoy in Christ, not only through salvation from death but also from the common grace that comes from a nation operating from a basic Christian worldview. The Church brought not only the gospel to Uganda (and to America, for that matter), but Christian values that resulted in hospitals, strong liberal education, (in the original sense, meaning an education focusing on reading and writing, with literacy with the goal, so that people could read and understand God’s Word on their own), the rule of law, private ownership of property, and many other things that come with a nation that originates from a Christian worldview. I was grateful to have come from a nation built on the gospel, encouraged that these things are being taught in my own school back home, and that they are being taught in the PCM school. As Rumpf observed, these are the potential future leaders of Uganda, and they are being taught everyday from a Christian worldview. To a great degree, the kids have a remarkable faith. As we left the school, all 200 of the kids laid hands on us, praying for us and sending us off. The depth of those little prayers was incredible, and it’s an awesome thing to have 200 little hearts who innocently love Jesus praying for you.

Rumpf summed the day up well when he said:

I’m impressed by the lack of extreme poverty resulting in starvation, the depth of joy, and the humility of Pastor Emmy. “He’s the real deal. I’m excited about the future value of a partnership with PCM. We’re really seeing future potential leaders of Africa here, coming out of this church and school.”

There is a popular song in Uganda, referring to this nation as “the Pearl of Africa”. Though by no means perfect, an underdeveloped country by most any standards, Uganda certainly has the potential to be a shining jewel of hope for Africa. And, PCM is a big part of spreading that hope throughout Uganda and, maybe some day (Lord willing) Africa.

Heading to Kampala tomorrow, by way of a world-wide church tour (just kidding—about four churches). I’ll talk about the Cows for the Kingdom program with the pastors tomorrow, assuming I can get the Internet in Kampala.

So we were at Januario’s home resting for a few minutes after arriving from a trip on the narrow dirt roads of Uganda. We sat there in his house built of stone as he introduced his family to Deuce.  What we would soon learn is the miracle of Cyrus, his 4 month old son. Back in January,  Cyrus was resting comfortably in bed, and his parents were outside of the home.  Elsam, our chief cook, and “one by one” our driver of the dump truck had just shown up to the house to collect the bull that they were going to slaugter to feed the youth conference attendees.  When they arrived,  they found his house in flames, with intense dark smoke filling the home.  How it started no one is quite sure but what they soon discovered was that everyone made it out of the home except little Cyrus.  Somehow, some way Elsam and “One by One”  ran in to the burning home,  found the baby by feeling for him, gathered him in their arms and made it safely outside the house.  Badly burned to his right side of his face and right arm, these scars may be with him forever. However, we are so thankful that his life has been spared and the testimony that will come of it some day from his own mouth.  Jer 29:11  ”For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

We awoke this morning refreshed and ready to head to the school after I fell asleep holding the computer with the first letter “d” typed of this blog.  Much work was to be done today.  It was going to be a fun one.

We arrived and the children were in school with all the teachers commanding attention. 

There were of course the occasional glances through the window or door at us but school went on as planned today.

One class at a time we brought forth the children to complete the pictures we needed.

Each of them stood with their nameplate and provided us with a “seka” smile with much ease.   We had a chance to interview several of the children in depth and will be happy to show you some of their comments very soon.

We got to talk to some of the older boys who get a chance to ride the single PCM bike down the road to run errands for Supermom and Elsam our cook.  Here is Alex returning with some tomatoes for Elsam.

We are thankful for this one bike and want to say thanks to Mike and Annette Childress for their purchase of a second bike for these boys.  I told them I was going to try to get them a total of 5 bikes.  Here they are receiving that news with much joy.

Supermom lets out a very big praise of thanks in the Miracle Van after hearing that news.

Next up were some group photos…………..Here is Supermom and Superdad with the children.   There is “much joy” as Emmy would be saying.   Can you find Emmy and Sarah in this photo?

We of course had to join in with the traditional trip “Where’s Waldo photo?” 

