Monday, March 19, 2018

It Is All About Relationships!

Each time we go to Uganda and return to the US, I try to pause and determine the message God was trying to send me on the trip! He sends abundant blessings, helps me tremendously, and loves on me too, but He seems to always send an overall message. This trip I believe His Word to me is: RELATIONSHIPS! I think He is saying is that what it all comes down to in my walk here on earth is relationships. First, and most importantly, my relationship with Jesus Christ, and that I have accepted Him as my Savior. Then, my relationship with others is important. Have I spent time with others; not only telling them about Jesus, but living my life to show them Jesus? Does the “walk” they see match the “talk” they hear? It seems He is saying, “All else falls away, and these things are what are most important!” 

Because we stayed three weeks in Uganda this time, we were able to spend more time in home visits, see the same children multiple times, spend more time at the orphanage, visit each of the churches, and visit more with the pastors and their families. We were completely blessed! 

In the pictures, I have included some of the home visits, the church services, visits with pastors’ families, visiting Elizabeth,  bringing Jennifer's orphanage children to the hotel for the day, seeing Habiba's new baby, meeting a new friend, Gloria, seeing how the Kalagala School has progressed, the new children’s building at Mathias’ church, and even Larry playing golf with Mathias and Moses! Oh, how I wish I could give you details of all these highlights! We will have to meet for lunch for that! ❤️

You know, wherever God calls each of us to minister—He wants us to have a relationship with Him, and then He wants us to have relationships with others—showing Him through ourselves! And, as always, He guides us One Step at a Time!
The Nile River--God's Beauty Abounds!
New Construction at Kalagala School
Friends in Kalagala
New Latrine at Kalagala
New Kitchen at Kalagala

The Church in Kalagala is growing!
Sunday School Teachers Workshop that we were able to attend!
 Pastor Joseph
and his wife, Faith! They are such a blessing to us! 
Jane's Family 
We are blessed with so many friends in Uganda!

Teddy and Her Sweet Family!
Gracious and Jajja Larry
Sweet Kiddos!
New God is Grace Facility
Precious Friends!
We are Blessed! 


Thank You, God, for Elizabeth!
Kalagala Sweeties
The Whole Bunch!
Pastor Steven
And His Precious wife, Vickie! More Blessings!

Children's Church at Steven's Church 
Vickie's Sweet Mom

Pastor Mathias and Frances. Oh my! We Are So Blessed!
Moses playing golf!


Our Sweet, Sweet Friend, Habiba, and Her New Baby
Children at Kalagala School
Precious Jennifer with Frances and Mathias 
"Crafting" with Students in Reach Youth Global School
Our New Friend, Gloria!
Modeling "Pillowcase Dresses"! 

Children's Church at Mathias' Church in New Building!
Pastor Mathias--Oh the Blessings God Has Given Us Through This Servant of God!
New Children's Building at Lugazi2 Church
Time for a Haircut! 
Allen, Timothy, and Baby Trent--We Are Blessed!
Uncountable Blessings!
Part of the Wonderful Staff at RiverBend Resort
Sunrise on the Nile River









Sunday, July 2, 2017

God Is Faithful!

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 (NIV) I knew early on that God must have amazing plans for this trip to Uganda with Oakwood Church! It seemed at every turn, there were stresses and things I was concerned about. At first, I tried to solve these issues myself, and finally would give them to God when I had exhausted all my resources! God gave me this verse, and nudged me to just “be still” and let Him take care of things. And, oh my goodness, He certainly did! What a great mission! God moved mountains, and accomplished so much for His Glory! 

We had more medicine and clothes donations than we have ever had! He provided the perfect team of seventeen! The ages were a good mix, the personalities a great combination, and there were plenty of suitcases to take EVERYTHING! 

All of these medicines, plus prescription medicines bought before we arrived, were put in individual prescription envelopes. There were also many medical supplies—bandaids, gauze, antibiotic cream, tape, glasses, soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste to be separated. This was our first day’s task.

Sunday, we were so blessed to worship in four churches, and visit in the homes of four precious ladies in the God is Grace Ministry. We were welcomed everywhere we went, and heard about businesses and personal struggles and desires. We encouraged, and prayed with the ladies. One of these ladies, a Muslim lady, was saved when one of our team members witnessed to her using her "plan of salvation bracelet!" 

We were able, along with Mathias, Joseph, and Steven, their church members, and ten local doctors and dentists, to give medicines to over 1850 precious people in the village of Kalagala in the three days we held the clinic! As an Oakwood team, it is absolutely impossible for us to minister without the help of these others. Together, with God’s help, we can do much!

On Thursday, we visited two schools; playing games with the children, giving testimonies, and presenting the Gospel. Then, we visited Jennifer’s school and orphanage, did a craft with the children, and again presented the Gospel. We finished up the day with a birthday party for the Mashah Orphanage, sponsored by Reach Youth Global. 

Friday, a quick trip downtown to shop, and on to Entebbe to come home! Wow! A whirlwind of God working, using us to accomplish His purpose, and us reuniting and meeting so many faithful, wonderful Ugandan friends and family! God is so very good! 

We serve an awesome God, who allows us to be involved in the work He wants to accomplish!  As Christians, He works through us, and will “fight for us” if we will only “be still” and let Him, one-step-at-a-time!
Oakwood Church Uganda Mission Team
Sorting Medicines
Lots of Meds!
People Waiting to see the Doctors/Dentists 
"Pharmacy" aka Bus! 
Dental Team

Dr. Peter 
Dr. Peter
Fun and Games 
Tug-of-War and Parachutes
"Older" Classroom at Jennifer's School
Jennifer's New Classrooms
Older Students
Mashah Orphanage Birthday Party