Because of the generosity of so many faithful followers of Jesus, we and so many here in the West Nile of Uganda are seeing Jesus magnified! On behalf Reaching Africa’s Unreached I thank each of you who pray for and sacrificially give to this ministry!
As Kent Hughes states, “One of the effects of the gospel going deeper into our souls is that it frees our fingers to loosen their grasp on our goods. Generosity is one of the great evidences of truly being a Christian.” and “There is no such thing as a Christian scrooge,” he says. “We may know some scrooges who claim to be Christians, but I don’t think you can claim to really know Christ and be a stingy person.” The gospel opens our soul — and with it, our hands.” Below is one of the best encouragements and exhortations I have read and have listened to on the Biblical understanding of generosity. May it bring encouragement to you as well!
He may have been a wee little man, but he was the kingpin of the Jericho tax cartel. He was a filthy rich little guy, this Zacchaeus.
But when he met Jesus, everything changed — not only his heart, but his hands. The same fingers that once reached to extort filthy lucre, now extended with generosity to the poor, and to pay back fourfold anyone he’d defrauded (Luke 19:8).
Sign of a New Soul
It’s only a few verses earlier in Luke’s Gospel that Jesus encountered another wealthy man, who we call “the rich young ruler.” His great possessions were the barrier to him following Jesus. Veteran pastor Kent Hughes, who served nearly thirty years at College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, says the contrast is unmistakable: How we handle our money has everything to do with how we orient on Jesus. The rich young ruler chose his wealth over Jesus, but for Zacchaeus, meeting the Messiah loosed his hold on his material possessions.
There’s a very intentional theology of generosity in the Gospel of Luke in particular, and the point, as Hughes captures it, is generosity is a sign of a regenerate soul.
“There is no such thing as a Christian scrooge,” he says. “We may know some scrooges who claim to be Christians, but I don’t think you can claim to really know Christ and be a stingy person.” The gospel opens our soul — and with it, our hands.
Generosity is more than tithing, and more than just money. A stingy person can give ten percent, says Hughes. “Ten percent is good, but that’s not the point. The point is to be generous.” He points out that the total prescribed giving in the old covenant amounted to about 23%, not ten. Tithing isn’t necessarily a sign of grace. It can be very legalistic.
The issue is giving sacrificially. “Christians ought to give in such a way that there are things we forego in order to be generous — that vacation, that new car. Christianity encompasses all of our life.”
And so the regenerate are generous — not just with their finances, but with their time and possessions.
Why We Give
But for the Christian, the issue is not just that we give, but how. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). And giving gladly rests on the great why of Christian generosity: that Christ himself — our Savior, Lord, and greatest treasure — demonstrated the ultimate in generosity in coming to buy us back. “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). If Jesus is in us, then increasingly such an open-handed tendency will be in us as well.
One of the effects of the gospel going deeper into our souls is that it frees our fingers to loosen their grasp on our goods. Generosity is one of the great evidences of truly being a Christian.
“As the gospel goes deeper in our souls, it frees our fingers to loosen their grasp on our goods.”Tweet
In this new episode of Theology Refresh, Kent Hughes reminds us that not only it is Jesus himself who speaks most often, and warns us more severely, about the danger of greed, but he is also the one who so strongly appeals to our joy and says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
“So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.“
Galatians 6:9
Jacob is in the middle of a very busy season. While he has been weary – physically – he has not grown weary in working to accomplish the tasks to which the Lord has called him. I am amazed that he rarely loses sight of the goal of that upward call in Christ. I have never seen someone as focused and onward-pressing as he is, not for the sake of working hard, but for the joy of reaching a worthy goal: the strengthening of the local churches through discipleship, the provision of rich resources and encouragement in the faith. His diligence reminds me of the encouragement of Paul to the Thessalonians: “because we recall in the presence of our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”1 Thess. 1:3
July was packed full of ministry in the District of Yumbe with the added joy of hosting Preston and Laurel Sink. Jacob preached every Sunday. In the first two weeks of August he held back-to-back Pastor Retreats. The third week of August was jam-packed with travel to and from and shopping in Kampala (which is a feat in itself). Here is an excerpt from his Facebook post highlighting his activities in Kampala:
“Here are a few of the things which were accomplished: Successful eye appointment 8 year Anzoa who had corrective eye surgery for congenital cataracts; used disk harrow bought, broken down and sent to RAU on the bus (it is now hooked to the tractor at RAU); roof rack modified for the Land Cruiser (L.C.) to better suit open air preaching in markets. Now speakers can be placed on the roof rack at the same time we are preaching from it; new tires were put on the L.C. because of tires placed in the container from a Texas brother, front end work, new battery,and a winch for the front of the L.C. The last three items were possible because of the generosity of Seagrove Baptist Church (Preston and Laurel’s sending church); bags of rice,sugar,cooking gas etc. were purchased.”
