Friday, March 26, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
A note from Debi-We're home!
Due to the looming British Air strike we chose to end our mission trip early, arriving home late Friday night after a whirlwind of five full days and nights in the country of Uganda. My body is here in the physical but my heart and mind are still with these precious people, especially the children who have made a forever imprint on my soul.
It is one thing to hear or see photos of something, but to actually be there to see, feel, smell, taste, fall in love with, is no comparison. I am grateful for the opportunity to travel across oceans so far and wide to make lasting friendships and to have my eyes opened to a world not like anything I've ever known.
My prayer is that our short time in Uganda will make a difference as we desired to be the hands and feet of Jesus, sharing His agape love and His risen hope, His forgiveness, His tender mercy and His goodness & favor, with all along the way.
Pastor Hudson and wife Mercy your care for us and your hospitality was beyond wonderful! From being our key to reach the people, our chauffeur, translator, tour guide, providing your home as our oasis and whatever our needs, they were met by you. For this and much, much more we are forever grateful. You truly are gifts from above to us and for all those fortunate to know you.
In closing I will especially remember Christine, a young unwed mother with a beautiful baby she so tenderly cares for. I pray the people of Pastor Hudson and Mercy's church will continue to love and provide, as she has no family or means to survive. May she hold her head high knowing she is a daughter of the King... (Isaiah 43:1 NIV )Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine says the Lord.
The children and caregivers who live in the Faith Children's Home Orphanage tear at my heart strings. Before Stan and I left we provided the monies so all will now have mosquito nets over their beds as malaria is an ever present looming danger. The nets are only $12.00 US, which is nothing to us in America, but untouchable for these with no money. I would love to have our talented church ladies make each child a light weight bed quilt providing some warmth and something pretty to brighten their rooms. What we have here at home and take for granted, they have none. The two lady caregivers who live at the Faith Children's Home and daily cook and care for these children, oh how I want to bless them. They sacrifice for these children from sun up to sun down in very poor living conditions with no complaints. The joy of the Lord is their strength!
I could go on and on as my heart is still tender. I pray before time passes and the busyness of our life dims the view, that many will unite in prayer and resources to help make life a little better for our fellow Ugandans, our brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Thank you Tim and Christine Gilman for sharing your talents in setting up this blog for us and for creating our printed picture markers to hand out. Valued tools so many will know. Your faithful love for God and deep passion for the hurting people around the world has been a great inspiration to us, stirring our hearts to do more.
Thank you friends and family for your prayers. The presence that surrounded us, reminding us of His continual covering,(Psalm 91:4)kept us in perfect peace to fulfill what we came to do. To God be the glory !
Blessings to All!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Our last day in the field was relaxing as we took a drive to Jinja to have lunch and see this nice Ugandan town. On our way there we went to a private hospital where Hudson’s father Vincent is recovering from major surgery, which you MOTHS have prayed about.
At the hospital we got to catch up with Hudson’s mother as well. That was fun for both of us to meet Vincent Suubi and for Debi to meet Mom Suubi. From there we went to Jinja and on the way we got to see the Nile River etc. After leaving Jinja we headed for Lugazi, to God’s House of Miracles Church for our final service. We had a very moving time and the service ended with prayer for the congregation and then a special hands on prayer for Debi and I.
From that point the RACE WAS ON as we began our trek to Entebbe to catch our flight at 12:35 AM. Traffic was horrendous. The traffic jams, pot hole driving, the bikes, motorcycles, big trucks and welcome to Uganda driving was something else. But our skilled, Formula One driver, Pastor Hudson Suubi got us to the airport with little to no time to spare, but safe and sound. We now call him Pastor Mario Andretti. It fits him well.
Debi will be giving her rendition of this fast and furious road trip, combined with the smells, the back seat driving on her part and the air you could cut with a chain saw. You will read about that later.
In closing, it was a shame that British Air cut our trip 3 days short with the Strike. The planned events today, tomorrow and Sunday were going to be very rewarding. But we can’t control the Unions and we have to rest in the fact this is what took place and go with the flow. There will be more trips and more opportunities to minister.
