Berrys on God's Adventure

Still Learning

2011-10-30T22:47:00.000+03:00

After 5 months of official Malagasy language school, we have now been studying the Sakalava dialect of Malagasy for the last 3 months. We study in our house with our teacher whom we affectionately refer to as T-Bone.

T-Bone is a great teacher and friend, and I'm sure you will be hearing more stories about him in the future. We have learned alot and will hopefully be able to start preaching and teaching soon.

The Sakalava dialect is about 60% different from the official, although alot of people understand the official. But by far, the biggest change is the need to also learn some French in order to conduct business in town.

Over the course of all of this language study, I have started to build my own dictionary that I update almost daily and use all of the time. We would ask that you would please continue to pray for our ability to learn this dialect and that the people of Northern Madagascar would come to know the ONE that has sent us here to share the good news with them. Thank you all so much.

Matsaborimanga

2011-09-27T02:07:00.000+03:00

Sunrise over Mahamasina

Our adventure to the village of Matsaborimanga was a two day trip, starting with a 2 hour drive to the village of Mahamasina where we spent the night.

Mine and Michael's accommodations were quite nice, this was our hut for the evening, and it was all inclusive. We did not have to go looking for anything, everything was there from bees to grasshoppers to mosquitoes, but it was really quite nice

We left for Matsaborimanga early the next morning, because we knew that the trail there was going to be very difficult, and we weren't disappointed, it was a long, slow, very rough ride. However, we have been blessed with a strong truck that was able to cross the rivers, go over the big rocks, and through the bushes that the rabbits can't go.

We arrived at Matsaborimanga (Matsabori=Lake manga=mango) and about 25 adults and 25 children gathered to hear the Word of God proclaimed. Michael shared the story of creation to Christ and at the end offered an invitation to receive the free gift of salvation. Derao ny Tompo!! (Praise the Lord!!) 11 of the people prayed to receive Jesus and have asked for more teaching.

The rainy season will soon be starting and the village will be impossible to reach, so we pray that we will be able to get some Bible study material into their hands before the rains come and that they would be faithful to continue to gather and study His word together until we can return.

Fiangonana Batista (Baptist Church)

2011-08-19T11:52:00.000+03:00

Greetings from the big red island of Madagascar. Time has really flown by for us since we arrived here eight months ago. Our first seven months were spent in the Central Madagascar town of Antsirabe, studying the Malagasy language and culture. In July, we moved north to our official place of residence and service, Diego Suarez (Antsiranana). We live very near the northern tip of the island, on the Indian Ocean, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit we will attempt to reach and share the truth of the gospel of Jesus with the millions of lost souls here.

Our first assignment however is to continue in our Malagasy language learning endeavors, because the dialect here is a bit different, and we really need and want to be able to speak the words of salvation clearly to our people.

We have a very good tutor and the advantage of a small Baptist church in our town where we can go and learn and practice what we are learning.

My desire is that by the end of this year, we will be able to start going into unreached areas of Northern Madagascar and share the Good News of life in Jesus. Please be in prayer for our family, our language learning, and most importantly the salvation of the people in Northern Madagascar that God has sent us to serve

Fianakaviana

2011-06-07T19:18:00.000+03:00

We, as a family, have a bad habit. We seem to have an indescribable love for the people that God puts in our lives. Such is the case of our current daytime guard/gardener/helper, Rina.

Rina is 21 years old and has been married for one year and has become Walker's best friend and a virtual part of our family. Last week as Rina was going home for the evening, he was attacked by two men who hit him in the face with a large rock, and stole his bicycle. He was left on the side of the road, unconscious and bleeding until some men came along and assisted him. We have been going back and forth to the Dr. and the hospital, caring for our "son" as best we can since then. He has had surgery to repair his fractured chin and broken and missing teeth, and is starting the healing process. Due to the fact that Rina lives about 10KM away and needs to see the Dr. nearly everyday, and because his mouth is wired almost shut, he will be staying with us so that he can get the care that he needs and the soft food he needs. Praise God that he wasn't hurt worse or even killed, and Praise God that we have this opportunity to be His hands and feet for Rina. Please pray for his healing and that we would be able to give him whatever he needs as he recovers here at the Berry Baptist hospital of Madagascar. Pray that God would be glorified in this situation and in everything we do in His name here in Madagascar.

Servant, Slave, and Soldier

2011-05-08T21:27:00.000+03:00

This past weekend,we had the wonderful opportunity of flying up to visit our soon to be home in Diego Suarez, Madagascar. We were reminded a few times on this trip exactly what we have been called to do, and that is DIE, just like the airport code says for Diego. We have been called by God to die to ourselves, to take up our cross and follow Him. We have been called to Diego Suarez to be servants to our Boss, slaves to our Master, and soldiers to our Commander. It is not enough to be one or the other, we are called to be all three. While we were there, we got to see the town and some of the surrounding countryside, as well as the magnificent Indian Ocean. The contrast here is very stark, this is most likely the most unreached and spiritually darkest part of the island, with over one million lost souls here and around 60% of them professing Islam and yet when you drive around you realize that this is one of the most beautiful, breathtaking places in the world. We have been blessed to have been placed here with Michael and Michelle Allen and can't wait to see how God will use our team to impact the Malagasy people of Northern Madagascar for His kingdom. It is our prayer that our team will be salt and light to these people, that God would be glorified by everything that we say and do, and that we will never forget that we have been called to be servants, slaves, and soldiers for Him. Will you pray with us? Thank you and God bless.

To The Praise Of His Glory

2011-04-08T21:46:00.000+03:00

Our favorite girl Michelle Allen receiving her 5 yr. service pin.

Pastor David Uth and us. Our Lord's Supper

Delaney's VBS program. Learning some chords from J.D. Cope.

Our Two Oceans Cluster meeting was held from the 30th of March to the 4th of April in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the theme was "To The Praise Of His Glory" Ephesians 1:11-14. Our entire leadership team did a fantastic job with this conference, in challenging and encouraging all of us to live, work, and do everything to the praise of His glory. It is my belief that God has an incredible amount of amazing things in store for this part of the world, because of the awesome group of people that He has put together in the Two Oceans Cluster, starting at the very top. Our cluster leader Wade Coker, our associate cluster leader Matt Spann, and our team leader Michael Allen are an incredible group of motivated, Godly men who will do whatever it takes to reach the lost of our cluster for Christ, and it is a pleasure to serve with them.

We were blessed to have a volunteer team from First Baptist Church Orlando, Florida to come and conduct a VBS for our kids and conduct all of our worship services. They were led by their senior pastor David Uth, who also serves as an IMB trustee to Sub-Saharan Africa. My words cannot describe how wonderful it was to have this team with us. The love that they poured out on us was incredible, and the praise and worship times were truly a time of refreshing and blessing to us all. Attached are a few pictures of the team with us and our kids. I thank God for FBC Orlando, Pastor Uth, and all of my new brothers and sisters in Christ.

Part of the praise team warming up. Walker hanging out with the tech guys.

Mada boys playing cards at the airport. Having pizza with part of FBC Orlando.

Fire Drill ?

2011-04-07T19:20:00.000+03:00

We just returned to Madagascar from our Two-Oceans Cluster meeting in Johannesburg, and it was an unbelievable blessing to be there with such a great group of people and a fantastic team from First Baptist Orlando. This story however is about a little event that took place on the way to South Africa. It all started with us going to the airport at 5:30a.m. We arrived with no problems, checked in with no problems, and passed through security with no problems. As we were waiting to board the plane, we found out the this would not be a direct flight, but would be stopping an hour away on the resort island of Nosy Be. We fly to Nosy Be and are informed that we had to get off of the plane, collect our luggage, recheck-in, go through immigration/customs/security again, and then re-board the same plane and sit in the same seats. Meanwhile, there were about 500 tourists at this tiny airport that were not very happy with us going in front of them, even though we were just passing through. After we got back on the plane, we realized that we had just accomplished the equivalent of what we will call an Air Madagascar fire drill.

A Day at the Market

2011-02-17T15:27:00.000+03:00

Today we went to the Any An Tsena Sabotsy, aka The Market. This market in Antsirabe is very large and has a large assortment of things, and compared to the other markets that I have been to in Africa, this one is very neat and orderly. We spent a couple of hours shopping and practicing our Malagasy, and bought bananas, pears, some baskets, and fresh flowers. We thank God for the opportunity to go to the market and learn more about the people that we have been called to serve.
Manga(mangos)
Mananasy(pineapple)
Mamyko(my sweet)
Hena kisoa(pork)
Hena Omby(beef)

2011-02-07T20:16:00.000+03:00

Greetings to everyone, from the town of Antsirabe, Madagascar. This is our temporary town as we study and attempt to learn the Malagasy language. We will be studying language and learning culture here until July. After our official, formal language class is complete, we will be moving to the Northern Madagascar town of Diego Suarez and will be working among the Northern Sakalava people. Our language teachers in the photos are Madame Lalao, and her son Andry. They are both experienced and very good teachers and we are fortunate to have them. We would ask that you would please pray for our ability to learn, comprehend and retain the language, and that you would pray for the salvation of the Sakalava people that we are going to serve. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support as we strive to reach Madagascar for Christ.

OUR NEW ADVENTURE

2010-11-16T08:48:00.000+03:00

We have been appointed as career IMB missionaries to Madagascar, and will go there on Jan 6th, 2011. Our stateside assignment has been great, we have reconnected with family and alot of churches that we pray will join us as we serve God and His people in Madagascar. Please start praying now for our new people, that they would have open hearts to the message that we will be bringing. Our next post will be from the big island. God bless.

BAPTIST GLOBAL RESPONSE

2010-07-15T09:31:00.000+03:00

JULY 14TH, 2010: THE IN-HOME CARE KITS THAT WE HAD REQUESTED WERE DELIVERED TO THOSE IN NEED IN THE SLUM AREAS OF NAGURU AND NATEETE. THE BGR IS AN ARM OF THE IMB THAT HELPS CONNECT THOSE IN NEED WITH THOSE WHO CARE, AND WE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF NOT ONLY SERVING THEIR PHYSICAL NEEDS WITH THESE BUCKETS, BUT WERE ABLE TO SHARE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS WITH THEM AS WELL. THESE BUCKETS CONTAIN MANY ITEMS THAT WILL ASSIST CARE GIVERS OF HIV PATIENTS. THERE IS EVERYTHING FROM SOAP TO BED SHEETS TO VITAMINS IN THESE BUCKETS THAT HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED BY BAPTIST CHURCHES ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. THE KAMPALA URBAN TEAM WAS ABLE TO DELIVER 50 BUCKETS TOTAL, IN FOUR DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OF THE TWO SLUMS. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HEARD THE GOSPEL AND SEVERAL PRAYED TO RECEIVE JESUS. WE THANK GOD FOR ALLOWING US TO BE A PART OF HIS WORK, AND FOR BLESSING US WITH THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THOSE IN NEED.