Jacob has experienced the full stress of the driving. Now, he is back home and overseeing 4 different work crews (several agricultural ventures, campus-improvement projects and the ever present mechanical repairs.)
In these coming two weeks he hopes to make it a priority to study and prepare for upcoming retreats and outreaches. Please pray that the dust of urgent activity settles and that grace and steadfastness enable this priority to become reality.
If I didn’t know Jacob’s heart, witness his joy and hear his often repeated words, “this is why we are here,” I might have reason for concern – this might just be the diary of a workaholic mad man. Instead, I have increasing admiration for a man who sees “that Day” approaching and who is doing his utmost to live in the light of “that Day.” (Hebrews 10:25)
Here are some pictorial highlights of the past few weeks (for Jacob) …
The second of two Baptist Pastors’ Retreats for Men from the Moyo areaJacob teaching while Tobious interpretsAttentive and intentional note-takersMaking the most of every opportunityThe congregation of Kokobo COU (Church of Uganda)Being welcomed to Kokobo COU by some of the members with jubilant singing.Call to worship drumCome and worship, people!Nurse Sam doing something he loves…teaching the children songs of praise and encouraging them to teach others.Reading “Quest for Joy” in Aringa.“Quest for Joy“The beautiful “Welcome Center”Mid-morning refreshmentThe joy of receiving the gift of sight through reading glasses – provided by Laurel and PrestonA promising sign at the onset of their journey to Kampala!Double blessing!Buying partsSouping up the rack for open air preachingBuying a farm implement…harrowNavigating Kampala traffic
Waiting to board the ferry at the Nile River
…and, on the lighter side…for me (Carol). I am thrilled to be able to capture and share snapshots of the beauty of God’s creation in Uganda, specifically, the West Nile region. Also, while Jacob was away, I took the opportunity to finish some baby blankets, one for our newest grandchild and the other for the soon-to-be-born child of a local friend.
Beautiful sunrisesSunrise – one of my favorite views from our homeSunriseView to the east of usMist in the morningI love the outline of young teak treesOn the way to KokoboSame hill, different perspectiveBaby blankets
Hmmm…someone needs to get busy!
Jacob and I want to thank each of you who are interested in what RAU is doing, who pray for us, give toward the work so that we all love “not in word or tongue, but in action and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)
In just over one month Jacob and I will be back in the States to enjoy some happily anticipated reunions with family and friends. It will be a much needed time of refreshment and renewing, especially for Jacob. We hope to see many of you while we are there.
Here are some of the items on our ministry wish-list:
***80,000 tracts printed in Aringa, Ma’di and English – $5,ooo (these tracts have been a very effective way of sharing – people are eager to receive and read them and they get passed around)
***Copy machine for Pastors’ Retreats (resource packets for each pastor) – $1,000
***Future Pastors’ Retreats and Evangelism/teaching outreaches
***Solar powered submersible well pump – it would save on fuel costs of running the generator to pump water – $5,000
***Build a branch Hall of Tyrannus and meeting place for Obongi Church plant (plot has been purchased in Obongi through a donation from a Texas couple); there are no church structures in this town of 20,000. We received much opposition from a prominent Muslim official. Following proper channels we pushed back hard and he has relented, at least for the time being.
***Vehicle to use while we are visiting Stateside in October and part of November.
For those who have asked, small packages and letters may safely be sent to:
Jacob & Carol Lee, PO. 55, Moyo Uganda, East Africa
Our “wish lists” may be found at Amazon (Click on the “Wish List” link and type in our name or email address)
The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our power to get it to those who do not have it. May the Lord grant each of us His followers the wherewithal to be obedient disciples! Jacob W. Lee
Tax deductible charitable donations may be made via PayPal. PayPal also has a way to make reoccurring monthly gifts. To do so please click their link below. PayPal deducts a small amount from each gift as a processing fee. All gifts given through PayPal are now tax deductibleas Reaching Africa’s Unreached has 501 c3 tax exempt status as a charitable organization. If you wish to write a check you may write it out to R.A.U. and mail it to Lifegate Missions, 395 Lifegate Ln., Seguin Texas 78155.
Northward out of Moyo Town towards Afoji; trees planted along the road by Comboni Missionaries many years ago.
