We began the day with a trip to the PCM Banana Plantation.  It had been a part of Driver Emmy’s family,  then went up for sale last summer, and the funds were provided for purchase of this beautiful real estate.  It is west of town, about 20 minutes from our hotel.  You can see it from a distance at the top of the hill from the group shot above.  Noted cyclist enthusiast Pastor Doug wanted to give the banana bike a push so we asked one of the porters who delivers bananas to others to let us drive.   None of us could believe how heavy these bikes were.

It was Monica’s first visit.  The place was a bit browner, but still so beautiful.  Kinda the place you could just come and stay for as long as you like and no one would ever be able to find you.  Ashley said she would enjoy watching her girls running through the fields.  It is such a pieceful place.  We saw Julius cut down a banana tree……….like we have explained before the entire tree is sacrificed for the one big bunch of bananas.  Julius used a sharp pang and chopped the tree into the tiniest of pieces all for the sake of the young baby banana plant that grows alongside.  Part of the plantation was paid for by the memorials that were given in honor of Monica’s parents last year as they left this earth to be with the Lord in heaven.  What a blessing that this gift  will feed Emmy’s family and the orphans for generations to come.

Next, it was off to the school again.  The orphans had an entire program waiting to present to us.  First up was a debate and boy was it impressive.  Jay and Mr Cha stood close by and watched the awesome display of communication and thinking on their feet with these young orphans, some just 11 and 12 years old.  Great feedback was given by teacher Jonathan and a winner was decided.   The Jeske House won.  You see,  Pastor Emmy has divided the orphans into 4 groups.  He chose the names in honor of these families that have made a big commitment so far to this ministry.  The names of the groups that the orphans use are the fallowing:  Barret house,  Ferguson House, Jeske House and Wallace House.  He is so thankful for the sacrifice and support of each of these families.

We then were treated with a private concert by the orphan choir.   I don’t know but the African Children’s choir  ain’t no better than these kids.  They were led by Rabecca, adorable Jude, and Diana in songs that would move your heart. As video man for this project I went up and down the aisle of these 60 beautiful voices……….trying to show them all equally but somehow feeling a gravitational pull to the center watching the ever expressive Esther and her radiant smile. Oh my goodness Lord…………Your name  is so praised by these orphans.  The wind was blowing and the dust was flying around all during the concert,  but the singing continued like they were at Carnegie Hall. What a terrific job these orphans are doing with this worship to our Almighty King.

Next up was what I called the Cow Patty Classic.  The championship soccer game between houses was about to be decided.  It was the Barret House verses the Wallace House.  I walked over to our squad  and said I’m in.  The last game I played was nearly 2 years ago when I gave up my beloved soccer for the sake of this ministry.  I had been looking forward to this for months.  The backdrop of the field was an awesome Ugandan rural mountainside with banana plantations sprinkled about.  There was a large collection of bulls just on the far sideline who claim this field when the orphans and other schools are not playing on it.  The result of that is a literal mine field that had to be negotiated.  I have played on some unusual fields but this was the best. It brought a whole new dynamic to trying to stay on your feet.  No one on our team had shoes but me.  The game started and I was impressed with our team and the other as they skillfully kept control of the ball on this lightning fast field. A free kick was given late in the first half……from about 35 years out.  I gave it a go.   The result was a wind aided strike to the upper corner as it sailed over the keeper’s hands and under the crossbar.  The goal stood for a 1-0 victory for the Barret house.  After the match, I realized it would never get any better than this.  It was time to hang em up.  I took off my boots, and left them with the team and promised to buy the school’s competitive team a pair for each of them.

Finally we were blessed with an amazing snack.  Several families had contributed to this effort. Emmy bought some great juice drinks and graham cracker like snacks for each orphan.  We had about tons of boxes right off the sidelines.  Lines were formed slowly and the precious gift from our sponsors was distributed.  Toward the end we noticed that the amount was dwindling and we may not have bought enough.  To our amazement we ran out of juice by giving the last bottle to the last orphan child.  Incredible.  There is “always enough” when He is with us.  It was the perfect end to the perfect day………once again.

Mukama Asimewe

I asked the team today at the dinner table to share what impressed them today and what blessed them.  Here are their answers:

Doug Clark–preacher

“impressed that the pastors were excited about the Word. Enthusiastic response was not always with the right answer but the passion was there.  Also, it would be nice to hand out the correct outline…..It is helpful to do that, especially when translation is needed. ”  ;o)

“blessing was the chance to teach these rural Ugandan pastors…”

Kristin Laughlin– photographer

“So impressed with the teaching at the school, the curriculum was very impressive”

“Highlight of the day was watching Mr C teach.  I want to go back to school and be in his class.”

