Update From Uganda

SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

Our fifth full day in Uganda was the busiest day yet. Our day began at a local village in Soroti for a 

devotional with Bishop George. This man had a grin from ear to ear and was full of God's love and the 

joy of Christ. It was a blessing getting to worship with him, and Uncle Sam, our dear leader

 and friend, led us with a message from Psalm 84:1-2,10. His message was soaked in truth and the Spirit 

moved and challenged each and every one of us. After our time of fellowship, we visited four different 

schools and had the opportunity to teach the local kids them in football, field hockey, and baseball, as 

well as do some speed and agility drills. It was amazing to see how God works through sport and the 

connections that a simple ball can bring to people that have nothing else in common. The kids ranged 

anywhere from 8 or nine years old up to 19 or 20. Throughout the day, countless numbers of kids gave 

their lives to Christ after hearing numerous testimonies from every one of us. 

In partnering with the Divine Stars, we were able to speak with the local children, many of which spoke

 little to no English. Another huge blessing has been the ability to fellowship with the Divine Stars and be 

able to be encouraged and encourage them. Their faith and dedication to athletic excellence is admirable 

and all of us have learned from them how to better represent Christ in the realm of athletics and their

 friendship is something that will be with us the rest of our lives. 

On top of all of this exciting news, the girls had the unique opportunity to play alongside the Divine Stars 

and helped them pull off a comfortable 3-0 victory against one of the local high schools.

May God receive all of the glory for the great things that are occurring in this beautiful country and we 

pray that our ministry here is touching the hearts and lives of all the ones who are supporting and following

 us as we pursue the advancement of  God's kingdom here in Uganda. 

We Smell Like Jesus

SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014

We smell like Jesus

Hello friends and family!

Our bags are packed, and we can't wait to see what God has in store! The 2014 Uganda team arrived on 

campus Thursday to begin training. We are incredibly thankful to serve with AROMA, and work with 

organizations, such as Sports Outreach. We feel encouraged, knowing that each day we have the 

opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We are the aroma of Christ (2 Cor 4:14-15).

Thursday night we got together as a team and got some touches in on the soccer pitch. We are thankful

 that God is using us, and the platform of college athletes to share the gospel.

On Friday we spent time with Sawyer learning about their water products and how we will be giving our 

friends from Uganda clean water. These Sawyer water filters are amazing! Sawyer has been distributing

them all over the world, and they prove to filter over one million gallons of water (enough for a lifetime).

 Later that night, the White's hosted us for dinner as we sat around a fire sharing our testimonies. This was

 great for team bonding! We all felt encouraged and we loved hearing how God is continually working 

cin us. We feel empowered, knowing that God is using us to pour into the Ugandan people spiritually, 

but also in meeting their physical needs with clean water.

One highlight so far has been the cross run. Highlight, because it brought us together, and helped unify us 

as a team. It was an incredible experience. We paired up with the 2014 El Salvador team to carry three 

wooden crosses on a run that brought us far off campus. There were four stops along the way. At each, 

Aaron Faro challenged us with questions, and encouraged us with scripture. This wasn't easy. We were 

tested physically, and spiritually. We pray that we will continue to persevere through hardships as a team, 

as we "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the 

cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured 

such opposition from sinners, so you do not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews12:2-3)."

We Left Soroti Today

MONDAY, MAY 27, 2013

We left Soroti this morning with sad hearts.  We said good-bye to some good friends who wanted

 us to either stay or return in the near future!  We headed to Paraa Safari Lodge, which was about 

6 hours from Soroti.  On the way we stopped at an orphanage that was created and still facilitated 

by a couple from Oregon.  The orphanage is designed in family style housing that replicates African 

culture.  We had ice cream and homemade cinnamon rolls, which was quite a treat! 

We had an incredible opportunity to go on a safari this afternoon.  If anyone doesn't believe in God,

 they only need to take a ride through the African country, see a sunset here or the magnificent

 animals that He created.  We saw lions, elephants, giraffes, wart hogs, water buffaloes, hippos, 

cobs, and many more!   Tomorrow we are going on a hike and then heading back to Kampala.

Last Days in Soroti

SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Hey everyone!!!

This will probably be super short because the internet here goes in and out and because it is almost
midnight and we have an early morning tomorrow! But we wanted to write a quick post about the past
 two days in Soroti!!

It has been an incredible two days... Yesterday (Saturday) everyone but about 5 of us weren't feeling
well... some had to stay home for the morning, but everyone is feeling so much better today!! Thanks for
all the prayers from back home! :) Saturday, we started out with morning devotions, which were awesome
as always, and a service project in the morning, which consisted of picking up trash throughout Soroti with
 the Divine Stars! We got to use little brooms made out of bush branches. After lunch we headed to a
village for a soccer match... We got to watch Aaron, Jarrett, and Kyle play with the Divine Stars and
spend some time with the kids, share testimonies, and see some people come to Christ!

