Excitement for 10! Jubilation for a village!

Huddled closely around the cell phone, students from G.R.A.C.E. Christian School were quietly anticipating the posting of results from last years Primary Leaving Examination. The past seven years of learning, struggling to master English, Math, Bible, Science and Social Studies were hopefully now going to pay off. The results started scrolling onto the small screen while bright eyes tried to find his or her name. Shrieks of joy erupt as each name is located and eight out of ten students taking the exam scored the highest mark possible (Grade 1). The other 2 students scores took several more days to post, but they too scored a Grade 1. G.R.A.C.E Christian School and Mbira Baptist church were so proud. Out of fifteen students scoring a Grade 1 in our community, ten of them came from our school. We continue to pray for the 150 students in our school that they will fulfill the goal of Luke 2:52 - increasing in wisdom and stature, favor with God and Man.

A Forgotten Group With Tremendous Potential

Street Kids!  Children left out in the open.  Many are abused, spurned and rejected.  Pastor JJ has worked with over 50 street boys in the Masaka, Uganda area for 10 years.  Without a large budget JJ has not had big buildings or elaborate programs, but he has built a trust and enduring relationship with so many because of the love that he shows them.  Every Friday 50 boys are given a meal and Biblical as well as social training.  When able, JJ also provides medical help to those who are seriously sick.  Clothing and schooling have even been provided by the help of some Masaka businessmen.  Please continue to pray for this blossoming ministry.  This past Sunday over 20 of the most faithful street kids were brought to Mbira Baptist church for the first time to worship.  It was interesting as most of them are not used to sitting for more than 15 minutes, but the church was excited to see the progress of many of these young men.  Pastor JJ has been training Mugisha, the young man in the front with a long sleeve black sweater, to possibly be the next leader of the street kids' ministry.  Please continue to pray that God will continue to work in and direct Mugisha. 

Another One!

The joy of preaching the gospel and getting a response of accepting is very difficult to describe until one experiences the momentous moment for themselves.  I do not know in what manner the angles rejoice in Heaven over a soul snatched from the despair of a future in Hell, but I do know the manner in which Mbira Baptist Church rejoiced a week ago Sunday over an elderly lady who put her trust in Christ.  The applause coming from the congregation expanded into a chorus of amen as the lady described what Jesus Christ had done for her.  The angels and the congregation rejoicing together over one soul accepting the Saviour makes the work of a missionary worth all the trials and struggles. 

A Church's Love

It is a joy and privilege to be part of a church which loves its orphans and widows enough to sacrificially give in dire need.  An elderly lady named Grandma Lubowa has been part of Mbira Baptist Church since its inception.  Just over a week ago some wicked men set fire to her tiny mud and stick house.  Fortunately she made it out of the house without harm, but she lost everything but her mattress and the dress she was wearing.   On the next Sunday the church when finding out about the tradgedy took pledges to provide for a new home and the replacement of some neccessary living materials.  What a great depiction of God's love. 

Rest and Recovery/ Rally Car Sunday

Thank you to all who have prayed for Kristy. She is slowly recovering from the malaria. The headaches, shakes and fever are gone, but the extreme tiredness still has a hold. When momma is down the whole family feels it keenly. I thank the Lord for giving me such a beautiful hard working wife. This past Sunday we had a blessed, but unique worship service. I have learned that, along with soccer, the sport of rally car racing is widely loved by Ugandans. The problem was the rally car race circuit used the main road just next to our church. I was trying not to laugh as each time a car came racing by every body on the right side of the church was peering through the wood slats to get a good look. Pastor JJ handled the distraction very well. After the service everyone enjoyed the afternoon entertainement.

New Life!

I am writing a quick note to let everyone know we have not disappeared. Getting an internet connection has been very difficult here in Mbira village. Kristy is down with malaria, the kids are excited about having so many friends to play with, (The orphans and school kids) and our permanent house should be ready to move into by the first of May. We are very thankful to have a small house available here in mbira while waiting. God is giving strength and we are slowly adapting to life without electricity and running water. I will be sending some pictures soon. Please continue to pray as Kristy is suffering terribly. Please don't send large e-mails to us as it is taking a long time just to download the small ones. Lord Bless. By the way we are very thankful to have the Keith Stensaas family back in Uganda. I am excited to see what GOD is going to do in Masaka Independent Baptist Church.

Joy of a Wedding! Thrilled to be Teaching!!

We had the privilege of attending the wedding of a young couple in the preaching point of Lukaya. What a joy to see them giving their future lives to the Lord and each other. Despite the normal delays everything ran rather smoothly. The couple was of Rwandan descent thus the culture dictated different policies for the bride and groom. I went to pick the bride and her entourage from her family home. Upon arriving and waiting there began a heated conversation between some of the bride's family. Unknown to Mr. Sebyoto ,the leader of the Lukaya ministry, Rwandan culture dictates that the bride must see the groom before leaving the house. I was thinking, "What a way to start a marriage with the bride refusing to leave her home." Everything ended with smiles when the groom arrived to see his bride.

My heart warms to hear our 40 students at Grace Christian School in Masaka quoting their Bible verses memorized for Bible class. I get the honor of teaching Bible class for the entire student body every morning Monday through Friday. They all are learning so quickly. Luke Hermann, a young man from the Kansas City area, has been visiting and helping in our ministry. The children enjoyed hearing his testimony and lesson in Bible class Friday.