Monica Barret– artist and mother

Biggest surprise “God has already spoken to Ashley’s heart to be an advocate to these children.”

Biggest blessing “Getting caught up in a river of prayer and worship.”  All you have to do is look below.  Monica said she was coming to Uganda to worship and pray.  Strange hwo she says at the end of every day,  ”This has been a great day.”

Jay Ferguson– headmaster

Biggest suprise….”my wife spoke in public”

Biggest blessing “my wife finding a purpose with me independent of my agenda…..she has developed a passion for a place a have a great love for.”

Myles Cunningham–teacher

Impressed: “The school.  The quality of the teaching .  Good technique.  Depth of material. Very impressive.”

Most blessed: I sponsor a child named Junior.  Both of his parents abandoned him.  He has no one. One of the other orphans said Junior calls you “my father.”  This place is not just about writing a check.  Junior carries around the letters like many other orphans and holds them close to his heart.”

Driver Emmy–”the playmaker”  due to his likeness of Michael Irvin

Impressed:  How much chili someone (Jay Ferguson) puts on his food. Have fun later and tells us how the night went.”

Blessed:  ”To wake up early in morning not expecting anything but today i received a big blessing that made me jump up and down.”  Let me explain.  You see Driver Emmy makes $75 a month.  He has 2 children and is trying to find a way to support his wife and 2 daughters.  They decided to open a small store in front of their home like many other people.

Supermom– Sarah Nnyanzi

Surprise:  Mr Cha teaching like an African

Blessing: Cross received from Pastor Doug’s wife Vicki

Grace– Pastor Emmy’s daughter

Surprise:  Driver Emmy drinking a red bull then dozing off

Blessing: getting this Parental Care tshirt

Pastor Emmy– preacher

Surprise: Seeing all the pastors who have been at the conference so joyful for the message they received

Blessing:  Seeing all the pastors receiving a huge blessing: their own cell phone

Ashley Ferguson– antique show dealer and mother

I saved her for last because i know so many of her friends are reading this and wondering what is stirring in her.  She has quite a bit of fear at her own acknowledgement of public speaking.  Well, after distributing 200 hand made ophan name plates…….God is working mightily in her. She got in front of the P# class as i was walking by with my video camera friend, and of course she said “put that away.” Well i kinda did…..i backed up about 3 feet but left my microphone rolling in the doorway. These are her exact words:

“When my husband came back from Uganda in November of 2008 he said  ”You have to go with me.” I said “No.” Because i was afraid. I was afraid of leaving my 3 daughters at home and not knowing what i would do. God spoke to my heard and he said,  ”Go.” My heart wanted to obey God. In an act of obedience, I came. I’m so thankful. Your smiles touch me. I will go tell my friends about you and I will tell them to come. When God speaks to each of us, we must listen and obey.  When we do, there is always blessing. It’s not always easy, but always blessing. You are the blessing. ”  AF 7/27/09

It has been a huge highlight for all of us to see someone who had hesitation for joining God’s work in Uganda, see them get there after 2 days of tough travel, and then see the Holy Spirit do such a work that melts a heart right before your eyes. All you have to do is see the pictures to tell what is happening. I can’t wait for you to hear it from her mouth……(maybe not on stage somewhere)……but i bet she will share….just ask her.  Thank you for your obedience Ashley.  These orphans already love you so much just after 3 days!!!

Got to go to bed.  Orders from the team.  They are concerned i am staying up too late typing all these blogs.  I will share my biggest surprise tomorrow….give ya a hint……it’s all about water.

Goodnight,

Bub

COMMENTS:

Daniel ‘Ambush’ Wallace

danielw@gulllake.org

Thanks Bub for capturing the teams impressions and blessings! What a joy to read and rejoice with you all. I’m thrilled by Ashley’s testimony. Give her a hug from me as I was deeply encouraged by her childlike obedience. Let the team know they are loved and prayed for by many. Let Pastor Emmy and his team know the same. Hug Justus and Eva for me and my family.

Blessings,

Ambush

From Day 4, 2009/07/28 at 9:49 PM

Ann Terese Brandt

AnnT35@hotmail.com

Loved reading today’s post. I am sure many will be influenced by Ashley’s story now, and when she returns. What a wonderful testimony of going when God calls, and trusting Him in our fear. I am sure so many can relate..me being one of them! Blessings to you all!

From Day 4, 2009/07/29 at 7:11 AM

Jason, Carrie & Bailey Bigbie

JLBigbie@Juno.com |

It is exhilarating reading these updates and of the countless blessings the Lord is giving through Team Uganda. Awesome, powerful stuff and I wake up each day looking forward to reading a possible update from PCM!

We continue praying for all of you - God Bless.