Justin interviewed some teachers and children on video while I proceeded into the classrooms. 

One by one I hit them all, stopping at last in Jonathan’s class. The class was about to have a quiz so I told them they should quiz me instead.  I got 5 points for each right answer and less than that if teacher Jonathan thought I was off.

I got to answer a whole variety of questions ranging from “what is an ethnic group?” to “what is a nuclear family?”  They asked me about the layers of the earth and I told them you don’t always have to know all the answers………and that I have some very good friends who know all about dirt (Les Jeske) and he helps me when I need to know something. 

I got a “0” on that one and all the kids erupted in laughter as I showed my disappointment with my first 0.  Then they asked me ………..”what are germs?”.  I told them “germs are very very good.  They pay for food for me and food for you. “ I went on to explain that my job is to kill germs.  I got 5 points for that one.  It was a great time. 

As a doctor you spend much of your time teaching,………teaching is fun………teaching these kids is SO FUN.

Mr. Cha they are asking for your return. It’s time to plan a teaching trip for 2011.

Next up was time for lunch as we all took a break.

The weather has been good this week but a bit hot. Everything is so green.  This is trip #5 and 4/5 trips have been green and one was a “brown out” with the land so dusty from no rain.  Not the case this time. We got some extra time at lunch to speak with teacher Fausta who had been gone last time with her new baby. Now 9 months old.  Precious.

Also at lunch I was able to show Pastor Januanario and Pastor Charles some of the pictures of the church that a few of our November team has built in Kenya.  They studied the diagrams and we talked and toured the land site where we hope to erect this building in November. Very exciting.

Next up it was game time.  Pastor Charles ran to the front and took on Edison, who I believe is our best football player.  He has some real gift and talent on the pitch. So it was the master builder Charles vs Mr Coordinated Edison.  They got up to level 32 in Jenga.  A record for the week.  Edison was the WEEENER as they say. 

I brought Connect Four for the smaller children.  Here is one of our sponsored kids Mark going vertical with his strategy.

It was quite fun watching the smaller children play this game.  It took them a long time to figure out that they needed to block their opponent from getting four in a row, so many of the games consisted of both players just stacking their first four and whoever went first won!  Maybe there was a communication breakdown somewhere in there.  At any rate, it allowed many kids to play!

Finally it was time for a new game.  CHESS.  None of them had ever played it.  I found a big one to place on the floor as the checkers has always been a hit.  Pastor Charles volunteered to play me and learn.

There is something so special about this man. He loves to learn about the Lord, but he also loves to learn new things.  As I took him on it was so fun to watch him think through each move. The kids learned so much from game #1 that they were ready to play themselves. Deuce jumped in and helped with some of the kids. 

Jude was the first one to play of course.  He is one of our champion checker players.

Finally before leaving we had one more treat.  A bubble blowing contest.  Each grade had a volunteer blower.  Everyone got three pieces and we went at it.  It wasn’t as easy as I thought for them since they never get to chew gum.  Well, this was the first of many of these contests I hope.  Much fun…………….

We piled back in the Miracle Van and headed home. It had been another full day.  A great one as usual. I don’t think it is possible to come away from this school compound without an overwhelming sense of pure joy.

Thank you Lord for letting us experience this once again.

Love and thanks to our supporters

Epa and the Deuce

We were up early ready and dressed for church.  We had our suit and coats on not to be underdressed as in services before, especially our first trip 2 years ago when Emmy looked at me and said basically, “go back and change.”  I needed to hear that then but not now.
We arrived at school and proceeded to the new P6/P7 classroom.  It takes up the former play area which is frustrating, but it is big enough in itself just to add a divider and we won’t have to build a P7 classroom next year. Yeah !!!! Thank you Grace Elementary School Hearts for Change program this February. The building is beautiful. Our biggest on campus. By collecting pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters over a 2 week period, there now stands a worship building/classroom that is being used everyday.  It will hold the children for school or the adults for church but not both.  That is still the problem. The P3 children and below are in one of the other classrooms.  Our plan this November is to build a new structure to hold all the school children without squeezing them like sardines and on Sundays for this building to be able to hold the entire church.  We have several committed to already going on this trip.  One of our other main purposes will be to install some play equipment for the children as their Christmas present this year.  Oh my will they love that!