I believe what we did accomplish was very powerful and rewarding for those we came in contact with as well as for us. Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday and Monday. Home is always a refreshing place. One more thing, one more delay for 2 hours here in Chicago, with Alaskan Airlines now. Oh Well.
I must say that I love to minister, but must also say that without the Power of the Holy Spirit and without the Written Word of God, we would be nothing!!!! Debi and I give ALL THE PRAISE AND ALL THE HONOR TO THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS KING JESUS!!! WE ARE TRULY BLESSED.
Have a great weekend and Keep Looking UP!!!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
With God All Things are Possible!
Dad with Pastor Hudson as interpreter spoke at the local radio station tonight at 7:30 to over 7 million people. I stayed back at our room as we had a long day with a morning speaking engagement at a high school ( they call college here ) lunch at Mercy’s kitchen then to Pastor Josephine’s beautiful hill top church.
To reach the school we turned onto a red dirt, bumpy road passing several little houses and makeshift store fronts. People coming and going with a task in mind. A woman and her child carrying big yellow water cans on their heads, a young person’s bicycle loaded down with firewood, someone with banana leaves to sell at the market, I could go on and on with the business of these people. One word that must not be in their language is LAZY, as they all have to work hard daily to survive.
I am always asking Pastor Hudson questions as we are driving like what’s that basket for . . . he says oh that is a fish basket on that woman’s head. This basket is HUGE, almost bigger than the woman. She is dressed in a pretty colorful African dress with a pink scarf cleverly tied upon her head. We pass women doing their laundry by hand using large wash pans, some with babies tied to their backs. My eyes dart back and forth to each side of the road to take it all in, sometimes waving and they always wave back and smile.
We arrive at the high school at the end of this long road and have to sign in before the guard will open the gates. I see the students mingling outside all wearing lavender and navy uniforms, having all eyes on this Land Rover pulling in. The students begin to make their way to the conference building knowing special guests are sharing with them today. A boy that was most likely 13 but looked the size of an 8 year old passed by my side of the vehicle. I waved, he waved, then came closer with big sad eyes. I said how are you and he responded with I am hungry ! I said well you will be eating lunch soon and he said he has no lunch. I said why, doesn’t the school feed you lunch ??? No . . . because I have no money. I was really bothered by this and asked the first teacher that greeted us if this young boys story could be true. The teacher said yes, many of the children come as day students and we cannot afford to feed them lunch. Their families don’t send them with food, so they have to wait until school is over at 4:00 PM to eat at home.
I grabbed Stan and whispered what I was just told and said this is not right! I know we can’t change the whole world but we need to help with a lunch program here if possible. He agreed. We entered the school building with the students joyfully singing praises to the Lord and beating the ever present African native drums. Once again my heart was overwhelmed and the tears began to flow.
Oh how these precious young people blessed me.! When it was my time to share I let them know how beautiful they are and that their voices were a sweet gift to my soul. They responded with loud clapping. In my message to them I wove in how God is pleased when we give good gifts and He always blesses us in return. That’s just God’s character and His Word. Luke 6:38 tells us to Give and it shall be given back pressed down and running over. I said some of you may have a lunch and others do not, maybe you could share your lunch with a fellow student and see what a blessing you can be.
Oh how I would have loved to have seen the miracle here of the boy with five loaves of bread and two fish multiplied to feed the five thousand. ( Matthew 14:17) I will not forget these students and with God all things are possible.
We then went to Mercy’s house for a delicious lunch, sweet time of fellowship and a Ugandan dress fitting for me. Mercy had a seamstress bring pictures for me to choose from and then I was measured from head to toe. The Suubi family gave me lovely African fabrics enough for two dresses, so I’ll be stylin with the rest of these fine ladies. Then off to Pastor Josephine’s beautiful hill top bush church. That will be a story I’ll finish tomorrow, as it’s very late and must get to bed.
