It is time for Carol and me to return to our home in Africa. We leave for Austin in the morning and arrive in Entebbe Tuesday evening. We have greatly enjoyed our three weeks with family and friends. The grandchildren have grown so much since we last saw them. Our going back is bitter sweet; on the one hand, it is hard to leave loved ones  and at the same time we are compelled to return to people and the land where we are called to be. Having your faithful prayers and support gives us great encouragement as we know the Lord has called us on this journey with a faithful band of brethren who love Jesus. Thank you!

Carol and I are very grateful for our Lifegate Church family who has sent us out. This morning was our last Sunday with them until we return for another visit in October. I believe the master key to cross cultural missions is gospel-centered, Jesus loving missionaries being sent out under the authority of gospel-centered, Jesus loving churches and being prayed for/financially supported by gospel-centered, Jesus loving people. Jesus’ mission (John 20:21) WILL NOT fail, His church WILL be built!

“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Romans 10:14-15

As you know we  are located in Northwestern Uganda, one mile off the South Sudan border. Along with our evangelism, pastoral training, and church planting we will have a divine opportunity to minister Christ’s love to South Sudanese refugees fleeing the the fighting in South Sudan. At RAU we desire to show compassion and love to all who are suffering, most especially by proclaiming the gospel to those who who will suffer eternally if they do not trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

I have read reports that a 1,000 refuge’s a day are crossing the South Sudan border into Uganda fleeing the terror in their homeland. This is all happening now in dry season when food supplies are already low. In the dark times the light and love of Jesus shines most brightly. This  link is a few days old but it will help you understand the situation we are walking into: Video: “South Sudan refugees flee to Uganda” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25689089#threeG

Please pray for peace to reign in South Sudan and for all of us at RAU to walk in the wisdom and the love of the Lord. Currently I have $1100 which has been given directly for relief work for the refuge’s. In consultation with my RAU co-workers we will work to buy food and medicines further south and ship them to RAU for distribution to refugees in need. Most are fleeing with little or no personal possessions. My preference would be to direct the aid first and foremost to children and mothers. If you want to give for this Sam, Patrick, Abraham, and I will personally see that it gets to those who need it and not into the pockets of those who may want to take advantage of the situation.

The last word I have received on the container is good. It looks like they are willing to drop the charges for taxes on it to $6,500. This is way down from the original $25,000 +- they were asking. I have wired the money for its release.Please keep praying as I have not yet had confirmation of its released. After it is set free it still has an arduous two day overland journey to RAU. I am hoping to be there for its unloading. The 1999 Land Cruiser still has not arrived in Kampala. Please keep praying for its delivery or, if necessary, the recovery of our money. We prefer to have the vehicle!