So on our arrival the church was in full worship mode.

We were seated and noticed right away the older children’s choir, many of which had on some of the Grace School Orchestra blue shirts that blend in nicely to our PE uniform attire.  Here is a picture of Gaudy, one of our leaders and sponsored children.

Many of our village pastors made the trip to the home church today.  The farthest pastor traveled 130 miles. That is quite a distance on these roads. Many familiar faces were there including one of my favorites, Pastor Simon.  His smile is contagious as you can see.

Then Milly, one of our other newly sponsored kids, got up and led another group. You could hardly see her, but you sure could hear her sing!!

Someone in the church walked forward and gave her a small blessing (500 shilling coin worth a quarter) which is a tradition here in Uganda to bless the singers if you desire. And the children in the crowd also certainly responded.  Here is Alex, another newly sponsored kid, in full worship.

Some of you may remember him from the water video smiling, drinking the dirty water.  He is so thankful to be drinking clean water now. Wow……….such love for his Savior. Lord, help me to love you like Alex does.  We were then blessed by beloved Jude, our 13 year old sponsored son.

Everyone loves this kid when they see him. Many of you know him from leading worship songs on our video.  And I couldn’t also leave out worship leader extraordinaire and Ferguson adopted daughter Abias.

Pure and simply, the kind of girl you would want your daughter to be.  So thankful, so loving of her Lord.
Pastor Emmy then got up and spoke of Kiconco (pronounced “KEE CON SHOW” ) which is his name for my wife Monica.  It means “gift from God.”  You see, none of us would have ever been here today if it were not for her. Her obedience to go to Mozambique with an unknown purpose 3 years ago started all of this.  There she met Pastor Emmy who had also been called to this trip not knowing anyone either. When they met, they both knew immediately why the Lord brought them together. Anyway, the church got up and prayed for her with such love and appreciation like I have never seen. They love her and so do I!!!  Then Pastor Emmy said we have a special blessing from Kiconco. She has recorded 2 songs with the help of a group of others.

“None Like You” and “Wounded Soldier”.  The children rushed to the front and sang along. All were so blessed by this music.  They are waiting for your return Kiconco.  Especially your 2 adopted sons, Ivan and Patrick here seen looking through the church door.

It was then time for offering and one by one the pastors and church members came to the plate. Then I was truly moved by what I saw next.  Milly, one of our true orphans, who is so thankful for her Supermom and Superdad………promptly walked up to the offering basket and gave that 500 shilling piece (25 cents) in the offering plate. It’s all she has……..she gave it all to HIM. Thank you for letting me see that Lord. Help me to go and do likewise.
I introduced Deuce to the church and let him share some words with them, then I went to talk to the small children and read Bible stories to them.

So thankful for that experience. They listened so well and were perfectly quiet as i read to them stories about Zaccheus and Jesus and the disciples in the boat.  I was amazed that they were like a sponge to God’s word. They ate it up. The teacher Jonathan asked them what they learned. One after another they said things like,  “Jesus knows our names”  “Do not fear…..Jesus is with us” “With God all things are possible.”  Oh my Lord, help me to HEAR your Word like these precious children. Help me apply it to my life like these orphan children.  Wow……..

Next we pulled out the B-I-N-G-O and the kids caught on in a jiffy. Here is a photo of Emily, a Tyler Tx anonymous sponsor along with newly sponsored Dickson, sponsored by the Dixons from Tyler Tx.   Thank you to both of these families………Dickson almost won the first game!!