Proposed Homosexuality Bill in Uganda . . . update
I have talked to Pastor Hudson Suubi about the homosexual issues that have drawn much controversy here in Uganda. He believes that the way the situation is going to be handled as it pertains to the Law that is in place or will be in place is that punishment for this practice is going to be prison.
He said that the death penalty is something that the radicals have pursued, but he does not believe that there will be any law or laws supporting such thought.
He went on to say that these men and women must be saved and cleansed. The only way that one would have an opportunity to present them the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News, is if they are a live and can HEAR! Therefore death is not an option but the Agape Love of God is!!!
One of the questions that we have is, who is to determine who is and who is not gay.
Open demonstrations of these acts such as parades etc can label you with out a doubt. But if there are ones who want to cause damage and just go around accusing and using these new laws as ways to get back at someone etc needs much wisdom. We also know that in our country with little to no morals that we treat people more humanely then this. Bottom line, there is no excuse for these acts to be public or enforced upon heterosexuals to tolerate. We as Christians must love the people, but we are not to love the sin. Sin has eternal consequences.
Hudson did say in regards to false accusations that the government has a very detailed system in place for checking up on those suspected of activities that violate Ugandan Law. If this is the case, this should help eliminate false accusations. This is a very serious matter. To be falsely accused and thrown into most prisons would be a violation of anybody’s human rights do to the activities that go there.
Not sure if this answers all of the questions surrounding the immoral issues of Homosexuality, but is what appears to be the best way to deal with this subject here in Uganda.
My closing thoughts on this issue are that we know as Christians that the homosexual lifestyle is not condoned but condemned Biblically and in most cultures it is not condoned Morally, but what will cause real change to happen in the lives of these men and women who practice homosexuality is the God Kind Of Love, called APAGE! God’s Love, Will Never Fail!!! His LOVE will lead you to the foot of the Cross where all men and women are Equal and are Forgiven if they Receive His AGAPE LOVE!!
John 3:16-17 (AMP)
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.
Have a blessed day.
It is almost Thursday AM . . .
It is Wednesday night almost Thursday AM and we are both still up catching up on emails and getting our stuff organized. More about that later. Today was once again a day where the Holy Spirit took control as we made 3 separate meetings. Our first stop was another High School gathering. If you want all the details go to the web site and read Debi’s emails to the blog.
At the high school we entered the worship center to over 200 high schoolers singing, the playing of their native drums and their praise and prayers. I have to tell you, these kids know how to WORSHIP!!
Hudson, Debi and I shared with the kids. Hudson welcomed everyone, Debi spoke on Godly Wisdom and education and I spoke about the Word, Prayer, Confidence . . .
Our second place of ministry was at Pastor Josephine’s Church on the Hill. Such a beautiful setting, well manicured and over flowing with the Presence of God himself. We had a great time of music, Debi sharing on out of Mathew 7: speaking of the Rock Foundation. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought Pastor Randy Butler was giving that sermon. After I shared we declared and fellowshipped and it was then off to #3. I even had to chance to teach them a new song, “Holy Spirit you are Welcome in this Place”. They loved it.
We also had a time of thankfulness for the new Bibles and we took plenty of pictures of those that held them high. The MOTHS after this Sat at the conference will have provided to be given away over 220 new Ugandan Bibles. Pastor Hudson has already given away 100 the first time and we now working on giving out the next 120.
All I can think about are these 5 verses . . .
Luke 4:4 (AMP)
And Jesus replied to him, It is written, Man shall not live and be sustained by (on) bread alone but by every word and expression of God.
Psalms 119:11 (AMP)
Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Joshua 1:8-9 (AMP)
This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Proverbs 4:20-22 (AMP)
My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.
Psalms 119:105 (AMP)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
From the Church on the Hill we then went to the Radio Station for our 7:30 PM program and that was another ½ hour of Power. Took phone calls, prayed and shared out of the Word.