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do:forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.“
Philippians 3:13-14
July has been so packed with paths, playing, preaching, praises, people and the lively pursuit of happiness in Christ that Preston and Laurel Sink’s travel adventures have not even been half told since my last post. If they wanted to experience the full gamut, they could not have come at a better time. Even prior to any knowledge of their coming we had filled the calendar full for July and they got here just in time to take it on…with their cheerful game face.
PATHS
We took so many different roads while they were here, some smoother than others, some more like paths than roads, some either dusty or muddy, all…bumpy! We were made to appreciate the Land Cruiser more with each trip. Initially, the 4-wheel drive was not working, but after seeing the potential disasters of navigating without it, we pushed to see it fixed. On the last day of ministry with Preston and Laurel to Aya Baptist Church on Metu Mountain, we could not have made it up the steep inclines without 4-wheel drive.
The road to Pakayu Yumbe DistrictA little trepidation as we turned off the main roadIt kept getting narrower……and narrower!Heading back to Afoji through Moyo TownScenic route on return home from YumbeRoad to ObongiClose to Aya on top of Metu MountainOn the way to Metu Mountain
The jarring discomfort of the rides was offset by the beauty we were able to take in. Uganda is surely the “Pearl of Africa!”
We shared the roads with many others…a herd of cows……and goats…
…and students on their way home for lunch.Lovely rocky hills…remind me so much of the area in which I grew up in India.Midway to Aya…taking in the beautiful view of the Nile River BasinNile River backdrop…from left to right…Tobious (pastor, host and guide up the mountain), Preston, Laurel and Jacob, “the Chief”, Mindra, Lucy and Sam.Yours truly…Triumphant protector at a roadside “pit stop!”Real wildlife sighting…baboons! Difficult to capture by camera. They were skittish, unlike the baboons we see on the way from Kampala, near Murchison Falls, who see us as intruders on their roads.Holding their own up a steep inclineBreathtaking, pristine beauty!From inside Pakayu church Yumbe District
Aya Baptist Church and Welcome Centers and the picturesque tree where they used to meet before a building was erected.The doors are small, especially for someone like Preston.“The Tree”
PLAYING
I have to say that it was reviving to us to have Preston and Laurel here even for the sake of friendship and recreation. Thankful for a few “down days,” it was so nice to hang around and hang out without an agenda to follow.
Sam finally found an equally enthusiastic Frisbee playing partner. By the end they were down right “competitious!” —Don’t tell me that’s not a word! I will refrain from disclosing the winner…it might get me in BIG trouble!“Someone” exulting in a big win!Sam’s endeavor…he bought 3 palm trees to plant in honor of the Sinks’ visit which now leads us to a friendly game of “whose palm tree will grow the biggest and fastest!” Laurel promises to sneakily send Sam some “Miracle Grow!”Okay, okay! This was more work than play as we filled 60 retreat resource bags for upcoming retreats, but you know what they say, “Many hands make light work.” And… “Time goes by so much faster when you’re having fun!”ESV Global Study Bibles and numerous books (donated by The Gospel Coalition) – all precious commodities for pastors in these parts!Laurel was the Pied Piper…always drawing a crowd of children around her with that warm and brilliant smile and sincere heart of welcome.See! What did I tell you?!
Photo ops while we wait.
Raucous laughter doeth good like a medicine!Learning new customs…trying new foods…that was FUN, right Laurel?…Preston?The lovely custom of hand washing.Hanging out after a visit to Zaccheo’s village.Did you notice the rain water on the veranda? They had to make a run for it!ReadingResting!
PREACHING
Pakayu church; Jacob preaching on the “Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.”Response to the message…desire to forgive wrongs done them.Jacob’s favorite perch and passion…preaching at outdoor markets!Onduga Charles, interpreting.Preston…saying it with love and enthusiasm!Praying for those who responded.Member of the community and of Pakayu Church handing out Aringa tracts in a nearby market area.Joseph engaging in conversationJacob sharing a tract and some words with passersby.
Perusing the tract whilst playing a friendly game of cards.
Preston listening to and praying for the needs of two young men.Before or after Preston gives the two guys a giant bear hug!Jacob teaching a session at the Obongi Town Church where Godfrey pastors.Preston took a turn at it, too.Jacob happy to sit out and let the young one have his turn.
PRAISING
No matter where we have worshiped, it has always been a jubilant experience. Here in Africa, expressive, vigorous Praise cuts across all ages and denominations. As you can tell, I also have a particular love for the ethnic instruments – their beauty, simplicity and sound.
PEOPLE
Here are some of the beautiful faces we met along this incredible journey!