Today, we got split up into groups to go to different churches in the morning. Some of us got to give a
message, share a testimony, or sing a song for the church. It was definitely on Africa time though... the
church services here go anywhere from 6am to noon! We were supposed to be on the road to the village
by 9am, but didn't end up leaving till after 11! We made the long journey to the village with a packed bus
of team members and Divine Star players and attended the church service at the village when we got there.
Kate and Chris got to share their testimony at the service... which was a small building packed with about
800 people!! After the service we got a huge lunch they cooked for us, played with the kids, gave a water
 filter demonstration, and then headed down the road to the soccer match. We again watched the boys play
 in the game, interacted with the people, learned how to count to 10 in Ateso (the language they speak
here), were taught how to dance, had some really special encounters with the people, and got to see 300
out of the almost 2,000 people at the soccer match step forward to give their lives to Christ... what an
incredible sight!!!

We made the trek back to Soroti, spending our last hour and a half with the Divine Stars players. It was
sad to see them go and have to say good-bye! We have formed some awesome relationships over the past
 week! We leave at 6:30 tomorrow morning to head to the safari, and then we head back to Kampala on
Tuesday! We miss you all... Thanks for the love and prayers from back home! Pray for safe travels
tomorrow on these bumpy roads!!

Goodnight! :)

Updates for Thursday and Friday

Thursday, the 23rd

In the morning, we went to the school to have worship and devotions with the Devine Stars girls soccer team. Our time of worship with the team was an amazing experience, it was really great to just see how much they love God through their singing! Dori had the chance to share a devotion and Jenny shared her testimony. After devotions, the Divine Stars had to leave for a soccer tournament that they are participating in (more details later on the tournament). After the girls left, we stayed and had the opportunity to talk with some of the other students and some of the guys Divine Stars soccer players. It was really nice to just have time to talk with them getting to know them and building relationships. 

We then left from the school to have a special visit to the mayor's office to visit him. We were invited into his office and we explained why we were in Uganda. We also explained and demonstrated the Sawyer water filters to the Mayor. We even let him take the first drink of the filtered water.


After we finished at the Mayors office, we traveled down the road to the soccer field to run a practice for the girls and guys Divine Stars. Coach Brad took the soccer girls and guys through a soccer clinic and there was also field hockey, volleyball, and many other activities going on at the same time. Note, Coach was under the weather, and still was able to fight the pain, he is truly living up to his teams motto of "as iron sharpens iron."  (He is feeling a lot better after a good nights sleep)

After lunch, we headed to a school where we ran a basketball clinic on a dirt court with some of the guys from town. Some of the group played net ball, some played volleyball, and some chased the little kids around with a soccer ball. We had an awesome time of conversation with the basketball players after the clinic and then Jim and Emily shared testimonies to the whole group. 

When we got back to the hotel, a group of us ran up a small mountain next two the hotel before dinner and got to see an awesome view of Soroti. We finished up the day with dinner and sharing about our favorite moments of the day.




Friday, the 24th 

This morning we had our morning devotions at a church with some of the men's Divine Stars players. We had an awesome time of worship and then Jarrett and Aaron shared a short devotion about Nicodemus. Kyle shared his testimony as well. After devotions we got to go to the women's soccer tournament that is being hosted in Soroti and cheer on the women's Divine Stars team. They were awesome to watch and ended up winning 11 to 0! We had a lot of fun watching the game, talking with the Ugandans, and playing with the kids that ended up on our laps. After the game, we walked across the field picking up all the trash on the field and headed over to another field for a track and soccer clinic.

Jenny and Vicki took us all through a track and field clinic filled with drills, races, and relays. Aaron and Kyle almost beat the Africans. Coach Brad and the guys took the rest of the time to teach more soccer drills to the men's team. The rest of us spent time with the people watching the soccer, blowing bubbles and playing games. We left the field after 1:30 hungry, hot and ready for lunch!

After lunch, we had another great memorable conversation that ended in lots of laughs... and then headed to another church to worship with them. We had an awesome time of worship and listened to testimonies from people from the church, some players from Sports Outreach, and from Coach Brad. There were other songs shared and lots and lots of dancing. 

We finished up the day with dinner and phone calls home! We are all loving Uganda, the people, and getting to know each other better! Keep Brenda, Molly, Vicki, and Dori in your prayers as they are not all feeling the best right now... but we are taking good care of them! We have a busy weekend ahead of us, with a community service project tomorrow, a soccer game tomorrow night, and more planned for Sunday, before we head out to our safari and trip back to Kampala! Thanks for all the prayers from back home!!