From Day 4, 2009/07/29 at 7:14 AM

Karla Foreman

kforeman@gracetyler.org |

WOW! Myles, I am so happy that you saw the same degree of quality in the school that I did. I can’t wait to talk to you about it. So many answered prayers with countless, ongoing ramifications. Thank you all so much for going and for sharing. Pray the trip back will be smooth; and with doses of both peace-full reflection and joy-full celebration.

From Day 4, 2009/07/29 at 7:47 AM

Susan Everett

hseverett@gmail.com

Every post is beautiful, and the pictures are breath-taking, but when I got to the one today with Mr. C holding the little boy (is this Junior, I assume?), the tears of joy, thankfulness and awe began. Love to you all– special shout out to Mr. C, one of our personal faves around here…

From Day 4, 2009/07/29 at 11:42 AM

Kelly Michaels

kellycmichaels@gmail.com |

I was so moved by today’s post and I love seeing God’s work in Ashley - it’s been wonderful to pray with her all year about this trip, so today’s post brought joyful tears. I will continue to pray for you all. The pictures are telling such a beautiful story, too - such a blessing to all of us at home.

Keep up the good work, Team Uganda!

Well, we wade it through the night.  The noise at our hotel went deep into the night with a different wedding reception.  Jay, the ever astute one, said he wasn’t sure our hotel was made for hundreds of visitors at a time.  I agree. But as he told me the other day in the hall,  ”this is Africa Bub.”

We made it back to the church for Sunday service.  It was quite a tired congregation.  Everyone was dragging from the wedding.  Half the church was at the soccer stadium cleaning up.  So it was a bit quiet.  And then the orphans got up to sing. Oh my goodness, I was seated where i could not see their faces and i got up to move.  If i could only put in to words what worship with them is like.  If only i could worship myself like an orphan.

We got a chance to speak and the Lord had me share….”Where is your heart?”  Here is a bit of what i shared:

So many of you may be wondering…..what in the world am i doing here listening to this guy talk about hearts.  My wife , yes this is Monica’s fault, met Pastor Emmy in Feb of 2007.  Soon after that i began to get to know his heart.  I learned real quick he was living Matthew 22 “loving God with all your heart, mind and soul.”  I learned even more from him being denied a visa to the United States. I don’t think I would be here today if he had been denied access to our country.  I would have not fully understood what he has done for the Lord with this ministry and school. He has given up his home, his car and many other things just to feed these 200 children. He has taught me a lot about having a huge heart for others and what it means to sacrifice.

AW Tozer said it best:

The wildest thing in the universe is the potential capacity of the human heart.  Being made in the image of God, it is capable of almost unlimited extension in all directions.  And one of the world’s greatest tragedies is that we allow our hearts to shrink until there is no room in them for little besides ourselves.

The Bible teaches us in Luke 12  ”where your treasure is, your heart will be also. ”  Well i have to admit my heart is here. The Lord has a great work for us to do and I am blessed to be here doing His work. I am committed to this school, to this ministry, these churches ,these pastors , this town, this district and this country.  My heart is here…..I promise you.

If you have never surrended your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ…..you should take advantage of that opportunity today.  There is no one that can make your heart healthier.  Only the Lord knows how many beats you have left………..

Then i put on a black tshirt that says  ”I LOVE MBARARA” and i sat down.

Next up after me was Monica.  She continued the theme of sharing from her heart by showing the orphans and church her  ”heart drawing series” where she has made some beautiful creative designs of the heart.  Mr Cha described the talk as “Child Evangelism Fellowship” on steroids.  Amazing he said and well done.

Jay and Ashley warmly greeted the church and then passed the microphone to Mr Cha.

This is where it got fun. Mr Cha got up and was so enthusiastic. He wanted the crowd to get in to it with a contest of who could sound out Jesus the loudest.  So he began with the orphans……Give me a “J”,  give me a “U”, give me a “S” , give me an “E”……”uh oh i think i messed up since i am a bit nervous.”  We were all cracking up in the front.  To Mr Cha’s credit, he rallied and had the entire church in to it by the time he finished. And then of course he was most gracious and allowed us to tease him about it.  We knew better than to give him too hard of a time……his day for real teaching was coming and we know what he is capable of doing.

Kristin was coaxed by the crowd to come up front and share.  She said she has been “privileged to worship God everyday by taking pictures full of Jesus in there eyes.”  And she said it was a beautiful sight.

The group hurried back to the hotel and Doug and Jay prepared for the pastor’s conference.  We were a bit distracted because they were having a Christian vs Muslim debate at our hotel. 200 Muslims, 3 Christians.  We asked Emmy about this and he said, the organizer has a son who just recently converted to Christianity. He said every time that they do this more and more people leave the Muslim faith and convert to Christianity.  Emmy said he hopes it keeps happening.  Doug and Jay let it not affect their teaching and ability to bless the pastors. They opened with a question answer period and then Doug swiftly moved to “What is vision and how to communicate it.”