THANK YOU SPRING HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

2010-06-08T23:33:00.000+03:00

THE KIDS AND STAFF AT MUSANA CHILDRENS HOME SEND THEIR GREETINGS AND THANKS TO SPRING HILL BAPTIST CHURCH FOR THE INCREDIBLE GIFT OF NEW SPORTS EQUIPMENT. THE KAMPALA URBAN TEAM HAD THE PLEASURE OF DELIVERING THE NEW THINGS TO MUSANA CHILDRENS HOME AND GETTING TO SPEND TIME WITH ALL OF THE KIDS THERE AND SHARE THE LOVE OF JESUS WITH THEM. THANKS TO THE GENEROUS GIFT FROM THE GUYS AT SHBC, WE WERE ABLE TO TAKE THE CHILDRENS HOME A NEW VOLLEYBALL SET, BADMITTON SET, PING PONG SET, 4 SOCCER BALLS, A FOOTBALL, A BASKETBALL, A CASE OF 50 NEW BIBLES, TOOTHBRUSHES, TOOTHPASTE, AND MONEY TO PURCHASE NEW MOSQUITO NETS AND SUPPLIES FOR THEIR CLINIC. ANDREA, THE DIRECTOR OF THE HOME WAS BLOWN AWAY AND WANTED US TO EXPRESS HER EXTREME GRATITUDE FOR THE OVERWHELMING GIFT. THERE ARE ABOUT 150 KIDS AT MUSANA, AND MOST OF THEM HAVE LOST THEIR PARENTS TO HIV AND THEY JUST REALLY WANT TO FEEL LOVED, AND SPRING HILL HAS BROUGHT SOME LOVE TO THEM. SPRING HILL ROCKS!! MAY GOD CONTINUE USING SHBC TO BLESS "THE LEAST OF THESE" MATT.25:40

2010-04-01T14:26:00.000+03:00

We were recently blessed with a gift that we used to purchase some English and Luganda Bibles. We made the trip to the Bible House a family trip so that our kids could be a part of this. The first Bibles were given to some ladies at a Bible study in Namuwango/Soweto. Thank you friends for this wonderful gift.

MUSANA CHILDRENS HOME

2010-03-31T13:24:00.000+03:00

Afew weeks ago I was able to accompany a volunteer team from Early, Texas to an orphanage called Musana Childrens Home. The home is run by a young lady from Colorado and a group of volunteers. The children were so excited to have our team come out to visit them, they greeted us with shouts and songs and found great joy in showing us around their home. There are over 100 kids here that are receiving education, nutrition, and health care, it is a wonderful home. We played games, told stories and shared the love of Jesus with them. I am quite sure that we were blessed by this visit just as much, if not more than the kids were.

The birth of a house church

2010-03-15T23:22:00.000+03:00

The Book of Acts records many new believers meeting in their homes for church, and Jesus tells us in Matthew that where two or three are gathered in His name, He will be there with them. Today was such an occasion. In the slum area of Naguru, a new house began and Jesus' name was made famous to people that live here and His name was glorified. After spending many days walking through this area evangelizing, a man of peace was found and a place to meet was granted. Twenty people, ten men and ten women gathered round to listen to God's word, sing a song of praise, and pray together. It was wonderful, and I wish all of you could have been here to experience the power of God in Naguru. To God be the glory, great things He is doing!!

God is good all the time . . .

2010-02-26T22:32:00.001+03:00

. . . and all the time God is good! In earlier posts we introduced you to Tina and her amazing journey in faith. She has endured many struggles over the past year. The death of her husband in an auto accident. A partial loss of use in her right arm and leg as part of that same accident. But, through it all she has kept her eyes on the one who provides, the one who supports and the one who sustains, our Heavenly Father. You may remember that she had a little girl in September and we named her Faith. Take a look at Faith now! God has provided Tina with a beautiful little girl, a testament to her faith in Jesus Christ. May God continue to be glorified in the life of Tina and Faith. May Tina share her faith and testimony as she shares the story of her little girl.

"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." Philemon :6

Celebrating Jesus' love on Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T16:26:00.000+03:00

On this day of celebrating love, we were able to share with those at Lugoba Baptist Church the most important love all all, the love of Jesus Christ! Andrew was able to share through Scripture the importance of love as commanded in John 15. Our prayer is that the love of Jesus would shine through each and every day in the lives of those in this church, this community and throughout Kampala.

This picture cannot fully capture the outpouring of love this sister in Christ is laying at our Father's feet. She worships in song, totally unaware of those around. Her only focus is on the one who died for her, who shed His blood for her and who has prepared a place in heaven for her.

Here is one of my favorite young friends, Ivan, getting ready to sing "Go Light Your Candle". This song simply encourages each one to grab the hand of another and share the love of Jesus. A simple message with eternal consequences! Praise God for these young people, dedicated to sharing God's love through music.

"I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations." Psalms 89:1

Christmas in Kampala

2009-12-18T08:45:00.000+03:00

Yesterday we went to celebrate and share the story of Christmas with the house church in Biina. What a blessing this group of believers is to our family! We were welcomed with a HUGE downpour, as you can see in the picture. It was wet, wet, wet and cold. There were several in the group that were unable to make it because of the rain, but it would take more than this mini flood to keep us from celebrating the birth of Jesus.

We passed out GOD LOVES YOU coloring books, crayons and "sweeties" (candy) to the children and most adults! Then Andrew read the story of Jesus' birth from Luke. What a joy it was to watch the children as they listened to the amazing story of our Savior's birth. We discussed the true meaning of the season and how we need to share the hope we have in Jesus Christ with others.

This group is a living testament to the faith, hope and love we have in Christ. There is a lot to be thankful for this year as we look forward to 2010. We have grown in love, knowledge of the Word and in size. We have a new addition as you can see in the picture, this beautiful baby girl was born about 3 weeks ago. What a blessing to the group and her family. We are still waiting on a name!

Praise God for Jjaja Esther and this group of believers that meet each week! Pray for them as they battle with health issues, lack of jobs and daily living. Even in the midst of their daily struggles they are a light unto their community. Pray that they will continue to share the love of Jesus with their neighbors, family and friends. Pray for Charles, as he has come to be a leader of this group. May God bless him with guidance and direction as he seeks to learn and grow in his faith.

Mukama ye bazibwe! Praise the Lord!

A Testament to Faith...

2009-10-10T08:14:00.000+03:00

and that is what we named her! Many of you may remember meeting Tina in an earlier blog. Her story is one of God's mercy, grace and goodness. Many did not believe that Tina would be able to deliver a healthy baby. Doctors told her the baby would be lame and probably die, but God had other plans!

This little miracle was born on September 27th, not sure how much she weighs or how long she is, but we know for sure she is a miracle. She was born at home in the middle of the night, much to the surprise of everyone in the house. There are still family members who don't believe that she can exist so many plan on coming by over the next few weeks to witness this child.

Tina asked us to name her new baby, it was both an honor and privilege. Naming a baby, not your own, can be stressful! But, her name came easily as we asked for God's help. You see, Tina has shown great faith since the car accident. Through the loss of her husband. Through her life changing illness. Through her disability. Tina can see God at work. Now she has an opportunity not only to share her faith with her family and others, but to share her precious baby Faith, as a testament to the awesome power, love and mercy of our Heavenly Father.

"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Jesus Christ." Philemon :6

NAGURU

2009-09-23T16:11:00.001+03:00

There is an uncountable number of slum areas in Kampala, and I may never get into all of them. This is Naguru, which is a slum that is very near one of the more affluent areas of Kampala, the contrast here is almost unbelievable. I spent all day Tuesday with my friend Douglas visiting the people of Naguru, and exploring the possibility of starting a house church there. As with all of these areas, the need is very great spiritually and physically. This first photo is of a group of women that are making local waragi (moonshine). We had a really good time getting to know these women, and after some time, I started to preach to them as they worked. None of them prayed to receive Jesus, but they all heard the gospel and were given an opportunity. I pray that they will take the words of God to heart and repent and ask Him into their lives.

This man is the landlord of this place and he is a believer, we had a very nice visit with him and encouraged him to share his faith with the community.

Typical scene of kids playing in the mud.

Mother and daughter. This maama saw Douglas and I and came to us and asked us to please come to her place. She is a drunkard and occasional prostitute and has been known to beat her daughter. We sat and listened for at least an hour as they both cried while telling us all of their issues. We shared with them, we preached to them, we prayed with them, and we loved them. At the end, they BOTH prayed to receive Jesus. Mukaama Ye Bazibwe!!!

We shared the gospel everywhere we went and preached at every opportunity, even in the middle of the street. It was a great day in Naguru. Please remember these dear people in your prayers.

Sunday in Buziga

2009-09-21T20:19:00.000+03:00

We had the privilege of worshiping at Lifeway Baptist Church in Buziga this past Sunday. Andrew was asked to preach and encourage this congregation not far from where we live in Kansanga. Lifeway is a light in this community, its sits among mosques, an Islamic Institute and other avenues of false teachings.

This church is alive and on mission to reach those in their community. Please pray for this congregation as they prepare for a week long evangelism and outreach event culminating in the showing of the Jesus film. Our prayer is that God will go before them as they reach out as His "hands" and "feet" to share the love and good news of Jesus Christ!

The first hour of service includes great songs of worship and praise, sometimes its more than just the first hour! "Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts." Psalm 105:2

This is Pastor Cosmos (left) with one of our young Ugandan friends, Everest. We pray for the leadership of this church, that they will seek guidance and direction from God. Everest is currently a student at Uganda Baptist Seminary. We praise God for this opportunity for him to obtain a solid foundation in the Word.