Now let me give you a couple of PRAISE REPORTS!!! If you remember on Monday we went to the Church on the Top of the Hill that over looks the coffee plantations. Pastor Moses and Elder Dennis are who refer to their. Well it was at the church we met NaNa a 105 year old woman with bad eyes and a staff to help her walk.
Today we learned that after we had prayed for her, Hudson, Stan and Debi, that the next day NaNa had thrown down the Staff and is walking without it and on top of that she can SEE again!!!! Would somebody Hallelujah Praise the Lord!!!!! You will see the pictures of and video we took of her. Now that is exciting. Further more there are people coming out of the Bush to meet and see Miss Wholeness, the Daughter of the Most High God, NaNa!!!
The second report came today from Pastor Josephine. Earlier in the week while in a struggle the devil kept telling her she was going to DIE. This is woman of God and she knows how to fight in the spirit. Well yesterday she was at Pastor Margaret’s Church and the Spirit of the Lord directed me to say a number of things just for her. When we embraced we both wept and praised. I found out today that the word I had from her was reassuring her that the devil is a LIAR and that JESUS IS THE HEALER!!! Today she has been SET FREE!!! The torment was gone as WHOLENESS stepped in. Once again, shout Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!!
There is more to tell and more to come. Not everything is instantaneous. There are times we have to Stand and keep Standing. While we are Standing we must not cast away our Confidence. God is Good. He is Able and He is Willing.
So with that said, Come and go with me to My Fathers House, where there is joy, peace, healing, love, victory and WHOLENESS!
I won’t see you at church tonight, but I will on Sunday. That’s right, I said more about that later in the beginning. Will here we go again. We flew to Uganda on British Airways. They have planned a Cabin Crew Strike on the 20th. We were to fly out on the 22nd. We thank God for children that look out for mom and dad.
Keri and Kelly went to work getting all the details of the strike. The last flight out of Entebbe, Uganda was the 19th at 12:35 AM or catch the next one on the 31st of March. Guess what, I and Debi are the 12:35 AM March 19th flight which puts us back home 7:30 PM your time Friday night. Readjusting once again to the 10 hour time change.
Yes it is always good to get home, but not this time. We are cutting 3 full days off our ministry schedule and during those days we are missing the special conference that was planned for Saturday along with more Bush Church meetings and of course a very Blessed time preaching 3 services on Sunday. Pastor Hudson and Mercy are very SAD at this time and rightfully so.
We love this young couple and their family like our own. As a matter of fact Hudson is the same age as our oldest daughter Kelly and Mercy is the same age as our middle daughter Keri. Isn’t that interesting?
Got to go. Just giving you bits and pieces. God is with us so who can be against us?? We are on the Victory Side, Praise God.
Enjoy.
Top of the Morning from Uganda!
Just a quick hello and to say Top of the Morning to you. Are you having corned beef and cabbage for dinner tonight for Saint Patrick’s Day?!? Dad’s taking a quick nap after our morning breakfast and Pastor Hudson will be picking us up at 11:30.
I did not sleep very well as my legs were bothering me. Feeling better now so will remember to walk around more as I’m sitting most of the day either in the car as we travel or in the churches. Will write tonight when we get back to our hotel. I have not seen one bug at our place and only a few coca roaches elsewhere. PTL . . .
I brought bug spray but have not had to use . . . We do sleep under a mosquito net as all beds have them. Reminds me of my childhood years with my canopy bed . . . I will get photos . . . Have to run, always lots to organize for my to go bag before we leave for the long day.
The snacks I brought from US are great especially for dad’s sugar. The other night we were caught up with a truck accident for a few hours so we all munched on peanuts and dried fruit medley. P. Hudson enjoyed too. We have a case of bottled water in our room so take several with us for the day’s outing . . .
Love you all and miss everyone. Kisses to all the grand babies. Papa shared about Wyland’s five dollars
he gave for Uganda. The people clapped and smiled.
They love to hear stories about our family back home…xoxo
Mom . . .
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Another Update from the Queen!