We then met with the Pastors after service and went over the progress we are making with PCM USA. They were so encouraged.  We spoke at length about the Cows for the Kingdom program where we are providing a milking cow for each of the pastors . They can take the milk and earn $2-3 daily and provide some milk for their families. We will visit the 3 pastors later this week who have been given cows to see up close and personal the program.  I would like to thank the Warr family as they have purchased our 4th cow and we are praying right now for who that pastor will be.  We hope to announce, complete the training needed, and deliver another 2-3 cows very soon if the Lord allows this program to grow.  One of the pastors’ obligations will be to give the first born of each cow to the school to build up cows for the kids and our desire to give them milk and let them eat more meat.  Yahoo………..thanks again Warr family.
Finally we made it back to the hotel and changed, ate at the Chinese restaurant which is on the hotel grounds (it has gotten even better Mr Ja and Mr Cha).  I might eat cashew chicken for 10 meals in a row.
Our last stop of the day was the crusade.

Here is one of my favorite children from the night.

Once again we climbed atop the stage, watched it rock back and forth with the worship team and then each of us got a chance to share.  I spoke on the beatitudes and being happy and humble. The Deuce did an excellent job. He asked if anyone would be willing to trade something that was in his pocket.

He wouldn’t show them but asked if anyone was willing.  One of the local pastors walked up and produced a white iphone and gave it to Deuce. Then he pulled out the prize in his pocket for the trade……..a single smartie. Wow, what a trade. A “smartie bomb” (as we call them as we throw them out of the van) for an iphone.  The Deuce went on to explain the unfairness of this trade and for the trade Jesus made for us.  Our sin for His blood.  I am so blessed to be working alongside such a talented pastor and teacher to these Ugandan people.  Before we left we got to pray over another 6 or so new Believers.
God is so good………all the time.
Siba bulungi “Good morning for us”
Epa and the Deuce.

We had spent so much time at the school with the orphans playing games that we had to hurry coming home to the hotel for a pit stop, changing the oil and loading up with some fuel. Neither of us took on enough calories or fluids as the Ugandan sun zapped us a bit.  We laid down for a few minutes and then here came the Miracle Van to our hotel. We loaded and were ready for the crusade.  Unfortunately, the road going from town to the school had been closed.  It just happened that the closed section included our crusade site.  Imagine that. Well, it didn’t stop nearly 200 people from coming to hear the Word of God. Here is our new PCM dump truck bringing some of the older children to the crusade.

We were definitely the “muzungus” of the crowd. The white men. The only 2 in sight…………..we haven’t seen any white skin away from our hotel in Mbarara which is usual. All eyes were on us.  We walked up to the platform which came right off the set of Gilligan’s Island.

It was a bit shaky with gaps in the wooden slats, but it held with strength…….enough to hold 20 pastors and a worship team of 20 or so. That is not to say it didn’t shake back and forth with the praise and worship.  These timbers will be used to fortify the P5 classroom once the crusade is over.  In Uganda everything has at least 2 uses………the stage would be no exception.

Emmy introduced us and we were up to sharing.  I can’t begin to tell you what an honor it is to share God’s Word with these people of Uganda.  They are so hungry for it.

People have often said being poor is an advantage in some respect.  Philip Yancey said about the poor recently:
1.    The poor know they are in urgent need of redemption
 

2.   The poor rest their security not on things but on people

3.   The poor have no exaggerated opinion of themselves

4.   The poor can distinguish between necessities and luxuries.

5.   When the poor have the Gospel preached to them it sounds more like Good News and not like a threat of scolding.

My message tonight was about the Bad News (us) and the Good News (God).  Still on the keeping it simple series for these humble people from Mbarara, then the Deuce got up and shared about 1st John 4: 7-8.
We must work during the day because night is coming. None of us know when Jesus shall return so we better get in the field and work it.  It is the only thing that we will all take to Heaven with us.