Here Andrew is preaching with translation help from our friend Joel. God's word is mighty and strong. Andrew encouraged the church to not be complacent pew sitters, that their role in the great commission is to go out into their community and witness to their friends and family and neighbors about what Jesus has done for them. And how He is willing to do the same for everyone who calls on His name. It was a great spirit filled service and the name of the Lord was glorified. The sermon was confirmation from God's word, to this group of believers that the good news of Jesus Christ should not remain within their four walls, but should be proclaimed throughout Buziga, Kampala, Uganda . . . "and to the ends of the earth."

Biina Zone House Church

2009-08-27T19:30:00.000+03:00

Today, August 27th 2009 a new house church was born! While visiting a Manna Ministry recepient in Biina Zone a couple months ago, Christina was asked by Jjajja Ester if we would come and start a fellowship at her house. Several different events delayed our going until today, but it was worth the wait. The Jjajja did not know that we were coming today, but she was so happy to see us, she called some of her neighbors and we had our first Bible study at her house. We will be going every Thursday at 10am to teach and learn together. I think the highlight of the day was when I gave Jjajja Ester a new Luganda Bible. She was upset because her Bible had been left in a taxi and was lost. She told us that she had been selling mango's from her tree to try and save up to buy a new Bible, but now she has a new Bible and she was overjoyed and praising God. We praise God for bringing us to this place and pray that God will bless this house church and all of the people that come to it. Please be in prayer with us for this group, that they would all draw closer to Jesus and become bright shining lights in this community.

A BAGANDA FUNERAL

2009-08-21T17:12:00.001+03:00

You may or may not know that Christina and I visit Mulago Hospital(the national referral hospital) every Wednesday, and we have witnessed God doing amazing things in the hearts of many people there.

We go with a young pastor friend from Kawempe named Deon who serves as our translator, and is a great guy. When we arrived there this past Wednesday the 19th of August, Deon told us that his uncle had been brought there the day before and was very sick. We walked into the ward where he was with his wife and two grown sons and everyone was visibly upset, Paul was rapidly going down hill, he was unconscious and having seizures, and as normal, there was nothing being done to help him. We tried to comfort the family and we prayed with the family and Christina held and comforted his wife while she cried. A nurse came and said that they wanted to move him upstairs to a different ward, so I and the eldest son lifted Paul onto a gurney and rolled him up to another ward, and at that time we decided that we should go so the family could get him situated. Shortly thereafter, we received the call that Paul had died. Deon asked if I could please go with him to their village the next day for the burial.

Yesterday morning I picked up my good friend and co-laborer, Joseph Essiana and we went to Kawempe and got Deon and headed out to the village. I believe that his entire clan was there, he was a well respected and loved man. I was not asked to conduct the service,

but I was asked to speak to the people twice, it was a great honor. The service and burial lasted about five hours, during that time I visited with alot of the elders of the family, I visited with the men that volunteered to dig the grave, and I prayed with the widow.

The grave was very interesting, after they dug down about four feet, they lined it with bricks and mortored over the bricks, basically making a concrete vault for the casket. The most special part for me was when I learned that Paul had prayed to receive Jesus, last month! After the burial, we all walked back to the house for the installation service of the leader of the family. Paul's heir was his eldest son who is also named

Paul. I was asked to offer some words of encouragement,

so one of the things that I told him

was to not only be a good leader for the family, but most importantly be a follower of Jesus, I then gave him a Bible. I believe that this will be a day

that I won't soon forget and am very grateful to have been invited to be a part of this family and to be able to share the love of Jesus with them.

GOD'S GRACE

2009-07-15T18:04:00.000+03:00

I was extremly priviledged to witness and be a part of two wonderful things today.
A new clothing store opened in Kampala called Mr. Price and Walker has been asking me if I would take him there and buy him a new shirt because we haven't bought him one in two years. I told him that I would, but it would be in the evening because I was going out to visit a man that I had heard about. Christina and I drove out this morning to this man's house, it took about one and a half hours to get there, mostly because of traffic. When we got to the place, we were greeted by two very old women, who were so happy to see us. After all of the greetings and introductions were done, they took us into the house to visit with the Muzee(old man). Meet William, 75 years old, HIV positive, former drunkard, etc, and not a believer in Jesus. He was overjoyed that we had come to visit, and we sat and talked for a few minutes before I asked if I could share with him from my Bible. He agreed and said that he would like that so, I used the opportunity to use my pull no punches, no holds barred evangelism with him. When God and I were finished and gave him the chance to make a decision, he made the right choice, and we now have a new, old brother in Christ that we will be with in Heaven one day. While driving with Walker to Mr. Price this evening, I was telling him about William and the decision that he had made and Walker was so amazed that he had to turn his head so that I wouldn't see the tears. God's grace is amazing.

Gods front row seat . . .

2009-07-07T06:25:00.000+03:00

Some days you just have to hold on! The ministry at Mulago gives us another opportunity to have a front row seat to the mercy and faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Each week we visit those who are hurting, both physically and emotionally. We visit those who are dying, both physically and spiritually. Our prayer is that God will be glorified through the halls of the hospital and that His light would be carried on to the homes of those we visit.

"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard." Isaiah 58:8

Some days our front row seat takes us to the homes of those we have visited in the hospital. I want to introduce you to Tina. She is a testimony to the mercy and faithfulness of Christ. Her testimony is a miracle and I thank God that we were able to bear witness.

We first met Tina at Mulago, she had no idea we were there, not sure if she had any idea who or where she was. She was involved in a car accident and it was thought she would not make it. Her husband had been killed in the accident and her family was scared to tell her for fear she would stop fighting to live. We prayed that God would heal her and bring her back to her family. Also, that He would provide His strength in Tina and give her the will to continue, may she know that He loves her and holds her in the palm of His hand. The woman in the picture is Tina. She has a long road to go, even longer, when you take into account where she lives. But, God is faithful and she is home among her family who love her. She suffers emotionally and physically, but God is working through her to provide the peace and comfort that only He can provide. While visiting her, we discovered that the most miraculous thing of all, is that she is pregnant. The doctors told her that the baby would or did die in the accident, however that little one is fighting for life and moving around to prove it!! There are many prayer needs for this little one and his mother. We pray for continued physical healing, so she can care for him. We also pray that God will provide a way for her to get further medical care, Tina is HIV positive and desperately wants to do everything she can to not pass it along to her child. Please lift up Tina, her unborn child and the family who care for her at this time. God has a plan and a purpose for His children and we know that He has a plan for Tina.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

KATANGA

2009-05-16T14:32:00.004+03:00

KATANGA IS A SLUM THAT WOULD BE DESCRIBED BY MOST PEOPLE AS A PLACE WHERE THERE IS NOTHING GOOD. PEOPLE WILL SAY THAT ALL THAT YOU WILL FIND IN KATANGA IS DRUNKARDS, PROSTITUTES, WITCH DOCTORS, DRUGS, AND THIEVES. WHILE ALL THESE THINGS ARE TRUE, THERE IS SOMETHING GOOD HAPPENING IN KATANGA, GOD IS IN KATANGA AND THE LOVE OF JESUS IS MOVING THROUGH THIS PLACE. WE SPENT ALL DAY FRIDAY WALKING, VISITING, SHARING, AND LOVING ON THE RESIDENTS OF KATANGA. AS WITH MOST OF OUR AREAS, THERE IS A GREAT NEED FOR EVERYTHING HERE FROM FOOD TO SCHOOL FEES, FROM RENT TO CLOTHES, BUT OF COURSE, THE HOPE THAT JESUS PROVIDES IS WHAT IS MOST NEEDED, AND WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO TELL THE PEOPLE OF KATANGA ABOUT THIS HOPE AND LOVE THAT JESUS GIVES. WE VISITED IN MANY HOMES AND WERE ABLE TO HEAR THE STORIES OF THE PEOPLE, FROM THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES, STORIES OF HIV, HOPELESSNESS, NEED, AND PRAISES FOR WHAT GOD HAS DONE IN THEIR LIVES. WE PRAYED WITH MANY PEOPLE AND TRIED OUR BEST TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO NOT LOSE HOPE OR FAITH IN THE ONE MOST HIGH GOD. PLEASE DON'T BE SO BUSY WITH YOUR LIVES THAT YOU FORGET THESE CHILDREN OF GOD, THANK YOU.

Mothers Day at Kisugu Church

2009-05-11T15:40:00.001+03:00

We had a great spirit filled service on Sunday with the people of Kisugu, and the sermon was Fantastic!!!

Gossace Orphanage, Mukono Uganda

2009-04-27T20:17:00.001+03:00

There are 365 children at this orphanage. They come from all over Uganda, some have one living parent (usually HIV positive) most have no living parent, and many have no known relative. The place is way out in the country, and they have plenty of room to run around and they have started growing some of their own food (corn, and potato's) with plans to plant more. We were able, thanks to a donation, to present the school at the orphanage with 3 English, 2 Luganda, and 2 childrens Bible's. We have been given an open invitation to return and spend the day teaching Bible stories to the kids. We came to know about this place from one of our Kampala house church members that is involved in the operation of the orphanage and he has been after us to come and see the place, what a blessing it was for us to go and meet the kids there. I told the kids that they are not forgotten, we love them, but God loves them more and I was going to tell their story so that more people would know about them and pray for them and their future. So, PRAY for these beautiful kids!!! Thanks ya'll

Update on Little Trevor

2009-04-27T19:44:00.000+03:00

On Sunday afternoon, Christina and I drove north of Kampala to the little village where 5yr. old Trevor and his family live. I, for one was encouraged and praising God for Trevor's life, he seems to be ever so slightly improving by the grace of God. His eyes were open for first time since I have seen him and he has been able to take a little bit of porridge by mouth. His little body is still contorted and he is a long ways from well, but I think that God is going to use this healing and Trevor's life as a testimony to His power in this village. I was so moved by Trevor's grandmother, when she asked me "what kind of love would bring white people from the U.S. all the way out to my house, and where does this love come from" To have such an opportunity to praise God for His love for us with her and this family was quite an emotional experience. We are now praying for total and complete healing for this little fellow, and for all of the glory to be given to God. Please be in prayer with us.

God's Adventure - Hospital Ministry

2009-04-23T22:18:00.000+03:00

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24

The Lord has guided us, directed us and opened doors for us to be His "hands" and "feet" in the largest referral hospital in Uganda, Mulago Hospital. This community within a community incorporates patients, caregivers, visitors, staff and medical students. Approximately 10,000 move around the campus of both Old Mulago and New Mulago.

