August Update

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PASTORAL DISCIPLESHIP

I think one of my favorite things about being a missionary is that we can be on the other side of the world and still have so many great people a part of our lives supporting and encouraging us. We’d like to take that one step further and give you the chance to help us in a hands-on way. I’m sure you’re thinking one of two things right now: I’d love to go to Uganda someday, or no way I’m sitting on a plane that long! But I have a different way for you to get involved. We’re working to create lessons and Bible studies that will be used to train rural pastor and would love for your help to review what we have prepared and offer your input.

This wouldn’t take a huge commitment, it would be up to you how much you feel like contributing. We would email you weekly with our lesson guides and you would email us back with any errors, thoughts, verse to add, or any points that aren’t clear to understand. If your interested in having us send the lessons to you weekly, shoot us an email and we’ll start sending the lessons to you. Even if you would just like to see what some of the lessons are like feel free to sign up.

 As Ecclesiastes says “two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Please prayerfully consider being a part of discipleship here in Uganda in this exciting way!

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OFF WE GO!

Almost five months after ordering our vehicle, we finally have it! It was imported from Japan, like almost every vehicle in Uganda and is a Toyota Surf (equivalent of a Toyota Four Runner). It took three days of running around and finishing up paperwork in Kampala but it's now at our home in Gulu and working wonderfully.

Having a vehicle is really exciting for two reasons: first, we can actually get around town as a family without having to hitch a ride or borrow a car from friends. And second, we’re now able to drive outside of town to do more ministry in the villages where we want to focus our ministry. This vehicle is a huge blessing and we thank the Lord for his provision. 

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OUR JOURNEY

As many of you know, Tim and I met in the very place we are serving today. Our story would look very different if both of us hadn't followed the Lord's calling to Gulu, Uganda back in 2010. We are reminded of this everyday as we serve Him here in Northern Uganda.  Looking back over the past 5 years of marriage, it's incredible to see the Lords provision, guidance and preparation woven into every step we've taken. Serving the youth and families of Bethel Community Church for 3 years was never in our initial "plans" and yet its incredible how the Lord works.

Before I met Tim, I felt the Lord speak to me that I'd serve alongside my husband in full-time ministry. And more specifically, I sensed he'd be a youth pastor. Now, upon meeting Tim (who never planned to be a pastor), I resolved that being a missionary was close enough. Once married and plans made for missions, I laid that little thought aside. Little did I know, that God was preparing us to serve as youth pastors church BEFORE moving to the mission field.  Our journey reminds me that the Lord goes before us, even when that journey looks different than you thought. He is making a way for us, just as He is making a way for you!

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PRAYER POINTS

• Our Acholi review has been going well - it's essential for us to learn the language so we can disciple those in the village without need for a translator.
• Tomorrow, Tim & Pastor Thomas will be going to the villages of Paicho & Omel to make plans for Pastoral Discipleship.