Pastor Hudson came early afternoon to drive us to Sister Margaret’s church. He turns off the main road and then we really rock and roll over the pot holes . We pull up to the little stick church hearing angelic voices coming from inside. The people were singing and praising awaiting our arrival. Once again the little children gather to see what this white woman and man are doing here. Pastor Margaret greeted us with hugs, then led us in past the congregation to the front chairs. I’ve been noticing in every church we always get the best seats up front, ours being plastic patio chairs, there’s are narrow wooden benches. I would so like to trade places but they want to honor us for being their guests. Throughout the service the little children outside are peeking in at me through the spaces in the wall, so I wave and they giggle and run off. More come back and before I realize it’s getting distracting so Sister Margaret shoos them off.
My eyes filled with tears as I thought of what Jesus says in Matthew 19:14 “ Let the little children come unto me, don’t stop them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children. “
Well it is nearing 11:30 PM here in Uganda. We finished church at 9:00 PM and then we were off to Pastor’s Hudson’s home for our evening meal. Now at the Hotel I will give today’s report . . .
We started later today at Pastor Margaret’s Church. We have been there the 2 prior years. It was one of the churches that we the MOTHS supplied a metal roof to. We also got to see the Bibles that we have provided them.
The service there was moving as they all are. What is really neat is that Debi, the Queen is doing a 10-15 minute opener and introduction. She is sharing God’s Word under the Anointing like never before. The people here love her. The kids follow her like the Pied Piper!!! So awesome!!!!
The message seems to change each time I step into the pulpit. I come with 10 lbs of information ready to share and energize these people and every time the Holy Spirit takes part of what I have prepared and then adds a whole new layer to the cake. It is exciting to say the least.
We left the church after 5:30 and headed to Hudson’s church for the evening service. Oh did we have a time. God was so good to us as we declared the things of God and preached the things of God. Once again Debi, started and now she is actually putting together notes and references as she shares from her heart the message God has given her.
Well that is all for now. Had some rain today and tomorrow will be a busy one. Good food, no noise, hot water, air conditioned room, Internet service and we are happy. Good Night and God Bless.
Well here is recap of Monday’s activities. As shared already we started out at Homeland College ministering to around 1,500 students and faculty. This is always a great time and we will be back at the school Friday for a full hour of ministry to the students.
Upon leaving Homeland, where by the way I in all my intelligence made the mistake of calling them Homeland Security College while speaking to them, we headed to Pastor Hudson’s home for rest and a meal.
Around 1:00 PM we went to the Elder Dennis’s Church on the Hill. This is where the Large Church Garden is for the Children’s Faith Home and where one of the churches is that the MOTHS put metal on the roof. We had a wonderful time at this service. As expected God was moving by His Spirit and an overflow of His Love and Blessing was poured out. We had a wonderful time of praise, worship, ministry and then a light snack of Sweet Potato Cake and soda pop.
While at the church we were able to meet Elder Dennis’s Grand Mother. This woman is over 105 years old and gets around with a the help of a staff. We took many great pictures as well as video footage. From there we went back to Hudson’s home where Mercy had a prepared a late lunch for us and then we were off for a 2 hour drive to the east side of Kampala. We arrived at Pastor Noah’s Church to praise and worship. The Spirit of the Lord was in this place.
At Noah’s church we spoke from 5:00 - 7:00, presented Bibles and anointing oil to them and then headed back to hotel arriving at 9:45 that made for a very long day.
At Noah’s church we celebrated all that God has done in the first year of this churches existence. Many more people now attend. The church with the help of the MOTHS and Pastor Suubi is a changed place. God has been good. The service was exciting to say the least. My wife Debi was dancing with the children, the Word was preached, we prayed over and anointed Bibles that were donated by the MOTHS and we just Celebrated Jesus!!!
Monday was a great day.
Resting this AM. We begin our 3 church visit today around 1:00 PM. Looking forward to seeing old friends and the Power of God in action.
Have a great day where ever you may be.