- Kyle, Jarrett, Aaron, Chris, Coach Brad... but mostly Emily and Jenny

It Begins...

Tuesday, the 21^st

So much has happened today that it is hard to put it all into words. We are thankful that our group got to spend time in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, to see all of the programs our sports outreach partners' have established.

We began the day with devotions at the headquarters of the sports outreach team, which is housed at Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped. We worshiped with our team alongside of the staff of SOI. We sang, heard a devotion from one of the staff members about Christ as a remote for our lives, and then split into small prayer groups. Stacey, our Sawyer water filtration representative, demonstrated how the filtration system works. Everyone was amazed when the dirt filled water was transformed into clean and clear drinking water, enjoyed by team members of both groups.

Next we set out to the soccer field for a clinic to provide additional drills for the coaches within the Good News team. This team is a group of young Christian men that are coaching local children within the slums of Kampala. Coach Brad led multiple drills which these coaches can now use for their players. While some Messiah team members participated within the drills, others played with the children that ran out to play with us. After a fun time of bonding and playing, we had to say goodbye to head back for lunch and our next adventures.

After lunch, our Messiah group was split up into 3 groups to go visit and minister to various slums within Kampala. One group held a basketball clinic for 18 girls, led by the 3 basketball players from Messiah, Dori, Emily, & Kate along with the help of Kyle. They played for 3 hours together, moving from various drills to scrimmaging. They also had time to sit with the girls and learn more about them. The other two groups each went to 2 slum areas. The focus of the 4 slum areas is to play soccer, a feeding program, and to share about Jesus.

The one group (Aaron, Brenda, Jarrett, Jim, Chris) played soccer, talked about who they were and how much they loved Jesus, along with water filter demonstrations. 200 kids showed up, which led to on-the-spot thinking as the group only had 2 balls to play soccer with.

The second group (Vicki, Jenny, Brad, Molly, Stacey) that went into the slums also played soccer, along with being able to share their testimonies and stories. As a result of the sharing, and the help of Don, the leader of SOI, and one of the Good News coaches, 4 boys accepted Christ. This group also went to visit the Chess Academy, where children who don’t want to play soccer can learn to play chess. This is a way for them to be off the streets and learning about Christ.

At night, the Messiah team regrouped and was able to share with each other stories from the day.

Wednesday, 22^nd

Today we drove from Kampala to Soroti, 190 kilometers of bumpy and rough roads. The drive was supposed to take 7.5 hours. We started out the day with one person vomiting, making us worried about the long drive ahead of us. We prayed as a team for Kyle while we waited for him to gather himself. God was faithful and answered our prayers; Kyle did not become sick again once on the drive, and is now feeling normal once again. Our bus had 2 rows of seat taken up by luggage, which left us with 19 people and 18 empty seats. The men were gracious and took turns standing in replacement of the missing seat. The drive helped us to establish stronger relationships with the host staff of Uganda during our long drive.

We had the opportunity to stop in Jinja, a major city, where the source of the Nile River is located. We got to take pictures, along with putting our hands in the Nile River, which was a memorable experience for all of us. For lunch we stopped 2 hours later where we enjoyed local stews along with fresh bananas and pineapple. Throughout the drive, we were pulled over 6 times by the police on the side of the road for checkpoints, however none of these stops caused us problems. We probably alerted them due to our white skin, which also led to children running and waving beside our bus, yelling “muzungus” which is the word for white person/visitor here in Uganda. We arrived at our hotel where we enjoyed a game of ultimate Frisbee within the Messiah team prior to dinner. We discussed our plans for tomorrow over dinner and after enjoyed fresh mangos for dessert. We are excited for our time here in Soroti and cannot wait to see what God will do here within the next few days.

Messiah College Heads to Uganda!

A group from AROMA, A Revolution of Missional Athletes, from Messiah College has sent a team to Uganda and here is the line up:

Don Brenneman

Bryan Brunk

Bethany Brunk

Lara Stilwell

Mackenzie Clapper

Nikki Elsaeasser

William Franken

Tyler Goglio

Brittany Horst

Lucas Malmberg

Christina Prall

Joshua Thomson

Elizabeth Timmer

Sienna Wisse

Please be in prayer with us as they travel through Soroti, Uganda from May 18 through May 29!  

As one comes home, another goes...

We are so thankful that our team from Life Point Church made it safely home from Uganda to Wilmington, NC on Thursday.  We can't wait to hear from the team about what they did, learned, and saw.  Thank you all for your prayers while they were gone.  

But, in true Sports Outreach fashion, there is always something going on!  So, we sent out another team!!  Lipscomb women's soccer team headed to El Salvador today.  This is a huge team of 24; 21 girls from the team, Assistant Coach Chris Klotz, two ministry leaders from Charlotte, Brett McDonough and Eric Bernier and SOI Lynchburg's very own David Granada!  