Our hope is that you will join us in prayer as we visit the hospital every Wednesday. There are patients everywhere, pouring out of the wards, waiting to be seen and treated. There is a sense of hopelessness and despair that permeate the halls of this facility. Our prayer is that the love of Jesus Christ will shine brightly through the darkness.

Our heart breaks for Trevor . . .

2009-04-23T21:26:00.000+03:00

Meet Trevor, he has stolen our hearts! He is five years old and fighting for his life. We have been visiting with him and his Mom at Mulago over the past several weeks to encourage and pray for the family. Trevor is suffering from many diseases, from cerebral TB to meningitis to encephalitis. The hospital is no longer doing anything to treat him and has sent him home to the village. Please pray for this little boy and his family as they totally place their faith and trust in the Great Physician. We know that God is in control and loves Trevor like no other! Our prayer is that God will provide the peace and understanding that can only come from Him.

LOSTNESS

2009-02-20T01:45:00.000+03:00

LOOKING DOWN FROM MULAGO HOSPITAL ONTO THE SLUM OF KATANGA GIVES A GOOD PERSPECTIVE OF THE SIZE OF THE AREA WHERE WE WERE SHARING GOD'S LOVE RECENTLY. THIS IS YET ANOTHER SLUM OF KAMPALA THAT IS OPPRESSED BY ALCOHOL, DRUGS, WITCHCRAFT, AND HOPELESSNESS. HOWEVER, GOD IS USING HIS PEOPLE TO SHARE, LOVE, AND ENCOURAGE THE RESIDENTS OF KATANGA, AND SOME ARE COMING TO KNOW HIM. PLEASE PRAY THAT THE FIERY DARTS OF SATAN WILL BE EXTINGUISHED BY THE LOVE OF GOD THAT WE SHARE WITH THEM.

HUMAN SACRIFICE

2009-02-12T20:57:00.000+03:00

THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN FROM MY TRUCK AS WE WERE LEAVING OUR HOUSE CHURCH MEETING ON FEBRUARY 9TH IN MAYINJA ZONE. WE SAW THIS HUGE CROWD GATHERING, SO WE SLOWED DOWN AND ASKED THIS GUY WHAT WAS GOING ON, AND HE TOLD US "THEY HAVE SACRIFICED". ONE OF THE LOCAL WITCH DOCTORS HAD DISMEMBERED AN ADULT FEMALE DURING A SACRIFICE CEREMONY AND SCATTERED THE PARTS HERE. THIS HAS BECOME A MAJOR PROBLEM IN KAMPALA, AND IT USUALLY INVOLVES CHILDREN.THE POLICE DID RESCUE THE WITCH DOCTOR FROM THE MOB, BUT I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT HE DIED IN POLICE CUSTODY. PLEASE, PLEASE PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE, AND ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN OF THESE AREAS WHERE WE WORK. ALSO PRAY FOR THE SALVATION OF THESE MEN AND WOMEN THAT ARE USED BY EVIL PEOPLE TO CARRY OUT THESE EVIL AND HATE FILLED RITUALS. PLEASE PRAY THAT THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL WOULD SHINE THROUGH THIS DARKNESS.

BUTABIKA PARISH

2009-01-24T23:15:00.000+03:00

THIS IS ME AND ABBEY, THE LOCAL CHAIRMAN OF BUTABIKA PARISH. HE TRIED TO TELL ME THAT HE WAS MUSLIM, BUT HE WAS WRONG, HE JUST NEEDS SOME LOVE, GODS LOVE.

SOWETO

2009-01-24T18:33:00.000+03:00

PREACHING IN THE NAMUWONGO/SOWETO COMMUNITY IS ALWAYS A BLESSING TO ME. THE "ADUNGU" STRINGED INSTRUMENTS AND PASTOR THOMAS ABACH ARE JUST A TREAT TO BE WITH ON SUNDAYS.

AT KIBULI CHURCH

2009-01-24T18:21:00.000+03:00

I SUPPOSE SOME FOLKS JUST DON'T WANT TO HEAR WHAT I HAVE TO SAY. PRAISE GOD, SOME STILL DO.

THIS IS CHURCH

2009-01-14T20:04:00.000+03:00

HERE IN KAMPALA, WE HAVE CHURCH ALL OVER THE PLACE. SOMETIMES WE HAVE CHURCH UNDER A TREE, SOMETIMES AT SOME ONES HOUSE, BUT NO MATTER WHERE WE MEET, GOD IS ALWAYS THERE WITH US, AND PEOPLE ARE COMING TO KNOW HIM.

WALKER, ALL-AROUND SUPERSTAR

2009-01-14T19:35:00.000+03:00

Here are some more shots of Walker. He is in high demand these days because of his many talents. One day he is in a wedding party, and the next day he is defending the goal for his futbol team, an all-around superstar, to his parents anyway.

LADIES GROUP IN BUTABIKA

2008-12-29T17:05:00.000+03:00

CHRISTINA RECENTLY STARTED A NEW HOUSE CHURCH GROUP WITH A GROUP OF LADIES IN THE BUTABIKA COMMUNITY. THEY MEET EVERY THURSDAY MORNING, AND HAVE BEEN STUDYING AND LEARNING ABOUT THE EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN OF THE BIBLE. PLEASE PRAY FOR CHRISTINA AS SHE LEADS THESE WOMEN DEEPER INTO THE BIBLE.

KATONDA MULUNGI (GOD IS GOOD)

2008-10-28T21:08:00.000+03:00

GOD IS SO GOOD. HE IS MOVING IN INCREDIBLY POWERFUL WAYS IN THIS CITY. DOORS HAVE BEEN FLYING OPEN SO FAST, THAT IT IS JUST MIND BLOWING TO SEE ALL THAT HE IS DOING HERE IN KAMPALA. I WENT OUT TO A PREVIOUSLY UNVISITED AREA OF THE CITY WITH DOUGLAS, DICKENS, AND JOSEPH, THE PLACE IS CALLED THE MAYINJA ZONE OF BWAISE IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE CITY. THIS IS AN OVERLOOKED AREA BY MOST, DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET TO, IT FLOODS ALOT, AND IS HOME TO A LARGE INFLUENCE OF ISLAM AND OTHER DEADLY DISEASES. BUT GOD IS ALL OVER THIS PLACE. THE PICTURES WERE TAKEN DURING OUR SECOND HOUSE CHURCH MEETING, AND OF THE 20 OR SO PEOPLE THAT WERE THERE, MOST OF THEM HAD CLAIMED TO BE MUSLIM. HOWEVER, ON THIS EVENING 10 OF THEM CAME FORWARD TO PRAY TO RECEIVE JESUS IN THEIR HEARTS, AND 17 ENROLLED IN THE BIBLE WAY DISCIPLESHIP COURSE. WE PRAISE GOD THAT THESE CHILDREN OF GOD THAT WERE ONCE LOST, HAVE NOW BEEN FOUND. WHEN YOU PRAY, THANK GOD FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE AND IS STILL DOING IN THIS CITY.

BEST FRIENDS

2008-10-14T01:06:00.000+03:00

WE JUST TOOK A SHORT FAMILY VACATION TO JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, AND WHILE WE WERE THERE, THE KIDS WERE SURPRISED BY A VISIT FROM THEIR BEST IMB FRIENDS. DELANEY SCREAMED WHEN SHE SAW KIMBER, SHE WAS OVER JOYED. WALKER WAS EQUALLY EXCITED, BUT LESS VOCAL, WHEN HIS BUDDY PAUL SHOWED UP. IT WAS A FANTASTIC TRIP AND A GREAT REUNION WITH FRIENDS, AND WE ARE ALL SO GRATEFUL TO GOD FOR ALLOWING US TO HAVE THIS SPECIAL TIME.

SOUTH AFRICAN LIONS

2008-10-14T00:46:00.000+03:00

DRIVING THROUGH A GAME PARK OUTSIDE OF JOHANNESBURG, WE WITNESSED SO MANY BEAUTIFUL THINGS, BUT THE LIONS WERE DEFINITELY THE HI-LIGHT OF THE DRIVE.

LION CUBS

2008-10-14T00:18:00.000+03:00

WOW!!! PETTING FOUR MONTH OLD LION CUBS IS SO AWESOME, GOD HAS REALLY MADE SOME COOL THINGS. THANKS DAD!!

South African Gold Mine

2008-10-13T23:38:00.000+03:00

WHILE IN JOHANNESBURG, WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A TOUR OF A GOLD MINE. WE WENT DOWN 600 FT, AND WALKED AROUND AND SAW HOW IT IS DONE, AND WHEN WE CAME BACK UP WE WERE ABLE TO SEE THEM POUR A BAR OF PURE GOLD. WALKER LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

NEW BROTHERS AND SISTERS

2008-10-01T19:52:00.000+03:00

IRENE, DOREEN, KENNETH, WILFRED, JIMMY, GRACE, AND CHRISTINA AND ME. SEE WHAT WE CELEBRATED TOGETHER!!

HOW WE CELEBRATED RAMADHAN

2008-10-01T19:00:00.000+03:00

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2008. TODAY WAS THE FINAL DAY OF THE MUSLIM MONTH OF RAMADHAN, A DAY CALLED EID EL FITR, AND TO CELEBRATE, I WENT WITH SIX NEW BELIEVERS OF JESUS CHRIST TO LAKE VICTORIA AND WE HAD BAPTISM. SURROUNDING US AT THE LAKE WERE MUSLIMS AND THE LOCAL WITCH DOCTOR. WHAT A TREMENDOUS WITNESS THESE NEW BELIEVERS WERE TO THESE PEOPLE, IN SHOWING THEIR COMMITMENT AND OBEDIENCE TO JESUS, IN SPITE OF THE DARK FORCES THAT WERE ALL AROUND. I PRAISE GOD SO MUCH FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE A PART OF THIS BAPTISM ON THIS DAY.

FIELD TRIP

2008-09-27T20:44:00.001+03:00

NANNIE AND GRANDPAPA AND WALKER AND DELANEY AT BUJAGALI FALLS ON THE RIVER NILE IN JINJA, UGANDA

BIRTHDAY

2008-09-27T20:06:00.002+03:00

10 AND 8!! I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW BIG THEY ARE GETTING. WALKER AND DELANEY HAD A FANTASTIC BIRTHDAY, THEY GOT SOME GREAT PRESENTS, AND THEY HAD THEIR GRANDPARENTS HERE WITH THEM, IT WAS AWESOME.