Then Jay shared about conflict resolution and reconciliation and how they could treat their enemies as their friends.   And that God is all about community and what that looks like.

Many of the pastors came to me personally as we returned from school and said, “We have been so blessed.”  There were about 28 present.  Some traveled from over 120 miles away.  Very difficult to do in Uganda.

Monica , Ashley, Kristin, Mr Cha and myself headed for the school.  Our mission was to distribute the name plates that Ashley had constructed with the orphans first name on the front beautifully decorated and the many names of Jesus that Monica so beautifully inscribed on the back.  We were to pass these out and then take pictures of every orphan holding their name plate.  Very powerful. So, the fun began.

The crowd began to form and one by one each orphan came forward and received this simple laminated plaque that had been colored and decorated by children in our community, most of them from Grace Community Church.

It soon became a “treasure.”  You see when you are an orphan your dormitory is lacking a lot of personalization.  These name plates were a huge blessing.

You see our Creator sees all of us, all the time.  Even when we think we are not important, we have an identity through Him, always. These orphans understand that better than so many people we know. They were running around the school holding their signs right over their heart, smiling ear to ear.

Oh my…..We soon began to attach them to their beds and what a difference that did to the whole dorm. Something was stirring in Ashley.  All of us there tonight could see it.

You’ll have to wait to till tomorrow to hear the rest of the story……….

At the end of the visit we presented each dorm with a giant checker set.  We would soon understand how special this gift was by talking with Aron, the head boy of the school, voted on by the other children. He is such a leader and stands out in every way.  He helps with organizing everything and then is always seen at the end of the line waiting patiently for whatever activity is planned.  What we didn’t know is that Aron had constructed his own checker set. Made with a piece of cardboard,ink pen, and bottle tops.

He was thrilled to have a checker set to share with others. This kid is a real leader. We are so blessed to know him………

What a day.

Can’t wait till tomorrow.

Good night

Team Uganda

COMMENTS:

Foy Forehand

foyii@suddenlink.net | 74.192.113.234

Sounds like a great day. Look forward to hearing Ashley’s story.

From Uganda Day #3 Church and A Name, 2009/07/27 at 8:35 PM

2009/07/27

myra

gregnmyra@yahoo.com | 70.254.43.244

Hey! I felt led to pray specifically for Ashley all day on Sunday. Can’t wait to hear what I was praying about!

loves,

Myra

From Uganda Day #3 Church and A Name, 2009/07/27 at 9:51 PM

2009/07/27

Mia Forehand

miatcl@suddenlink.net | 74.192.113.234

As I read the blog, I continue to be in awe of how the Lord has designed His kingdom in such a way that, when we follow His precious son’s example of loving and serving others, EVERYBODY is blessed beyond measure. Even the bystanders (that would be us over here in the States), simply observing these powerful expressions of God’s love, are blessed beyond measure! Nobody gets left out. Thank you for the sacrifices that all of you have made to make this trip and for all of the preparation that has gone into the work you’re doing there. And thank you for sharing your thoughts and the pictures with us. Praying for you.

From Uganda Day #3 Church and A Name, 2009/07/27 at 10:45 PM

2009/07/27

Daniel ‘Ambush’ Wallace

danielw@gulllake.org | 206.53.157.52

Wonderful news! I can feel the emotions and love as I read the blog. What a joy. Aron is amazing. Please give him a hug from me. I have his picture in my study and think of him regularly. Your obedience to go inspires me and I praise God for all of you. Please pass my love on to Emmy and the entire crew. Praying God continues to move in the hearts of all who are in contact with you, including you all.

Love,

Ambush

From Uganda Day #3 Church and A Name, 2009/07/28 at 12:19 AM

2009/07/28

Beth Reed

http://weareteamreed.blogspot.com | rolltidereed7@yahoo.com | 68.90.128.207

I have cried through this entire post! I am so overwhelmed with joy for these orphans and their name plates. The second I saw the names Promise and Gift I just lost it. How beautiful is it that their names tell what we all are to God, his promise and gift! I cannot wait to hear what is happening with Ashley! Oh, and that checkers set is so great! God knows even the small desires of our hearts doesn’t he?!

From Uganda Day #3 Church and A Name, 2009/07/28 at 8:23 AM

2009/07/28

Kim Hackney

hackney@suddenlink.net | 74.196.235.220

Ok so I have posted two previous times and i guess I did not hit submit….We are praying for you all faithfully…. when I wake up at 3:00 a.m. you all are on my heart… Mark, I love that God has brought you back to the soccer stadium… I can’t wait to hear tomorrow’s story. In our prayers….Kim

From Uganda Day #3 Church and A Name, 2009/07/28 at 2:32 PM

The Wedding

The day started with our preparation for a 1000am pickup at our hotel. We were ready to go by then but i warned the team….this is Africa.  We felt a little different in that we would be having a wedding and Doug was leading it so we sort of had to be somewhat ready. Pickup time:  1155am. And we were off…….