The team has an amazing ministry filled with the Gospel, ministry to the children at Pedro Pablo Castillo School and Vito Gurato Orphanage, as well as lots of pick-up soccer games with the community.  The team will be busy to say the least.  

We appreciate all prayers for the team while they are in El Salvador, check back here for daily updates about the team's itinerary and schedule!

Fourth Team in Three Months

Life Point Church Uganda Mission Is On Their Way...

Good Morning! 
Sports Outreach is so excited that our fourth mission team of 2014 is on their way to Uganda today.  We ask for prayer for safety of the team as they travel and for our staff in Uganda as they prepare for the team's arrival.  The team will have a long day and night of traveling, they will not actually arrive in Entebbe until tomorrow.  When they arrive they will stay for the night at Pope Paul IV Hotel and will move to Gulu for orientation with the Sports Outreach staff on Wednesday.  The team will be posting to the blog when they are able about their progress and the work they will be doing while they are there.  We hope you will follow their journey with us here.

Thank you in advance for your prayer and support for all of the following team members:

Aaron Talley, Team Leader

George Kapusta

Karen Kapusta

Jeff Kapusta

Alicia Brooks

Kaitlyn Brooks

Brittany Fennell

Brenda Starling

Craig Slagowski

William Hutchings

Scott Seibold

Mary Callagham

Sharon Rondeau

Cathy Thornton

 

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

~Matthew 28:19-20

A Look Back at the Brentwood Trip Blog

The Pig killed the Chicken

February 8, 2014

Brentwood log; star date 2-8-2014

Nate Foutz checking in to share a little piece of what God did today in Uganda. Rob Cousins and myself decided to lead men’s ministry this morning with all of the men of Pugwini while the rest of the team continued on with the medical ministry. I was so amazed to see the Holy Spirit move today as Rob and myself shared our testimonies and struggles. Through that other men of the village began to open up and share their struggles. We began to see men stepping up into vocal roles in that group which is so important in order for this men’s group to thrive! After a few hours with the men we returned to wrap up the medical and prayer team. I’m thrilled to share that several more people have given their life to The Lord today! We followed up with celebrating with song and dance with the entire village (which I’m sure many embarrassing photos will surface). After that we split up into teams and some of us played soccer with the kids as others served food and handed out clothing for the people to have. It has been such a long but amazing and fulfilling day and I’m so blessed to serve with such a great team and such a beautiful people. In case you’re curious about the title I gave this blog, a chicken found itself a little too close to the piggery and apparently pigs like chicken. The interesting part is that despite all of the crazy and amazing things going on in the village, it was as if time stood still as we all witnessed this happen. (Maybe you’d have to be there to appreciate this). It is important to note that no bacon was harmed during this event! #BWUganda2014 #Godisgood

Pugwini day 2 continued

February 8, 2014

Adam here. What was supposed to be a half day of medical outreach turned into a marathon of spiritual and medical ministry. Even a we pulled up to the village I could see that a long day awaited us as 150+ we’re waiting for us under the shade of a large tree next to the school.

We rushed to set up physician stations, a make shift pharmacy, a wound treatment station, and a prayer station so that we could get started. Quickly it became apparent that we would only be able to do so much as many of the villagers had injuries or ailments that could only be treated invasive or diagnosed with equipment we did not have. Such as the previous alcoholic who had obvious symptoms of pancreatitis , the 9 year old with a severe cardiac problem creating a cardiac dysrhythmia and chronic chest pain whose mother could not afford to take him the long journey to a hospital, and the girl with crippling burn injuries with a deep wound that I couldn’t even see until she swept away a blanket of flys from the wound bed

Immediately what stood out to me was that the villagers had no idea how little we were doing for them …at least in y mind. As a nurse state side I’m spoiled by what is available to me yet am surrounded by spoiled patients. Here the villagers were so thankful I receive what little we had to offer; a weeks supply of Tylenol or cipro, a single tube of anti-fungals, or maybe just a bandaid.

Speaking of band aids it’s amazing that even here in Uganda band-aids have the same psychological effect on kids as they do in America, bringing immediate smiles and fist bumps.. As I worked most of the day outside in the wound station I began to feel as if I was fighting a futile battle knowing that any dressings or bandages I placed would likely fall off within hours and wounds again would become dirty. But I felt God showing me that I was washing their feet and showing them love and the physical care we were giving was an entry way for the spiritual healing and prayer that was available at the prayer tables.