LUZIRA HOUSE CHURCH

2008-09-27T19:55:00.000+03:00

SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2008. TODAY IS NOT ONLY THE BIRTHDAY OF BOTH OF MY KIDS, BUT TODAY IS ALSO THE BIRTHDAY OF THE FIRST HOUSE CHURCH IN THE COMMUNITY SURROUNDING LUZIRA PRISON. GOD HAS THROWN OPEN THE DOOR TO THIS AREA AND HAS SELECTED US TO TAKE HIS WORD TO THIS PLACE, WE ARE SO BLESSED TO BE HERE, FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. WE PRAY THAT GOD'S WORD WOULD HAVE A TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON THIS AREA AND THAT MANY HOUSE CHURCH GROUPS WOULD START FROM THIS ONE, PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS WITH US.

HOUSE CHURCH

2008-09-23T23:55:00.000+03:00

TODAY WAS A TREMENDOUSLY AWESOME DAY. I HAD THE PRIVILEDGE OF TAKING MY DAD WITH ME TO OUR HOUSE CHURCH IN KIFUMBIRA, WHERE ONE MAN MADE THE DECISION TO GIVE HIS LIFE TO JESUS, AND FIVE PEOPLE CAME FORWARD WITH THE DESIRE TO BE BAPTIZED. I JUST CAN'T SAY HOW WONDERFUL THE DAY WAS, I AM SO BLESSED!!

GRAND PARENTS

2008-09-23T23:22:00.000+03:00

I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE WHO WAS MORE EXCITED, THE GRANDKIDS OR THE GRANDPARENTS, BUT IN ANY EVENT, THEY ARE HAPPY TO HAVE EACH OTHER, IF ONLY FOR A LITTLE WHILE.

BUTABIKA FOOD DISTRIBUTION

2008-09-23T22:58:00.000+03:00

IT WAS A TREMENDOUS BLESSING FOR US TO BE ABLE TO INVOLVE OUR KIDS AND PARENTS IN A FOOD DISTRIBUTION, CONDUCTED BY MANNA MINISTRY. ALL OF THE PEOPLE THAT RECEIVE THE FOOD, ARE AT A CRITICAL, AND CRUCIAL TIME IN THEIR LIVES, THEY ARE ALL HIV POSITIVE, BUT WITH THE FOOD PROVIDED TO THEM, IT IS OUR PRAYER THAT THEIR BODIES WILL BECOME STRONG ENOUGH THAT THE ARV'S WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE MAXIMUM IMPACT AND THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO LEAD AN ORDINARY LIFE.

LUZIRA ZONE

2008-09-23T22:35:00.001+03:00

BUTABIKA PARISH HAS SEVEN ZONES, LUZIRA ZONE IS ONE OF THE MOST STATEGIC DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT HAS THE NATIONAL PRISON IN IT. WE WERE ABLE TO WALK AROUND AND EVANGELIZE IN THE COMMUNITY THAT SURROUNDS THE PRISON, WHERE ALOT OF THE PRISON GUARDS AND STAFF LIVE. THE PEOPLE HERE ARE SO VERY THIRSTY FOR THE LIVING WATER THAT JESUS PROVIDES, AND WE HAVE STARTED A NEW HOUSE CHURCH IN AN EFFORT TO PROVIDE THAT WATER TO THEM. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE NEW MINISTRY THAT HAS STARTED HERE AND THAT IT WOULD GROW AND SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE ZONE.

Butabika Parish

2008-08-31T19:18:00.001+03:00

FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN BUTABIKA PARISH. THIS IS THE NEWEST SITE OF MANNA MINISTRIES FOOD DISTRIBUTION, AND IT IS A VERY INTERESTING PLACE. THERE ARE SEVEN ZONES IN THIS PARISH, INCLUDING THE NATIONAL PRISON AT LUZIRA AND THE NATIONAL MENTAL HOSPITAL. WE HAVE MET WITH THE HEAD PARISH LEADER, WHO IS A MUSLIM, AND WE HAVE BEEN WELCOMED TO COME AND DO ANY KIND OF MINISTRY THAT WE WANT TO DO, SO WE HOPE TO PLANT CHURCHES IN ALL SEVEN ZONES. LAST WEEK WE WERE GIVEN A TOUR OF BUTABIKA MENTAL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE HOSPITAL AND WE WERE WELCOMED TO START ANY KIND OF MINISTRY THERE- I.E. PRAYER WALKING, VISITING, AND BIBLE STUDIES. NOTICE IN THE PICTURES THAT THE PEOPLE THAT RECEIVED THE FOOD WERE SPLITTING IT UP AND SHARING IT WITH THE PEOPLE THAT DID NOT RECEIVE IT, THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL AREA, PLEASE BE IN PRAYER FOR THESE PEOPLE AND OUR MINISTRY HERE. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!

KIFUMBIRA

2008-08-12T19:08:00.001+03:00

GOD IS DOING GREAT THINGS IN KIFUMBIRA!!! THE GROUP PICTURE IS ABOUT HALF OF THE PEOPLE THAT ARE ENROLLED IN THE BIBLE WAY COURSE, PRAISE GOD, AND THE OTHER PHOTOS ARE OF THE SECOND HOUSE CHURCH THAT WE PLANTED. THE MAN IN THE ORANGE AND GREEN SHIRT HAS DECIDED TO GIVE HIS LIFE TO JESUS AND WE ARE BURNING FETISHES THAT A WITCH DOCTOR HAD GIVEN HIM. HE WAS TOLD THAT HE NEEDED TO MAKE A PUBLIC CONFESSION OF HIS FAITH IN GOD, AND HE WAS CONVICTED TO GIVE UP HIS IDOLS IN FRONT OF HIS PEERS. GOD IS MOVING IN A POWERFUL WAY IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD, AND WE PRAISE HIM FOR IT.

SPECIAL EVENTS

2008-08-12T19:04:00.000+03:00

TEACHING AT MANNA MINISTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS AND AT BAPTISMS IS JUST A FEW OF THE THINGS THAT WE DO HERE.

HOUSE CHURCHES

2008-08-12T18:54:00.000+03:00

WE HAVE BEEN MOVING ALL OVER THE CITY, TEACHING AND PREACHING AT HOUSE CHURCHES. THESE PHOTOS SHOW THE HOUSE CHURCHES OF NATEETE, SOWETO, AND NAKULABYE, AS WELL AS A BED ON BLOCKS DUE TO FLOODING. PLEASE PRAY FOR THIS PLACE AND THESE PEOPLE.

OUR GUARDS

2008-08-12T18:46:00.000+03:00

GOD HAS BLESSED US WITH TWO GREAT GUARDS. TONY AND JULIUS HAVE BECOME LIKE FAMILY TO US AND WE ARE VERY THANKFUL FOR THEM. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GO TO THEIR HOUSES AND VISIT AND PRAY WITH THEM, THEY ARE REALLY GOOD GUYS.

KIDS, YEAH WE GOT UM

2008-08-12T18:07:00.000+03:00

AS I'M SURE THAT YOU ARE WELL AWARE, WE HAVE PLENTY OF KIDS HERE IN KAMPALA, AND THEY CAN BE VERY CREATIVE WITH PLAY THINGS. THEY WILL DEFINITELY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE.

STORIES

2008-05-31T21:09:00.000+03:00

I HAVE THREE STORIES THAT I WANT TO TELL, ABOUT HOW GOD HAS BEEN WORKING HERE IN KAMPALA RECENTLY. IN THE SUBURB OF KAWEMPE, WE HAVE FOUR HOUSE CHURCH LOCATIONS AND SOME OF THE RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVING FOOD FROM THE MANNA MINISTRY. FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS I HAVE BEEN TRAVELING OUT THERE, TO MINISTER TO THE PEOPLE AND JUST SHARE GODS LOVE WITH THEM. WELL, AT THE SPOT ALONG THE ROAD WHERE YOU HAVE TO TURN OFF OF THE MAIN ROAD, THERE HAS BEEN A SIGN POST FOR THE LOCAL WITCH DOCTOR. THIS PAST WEEK WHEN I WAS THERE, I NOTICED THAT THE SIGN WAS GONE, SO I INQUIRED ABOUT IT, AND LO AND BEHOLD, THE DARKNESS COULD NOT STAND THE LIGHT AND THE WITCH DOCTOR AND HIS SIGN HAVE LEFT KAWEMPE!!

IN KIFUMBIRA, WHERE WE HAVE STARTED A NEW HOUSE CHURCH OF PREDOMINATLY MEN, I HAVE BEEN TEACHING A SERIES ABOUT THE MAN THAT GOD USES, AND HOW IF JESUS CALLED AND USED FISHERMEN, TAX COLLECTORS, CARPENTERS, AND EVEN ZEALOTS THEN HE CAN MOST CERTAINLY USE MEN LIKE ME AND THE MEN OF KIFUMBIRA. PRAISE GOD, HIS WORD IS HITTING HOME WITH THESE GUYS. THERE ARE 10-15 MEN THAT COME TO THE STUDY AND ALMOST ALL OF THEM HAVE NOW GIVEN THEIR LIVES TO JESUS!!

THIS PAST WEEKEND, THE PASSION WORLD TOUR(CHRIS TOMLIN, MATT REDMAN, LOUIE GIGLIO ETC.) WAS HERE IN KAMPALA, AT MAKERERE UNIVERSITY AND THE KAMPALA URBAN TEAM WAS ASKED TO BE A PART OF IT. ON THE FIRST AFTERNOON, I WAS STATIONED OUTSIDE OF THE FENCE ON THE DORM SIDE OF THE FIELD AND MY JOB WAS TO DIRECT THE STUDENTS TO THE AREAS WHERE THEY COULD RECEIVE A WRISTBAND AND ENTER THE GATE. I WAS THERE WITH MY FRIEND DOUGLAS ALIRO AND WE WERE TOLD TO BE IN PLACE AROUND 3PM. SO, GIVEN THE FACT THAT IT WAS NOW 1PM WE DECIDED TO GO FOR A WALK AROUND THE CAMPUS AND WE FOUND OURSELVES AT THE MENS DORM, WHERE WE DECIDED TO GO IN AND TELL SOME GUYS ABOUT JESUS. WE KNOCKED ON A FEW DOORS AND WERE INVITED IN TO ONE ROOM WHERE THERE WERE SEVEN UNIVERSITY SENIORS HANGING OUT. WELL, WE SHARED OUR TESTAMONIES, PREACHED THE GOSPEL, ANSWERED QUESTIONS AND PRAYED WITH THESE GUYS, AND PRAISE THE LORD, FOUR OF THEM ACCEPTED JESUS!!