Soon after speaking, we gathered our back packs and headed for home. Pastor Simon said that at least ten adults were saved Saturday night. He and the other local pastors were there to help follow up this spiritual marker. We are so blessed to have a huge head start in this discipleship process.
Until tomorrow……….
Epa and Deuce

We woke up more refreshed today but there was something missing…….power.  Somehow we all took a cold shower and loaded some snacks and waters and headed straight for the Miracle Van. We had to make a few stops in Masaka as we watched our fearless driver try to talk the parking officer out of charging us to park while Pastor Emmy went to buy some air time.

The crusade started with a smaller crowd at first.  Most of the people were waiting for the sun to recede.

That is one of the things most noticeable about this trip. It is hot.  I have never been this hot in Uganda before…….but each trip is different.  We were amazed at all the beautiful people that are here.  We just love taking pictures of them.  All of us are learning how to take some real winners.  It helps to have a nice piece of “glass” as the camera pros say.

As the crusade started,  we were blessed with many singers.  And let me say many.  We had told Emmy that we would just share a brief word and do most of our talking now on day 2 and 3.  So this would be a night of Praise.  One of the favorites of the night was Johnny Freeman.

He gave his testimony about being lost and then gave his praise via song and dance to our King.  The man could dance like no other. After each song teacher Jonathan and Emmanuel would ask the crowd to give a “might clap” to God for the song.  ;o)

We were in the back of the crowd mainly, but what we noticed is that many eyes kept looking back at us.  I am sure people here don’t see many white people or families.  In fact, we haven’t seen many white people. The fewest of any trip by far.   To be honest…….we haven’t seen any the last 2 days in Mbarara or here at Kanoni.  We have been welcomed warmly with hundreds of hugs and handshakes.

Monica and Bailey were in the back of the crowd early on and the story goes that Monica was so in to the worship that she missed the entire herd of longhorn cattle walking right behind her!!!

I guess when you are a Longhorn, you can stand amongst them without even thinking about it.  Next up was some more singers and then finally we were called.  The night had gotten darker.   The lights were now on.   I shared very briefly then told the crowd I surely can’t sing and dance (like Johnny Freeman) but my 3 girls would be singing and Monica would be sharing briefly.  They got up there and sang “Nothing but the Blood “ for the nearly 1000 or so present.

They did so incredibly well.  It was hard to get a real number because people were everywhere.  In buildings, in the road, up front, behind the stage…….everywhere……

Next Monica took the microphone. She had a sense of purpose like I had seen one previous time.  You see several years ago our church was helping the New Orleans Katrina Hurricane evacuees.  Monica heard the Lord tell her we needed to bring a bus of these hurting people to our church.  So we got the keys to the mini bus and we drove it over to where they were staying.  Monica burst in to the UT Cowan Center front door, bypassing the check in gate with some immediate questions from those working the security desk. I told them plain and simply she was on a mission.  Well needless to say she loaded the van that day and we brought a busload of all black people to our nearly all white church and then to have barbeque after the service.    Well that was the same look we saw last night. She took the microphone from me,  and had a huge purpose.  To share the Gospel in just a few short minutes…….after she was done one man named Edward (black shirt) came forward to accept Christ.

Praise God. We knew the crusade would go long in the evening but we were thankful to see some fruit before we left.

What a night.  We then quickly packed the Miracle Van,  headed out on the village path and got stuck in a mudhole.   Pitch black, no one remotely close by.

We could see the faint glow of the crusade behind us.  Emmy and I got out as we rocked the Miracle Van free and the Playmaker led us through the winding path to our hotel.  We arrived about an hour later.  We were beat tired but we all knew this was worth it.  We needed sleep badly and then we would be ready again for more.

We are excited to see what will come of Day 2 of the Crusade.   Pray for more strength, more rest, food to nourish us, and the right words to share from the Word.

Sula Bulungi

PCM Team #4

We awoke after a fairly good night sleep…….not even the music till 1:30am could stop us from sleeping.