On travel to the school where the wedding would take place we noticed another blessing. The district commissioners had been true to their promise and the road was so much improved to get to Parental Care School Mbarara.  Yipeee.   We got to the school and the church (Emmy’s main church) and quickly realized they have located across the street from the school to the new land we acquired in December 2008.  We immediately noticed a huge crowd of wedding parties. Ashley and Kristin were quick on the pickup that not one of them had the same colors as the rest.

The team was impressed with the tarped church structure and its construction often withstanding the breeze that would occasionally come. Perfect weather for a wedding.  After quite the procession, each bridal party was under the big top and was ready for the big occasion. Our ladies noticed the seriousness of the brides, it was quite striking. Driver Emmy’s wife Mary was full of smiles though, a far cry from the state we saw her in November at the clinic very ill from malaria all week.

Pastor Doug gave some very timely , well chosen words to the couples, charging them with their responsibilities and then going through a delicate vow procedure where he spoke, waited for the translation, then for the participants to repeat and then continue again.  It was a job well done….not easy to say the least.  13 couples all up front with the “Ugandan paparazzi” so crowded up front the rest of us special guests up front could hardly see anything. Each couple had a best man and a matron dressed in similar fashion. Total attendance for the wedding was around 500, coming and going at different parts of the service.  In attendence were some special guests. Emmy’s mentor (Pastor James)  who encouraged him to go in to the ministry, along with a couple working with YWAM, Roger and Julie , who at the age of 75 and 67 are still trekking through Africa encouraging people like Emmy.  They are a special couple in that they purchased the land that the school now sits on. It was such a joy to meet them. God spoke to me and told me that by seeing such a couple like this we have much more time to work here in Uganda than i thought.  Maybe another 3 decades if we are blessed unless He returns sooner.  I can’t imagine what He might accomplish in such a time period. Speaking of finishing……the ceremony finished at 330pm.  Monica and I were blessed to stand with Pastor Emmy and Supermom as my best man and her matron with these 12 African couples, joining some in their first official wedding ceremony and others for their actual wedding day.  As Jay summed up well, “we will never experience something like this again. ”

We made it back to the hotel, had a quick break, took some pictures at our hotel and then we were off to the soccer stadium.  Before we made it there, car #2 with Jay, Ashley, Kristin, and Doug made a slight detour. They describe their taxi driver pulling over on the side of the road, motioning to someone in one of the stores, speaking 5 words or so and the shopkeeper comes back with a big plastic bag. He rummages through a few seconds and pulls out a pair of shoes for the wedding. The driver gives the storekeeper a 50cent piece and his old flip flops, takes his “new” pair with a bit more tread on the tire and actually collects some change from the storekeeper.

The Reception

We all made it to the soccer stadium.  Oh my goodness, I knew there was going to be a lot of people but this was amazing.  Each couple was given around 100 invitations to send out and then Emmy also made it an evangelistic outreach opportunity with the result being 2000+ Ugandans all arranged in tents in a square pattern on the soccer field covering the perimeter leaving the center of the field open. As Doug said, “there were a lot of plastic chairs there.”

As some of you know I gave the game of soccer my first two decades of my life and thoroughly loved the sacrifice, commitment, leadership development and success that He allowed me to experience with many great teammates. The Lord told me to give all the accomplishments and scholarships up …..and be a doctor. So i did. It was tough not playing in college and watching my teammates around the country enjoy those years. However, I am grateful.  He has allowed me to return to “the pitch” with a greater purpose. I am so blessed. His ways are so much greater than our own! Iknew yesterday with certainty that i had made the right decision. Thank you Lord for bringing me back to this field i oh so love. This experience was worth much more than i ever can describe…….So let me try.

Upon entry to the gated area we were struck by presence of the orphans. How all of them made it from school over here before us was amazing. Jay and Ashley made a quick b line over to them and began to greet them.  I  wanted to stay with them but Emmy was literally dragging us away trying to get us to join the other couples to enter the field by pulling up the rear.

Each wedding couple made the diagonal like procession across the field. I had a little fun with this march. We were led by the Nnyanzi’s two boys, Roger and Daniel as Emmy and Sarah followed behind us.

They began by letting each couple cut the ribbon to the entryway.  The scissors were full size compared to the preschool pair we had in the fall for the school ribbon ceremony.  We are making progress here at PCM.