DAILY, I AM TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY THAT GOD CHOSE ME OF ALL PEOPLE TO BE HERE, AND BE A SMALL PART OF WHAT HE IS DOING HERE, HE IS SO COOL!!

2008-05-24T17:16:00.000+03:00

Christina was asked by Mama Agnes and Thomas of Soweto to join them in a time of teaching and encouragement for the ladies of the Network. As you can see, it was well attended by both the ladies and the men!! Praise God that many came to hear the word of truth and saving grace in our Lord and Savior. Pray for those who attended that they will go out and spread the good news of Jesus Christ and that they will take the teachings of today to heart and incorporate them into their lives and into the lives of their family and friends.

IT'S WALKER TIME

2008-05-24T16:40:00.000+03:00

OUR VERY GOOD FRIEND JOSEPH, RECENTLY TOOK WALKER FOR A RIDE ON HIS MOTORCYCLE. IT WAS A SHORT RIDE FROM THE MINISTRY CENTER TO JOSEPH'S HOUSE, BUT THEY BOTH HAD A BALL. WALKER IS A MAN'S MAN, HE RIDES MOTORCYCLES, AND HE DOMINATES ON THE FUTBOL PITCH. AS GOAL KEEPER ON HIS TEAM AT HERITAGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, HE ALLOWED ZERO GOALS AGAINST THE TEAM FROM THE UGANDA JUNIOR LEAGUE, HE ROCKS!!

THE BEAUTY OF UGANDA

2008-05-18T22:17:00.000+03:00

A MARIBOU STORK IN A BOAT AT THE LAKE, A BEAUTIFUL DARK PINK FLOWER, WALKER AND HIS BEST FRIEND ETHAN, AND DELANEY. THESE ARE SOME OF GOD'S CREATIONS THAT I GET TO ENJOY IN AFRICA!!

NEW BELIEVERS

2008-05-18T21:55:00.000+03:00

ON THURSDAY, MAY 15TH 2008, WE HELD A SPECIAL BAPTISM CEREMONY AT LAKE VICTORIA FOR SOME OF THE SECURITY GUARDS THAT WE MINISTER TOO. WE USUALLY BAPTIZE ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS, BUT MANY GUARDS ARE NOT AVAILABLE ON SUNDAYS, SO WE WENT TO THEIR HOMES IN SOWETO AND PICKED THEM UP AND TOOK THEM TO THE LAKE AND HAD A WONDERFUL CEREMONY FOR THESE FOUR MEN AND ONE WOMAN.

JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN

2008-05-09T21:17:00.000+03:00

TODAY, WE WENT TO THE DORCAS ORPHANAGE AND SHARED THE LOVE OF JESUS WITH THE CHILDREN THERE. IT WAS SO COOL AND THE CHILDREN WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE US THERE. THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 30 KIDS THERE, FROM AGE 6-17. I KNOW THAT I WAS BLESSED MUCH MORE FROM THE VISIT THAN THEY WERE. THE MATRON ASK IF WE WOULD PLEASE COME BACK AND SHARE MORE STORIES FROM THE BIBLE WITH THEM SOON, YOU KNOW THAT WE WILL.

I HERD YOU

2008-05-09T20:44:00.001+03:00

EVERYDAY, ON AT LEAST ONE OF THE ROADS THAT WE TRAVEL, WE HAVE THE PLEASURE OF TRYING NOT TO BE GORED BY ONE OF THE ANKOLE COWS. THEY ARE BIG, THEIR HORNS ARE HUGE, AND THEY ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE, BUT THEY ARE STILL SAFER THAN THE TAXI DRIVERS.

A UGANDAN WEDDING

2008-04-28T19:58:00.001+03:00

SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2008

OUR DEAR FRIENDS AND CO-LABORERS, DOUGLAS AND SHEILA WERE MARRIED IN A BEAUTIFUL CEREMONY. OUR FAMILY WAS BLESSED TO BE A PART OF THE FESTIVITIES, WITH DELANEY AS A FLOWER GIRL, WALKER AS RING BEARER, AND I WAS ASKED TO READ A SCRIPTURE AND PRAY FOR THEM. THESE ARE TWO OF THE MOST WONDERFUL FRIENDS THAT WE HAVE, AND WE PRAY THAT GOD WILL BLESS THEIR MARRIAGE GREATLY. WALKER AND DELANEY BOTH DID A FANTASTIC JOB, AND NEVER COMPLAINED ABOUT ANYTHING, AND WE WERE SO VERY PROUD OF THEM, THEY LOVE THE UGANDAN PEOPLE SO MUCH.

A NEW BABY

2008-04-19T20:19:00.000+03:00

CHRISTINA WAS GIVEN THE HONOR OF NAMING THE NEWEST BABY GIRL OF OUR FRIENDS, THOMAS AND FLORENCE ABACH. SHE IS THEIR SEVENTH CHILD AND SHE IS VERY BEAUTIFUL. HER NAME IS HANNAH GRACE!!! THOMAS AND HIS FAMILY LIVE IN THE AREA THAT WE CALL SOWETO, AND HE IS ONE OF OUR UGANDAN PASTORS.

Making A New Missionary

2008-04-18T15:51:00.000+03:00

TODAY, WE TOOK DELANEY WITH US TO THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION AT KAWEMPE. I WAS ABLE TO SHOW HER WHAT WAS IN THE BAGS, THE PEOPLE THAT WOULD RECEIVE THE FOOD AND THE PLACES WHERE THEY LIVE. CHRISTINA AND DELANEY GATHERED UP ALL OF THE CHILDREN AND TOLD THEM ABOUT JESUS WITH AN EVANGE-CUBE, AND AFTER THAT, DELANEY GAVE ALL OF THE CHILDREN A LOLLIPOP. IT WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL CHANCE TO INVOLVE HER IN WHAT WE HAVE BEEN CALLED HERE TO DO. BOTH OF THE KIDS HAVE SUCH BIG, COMPASSIONATE HEARTS FOR THE PEOPLE HERE, AND THEY LOVE BEING INVOLVED IN OUR MINISTRY. GOD IS SO COOL!!

2008-04-16T13:23:00.000+03:00

On Tuesday, April 15th, I went with my Ugandan brother Douglas Aliro back into the neighborhood of Kifumbira. We had been here before, due to the fact that manna ministry is conducting a crisis food distribution in this area. We normally walk all throughout these areas and greet, evangelize, and pray with people that we meet along the way. Last week we were here for the food distribution and while walking around, God led us to a group of men that were sitting around talking, and holding literature from Jehovahs Witnesses, well, we couldn't pass up this opportunity that God gave us to tell them the truth. After two hours, we had to leave, but we asked if we could come back and talk more, and they agreed that we could. So, we returned, and spent four hours with them, preaching and teaching and answering questions. There were ten men there and three of them prayed to receive Jesus, and eight of them enrolled in the Bible Way correspondence course. We will be going back every week now, to teach more and pray with this group of men that unbeknownst to them have become our newest house church, Praise the Lord.

KUT KIDS

2008-03-17T23:37:00.000+03:00

THIS PAST WEEKEND, THE KAMPALA URBAN TEAM HAD A TEAM RETREAT WITH OUR STRATEGY ASSOCIATE FROM NAIROBI, TIM TIDENBERG, AND THE KIDS, WALKER, DELANEY, KARIS, AND SOPHIA WITH THE HELP OF JAMIE BENEDICT, DID A PRESENTATION FOR US OF JESUS ENTERING THE CITY ON PALM SUNDAY. WALKER TOLD THE STORY, WHICH HE HAD MEMORIZED, AND THE GIRLS HANDLED THE FELT STORY BOARD, IT WAS WONDERFUL. THE SHELTONS AND THE BERRYS HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN SUCH WONDERFUL KIDS, AND WE THANK GOD FOR THEM AND THEIR HEARTS FOR THE PEOPLE HERE.

SHARING IN SOWETO

2008-03-17T22:58:00.000+03:00

THE KAMPALA URBAN TEAM HAS DIVIDED THE CITY INTO FOUR SECTIONS AND THE THREE COUPLES THAT MAKE-UP THE TEAM HAVE EACH BEEN ASSIGNED A SECTION FOR A MONTH, NEXT MONTH WE WILL ALL ROTATE TO ANOTHER SECTION UNTIL WE HAVE ALL VISITED, TAUGHT, ENCOURAGED, AND PRAYED WITH EVERY HOUSE CHURCH THAT WE HAVE. ONE OF OUR AREAS THIS MONTH IS THE HUGE SLUM OF SOWETO. CHRISTINA HAS BEEN, AND TAUGHT A GROUP OF LADIES FROM THE BOOK OF LUKE, ABOUT MARY AND MARTHA. I ALSO HAVE BEEN, AND ALSO TAUGHT FROM LUKE, ABOUT THE GOOD SAMARITAN. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE KAMPALA URBAN TEAM AND ALL OF OUR HOUSE CHURCHES, WHICH AS OF TODAY, STANDS AT APPROXIMATELY 52 ACTIVE GROUPS. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!

KASWA-FORT PORTAL UGANDA

2008-02-23T22:43:00.003+03:00

THE KAMPALA URBAN TEAM HAD THE PRIVILEDGE TO TRAVEL TO WESTERN UGANDA TO ASSIST AND EVANGELIZE WITH OUR FRIEND LEW JOHNSON. WE USED OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM FROM MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH TO SPREAD OUT AND SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF JESUS TO THE PEOPLE OF KASWA. THIS AREA GROWS ALOT OF TEA, BUT NOT ALOT OF DISCIPLES, THE INFLUENCE OF ISLAM AND CATHOLICISM IS GREAT, HOWEVER, GOD IS SHAKING THINGS UP, WE HAD OVER 150 PEOPLE ACCEPT THE GIFT OF SALVATION AND SEVERAL CHURCHES WERE PLANTED, AND WE WERE ONLY THERE FOR THREE DAYS. GOD IS SO AWESOME, AND TO BE A PART OF WHAT HE IS DOING HERE IS UNBELIEVABLE. IS GOD CALLING YOU TO JOIN HIM? YOU WON'T EVER BE THE SAME.