Keep Looking Up!!!
A few words from the Queen!
I would love to have the stats on people getting hit by cars, trucks, bicycles and or motorcycles each day. I haven’t seen but one wreck of a big truck tonight which held us up in traffic for an hour or more. It helps me to not fear when I know so many are praying for us back home, and also I tell myself Pastor Hudson drives this every day and he has been fine all this time. Big trucks barging down the roads too, everyone wants to pass the trucks so it’s a constant passing and pulling back in your lane just in the nick of time.
They have a nice breakfast buffet here at the Colline Hotel and we will be able to finally enjoy it tomorrow. I’ve had to take my instant coffee and Mercy boils water for me.. You would love her girls, she is a so pretty, cute figure with a cute bubble tush. Reminds me of Marci’s figure and jaw line. Beautiful skin and dresses so cute. Leads song service like you wouldn’t believe . . . singing with the ladies, praising, dancing before the Lord up on stage. Her voice is huge when singing, praising, preaching, then when out of church very soft spoken, sweet almost shy acting. Good wife to P. Hudson, mom to her four boys. Keeps the house, laundry by hand outside, cooks in a charcoal little pot/stove that sits on the floor. She sits on a wicker round stool and stirs the pot. I thought the stool was for the little boys but it is for mercy. They make them in the local market place and sell for all the ladies use one.
Mercy will cook fresh beef chunks which she buys at the open market in one pan with a thin gravy. Then she puts a plate on top of the bowl of meat to keep it warm no foil or plastic wrap just a plate on top. She then cooks the rice in the same pan which she has washed out. Then she will cook the beans . How she does it all, I haven’t figured out. But it’s all in stages. Sometimes she has two little pot bellied stoves on the kitchen floor if she’s cooking several dishes. Everything is brought to the dining room table in bowls with a plate on top for keeping the dish warm or if it’s fruit or coleslaw to keep flys out of it. They are extremely creative, nothing is wasted. I could go on and on about what these homes do not have but the amazing thing is they accomplish more with so much less than us American women have in even the modest of our kitchens. No ovens, no microwaves, no refrigerator, no hot water, just the big tea kettle going all the time. The children are clean, clothes clean, husbands shirts ironed. She carries water in the house by five gallon container. Kinda like us camping or when we go deer hunting. She boils milk, which is delivered in a quart baggie at her back patio gate by a dairy delivery man.
Dirt is all over outside, so shoes come off when you enter their house. The floors are painted concrete. Their house is much better than most of their neighbors…You really have to see it to believe it !!! We have had three meals there and I have to say I’m very satisfied and look forward to going back. Everything is so tidy when we arrive. Pretty freshly starched/iron doilies on the backs of all the sofas and chairs for when we sit and rest. Fresh squeezed mango or guava juice always ready for us. I keep saying, Sweet Mercy you work so hard cooking for us are you tired, she replies, no I like cooking plus the high school girls two that live there help out after school.
The first day at their church I had to go thank heavens, only tinkle and the little girls took my hand and led me there. Well you can smell it several yards away, one concrete wall area for men and the other for women. Two stalls in the women, no doors just a square hole in the concrete floor where you squat and hope to hit the hole . . . I did my best but so glad to have my baby wipes and sanitary jell.
These ladies are sooo dressed up for church in their silk African dresses and some in high heels. Can’t imagine them squatting dressed like that but obviously they do…..
Today I spoke to the high school students around one thousand all dressed in blue uniforms. I asked them to hold one finger up and sing with me, this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. They loved it. I told them God says in Matthew 5:16 that we are to be the light in a dark world so let your light shine for Jesus. I said even my grandsons sing this song back home. Afterwards P. Hudson told me the schools motto is Shine for Glory. ( don’t’ quote me on that it’s similar to that saying.)