We were to meet Emmy at 10 am………the Miracle van was right on time. We thought we had some “African time” to polish up what we would share at church. We arrived and immediately our hearts began to feel a bit heavy. The church that we were used to above the road on our new land was not there. People had begun to steal the timber and tarps and so Emmy and Charles dismantled the entire structure where we had the 13 couple wedding. Instead we were going to worship in one of the classrooms. It would not be the same but it would do. The crowd was much smaller as most of the church had traveled to Kanoni for the crusade.

Front and center where the children were two special guys Frank and Patrick! Frank is the Ferguson house child and Patrick is ours and they circled close today with hugs and a few smiles even!

We were greeted warmly by the orphan children and the worship leaders, We gathered in the corner and just enjoyed being present once again.

They started the worship and then asked to hear from “our friends” as we are no longer just visitors. So first up was Bailey and Libby. Bailey played the guitar and Libby accompanied with vocals. They sang “Nothing but the Blood”, “O Come All ye Faithful, “ and “Joy to the World.” The orphans and church members loved it. Monica joined in for the last song. It was very good worship.

Pastor Emmy shared a quick word and then Monica and I both got our chance to speak to the church. We spoke of our first trip when God was calling us to this work. Basically in a nutshell we didn’t know what we were doing. We thought others would be leading this effort. Then it became very clear He was calling us to this work. Since the formation of the nonprofit in May of 2008, we have seen the blessings flow: classrooms, the Miracle Van, uniforms, Robert’s well, bath houses, and the start of the boy’s dorm. I told them we were firmly committed to standing with the ministry as we see it really begin to grow. We are with them. My heart was still heavy from the service though. The Lord began to tell me what was next. I told the church we need a real building that would stand alone not only as a church but also as a multipurpose building big enough for all the school children to meet under one roof. I am already dreaming but know this much needed project is coming soon.

After church I was excited to tour the site with Pastor Charles. He looks incredibly strong in his battle with HIV. He worshipped the LORD more than anyone at church today with great joy and childlike enthusiasm.

I was amazed at what I saw. First of all, we looked at the bath houses and saw them nearly complete. There is a larger room for the little children where about 20 can take a bath and about 4 separate stalls where 2 older children at a time can take a bath. It was such a joy to see this project nearly complete.

The former site where they bathe seems ancient history. The tile is yet to be put on but Pastor Charles thinks he can do in just 2 weeks at the first of the year. Next we couldn’t help but see the massive boy’s dorm.

It is huge with two separate divisions. Much larger than the girl’s and it will have a small awning/porch. It will be one of my family’s favorite places in the world to hang out. It will be able to accommodate 60-80 boys on each side.

Pastor Charles’ goal is to finish by February and knowing him, he might just get that done. Wow….here is a man with a debilitating viral illness working harder than anyone would think a man could. There is something very special about this man. I would ask each of you to remember him in your prayers. He is absolutely vital to our growth in EVERYTHING we are doing at our site. Next up was the kitchen where Charles has cut out 4 separate divisions for the stoves he needs. You see we have a mud building with a fire inside that burns and smokes the cooks big time. I of course asked him …..how much is one stove? He said 300,000 shillings= $150. For $600 we can overhaul the kitchen. It is such a vital room as each child comes through three times to receive their “daily bread” in the form of porridge , potatoes, beans and bananas. Next up we talked about the ditch repair as we have yet to finish that project. The man selling us the drains has been slow and hard to deal with but soon that work will be completed as well. Finally Charles spoke of the P5/P6 classroom and the need to finish it so it could hopefully ready for use next year. Total cost there is $10,000.

We then proceeded to the classroom where I brought my laptop and showed the children many of the videos I have made. They loved them, and watched every scene intently…….often seeing themselves on the screen.

Many laughs were heard again as they saw their friend and my friend Ambush on video. They have a huge love for him just like me. Everyone loved watching Jude and his ability to lead worship.