KIFUMBIRA

2008-02-23T22:01:00.000+03:00

ON FEBRUARY 15TH, MANNA MINISTRY MOVED INTO AN AREA CALLED KIFUMBIRA. THE KAMPALA URBAN TEAM WAS ABLE TO PARTICIPATE WITH A VOLUNTEER TEAM FROM MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH. THESE PICTURES SHOW THE MINISTRY TENT BEING SET-UP AND THE BAGS OF FOOD THAT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PEOPLE WITH THE MOST DIRE NEED. WE WERE WELCOMED BY ALL OF THE LOCAL LEADERSHIP AND WERE ABLE TO OPENLY PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE RESIDENTS. AT LEAST 26 WERE SAVED ON THIS DAY, AND A HOUSE CHURCH WAS FORMED. I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE WHAT'S COOKING ON THE GRILL, BUT IT LOOKED LIKE GOAT CHITTINS:)

SPREADING THE WORD

2008-02-23T21:28:00.000+03:00

THE KAMPALA URBAN TEAM WAS BLESSED TO HAVE A VOLUNTEER TEAM FROM MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH, ALEXANDRIA, ALABAMA. THEIR WILLINGNESS AND BOLDNESS IN SHARING THE LOVE OF JESUS WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN UGANDA HAS TRULY BEEN BLESSED BY GOD. AT LEAST 300 PEOPLE MADE A DECISION TO ACCEPT JESUS WHILE THIS TEAM WAS HERE, AND SEVERAL NEW HOUSE CHURCHES WERE PLANTED. GOD IS DOING GREAT THINGS IN UGANDA, AND WE WOULD LIKE TO CHALLENGE AND INVITE OTHER SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCHES TO COME AND BE A PART OF GODS' MISSION.

MAPPING THE CITY

2008-01-15T21:41:00.000+03:00

THE KAMPALA URBAN TEAM HAS BEEN VERY BUSY MAPPING THE LOCATION OF ALL OF OUR HOUSE CHURCHES IN AND AROUND THE CITY. WE CURRENTLY HAVE APPROXIMATELY EIGHTY-FIVE HOUSE CHURCHES, AND DUE TO THAT FACT, I HAVE YET TO VISIT THEM ALL. OUR TEAM LEADER, ANTHONY SHELTON, HAS ACQUIRED A GPS DEVICE AND ALONG WITH GOOGLE EARTH, WE ARE ABLE TO ACCURATELY LOCATE AND MAP WHERE ALL OF THE CHURCHES MEET. AS WELL AS LOCATING, WE ARE ALSO RESEARCHING THE HISTORY OF EACH HOUSE CHURCH, SO AS TO KNOW HOW TO BETTER SERVE THE PEOPLE THAT WE ARE HERE TO SERVE. THIS ONGOING PROJECT HAS GIVEN US THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO AREAS OF THE CITY THAT WE HAVE NEVER BEEN TO BEFORE, AND MEET, GREET, ENCOURAGE, AND MINISTER TO PEOPLE THAT ARE VERY HUNGRY FOR GOD'S WORD, IT HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS BLESSING FOR US. THE PICTURES SHOW JUST A FEW OF THE PLACES THAT WE HAVE BEEN, I WILL SHARE MORE AS IT UNFOLDS. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED PRAYER SUPPORT, I DON'T THINK ANYONE REALIZES HOW MUCH OF AN EFFECT THE PRAYERS HAVE ON THE KAMPALA URBAN TEAM, WE HUMBLY THANK YOU

CHRISTMAS IN UGANDA

2007-12-28T19:54:00.001+03:00

WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY GOD TO BE ABLE TO SERVE HIM IN UGANDA. OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY, WE WERE BLESSED WITH A TRIP TO MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK IN NORTHERN UGANDA. THE BEAUTY OF GOD'S CREATION IS BREATHTAKING, THE LANDSCAPE IS CLASSICAL AFRICAN BEAUTY, AND THE ANIMALS ARE JUST A SIGHT TO BEHOLD. ON CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON, WE TOOK A BOAT RIDE UP THE NILE RIVER TO VIEW THE FALLS, WE SAW HIPPOS, ELEPHANTS, CAPE BUFFALO, AND A BUNCH OF NILE CROCODILES. THE FOLLOWING DAY, WE HIRED A RANGER TO RIDE WITH US ON A GAME DRIVE. IT WAS AMAZING, WE TOLD HIM THAT WE DIDN'T CARE WHAT WE SAW, THAT WE WERE JUST EXCITED TO BE THERE. WELL, WE SAW GIRAFFE, UGANDAN KOB, WATERBUCK, ORIBI, CAPE BUFFALO, JACKSON HARTEBEAST, WARTHOG, A PLETHORA OF EXOTIC BIRDS, AND 4 MAGNIFICENT LIONS, IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE. AS THE NEW YEAR BEGINS, AND WE MINISTER IN PLACES THAT ARE NOT AT ALL BEAUTIFUL, COMPARED TO THIS PLACE, PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE SALVATION OF ALL OF GOD'S CHILDREN, AND THAT HIS NAME WOULD BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE COUNTRY AND THAT HIS NAME WILL BE PRAISED, AMEN!!

ENCOURAGING THE HOPELESS

2007-12-14T22:34:00.001+03:00

I SPENT THE DAY WITH MY UGANDAN BROTHER, DOUGLAS ALIRO, IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF NATEETE. WE SPENT MOST OF OUR TIME WALKING ALL OVER THE PLACE, MEETING, GREETING, AND TRYING TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN A PHYSICALLY HOPELESS ENVIRONMENT. THIS AREA FLOODS ALL OF THE TIME, AND AS YOU CAN SEE ON THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE, THE WATER LEVEL WAS UP PAST THE WINDOWS. THE WATER HAS RECEDED, BUT THE MUD IS STILL THICK AND MASSIVE DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE. HOWEVER, ON THIS DAY, WE BROUGHT WATER TO THEM THAT WE HOPE WILL FLOOD THIS AREA, THE LIVING WATER OF JESUS CHRIST. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE PEOPLE THAT PROVIDED THE FUNDS FOR THE TENT AND CHAIRS, THAT ALLOWS US TO BRING THE GOSPEL TO THE PEOPLE, OUT OF THE RAIN, AND THE HOT AFRICAN SUN.

HERITAGE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS FEST

2007-12-14T22:02:00.000+03:00

DECEMBER 14TH, 85 DEGREES, AND WE'RE AT A CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL!! I LOVE UGANDA!! THE KIDS HAD A GREAT TIME MAKING CRAFTS, AND OF COURSE, WALKER FOUND A BALL TO KICK AROUND. THE FIRST SEMESTER IS NOW OVER AND THE KIDS ARE DOING GREAT. THEY GO BACK TO SCHOOL ON JANUARY 3RD.

GULU AND FT. PORTAL

2007-10-12T19:48:00.002+03:00

A TEAM CONSISTING OF MYSELF, DANNY HOOD, JIMMY BARRY, CHUCK WATSON, EARNEST BUYONDO, AND PASTOR DEO BAMANYA TRAVELED AROUND UGANDA VISITING AND ENCOURAGING MISSIONARIES AND LOCAL PASTORS. WE FIRST DROVE NORTH TO THE WAR RAVAGED AREA OF GULU. WE STOPPED AND VISITED AN IDP(INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE)CAMP. I WAS HEART BROKEN TO SEE THESE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO HOPE OF EVER HAVING A BETTER LIFE. THE PHYSICAL NEEDS ARE HUGE, BUT THE SPIRTUAL NEEDS ARE EVEN GREATER. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE CHURCH AND THE PEOPLE OF GULU. AFTER WE LEFT GULU AND MOVED SOUTH AND WEST, WE CROSSED THE NILE RIVER AND WERE SO INCREDIBLY BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO HIKE DOWN THROUGH THE BUSH TO VIEW AND PHOTOGRAPH THE RIVER AND THE FALLS. THE BEAUTY OF GOD'S CREATION IS BREATH TAKING. WE THEN MOVED WEST TO THE TOWN OF FT. PORTAL. FT. PORTAL IS AT THE FOOT OF THE RWENZORI MOUNTAINS ON THE CONGOLESE BORDER, THE LANDSCAPE THERE IS BEAUTIFUL. WE VISITED WITH OUR MISSIONARY, LEW JOHNSON, AND ENCOURAGED AND LOVED ON THE PEOPLE OF THE LOCAL HOUSE CHURCH THAT OUR PASTORS IN OUR NETWORK STARTED. THERE HAS BEEN A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF RAIN AND FLOODING, AND AS THE PICTURE SHOWS, WE CROSSED A RIVER WHERE THE BRIDGE WAS UNDER WATER. THERE CONTINUES TO BE ALOT OF SUFFERING FROM THE FLOODING AND WE PRAY THAT THINGS WILL SOON IMPROVE. PLEASE PRAY WITH US FOR THE ONE'S THAT ARE SUFFERING PHYSICALLY AND SPIRTUALLY IN UGANDA.

FAMILY OUTING

2007-09-29T19:51:00.001+03:00

WE SPENT A REALLY FUN DAY TODAY AT THE UGANDA WILDLIFE EDUCATION CENTER AT ENTEBBE. IT'S NOT LIKE A ZOO, THE ANIMALS ARE IN THEIR NATURAL HABITATS AND THERE ARE FEW FENCES. WE ALL LOVED IT, THE CENTER SITS ON THE BANKS OF LAKE VICTORIA AND IS A VERY IMPORTANT TOURIST LOCATION FOR UGANDA. WE DID NOT KNOW IT, BUT TODAY WAS WORLD TOURISM DAY, SO THERE WERE SPECIAL ACTIVITIES GOING ON AT THE CENTER AS WELL

2007-09-28T23:20:00.001+03:00

ON SEPTEMBER 25TH, WALKER AND DELANEY HAD THEIR FIRST BIRTHDAY IN AFRICA. WALKER TURNED 9 AND DELANEY TURNED 7. OUR KAMPALA FAMILY CAME OVER TO CELEBRATE WITH US AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL. WALKER SAID THAT THIS WAS THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER, WE PRAISE THE LORD THAT OUR CHILDREN HAVE ADJUSTED SO WELL TO LIFE IN UGANDA, HE IS SO GOOD TO US!!