The children and babies are my love and the young mommies. Guess you can tell I miss my girls and grand kiddos. The kids just look at me like where did you come from. I don’t think many have seen a white person before, especially a blonde lady. As soon as I smile and wave at them or hold out my arms to them, they walk over to me. Even the smallest of little ones in their mommy’s arms will see me and just stare. The kids all want me to love them and hold them. Tonight at the little mud, thatched roof church kids that did not attend the church came out of the bushes to see what all the noise was. The church members are singing and praying always when we drive up to prepare for us.
Well these kids some bringing their very young siblings like two ish came to watch from outside the open back of the church. Towards the end of the service I went to the back and greeted them, just like I did when we drove up. They began to sing and dance around with me as the drums started and singing began again. I had a baby girl in my arms, she clung onto me like a flea, and one little girl only had a bead strand around her waist, no clothes danced beside me. What a precious sight and I was loving it. Dad spotted me back there with all these young ones and got some on video. You wouldn’t believe the clothes on these non church kids. Dresses dirty, torn, too big, or no clothes, but oh so happy, they didn’t have a care in the world. Looked very happy and well fed. Moms here love their kids and feed them good. All the kids watch over one another. I keep saying I can not even imagine my Keri letting her boys do this or that or Berkley laying on a woven straw mat on the dirt floor.
Here it’s just the way . . . My eyes bug out of my head taking it all in . . .
Monday, March 15, 2010
Just finished our first speaking engagement at Homeland College. That was truly a blessing once again as it has been for the past 2 years. This year with Mom speaking and sharing briefly was something special. It is really something to stand before 1,500 students and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ without reservation. The USA could take some lessons from these people.
These young men and women are so receptive as are the professionals and teacher that over see and teach at the school. I must say that we were blessed and inspired by their welcome and for their reception of the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
One last thought. Last night at the Hotel, they had live Ugandan Band Performance, that went till 1-2:00 in the AM. I don’t care if I never hear one more popular music song in Ugandan. This experience was far worse then when Rick and I were here the first time at the LIZ Hotel. The music gave us little to no rest.
Well with all that said about the music and no sleep, we have recharged once again with a great morning meal prepared by Mercy Suubi, and by the Power of the Holy Spirit. We are officially ready to rumble in Jesus Name!! When speaking to the people they are so happy for all that the MOTHS have done to help them and they are happy to know that SEC also takes great pride in seeing their congregation serve around the world. Praise God!!
This and more will be posted on www.tillthewholeworldknows.com
Well it is Monday AM at 6:17 and we are off to Homeland College to speak at 7:00 AM to a large group of young people as in previous years. This is should be exciting.
Yesterday we started the day at 8:00 AM at St Mary’s College and that was very refreshing as well. God was good.
The 2 services at Pastor Hudson’s Church were wonderful. The praise, the worship and the response to the God’s Word was rewarding.
At night we spoke at the Faith Home for young boys and girls up to 16-17 and the youngest being 2.5 years of age. They are always so loving and kind. We had a wonderful time of praise and worship with them using the drums we had bought them a year ago. Debi was recorded on video playing and singing right along with them. When this wonderful time of teaching and prayer ended we then hung around and watch them prepare the meals for all of these children. This was a real eye opener for mom, but she is loving it with the warmth that flows back from the Beautiful People of Uganda.
Off to our speaking engagements today. We are going to the College and to 2 churches. Thanks for your prayers. We love and miss you all.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Speaking the Word TILL THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWS
Stan and Mercy at the radio station.
Caring for the elderly.
Praying for the sick.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
London
British Air said it should be delivered to their hotel by 3:30pm, but when they finally went to bed at 9:30pm-it still hadn't arrived. I guess the weather is a bit chilly and my mom was able to buy a pair of mittens on the street to keep her hands warm. She hopes to find a reasonably priced scarf tomorrow.
They took the TUBE an underground subway from the airport to their hotel and even rode the Red DoubleDecker bus #9 to Kensington Palace. Kensington was closed for remodel, but they were able to walk around. They think their pretty "cool cats" for navigating themselves around foreign ground. Us girls are very proud of them! I've asked for pictures, but the Internet service is very slow.