After the videos we kept around 6 or so of the orphans to interview with Pastor Emmy and their stories. It was great to learn more about them. Each of them was so meek and humble, often shaking as they answered for the camera. I will not go in to detail on each of these but will tell you just one thing. Each child was asked about how they came to school and how they have been blessed. At the end of each interview I asked them each is there anything they would like to have. Nearly all of the answers were………a church building ( ok it’s ok to show emotion here) and one other thing. Some fruit. A piece of fruit. Ok, now I was about to lose it . I am glad you can not see me now either. I then asked what type of fruit…..they all said the same thing……..apples. It is a very rare day that these orphan children get fruit but it does happen. Just imagine, a piece of fruit to be a treat. My mind was already scheming to figure out how to make this happen……….and fast.

We soon found it necessary to make it home to the hotel. We needed some rest. As soon as we got there we saw a children’s party at our hotel. Another big gathering but just children. Then Bailey and Libby said …..”hey dad look out the window.”

We saw “Father Christmas” as some of the Ugandans call him. He was very big, African, and had a “fake” beard according to Libby, threw candy and tried to dance but he was so mobbed that it was difficult to see his dance moves……that was a blessing I am sure. He was an amusing character to say the least!

Then the bottom fell out of the sky. It rained so hard you couldn’t see a foot in front of you.

Now we know why everything is so green. It delayed our return visit tonight to the school. We fell asleep and Emmy waited at the hotel for us the whole time. He didn’t want to disturb us. I figured he wouldn’t have come in the rain but he did. What a faithful friend. We always seem to hear the Miracle Van but somehow missed it tonight. It was about 6pm and then we made our last decision of the night. We would go to the supermarket and buy 60 apples and head straight to the school. Who cares if it was turning dark. So that is what we did. For about $18 we got one for all the children. By the time we made it to school it was totally dark. As soon as the van hit the gate there was an eruption of joy. We stood before them and greeted them . They were just happy to see us, not thinking we had even brought anything back. I told them the Lord told us to give them this special treat and they erupted in cheer.

They calmly formed one line as Monica, Bailey and Libby passed out one to each of them. All of them received it with such joy, some even bowing with a curtsy, many others saying simply “May God bless you.” Then we would be in for a bigger treat ourselves. We got to watch them all eat it. You know that sound people make when they are eating something really good, well just multiply that times 60 and think of what it would sound like. Plus lots of smiles as they crunched their apples! We loved hearing and seeing this treat. What we didn’t see is any remains of any apple. I think every child ate every bit of the gift they were given. I mean all of it. It was gone minutes later. Wow……..it’s the best $18 we may have spent so far on this trip.

Finally our other purpose was to do some Praise and Worship with the children. It was dark and kinda muddy but we made it back to where we started the day. The classroom. It had taken on a different look. Imagine a pitch black sky, one small light bulb lit in a Gilligan’s Island type of building with a concrete floor now covered with rain water and mud. All 64 of us gathered under that light as Abias led the group in worship.

Unbelievable time of praising God. I wish I could describe in words the HUGE love these kids have for their Lord and Savior. Lydia and Jude were on the drums and playing their hearts out as well. Patrick was so wonderful to see worshipping with all his heart! We ended with a surge of prayer in the Spirit and full hearts.

The night came to a close there on a deserted muddy road. What a day it had been. In just a few more hours we will return to our little friends for more fun. Praise the Lord we don’t have to wait any longer than that.

Tomorrow a couple of changes:

1.We will go to school early and let the chidren pick out their Christmas dress or outfit. Emmy wants them to iron them so “they will look smart for Christmas.” ;o)

2. We have decided to leave for Masaka a day early. The crusade has already started. On day one Pastor Reuben is reporting 20 salvations. He is wondering where we are. They thought we would be there today. Tomorrow will have to do……….

We will return Christmas Eve to spend our special holiday with our dear ones.

It is getting late, better say:

Sula bulungi “Good night”! Love to you all at home.

Bub, Monica, Bailey and Libby