11TH ANNIVERSARY

2007-09-16T21:29:00.000+03:00

I'VE NOW BEEN MARRIED TO CHRISTINA FOR ELEVEN FANTASTIC YEARS. SHE IS THE GREATEST BLESSING THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME. I LOVE HER AND I THANK GOD FOR HER.

BAPTISM AT LAKE VICTORIA

2007-09-16T20:58:00.000+03:00

WE HAD A GREAT DAY TODAY, AS MORE NEW BELIEVERS WERE BAPTIZED IN LAKE VICTORIA. MORE PEOPLE HAVE COME FORWARD, SO, THERE WILL BE ANOTHER BAPTISM NEXT SUNDAY. GOD IS DOING MIGHTY THINGS HERE. IT IS SUCH A BLESSING FOR US TO BE A PART OF WHAT GOD IS DOING HERE. PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE NEW BROTHERS AND SISTERS AS THEY BEGIN THEIR WALK WITH THE FATHER.

NATEETE (NA-TAAY-TAY)

2007-09-14T20:15:00.000+03:00

TODAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH, OUR TEAM ALONG WITH THE MANNA MINISTRY TEAM CONDUCTED A CHURCH SERVICE AND CRISIS FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN THE COMMUNITY OF NATEETE. THIS WAS ONE OF THE SADDEST AREAS THAT I HAVE BEEN TOO. WE ARE IN THE RAINY SEASON AND THIS AREA FLOODS, ALOT. THE DAY BEFORE WE CAME, THE WATER LEVEL WAS THREE TO FOUR FEET HIGHER THAN IT WAS TODAY, BUT THERE WAS STILL 6-8 INCHES OF WATER AND MUD INSIDE ALMOST ALL OF THE HUTS. I WAS ASKED TO GO WITH DOUGLAS AND SURVEY THE AREA AND PRAY. WE WENT TO THE MUD HUT OF A MAN THAT WAS VERY SICK AND DYING WITH AIDS. HIS HUT WAS FILLED WITH WATER AND HE COULD BARELY MOVE, BUT WE WENT INSIDE AND GREETED HIM, AND I HELD HIS HAND AND PRAYED WITH HIM. THERE ARE PEOPLE HERE WITH TB, HIV, AND THE CONDITIONS OF THE AREA MAKE IT RIPE FOR CHOLERA AND MALARIA. DOUGLAS TOLD ME THAT WHEN I GREET PEOPLE, TO LOOK INTO THEIR EYES BECAUSE I MAY NEVER SEE THEM AGAIN, IT IS SO SAD. HOWEVER, THE GOSPEL WAS PREACHED TODAY AND THE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TOLD WHERE REAL HOPE COMES FROM AND WE ALL KNOW THAT GOD CAN CHANGE THIS AREA IF HE WANTS, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH HIM. WE JUST ASK THAT EVERYONE THAT READS THIS REPORT TO PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE PEOPLE AND ASK GOD TO HAVE MERCY ON THIS AREA, THEY WILL RECEIVE NO HELP FROM THE GOVERNMENT, IT WILL TAKE DIVINE INTERVENTION, SO PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS THAT ARE SUFFERING IN NATEETE.

Kawempe

2007-09-01T19:41:00.000+03:00

MANNA MINISTRY CONDUCTED A CRISIS FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN AN AREA NORTH OF KAMPALA CALLED KAWEMPE LAST FRIDAY, AUGUST 24. SEVERAL PEOPLE ASK IF SOME PASTORS WOULD COME OUT AND TEACH THEM ABOUT JESUS, SO TODAY, SEPTEMBER 1 MY TEAM LEADER DANNY HOOD AND I DROVE OUT THERE AND JOINED OUR GROUP OF UGANDAN PASTORS TO ENCOURAGE, TEACH, AND EVENGELIZE. THIS AREA OF THE CITY IS HEAVILY MUSLIM AND LOADED WITH PROSTITUTION, BUT WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. WE HAD AN EXCELLENT DAY, WITH AT LEAST 21 PEOPLE ASKING JESUS INTO THEIR HEARTS. DANNY, DOUGLAS, AND I WENT FOR A WALK THROUGH THE COMMUNITY AND WERE LED TO A HOUSE WHERE 5 MUSLIM MEN WERE STANDING, WE ALL GREETED THEM IN LUGANDA, AND WERE INVITED INTO THE HOUSE. UPON ENTERING, WE WERE GREETED BY AN OLDER MAN IN A TURBAN. WE WERE IN THE HOUSE OF THE LOCAL SHIEK!! THE FIVE MEN WERE HIS ENTOURAGE/BODYGUARDS. WE ALL GREETED ONE ANOTHER AND THEN THEY STARTED TO PRAY, SO, WE STARTED TO PRAY TO THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE GOD, THAT THE DARKNESS AND EVIL OF ISLAM WOULD FLEE FROM THESE MEN, THIS HOUSE, AND THIS COMMUNITY. AT THIS POINT, DANNY GAVE THEM A GOSPEL TRACT THAT EXPLAINS WHO JESUS IS ACCORDING TO THE KORAN, AND ASKED IF WE COULD COME BACK IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND TALK ABOUT IT. I BELIEVE THAT THIS WAS A DIVINE APPOINTMENT, WE WILL SOON FIND OUT IF A DOOR WAS OPENED OR IF IT HAS BEEN SHUT, BUT I THINK THAT IT WAS OPENED WIDE, AND A GREAT MOVEMENT WILL TAKE PLACE HERE IN KAWEMPE

ROAD TRIP

2007-08-20T21:40:00.000+03:00

WE TOOK A RIDE DOWN TO THE EQUATOR ON SATURDAY. THE EQUATOR ITSELF IS NOT VERY FAR FROM OUR HOUSE, HOWEVER, TO DRIVE TO THE AREA WHERE IT CROSSES LAND AND IS NOT CROSSING OVER LAKE VICTORIA TAKES ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IN AFRICA

2007-08-20T20:53:00.000+03:00

WALKER AND DELANEY'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AT HERITAGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL WAS GREAT, WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH GREAT TEACHERS AND A WONDERFUL SCHOOL. THE KIDS HAVE ALREADY MADE NEW FRIENDS, AND ARE HAVING A GREAT TIME.

SUNDAY SERVICE AT KYEBANDO

2007-08-06T19:09:00.001+03:00

PASTOR BENON HAS A GREAT CHURCH AND A GREAT CONGREGATION OUT IN THE COMMUNITY OF KYEBANDO.

THE KIDS GETTING IN THE GROOVE

2007-08-06T18:02:00.000+03:00

WALKER AND DELANEY ARE GETTING ALONG JUST FAMOUSLY HERE IN UGANDA. HERE IS DELANEY HELPING OUR HOUSE HELPER ROSE MAKE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES, AND WALKER IS PLAYING MANCALA WITH OUR OLD FRIEND BUYONDO. THEY DON'T HAVE ANY TROUBLE MAKING FRIENDS, YET ANOTHER BLESSING.

SUNDAY SERVICE AT BANDA

2007-07-29T22:22:00.000+03:00

WE ENJOYED A VERY SPIRIT FILLED SERVICE WITH THE PEOPLE OF BANDA. PASTOR JOHN, WHO IS ALSO A BARBER, IS AN EXCELLENT LEADER FOR THIS COMMUNITY. IT IS JUST SO INCREDIBLE TO WORSHIP HERE. THE SERVICE USED ENGLISH, LUGANDA, LUO, AND SWAHILI IN ORDER TO BE UNDERSTOOD BY ALL PRESENT, IT WAS PRETTY COOL TO SEE GOD SPEAK TO EVERYONE IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE.

THE CHILDREN

2007-07-29T22:08:00.000+03:00

THE KIDS ARE EVERYWHERE, AND THEY ARE SO BEAUTIFUL

MAIN STREET BANDA

2007-07-29T21:53:00.000+03:00

THIS IS THE MAIN ROAD IN THE COMMUNITY OF BANDA. BANDA IS LOCATED ON THE EASTERN EDGE OF KAMPALA AND IS POPULATED WITH PEOPLE FROM THE ACHOLI TRIBE OF NORTHERN UGANDA. MOST OF THESE PEOPLE CAME HERE TO ESCAPE THE WAR IN THE NORTH.

OUR AFRICAN MOSQUITO EATER

2007-07-29T21:49:00.000+03:00

WE HAVE ABOUT THREE OF THESE LITTLE LIZARDS THAT RUN AROUND OUR HOUSE AND EAT MOSQUITOS, WE LOVE THESE GUYS. CHRISTINA CALLS THEM OUR BUG ZAPPERS.

MEETING WITH SOME LOCAL LEADERS

2007-07-29T21:41:00.000+03:00

WE RECENTLY VISITED THE BIBLE WAY MINISTRY CENTER. WE HAD A GREAT TIME DISCUSSING HOW THE GOSPEL IS SPREADING THROUGHOUT UGANDA. THE MEN IN THE PICTURE ARE JOSEPH, JAMES, VINCENT, AND PAUL.

MY UGANDAN BROTHERS

2007-07-29T21:27:00.000+03:00

THESE ARE MY BROTHERS, THOMAS BALUKU, WHO IS A WOOD CARVER AND CHURCH LEADER, AND DOUGLAS ALIRO, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE MANNA MINISTRY CRISIS FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM. THESE GUYS ARE AWESOME.

HOUSE CHURCH AT KAWUKU

2007-07-26T00:24:00.000+03:00

SPRING HILL BAPTIST CHURCH TAKING THE GOSPEL TO UGANDA

HOUSE CHURCH AT KAWUKU

2007-07-25T23:52:00.000+03:00

WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME PRAISING GOD

AND WORSHIPING TOGETHER AT KAWUKU

HERITAGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

2007-07-25T22:05:00.000+03:00

THESE ARE PHOTOS OF THE SCHOOL THAT WALKER AND DELANEY WILL BE GOING TO. IT HAS MANY BEAUTIFUL PLANTS AND FLOWERS, AND A STREAM THAT RUNS THROUGH THE CAMPUS. THE LARGE MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM IS FOR THE CAFETERIA AND FOR CHAPEL, AND THEY HAVE A LARGE FUTBOL FIELD!!

2007-07-25T21:46:00.000+03:00

A SHOT OF OUR ROAD(MITALA RD) AND OUR VIEW OF LAKE VICTORIA IN THE DISTANCE