I felt tired. But I cannot imagine how the team felt. Every time I looked inside they had their hands on someone praying over them or standing with arms raised to heaven blessing someone who had no idea the words that we’re being spoken over them. Specifically Lyndsey, I’m not sure that girl ever took a break, I’m not sure how she didn’t run out of tears and smiles to give people. My work was temporary but her work and words, and those of the prayer team, have eternal significance. That’s really what it’s all about, leading people to the foot of Jesus so that the bodies we have now, which are designed to fail, may one day become while an perfect in HIS presence when we are finally called home.

Beth speaking. This was one of the days I was looking forward to the most since I’m a nurse. This is what God created me to do, and I loved being able to share that gift with the Pugwini villagers. We created many stations to get the people the help they needed. I was placed with a doctor and had the honor of taking vital signs and doing an assessment on the people once they would come in. It was a long long day, and right when I was about to take a break a woman came in with her two children. One of the sons names was Brian. He had been complaining of chest pain for 2 years. He also had been hospitalized before with a drain in his brain. I’m not exactly sure why due to the language barrier. My heart immediately broke for this young man. He couldn’t be older then 9 years old. I went to listen to his heart and as soon as I put my stethoscope to his chest I knew something was wrong.

He had a dysrhythmia. I asked the doctor if she would come listen and she confirmed it. She explained to the mother that he needed to go to the hospital. She said she didn’t have the money. She would have to go home and pack and also she wouldn’t have a way to get back home. The hospital was far away from where she lived. There was just no way she could make it happen. My heart shattered. This little boy should not have this problem. He’s 9!

I am so spoiled in America. We take for granted how close a hospital is to home. I live 8 minutes away from one and 10 minutes from another back at home. I wanted to get an EKG, run some blood tests, do everything I would do for a patient in Virginia, but I’m in Africa. At that moment I thought all we had to offer was our stethoscopes and our hands. Fortunately for me, I have Christ on my side, the ultimate healer. I gathered some of my group and we laid hands and prayed over this young boy.

As a nurse it’s easy to get caught up in medicine, tests, scans, and the science of it all. There is no need to put hope in those things. The only thing that offers hope is Jesus Christ. I had no doubt that God healed that boy in that moment. Another team member that prayed with me confirmed my feelings when he told me God gave him a peace about Brian’s healing. Please keep Brian in your thoughts and prayers.

That was my experience but the “half day” med clinic turned into a whole day clinic. While I was able to offer my nurse experience others prayed and ministered to the Pugwini people. It was amazing to see their physical and spiritual needs met at the same time. Six people accepted Christ that day. Most of them coming to know Christ by our youngest group member, Josh who is 14! God is doing amazing things through this Brentwood team.

In Uganda one person says “Praise God” and everyone around says “Amen” so join with me.

Praise God!

AMEN!

Pugwini Women, Day 1

February 6, 2014

Beth speaking  Today was absolutely beyond amazing. It is going to be really hard for me to even put it into words. We were able to visit the Pugwini village. For me, this was very special because I was fortunate enough to visit in the summer of 2012 with Brentwood to build a piggery. Pulling into the village and seeing how well everyone was doing, actually having pigs in the stalls that we built, and being able to sit in the school building that we painted was overwhelming. God is so so good.

After doing a little bit of manual labor the men and women were able to break up into “community groups” if you will. We were able to share with the Pugwini women our struggles and how Christ helps us overcome them. Their response to us was incredible. It was crazy to find out that these women struggle with the same things the Brentwood women do. We were able to share scripture, encourage them, and pray with them, but they were far more a blessing to us the we could have imagined. These women in Pugwini have real joy. The true joy of Christ and it flows out of them. The Spirit was truly present during our time with these ladies. I’ve never experienced the spirit like I did today. God definitely orchestrated our gathering and I couldn’t have been more thankful. I’m so excited to be able to visit with these wonderful ladies of the Lord tomorrow and see what God has in store.

Alydia here! Today with the Pugwini women was absolutely amazing! And the best part about it is that we have 2 more days with them! When we first sat down I was truly overwhelmed. I Was designated as the “female leader” for this team. First I felt extremely overwhelmed but knew that I could not limit God by saying no. So this morning was the first time that I felt I had to step out of my comfort One as the female leader. We sat down with the Pugwini women and it was complete silence. At first I was waiting for someone else to open up and then I realized everyone was waiting on me. I was sitting there and thinking “what in the world do I say, why did I not prepare for this, what the heck!!!” But it was just then that I truly felt the spirit speak through me! I have prayed many prayers asking God for his words to come out of my mouth but I have never felt it as strong as today! From that moment forward each of us kept sharing our hearts and testimony and I swear the Holy Spirit was there! He was so there, and I so blessed by this morning.