One of the founding members of Pakayu Church. She could break into a beautiful smile in a second!Two women – selling their wares – who were gracious to allow me to take their photo.A contented child. Mama really wanted me to take his photo.People gathered on market day near Koboko…hearing the good news.Pakayu church membersPakayu children…lots of them!Pakayu ChurchPakayu “Call to Worship” DrumGodfrey exhibiting his BOILED Nile River drinking water…Listening in…
Young Muslim girls…sweet faces.Young girl in front of Aya Baptist ChurchTobious’ daughterGroup photo…Aya BaptistBeautiful gifts…handmadeTobious’ familyThe really cool guys of the group.Appreciating the gift! – a cane with a hidden knife.Hand carved Rooster for Preston and Laurel. The official bird of Moyo/Ma’di culture.
WorshipersTobious’ wife with her gift to me…the Ma’di woman’s apron.Young boy, standing around, let me take his photo.A view from the Welcome Center at Aya Baptist.Woman and child
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS IN CHRIST
Thank you, Preston and Laurel Sink, and Seagrove Baptist Church, for investing your time, money, passion and interest in RAU. You’ll never know just how much good you did us all here!
These last few weeks have been such a blessing and a joy. It is good to recount them, especially on days when other such joys as family and friends and far away places lure our attention and affection. Thankfully, there is always “the next thing” which provides present grace to help us remain in the present instead of wistfully longing for past or future pleasures.
This last week we hosted our 8th Pastors’ Retreat here at RAU. We had 24 Pastors and church leaders, both Baptist and Pentecostal, from the Moyo area. It is always four days, jam-packed with activity from morning until late at night, the conclusion of which brings us the joyful satisfaction that we have fleshed out the vision and mission of RAU – to come alongside pastors and church leaders with teaching and resources and encouragement so that they don’t feel alone in their struggles and effort.
Pastors enjoying their ESV Global Study BiblesGroup photoLunch breakJacob teaching a sessionThe mission!Pastor Bob GadSome cycled a distance to come.
Catching a ride to town.
We look forward to the 2nd retreat coming up on Tuesday. On average, depending on the distance and transport fee, it costs around $50 to host a pastor for the 4 days they are here. This excludes cost of the resources which they are given. We are amazed at this when we consider how much it would cost to do the same in the States and we believe it is a good return for the investment! Thank you to all who give generously and regularly so that such ministry can happen!
After this next retreat, we will slow down for a couple of weeks and then follow with two more weeks of activity – one more Pastors’ Retreat and then the Youth Group from First Presbyterian Church of Uganda from Kampala will come to do ministry in the area. Not too long after that we will be heading back to Texas to be reunited with family and friends.
NEEDS
Laurel posing with the poster discussing Guinea Worm infestation and treatment at the Health Clinic in Aya
One area of great need was brought to our attention when we visited Aya Baptist Church this last Sunday. We were taken to the local Health Clinic and received a report from the nurse describing their work and some of their needs. The most glaring lack is running water. THERE IS NO BORE HOLE ATOP THE MOUNTAIN! During rainy season, the people collect rain water and during the dry season they must fetch water from a stream. The nurse stated how difficult it was, as you can imagine, to use good technique in cleaning instruments and sanitizing between patients. They have a large rainwater runoff collector. However, during the dry season, patients and family members must bring water with them. Jacob is going to be contacting Water Harvest International about the possibility of drilling a bore hole in Aya to help the whole community, and specifically, Aya Baptist Church members. If you feel a tug on your heart to help in this particular need, it would be greatly appreciated and you can specify your donation to be given towards it.
We are truly grateful for the joyful, generous and prayerful support we receive from so many of you who follow what we are doing. THANK YOU!!!
For those who have asked, small packages and letters may safely be sent to:
Jacob & Carol Lee, PO. 55, Moyo Uganda, East Africa
Our “wish lists” may be found at Amazon (Click on the “Wish List” link and type in our name or email address)
The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our power to get it to those who do not have it. May the Lord grant each of us His followers the wherewithal to be obedient disciples! Jacob W. Lee
Tax deductible charitable donations may be made via PayPal. PayPal also has a way to make reoccurring monthly gifts. To do so please click their link below. PayPal deducts a small amount from each gift as a processing fee. All gifts given through PayPal are now tax deductibleas Reaching Africa’s Unreached has 501 c3 tax exempt status as a charitable organization. If you wish to write a check you may write it out to R.A.U. and mail it to Lifegate Missions, 395 Lifegate Ln., Seguin Texas 78155.
Reaching Africa's Unreached 