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
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