Pugwini Men, Day 1

February 6, 2014

7 months ago we left these men with a charge to rely on our God to be their strength, their love, and their provision. Since we left – every Friday at 9am (they have men’s meetings at 4pm Uganda time) I pray for the community of men. Today we were reunited with those men. I have now doubt that God has brought us back to those familiar faces for his kingdom work.

Literally feels like we pushed the pause button and picked up right where we left off. What’s even better is that we have 2 more days to disciple these men. We can tell they’ve been thinking on the things we discussed last year (being a man of God, a loving husband, a family provider, a relentless follower of Christ.) The men have already been incredibly open, more so than we experienced last year in just a short, short time!

We’ve come to serve and share the love of God with these people, but I would be at fault if I didn’t mention how much God is teaching US through THEM.

Pray that God will fill us with his Spirit and his truth, that we may impart both on the men (and the women with the Ugandan women). We are asking for God’s wisdom in abundant amounts, and that his presence would saturate our meetings with the community.

Can’t wait to share more with you about what God is doing in our lives (and the lives of our Ugandan brothers and sisters) as we pursue his glory and do the work of his kingdom.

Love you all back home!

-Mitchell

Sea of 1000 Men

February 6, 2014

Ok it wasn’t 1000, it was 982. That is how many men where in the Gulu prison today! Have you ever played a game of soccer in a sea of 1000 men wearing yellow? Or maybe chickens in the field grazing? What about a tree and two volley ball poles. Well that is what we did this afternoon! We were all friends! These men were nicer then most of the people we interact with in America. I was nervous when we first walked in because they were all staring at us. 11 white people walking in to the prison for the first time! How cool is that! Unfortunately the outcome of the game was not as we would have liked but we still had a blast! I played the entire game in the goal so I (Alydia) didn’t have an opportunity to speak to many prisoners. But I did speak to one who was had been there for 800 days. He gets out in 7. He told me he will be at Koro farm at the New Foundations church on Sunday! Praise God for that and the Ministry that Sports Outreach brings every day! Sam(our SOM leader) said “come back in 2 years, they will all be saved!” That is Great Faith.

Hello my name is Lindsey!! Today was an absolutely indescribable day! God never ceases to amaze me. Through this whole trip everyday I feel the Holy Spirit just telling me ” are you ready to see my wonder.” And just when I am feeling inadequate and I have nothing good to bring God shows me the wonder and glory of His beautiful love. Today we went to a prison. When we got there everyone was ready to play soccer. But I don’t have the best soccer skills, so after the soccer warm up I took my place on the bench. As I sat down there was a man sitting beside me. And God showed me His love and power as I started to talk to him. The mans name was William and he was writing down something in his bible that he was holding. I simply asked him what his favourite verse was, and he gave me many. William said he has been in this prison for twenty two years. He has three more years left. I asked him what he wants to do when he leaves, and he simply said to minister about my God. He began to talk about how God commissioned him and planned for him to be in this prison for this time to minister and grow with the men in the prison. I prayed with William and I got to share my testimony with him, through both our tears he said he hoped to see me again, if not here then in heaven. God blessed me with meeting William and the time we got to spend together was a treasured memory I will never forget. I believe one day William will write a book about his story and I hope one day I will be able to read all what God has done through our brother in Christ William in the prison of Gulu, Uganda. With all my love, Lindsey 

This is Melissa.Admittedly, I was VERY nervous when we were told that we were going to the prison today…and even worse when I found out that we were not going to the women’s prison, but only to the men’s prison. I could never have imagined the blessings that were waiting for us on the other side of those tall walls. When we entered the compound, there was a sea of very dark men in very bright yellow shorts and shirts. I don’t know why I thought these people would be any different than the other Ugandans we had met to this point, but I was convinced that we were in danger and the men would be terrible people. But in usual fashion, God used a very unique experience to completely wreck me. The men welcomed our team with smiles, hand shakes, and in several cases, beautiful testimony. I met two men in the prison, one named Francis, the other Stephen. Both of these men ministered to me for our entire stay. Francis had served 792 days of an 800 day sentence. He shared many scriptures with me, and told me that his joy comes only from sharing The Lord. He likened his 800 day stay in the prison to the 400 years the Israelites did not hear from God. He knows that God wants him to lead a church when he gets out of prison, and I can testify that this man is well equipped to share the gospel…he taught me so much in just 30 minutes. The next man I met was Stephen. After several minutes of conversation, we began to talk about the story at the beginning of John 8. Many of us have read this story many times, but when Stephen presented it to me today, it was as if it was the first time I had heard it. The people had brought an adulteress woman to Jesus for Him to pass judgement on her, as they had already done. Instead of this, the scripture says that Jesus wrote in the dirt. He would not pass judgement on her. Stephen pointed out to me that nowhere in the scripture does it tell what Jesus wrote in the dirt – he “wrote” in the dirt to turn the people’s attention AWAY from the woman. The point being, Jesus stood in the way of that woman’s shame. He does this for ALL His children, and I am so grateful He does this. Having struggled through so much shame and guilt over mistakes of the past, I almost couldn’t breathe as Stephen related these verses to me in a whole new light. I thank You, Jesus, for standing in front of my shame, and I thank You, Jesus for orchestrating my unique meeting with Stephen. My prayer is that this writing will encourage those who read it. Amen