We sat at the far corner and watched the festivities. Lots of entertainment and dancing from the 2 hosts with microphones and PA system.  We had planned on building a stage but Emmy decided to scrap those plans and instead leave it open. It was the right decision. The funds were used to buy even more cakes for the reception. There must have been 50 or so cakes arranged on pie trees with 4-5 in front of every couple.  Driver Emmy had real live sparklers on his cake. Not too far off behind the stadium a real fire broke out .  Funny how no one seemed to notice .  All the action was on the field.  Next we got to cut the cake .   I managed to “saw through the icing”  and get the job done this time as opposed to the fall when i broke the knife. We fed each other a piece and i think i nearly choked my bride with the piece i chose for her. The gingerbread like cake was a bit firm but i thought tasty. Mr Cha got up in front of the crowd with the host Vincent and he asked 2 questions: “What do you think of this place and experience.  My Cha’s response was brief yet profound……”God is here.” Then the host asked him what he will tell others in America about this experience, and Mr Cha came through with another great answer….”God was there.”  6 words. They said so much.

We then got to go around and serve the guests each a small 1 inch square of cake.  Unbelievable gratefulness for this tasty little morsel.  The crowd so well attired in suits and dresses never reached a single hand toward my plate.  Amazing, not a single crumb was dropped by them.  The exception of course was Mr Cha, who “accidently” had his piece hit the ground.

Then the host called out Kristin. She was brought forth and the host made mention she was not married.  She was single. Then the host said in dowry fashion, “how many cows are you worth?” Kristin was unable to answer but Jay gave the loudest response  ”100″ which brought smiles and laughs to many.

The festivities went on and on until there was no light, and then it was time to go. I told Emmy that we were proud of his organizing ability and the chance to partner with him to do something special for Mbarara. The Lord was honored on this day in a very unique way.

Monica and I made it back to our room about 745pm.  We loked down at our feet and as we were about to enter our hotel room we noticed something.  We were covered in dirt and dust nearly completely. My black suit and her white dress were both nearly brown.  Our exposed skin was brown and i think if you could have seen inside our hearts they might have been brown too. It’s a beautiful color.  We have found a real purpose for the rest of our lives and stand fully committed to  His calling.

Mukama Asiimwe.  Praise the Lord.

COMMENTS

Foy Forehand

foyii@suddenlink.net | 74.192.113.234

Congrats on the Wedding! The description was marvelous and the pictures beautiful. God was glorified!

From Just Another 13 Couple Wedding, 2009/07/26 at 8:31 PM

2009/07/26

Mia Forehand

miatcl@suddenlink.net | 74.192.113.234

WOW! What an amazing experience for all of you. Mark, thank you so much for taking the time to write home to share details of the the day’s events and your thoughts with us. I wept as I read your blog entry! I didn’t know it was possible to feel the presence of the Lord across cyberspace and time zones…until tonight. The joy of the Lord was written all over your faces; you were literally beaming with the presence of the Holy Spirit and all of us reading the blog could actually see that in the pictures. Thanks for sharing the blessing of your dirty shoes and dusty, brown skin with us! We love you guys and are holding you up in prayer as you disciple, minister to, and love on the precious people of Uganda. Please know that with every minute you spend writing a blog entry and downloading pictures, we are being blessed by your obedience to God’s calling on your lives

From Just Another 13 Couple Wedding, 2009/07/26 at 9:12 PM

2009/07/26

Daniel ‘Ambush’ Wallace

danielw@gulllake.org | 66.222.77.26

Just printed out the blog for today! The pictures are great! Look forward to reading it before bed. You are being prayed for!

Ambush

From Just Another 13 Couple Wedding, 2009/07/26 at 9:33 PM

2009/07/26

Brian

bboat777@Hotmail.com | 64.139.234.56

The joy of Christ is seen in all of your faces in the pictures of the wedding, and Bub if I didn’t know better I’d say writing was your true calling! However, I do know better. Being submissive to the Spirit is your calling my brother, and I’m proud of you. It shines through in your writing and in all that you are doing. Thanks for sharing all that our Father is doing among His people in Uganda. The joy that He promised us in his Word is seen throughout each picture (my favorite is Monica looking up at you), each child’s face, every one of Emmy’s smiles, and as you recount the events. May each one of these 13 marriages be filled with this same Joy of the Lord.