Either that or my dad really doesn't know how to download and email pictures.
Okay . . . well I could have a lot of fun with this blog thing, but I better get some sleep myself. Trust me they will probably be calling early am with a luggage update!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Leaving for Uganda
I know he doesn't look real happy, but they were really pressed for time and I insisted on taking his picture. Debi was already inside getting checked in.Stan and Debi are officially on their way to preach the gospel in Uganda. We were grateful that the weather was on our side as we sailed down I-5 to get them on their first leg of their trip.
They left out of Portland, Oregon today with a connection to LAX and then onto London. They will be resting for 2-nights in London before travelling on to Uganda. Please pray for them as they travel. My mom was feeling a bit congested today and was hoping with rest and Airborn she would begin to improve. Pray that her body is whole and free of sickness before she arrives in Uganda. Wow do they have a schedule once they arrive in Uganda and meet up with Pastor Hudson.
Here is a preview of their schedule sent from Pastor Hudson this morning:
SATURDAY: 13TH MARCH : Arrival
SUNDAY 14th : MARCH:
7:30- 8:30 am - You shall speak to over 400 students at St Mary's High School , at their Sunday service.
9:30 - 10:20 am -- Preach in first service in our Lugazi Church.
11:30 am - 12:30 Noon - Preach in our second service here in our Lugazi Church.
Second service ends at 1pm.
1:30 pm - 4:00pm - have lunch and relax at our home.
4:30pm - 6:30pm, fellowship and minister to over 50 Orphans in Faith Children Home.
On this day, you shall be dropped off at the Hotel, early, as you will be expected to minister to Homeland college, early Morning.
MONDAY 15TH MARCH
7:30 am - 8:00am - Stan and Debbie will be preach to over 1400 students together with teachers at Homeland College. This school has always been blessed by your preaching , every time you visit their School. they can wait to hear you again.
After the ministry in School , will have Break fast at our House, and dine at Mercy's Buffet.
After Break fast- shall visit Ntenga church ( near Faith Orphanage garden). that is in the day.
4:00pm - 6pm - Matugga church, at Pastor Noah.
TUESDAY 16TH MARCH
In the am, rest and do Internet/ or spend time with Hudson and Mercy.
12:30 Noon, lunch
2 PM to 4:30pm - Preach at Pastor Margaret's church.
5:45pm to 7:30 pm - preach at our Lugazi church, 1st mid week special service.
WEDNESDAY 17TH, MARCH
1pm - 2pm - preach to over 200 students at Equator College.
5pm - 630pm- Preach at Pastor Josephine's church.
7:30- 8pm- Preach on the radio, over 7M will listen to the Gospel this night.
THURSDAY 18TH:
10am - 12:30Noon - preach at Pastor Bena, Madrid Matuwa's church.
1:30pm - 2:30pm - Preach at Pastor Robert's church.
5pm - 7 :30pm - Preach at our Lugazi Church, in our 2nd mid week special service.
FRIDAY 19TH, MARCH:
11am - 4:30pm - Preach in a one whole day conference in one of our churches at my home Village- a place where you promised Pastors some notes.
We use about an equivalent of $100 to cater for feeding of all attendees.
This will be a whole day of preaching.
SATURDAY 20TH, MARCH
11am - 4:30pm- Preach in another one whole day conference, at our Lugazi Church.
we are planning on spending still another equivalent of $100 to feed attendees.
You shall before, and after Lunch.
SUNDAY 21ST, MARCH.
9am - 10:20am - Preach in our 1st service at Lugazi church.
10:30am - 12:30 Noon - Preach in our second service.
4:30pm - 7pm- Preach to the over 50 Orphans at Faith Children Home and say fare well.
MONDAY 22ND:
Since you will be flying out in the night at after Mid night,
Then it is the day, that i have scheduled for visiting the source of river Nile, Bujagali Falls and do some shopping.- Have a meal at our home, spend whole with you, and eventually drop you at the airport