Terrell 2/5

February 6, 2014

Returning to Uganda for the third time was a somewhat surreal experience as 2 days before leaving I was still feeling the effects of the flu and a day before I was seeing it take hold of my family. God and my wife ha other plans for me as I was going on this trip. When we first exited the plane, there was a part of my heart that just felt home. Although my home will always be with my wife and kids there is a part of me that yearns for the fellowship of these people, the spiritual food that I am fed when I am in this country and just the simplicity of life. At times my life at home feels like I am running a never ending race in a giant hamster wheel in which I will only stop when it is my time to go but here, all the distractions that I let get in the way of my faith are replaced with the unrivaled fellowship of like minded Christians who are just hungry for the Word. I see a story in the eyes of each person that I meet and am touched with every word they share.

Logs, Christine’s House, home visits, and Lajwatek

 February 5, 2014

Today we spent most of the day at koro farm! We started the morning with some working with the day care, farming, and building a fence. I took part in the fence building. We started by digging the holes. They were about 10 inches in diameter by 2ft deep. We used a tool that looked like a giant chisel or flat head screw driver. One partner would chisel the hole while the other scooped out the dirt with their hands! My partner was Jordan :). We then picked up logs and placed them near the holes around the soccer field. The fence will be surrounding the soccer field to keep animals and people off of it in order to keep the grass green! We then loaded into the truck to fetch more poles (aka trees). Aloysius drove the truck to a nearby plot while the rest of us rode in the back of the pick up! It was as of we were off reading! It was so fun. When we arrived to the plot of land where the trees had been cut down. We then would pick then up and carry them over our shoulders to the truck. We would walk through the bush occasionally having to walk over a log in the water or leap over a puddle while carrying these heavy logs. They where about 6-10ft long and 5-10 inches in diameter. Some where so heavy they required 2 people. The community here is so awesome! Everyone just chips into help. There where kids hanging out in the bush where we were collecting the logs. As soon as we began retrieving the logs kids 6-12 years of age jump in to help by carrying the lighter logs. They didn’t even have to ask to help they just jumped right in! When we finished loading the truck we returned to the farm and it was tea time!

After tea time some continued working on the fence while others attended a meeting about Christine’s House. Some officials from all over Gulu came to Koro to ask questions and to prepare any last details for the screening interviews that will take place on Friday. It’s so crazy how much we take for granted! Christine’s house will be the first trauma counseling center in the northern portion of a Uganda. There are hundreds of women being considered to move into Christine’s house but only 20 will be selected. The house will be used to counsel women between the ages of 12-17 who have been defiled or traumatized for about 6 months. They believe it will take about 6 months for the healing to begin and to be taught new professional skills that may support them and build a new life. The ministry is going to be such a huge opportunity for God to work wonders!

After the meeting we then had lunch! I knew that it took all day to prepare the meals that we partake in but Jordan told us today that the women begin cooking at 7 am. We didn’t eat Lunch until 1:45pm. These women are truly amazing! I barely have enough patience to prepare a meal that takes longer then 30 mins.

We then did a home visit about a mile from Koro. These Ugandan women are so amazing! They run their homes, raise their kids, maintain their farms and all single handedly. One women told us today that some of them have husbands but they are all widows. The majority of the men here are so lazy and Alcohol is a huge stronghold here.

We ended the day with a visit to Lajwatek. There we were welcomed with singing and dancing! We shared testimonies and we were blessed by there’s. The kids presented us with a singing and African dancing performance! It’s always a blast! And my hips definitely lie! They just were not made to move that fast, but I try! Millie leads the Preschool and she has such a wonderful joyful spirit. She is single mom of 5! She barely makes enough money to support her family! She can’t even afford to ride a Boda Boda (taxi motorcycle) it costs 2500 schillings to ride the Boda Boda 11miles. That equals 1 american dollar. You would Never know her struggles to provide because she is the most Joyful person you will ever meet! She laughs at almost everything and she loves with al of her Heart!

Tomorrow we will visit Pugwini and the prison ministry!!! I am so excited for what tomorrow brings!