From Just Another 13 Couple Wedding, 2009/07/27 at 1:48 AM

2009/07/27

Kim Hackney

hackney@suddenlink.net | 74.196.235.220

How well written Bub… I felt as if I were there. When you first mentioned the soccer stadium…. I thought before you mentioned it…. God brought you back to one of your great loves while you are continually serving. What a beautiful bride you have! We are praying for you ALL daily…. the team and the people you serve….love keeping up with you all and great pictures Kristin. Give the team our LOVE! Kim and Joel

From Just Another 13 Couple Wedding, 2009/07/27 at 6:33 AM

2009/07/27

Brenda O’Neal

boneal@gracetyler.org | 70.254.43.254

How GREAT is our God!!! As I read your blog through teary eyes and looked at precious photos showing the play by play wedding, I felt as though I were there worshipping with you! As only God can do, my radio blared Chris Tomlin’s “How Great is Our God” and I thought to myself, “YES, HE IS!!!”. Thanks for sharing and KNOW that we are praying for you each step of the way!

Hugs and prayers…

Brenda

From Just Another 13 Couple Wedding, 2009/07/27 at 8:02 AM

2009/07/27

Jason, Carrie & Bailey Bigbie

JLBigbie@Juno.com | 67.77.71.23

The photos speak for themselves as you see nothing but love and pure joy on everybody’s faces. Simply amazing and thanks so much for sharing in such terrific detail. May God continue to bless you all on this amazing journey. Congrats!

From Just Another 13 Couple Wedding, 2009/07/27 at 8:24 AM

2009/07/27

Margot Pate

mconsford@yahoo.com | 66.194.173.226

I am so greatful to the Lord that your time in Africa is full of so many blessings. My prayers are with you all.

All my love !!!!

From Just Another 13 Couple Wedding, 2009/07/27 at 12:19 PM

2009/07/27

Ann Terese Brandt

AnnT35@hotmail.com | 74.192.253.248

Never seen so many beautiful brides in one place!

Monica, I know this had to have been one of THE best days in your life.

One heart, One mind and one purpose with your husband, following the Lord.

So encouraged by the pictures, can’t imagine the feeling of being there.

Blessings, love and prayers to you!

From Just Another 13 Couple Wedding, 2009/07/27 at 12:29 PM

2009/07/27

Kaye Hinkie

vkhinkie@gmail.com | 75.23.40.14

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful on the mountains

are the feet of those who bring good news,

who proclaim peace,

who bring good tidings,

who proclaim salvation,

who say to Zion,

“Your God reigns!”

This verse jumped into my head/heart when I saw the picture of your feet!! Thank you for loving Him enough to love those in Uganda so well!!! Thanks for allowing us to be part of this journey half way around the world because you take the time to let us “see” what’s happening. I am blessed by reading…I am honored to pray for you!!

From Just Another 13 Couple Wedding, 2009/07/27 at 2:44 PM

2009/07/27

Wanda Shaeffer

http://wshaeffer@gracetyler.org | wshaeffer@gracetyler.org | 65.41.67.204

How great it is to once again see Uganda through your eyes and through the eyes of God via the blog. To see Myles and Doug in those suits made my day! What a joy it is to see God at work in you.

From Just Another 13 Couple Wedding, 2009/07/28 at 12:50 PM

2009/07/28

Holly Patterson

pattersons99@suddenlink.net | 74.192.83.3

Congrats on the wedding, that is very awesome and too incredibly sweet!

From Just Another 13 Couple Wedding, 2009/07/28 at 5:48 PM

2009/07/28

laura gerick

lgerick@gmail.com | 74.196.234.133

wow…how wonderful… what a treat… what a blessing… to be able to witness and see through you, Gods’ work … with these posts and updates from Africa…thank you…

hugs and prayers

From Just Another 13 Couple Wedding, 2009/07/28 at 6:13 PM

Well nearly 45 horus from our start…..we are here. The trip started out with ease from our first flight.A free upgrade to business class.  Our second flight from England to Uganda was back with the masses in coach. We dozed off for a few hours and after some interesting turbulence approaching Entebbe, we had arrived in Africa. On the ground we were met with airport staff wearing H1N1 masks and given information about the flu virus. I guess the internet connection isn’t as reliable  and that word has not gotten out that this strain is not as virulent as we thought. They ushered us to the Miracle Van where Driver Emmy climbed aboard and secured each of our 13 pieces to the top of the van with such skill.  Various other airport workers were there each trying to earn a tip for watching Driver Emmy do all the work. When it was time to leave our reliable transportation more closely resembled the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine both on the inside with our crushed velvet interior. We were off.

We made it through the masses of Kampala (even watching Pastor Doug Clark chase down a boy in an Ohio State University jacket.  We noticed right away a big change. The potholes are being filled. Infrastructure is coming to this nation. They are expanding the major roads.  It may not be with the same road crew that we are used to in the states but the work is getting done. We were 1/3 through the journey from Kampala to Mbarara.

We stopped at the equator and had a good little visit.  We were all fascinated with the “Did you know ? ” guy who stands and shows you the rotation of the water one way on the northern hemisphere, then the opposite on the southern hemisphere, and then no rotation at all on the equator.

