It is a particular joy for me to write again by way of encouragement in answered requests and prayers.  Everyone who sows a seed wants to see it germinate and grow into a fruitful plant!

 

“Those who shed tears as they plant will shout for joy when they reap the harvest.”

Psalm 126:5

• I am experiencing that great joy in letting you know that the money we requested for 17 year old Walter’s open heart surgery has come in!  Praise the Lord!  To God it is no harder to produce $12,000 than to produce $12, but to my meager faith it is much akin to the parting of the Red Sea!!  (A mega thanks to those who gave!)  The family is thrilled and relieved and is doing everything in their power to take the next steps toward traveling to India for the surgery. They had a family/community meeting on Sunday to gain support for tasks which need to be accomplished on this end. I will continue to update you on Walter’s progress.  You would love Walter…he has a sweet and humble heart.  I wonder what great thing the Lord has for him to do?!!
• The brother who was experiencing hateful treatment and threats from neighbors because of his association with Jacob is now doing well and has the good will and protection of the local police though he had to flee for the night.  He is back home and able to carry on as usual. That situation has become peaceful.
• The situation which was discouraging to us with regard to attacks on our ministry and personally against Jacob remains, but, as in every circumstance which is allowed by the Lord, it is producing good things in us, namely, self-examination, humility, prayer, organization and getting our “ducks in a row,” improvement as an NGO as we become more informed on non-profit NGO operations, trust in the plans that the Lord has for us (as opposed to relying on ourselves or feeling that accomplishment of plans is in the sole power of us or others).

Last week, Jacob had an interesting experience here in Moyo.  As you know, it is the month of Ramadan for the Muslims.  Jacob was invited to share during a Muslim “open air” meeting.  It was clearly intended as a set-up for ridicule of Christians. Here is a Face book post I made describing the experience:

“Well…these photos of Jacob’s experience at the Muslim open air “crusade” are from my perch and perspective…
It was an interesting event, to say the least. We found out that they brought in a “specialist” from Tanzania because they were concerned about the effect that the dialogues, which Jacob has been a part of, are having on the local population. (The Tanzanian is the one in the beautiful, blue garb taking a picture of Jacob speaking.) Thanks, Emma, for your translating skills.
We heard, later, that the Muslims convened a special meeting on Sunday to address the impact which Jacob has had as he shares in a respectful and thoughtful way.
The crowd was especially entertained and lively, repeatedly shouting, “Allahu Akbar!” as the Tanzanian effectively mimicked and “caricaturized” some showboating Christian preachers. Little did the crowd know that we could agree on much of their assessments of “preachers” who want to put on a show and make more of miracles than the One who can perform them or who make much of the gift, more so than the Giver.
I was proud of Jacob in his ability to remain calm, kind and respectful when the strong current around him was rough and volatile.
I wish that, as Christians, we could do better at respecting the image of God in others. How much more would others respect and be open to what we have to say if love and respect actually were apparent in our actions, attitudes and words?! After all, what condition were we in when Christ, in love, stepped away from glory to become like us, to live righteously on our behalf and die lovingly for us, His enemies?
“In a servant leadership culture we learn by choice or example that if we want to be great, we have to serve others respectfully.”
― Vern Dosch, Wired Differently
As I stood in the crowd, a Muslim gentleman approached me and shook my hand. He was obviously embarrassed at the tone of some of the speakers and he made every effort to welcome me and show respect. He was not proud of the way in which words were spoken.
People on every side of a given issue, conflict or idea can see that the way FORWARD is paid in the currency of respectfulness.”

 

Moyo Muslim Open Air Pictures

Jacob had a very different experience a few days later as he traveled to Arua through Yumbe.  While in Yumbe he met with Charles and the Khard (in his office) where there were gathered for a meeting about 20 Sheikhs and Imams.  It was a friendly bantering back and forth about fasting and other things. Jacob dropped off some more Christian literature which the Khard keeps in his office for handing out.

We are looking so forward to seeing Ron Zeiner in a week.  It will be the beginning of another busy and fruitful ministry season.

Our Agricultural Extension Ministry continues to do well.  Everything on the compound is growing beautifully and it looks like a lush paradise.  We have had several groups come by “just to look.”

The radio program is having lasting influence in many communities within hearing of the radio signal.  Last Friday, Emma moderated a group Veterinarians on his show as they discussed the care of and diseases related to livestock (cattle, goats and pigs).  Included on the panel was Dr. Thomas Graham, CEO of Veterinarians Without Borders (who is hosting several teams here in the Moyo area), Dr. Unzimai Vincent-District Veterinary Officer-Representative-Moyo, Dr. Oba Peter and Dr. Apanga Michael -NARO- Animal Scientists and Dr. Unzimai Vincent-District Veterinary Officer-Representative-Moyo. It is a privilege to join forces with all those who want to provide capacity building and income generating activities in this West Nile/Ma’di region.

Ministry is not confined to church and church affairs. As the motto of Covenant College, Jacob’s Graduate School alma mater, declares, “In all things, Christ pre-eminent,” the love and truth of God should extend into every aspect of life and experience and make their imprint on every endeavor.

Just confirmed today, Jacob will be joining our new friends from Finland, Pertti Soderland and Ilka Salminen, as they, together, will meet with 50 (+/-) Imams and Sheiks in Yumbe this coming Saturday.  Ilka has had some very profitable and ongoing dialogues with Muslims who live in Finland.  Jacob will bring them some more resources and all three will have time to share. Of course, the Imams will also have time to speak, making it a true dialog.

Please check out this wonderful story from The Gospel Coalition about a good friend Omar: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/50-reasons-why-jesus-came-to-die-10-years-of-gods-stunning-work

I am going to venture out this weekend! My friend, Helen, from the UK, who lives in Adjumani, has invited me to come and visit her there. I will travel there tomorrow (Friday) and then we will come back here to RAU where we will spend the rest of the weekend. Yippee! Looking forward to it in a big way!!

Continue to keep the following events of the next month and a half on your prayer radar:

• Ron Zeiner’s visit along with the 2 retreats which will be held during that time (and other ministry opportunities)
• Visit of Delmar Hager (and friends) to RAU for a retreat (We have partnered since the beginning with Delmar to deliver his fully loaded Kindles into the hands of church leaders.
• Our safety in travels, health and energy, and Godwardness and reliance on the Spirit’s power in all things.

Thank you for caring about what we’re doing.  Thank you for praying. (We pray for you all often as well!) Thank you for giving. You are a blessing to us all over on this side of the ocean. As the ministry grows, our needs – for prayer and financial support – grow as well.  Please continue to consider even a small monthly gift to help offset operational expenses.  Thanks so much!

In Christ,

Carol (Jacob) Lee

 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

For those who have asked, small packages and letters may safely be sent to:

Jacob & Carol Lee, PO. 55, Moyo Uganda, East Africa

The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our power to get it to those who do not have it. (Jacob Lee)

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