Josh Kahlich- Bwiese slum

February 5, 2014

Today I saw a family in Kampala and I just saw this boy my age who was in second grade. I thought that he was to old to be in second grade. I’m in 9th grade and that’s usual in the states. But 14 in 2nd grade was actually normal in Uganda and I couldn’t believe it. I could tell that God had a great plan for this family. This morning during my devotions I opened up to Exclesiastes 11:7-10 it was about serving God when your young and I was like “whoa God just showed me this passage and it was just what I needed. God is amazing and does awesome things I wish I knew when he was talking to me and when it’s just my mind :/

OPEN ARMS AND BEAUTIFUL SMILES

February 4, 2014

PRAY FOR OUR UGANDA TEAM AS THEY SPEND THE NEXT WEEK MINISTERING TO A GROUP OF PEOPLE DEAR TO OUR HEARTS! BELOW IS AN EMAIL SENT FROM THE TEAM ON THEIR FIRST DAY IN AFRICA:

We have arrived safely in GULU! On monday night we had all of the first timers write a few words about there initial experience.

This is Melissa. The first emotion I felt when we stepped off the plane was grateful! I am so grateful to God to have this opportunity. And for the staff to say that we are such a blessing to them and the people of Uganda made we weep…the first tears of what I am sure will be many on this trip. The plane ride was very long, but I know all the planning, preparation, and prayer will be so worth it. Thank You, Lord for this amazing opportunity to share Your word. I feel unworthy, but believe that You have put me here for a very specific reason. 

 Hello everyone my name is Lindsey!  This is my first time in Africa! I cannot believe I am actually here! As soon as I stepped off the plane and the heat hit my face the trip became real. As we were walking through the airport and stepped outside every smell, appearance and feeling displayed that I was truly not anywhere I have ever been before. As we turn the corner from the stairs to the outside of the airport we see all the huge smiling faces waving with excitement and anticipation to see us and welcome us with open arms. The look on everyone’s faces as they gave us high fives and very warm welcome hugs made me look in disbelief the love that they beautifully pour out. The emotion I experienced was indescribable. I simply just knew that God is absolutely in every place, present in all of His children’s lives! And I knew that God is going to show His wonders through our time here. I I am so thankful for this team that I am privileged to be apart of. Lord we are your willing servants, let your perfect will be done! I am so so so excited! Love Lindsey :) 

 This is Lynn. This is my first trip to Africa. I can’t began to express the excitement i felt when  we  were meet by  the  staff with  open  arms & beautiful smiles. I am truly blessed to  be hear & can’t wait to   see what God has in store for us.  I know God chose me to be here  and I can’t wait to see his miracles unfold,. Thank you Jesus!!! 

Adam here. My first thought is just how eclectic everything is here. Its amazing. My senses are over whelmed and honestly it smells better than America, like how one might imagine the earth is supposed to smell like. It was  so easy to get caught up in the expectations of friends, family, and coworkers coming on this  trip, I can’t tell you how many people told me not be eaten cby a lion. But immediately those impressions are stripped away and everything feels okay. I imagined my heart pounding but I sense that god has surrounded this group with protection and it’s amazing how calm we are right now. I can’t wait to see what god has in store and I pray that our stories exceed and blow away all expectations. 

 Nate Foutz here.  I’m not a man of many words but I can tell in the first five minutes here that Gods’ presence in this place and with these amazing people is  overwhelming!  I’m so excited to see how lives will be changed (including my own) over the next 10 days.  I am blessed to be here with this team of awesome people!

 So this is josh and I could tell by the time we got off the plane this would be an amazing trip…actually even before we left I knew this would be a life changing experience of everyone. Uganda is an amazing place and the people are so nice and loving. When we got to the bus and I saw Wilfred and his son and their friends with a big grin ready to meet us I just got this big, goofy grin! But I have seen and smelled and can tell a big difference between the united states and Uganda, but they have huge faith in Christ!

We are so excited to be here!!! More posts coming soon!

Stepping into the Crosshairs

February 2, 2014

When we answer the call to serve the Lord, we step into Satan’s cross hairs.  Whether we are prepared or not, there is a target on our back.  That thought can be scary for quite a few people, but while in the midst of spiritual warfare, God is always with us and will see us through.  If we allow Satan to get in the way, then we are removing an opportunity for God to use us for his glory.

In preparation for the Uganda trip this year, our team of 11 has become a major target of Satan.  He started with doubts aboout our worthiness to go, moved into issues with passports which had people questioning if they were supposed to go, fundraising issues, emergency surgery for spouses, passing of our loved ones, and sickness within our team and their families. 

In the end, this group of 11 stepped out in faith through each trial with the support of their family, friends, and church to make it onto this team.  As we sit here at the airport awaiting to depart, the anticipation of what God has planned for us is staggering knowing what each person individually has experienced.  It must be big for all of Satan’s efforts to take us out.