My eyes were glued across the street at one of the stores where we found 2 Ugandan children sitting so contently.  We found them a cookie in the Miracle Van and they were so happy.

We made a few other stops with Doug leading the way in this department.  He’ll tell ya he never called for a stop, but he wins the prize at examining closely the many varieties of plants that grow alongside the road.  Mr C found a way to penetrate the wilderness the farther than any of us.  Jay, Monica, and myself made this bladder training voyage with a little more ease than the others.

The middle of the journey began to show the most striking thing of the journey…..dryness.  This land outside of Kampala is parched, brown and oh so dry.  Thousands of people are dying for lack of water and the inability to grow crops in the land devoid of rain.  What a difference from the last trip and the floods of November.  Adding this to the road construction and you would think we were hundreds of miles north in the Sahara.

This is when is got tough.  We were all worn out, exhausted and now dealing with the road and the conditions.  Driver Emmy did not let it wipe the smile off his face or the laugh from his voice.  He is quite excited to be one of the 12 other couples getting married with his bride Mary.  He told me of the small shop he and Mary have started in front of their home trying to make a living.  You see we live in a country with unemployment of single digits. We think the sky is falling when our 401(K)s and retirements shrink to a smaller fraction.   Over here in Uganda, unemployment is 65%.  And even if you have a job you may not be able to cover your families expenses. He told me more than once. “Thank you so much for all that you are doing for us.”  He is so grateful for what little is provided.  What a blessed man he is to drive this Miracle Van around in Uganda with Pastor Emmy.  All of us would have a bigger faith and a bigger smile “seka” as they say in Uganda.

It got tougher near the end of the trip and then the Lord provided some spiritual refreshment.  Just off the side of the road, lost in a cloud of dust was “the chicken church.”  It was almost unrecognizable just off the main road.  Current time was Friday afternoon, 4pm. We had left Tyler Tx on Wednesday at 1 pm. The locals at the church had been waiting for 3 hours.  Immediately upon entering the church we were greeted by Pastor Johnson, his son Leonard the drummer, and his daughter leading worship.  We soaked up the Spirit and it provided the much needed rest and break from the travel.  Ashley said….”it was good to see why we came so far.” We were impressed by the number of men present in the congregation which was impressive.  Worshipping the Lord wholeheartedly. The children would come up one at a time and make their way next to us. I think Jay got the most hugs of all.  Kristin got some great pictures. I shared about the poor widow’s offering and thanked Pastor Johnson and his church for teaching me how to give.  It was in this church in March of 2008 where the Lord showed me what true giving was all about. Giving is measured not in what the size of the gift is or how loud we announce it……but rather what is left over after we have given in a quite humble way.  I thanked them for showing me with their humble and sacrificial offerings to God. Then we watched Pastor Johnson offers us all a cool Coca-Cola. I don’t know how it stayed cool but it was and it tasted great. That of course was not it……then he proceeded to give us 3 handmade baskets, a personalized gourd, a small watermelon, a pineapple, some bananas and some eggs. Here in a country of people starving from the drought and lack of food, he was offering some of his best to give us as a gift and thanks.  I concluded and mentioned I would be back with my 2 daughters and Monica for Christmas and we would come visit.  God is so good.

We arrived safely at our hotel and were greeted by Milton the bell boy. He got all 13 bags upstairs with ease.  We all met for dinner and made it an early evening.  Tomorrow was going to be a big day.

Goodnight

Team Uganda.

Here is a recent picture of the orphans with their new PE uniform donated by one of our supporters this month. We are so thankful!!!

Join Team Uganda #3 for ice cream sundaes at 7pm at the Barret house this Sunday July 19th. We will fellowship and give a short description of what is planned and then pray for the trip starting at 8pm.   Anyone interested in the ministry or this trip is welcome to come.  We will be missing just one team member (our photographer who is in Europe presently and will rendezvous with the six of us in London next week .)  We will have many of the PCM board members and their families as well as some of our orphan sponsor families and other supporters.  Kids are welcome to join the fun and prayer.  All we need is a confirmation that you are coming to have enough ice cream for everyone to enjoy.  So just please email me if you are coming and we will give you directions if you need them. We should be done by around 9pm.  Feel free to come and go as needed.

Here is a recent photo of the orphans at Parental Care School Rwemikoma (about 2 hours away), hopefully someday where we expand our the school next with support.  Pastor Emmy visited the school headed by Pastor Hilliary and brought some encouragement.  He brought each child one piece of bread and each of the unpaid teachers $20.  You can tell they hardly ever get bread as a part of their diet. Such a treat and many many smiles.

So Orphans and ice cream.  How could you resist either one of these treats!!!!

We hope you can join us this Sunday………for a sundae

and some prayer for these things……