Thursday, February 11, 2010

Orphans, Elderly, & a Wooden Box

So, these past few days have been amazing. On Monday we set out for Migo Village in an area of Uganda called Mityana. I had spent time in this village a few years back, and was really excited to return there. We were greeted by an old friend of mine, Pastor Dan. Pastor Dan runs an orphanage, and is also the village social worker for the Jajas there. We spent the beginning portion of the afternoon getting to know the different aspects of the orphanage, and then set off to the market to buy gifts for the Jajas. While at the market, we all got a good laugh because Eddie got harassed by a drunk Ugandan woman (she kept calling him the king of london)! We left the market and began visiting Jajas! They were so excited to see us, however, seemed to be in really poor health. We spent some time encouraging and praying for them. One of the Jajas explained to us about how she had spent her whole life following false religion, and after she saw the love of God through all the people caring for her through Jaja Life Project, decided to follow Jesus. This woman is over 90 years old, and is experiencing new life in Jesus, how amazing! We were able to spend time conducting an asembly at a village school, and had a KidsGames event! The students loved it and had a great time! Please pray for the Jajas and Orphans in Mityana.

A few nights later we prayed for people to get saved. The next morning we were told one of the JaJas had died. At the funeral 6 elders came to christ in the village. One of them was the leader of the village. He complained about his legs and side hurting so bad that he could not walk w/o pain. We prayed and the pain left. It left so quickly that he got up and started jumping and dancing. People started looking at us because we were happy at a funeral. The pastor stood up and explained to everyone that this was the power of Jesus. Some of his friends were murmering that he was going to be a christian now and would not want to drink with them. Even at the age of 70 God is not done yet. In the morning we trained bible college students and prison ministries how to clean water and gave them talking bibles. At night we trained Pastors in some remote villages on the same. Everywhere we go people thank us and are so grateful for the body of Christ. Pray for the men that just got saved they are giving up years of addictions and friendships for the new life.

This afternoon, after 10 years of sponsorship, I was able to meet my compassion child! We spent the good part of the day connecting with and loving Mark!!! He is now 18, and has grown into a young man with a heart of gold! He is traveling with us to the village on Monday!

Sometimes while we're doing ministry, it's often difficult to tell the difference between work and fun. On the flight here, we met a woman on the plane while we were delirious from lack of sleep and talking to each other with sock puppets. She told us her name was Sarah, and that she was a chef. Eddie then proceded to invite us to dinner at her house, and she agreed!!! It turned out that she planned a large party for us and invited around 40 of her friends and family to eat and dance! We had some of the best steaks of our lives, and the salads made us not want to go back to America! This woman could cook!!! Our plan was to eat food and dance, but God's plan was to set Jaja Life Project up with some great possibilities of support. Sarah has some amazing connections and was excited about the strong possibilities of working with and blessing Jaja Life Project!

It really amazes me to think of all that God is doing in our midst. Tomorrow we are preaching and sharing at the Word of Grace Outreach Church in Kampala. We're also blessing one of the orphanages in Mityana with a sewing machine so they can produce their own uniforms!!! We are looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us there. Keep us in your prayers, as Monday we are doing a big clothing exchange in Kito Village at the orphan school there. It is so great to live life with Jesus! His love is everything!

4 comments:

  1. Its so amazing how God works when we are exhausted!! He never gets tired, not even little bit. He is ever so faithful. I love that you were able to celebrate and make new connections. His plan is always so perfect!!!

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  2. love it love it love it. can't wait to hear more and see the pics and the crazy videos you crazy cats have made.

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  3. wow. i'm crying with a huge smile on my face. geez. haha. You are living on the edge with Jesus and I can't wait to hear about everything He has done through you guys, just in the last few weeks!! His spirit is definitely on the move. You have been missed ALOT, but we know you have been exactly where you are supposed to be. love you man, see you soon!

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  4. Wow what an inspiring narrative you are able to share with us. I wonder sometimes who bennefits the most, those who receive God's miracles or those whose faith is increased by their witness. Regardless your work/play/life of love in Uganda is just one more affirmation that God's blessings are limitless, and there is plenty for all.

    Thank you, and praise Jesus for the seeds of Good News being sown through your efforts!!!

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