“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”  St. Augustine

These last two weeks have been full of expeditions of all kinds – physically and spiritually speaking!  Our world has definitely broadened by all our experiences. Since our dear brother, Kevin Turner, arrived on November 8th, we have walked over all kinds of terrain and through many kinds of experiences.  There have been peaks and valleys – physically and spiritually speaking – and we are grateful for it all.  It has been an opportunity to grow into Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 4:11-13 to learn contentment in every kind of situation and to see the grace of God strengthen us in it all.

Although some of the initial ministry plans fell through, there was not a lot of down time.  Jacob and Kevin were both eager to “dive in.”  The first few days were set aside to allow Kevin time to acclimatize and to go through and organize ministry supplies which he brought with him.  Kevin is generous and loves to ensure that we are equipped with every possible gadget that could assist us in the work we are doing.  His friendship and company is blessing to us all and the laughter (and tears) we share is a gift to us.

On Saturday, November 12th, Jacob, Samuel and Kevin traveled to Yumbe to meet with Charles and Omar and several Sheiks (to whom Jacob gave DA Carson’s book, The Gospel as Center [in Arabic], some carrots from our garden, and some medicines.)  It was a joy for them to strengthen a growing friendship, to love one another and to share the treasure of the Gospel with those who have not known such a precious gift.  During this visit, Jacob found out that the very life and livelihood of the Headmaster,a Christian, in a Muslim school was spared because of the dialogues with Imams and Sheiks that started up.  “At the right time”, which is how God always does things, the hearts of the Imams and Sheiks (who had control over who would be employed in the local schools) were softened towards Christ-followers through the gracious dialogues which were taking place.  This Headmaster, though his students were performing better than all others, was about to lose his job because he was a Christian.  “But God!…”

On Sunday, the 13th, we attended prayers (church service) at Ayaa Baptist Church, where brother Ojji Tobious is the lead pastor.  Pastor Tobious has done a wonderful job of shepherding this gathering of believers and of identifying and commissioning other faithful members to be sent out to share the Gospel and disciple the believers who are raised up in surrounding remote villages. It has been a joy to see how the pearls of the Gospel have been found and treasured in this gathering of believers. His church is one of the most notable in the area for taking seriously and following through on the discipleship process.  We were also honored to have a meal in the home of Tobious and his wife.

Tobious and his faithful band of brothers have now been equipped with Kindle Fires (that are loaded with the Jesus Film in several languages including Ma’di) as well as solar panel chargers which Kevin carried out for us and were also provided through the generosity of STBA (Study To Be Approved) which is the vision and passion of Delmar Hager.  These men have wasted no time in going home to home to show the Jesus Film (a depiction of the book of Luke) and to interact one on one with each family they meet.  Just today, Tobious posted on Jacob’s Facebook wall that each of the men who have received Kindles have been at work, doing the desired work of sharing this film with those over whom they have been given responsibility.  Their only complaint is that the screen is too small for many people to watch at one time.  We are trying to encourage smaller audiences so that it becomes easier to do one-on-one discipleship.

Where Jesus has asked them to go is no easy calling, no easy task. Having only been to some of these remote mountain villages a few times, our esteem for these “mountain preachers” has gone up considerably.  Not only are the climbs rigorous but the men are subjected to dangers and difficulties along the routes to each village where a new church has been planted.  We are grateful for the love and burden placed upon the heart of a dear sister who saw their need for sturdy shoes and a backpack and provided 9 sets of them.

On the 15th, Jacob and Kevin headed to the Metu Mountains again to minister to the believers in Lea and Oku.  The drive and hike are known to be hard, both on the vehicle and the body. It’s one of those park and hike (not park and ride!) places which takes it all out of you, but also gives back in terms of encouragement and hope and the knowledge that young believers are still persevering, they have been strengthened in their faith and have experienced the love of God through other believers who love them and are willing to go to them.

Wednesday evening, the 16th, Kevin was given the “hot seat” at the Moyo radio station (TBS, 98.6) to preach.  He did a wonderful job of encouraging and teaching the listening audience through knowledgeable interpreting by Emma.

On Thursday, the 17th, Jacob, Kevin, Emma and I, along with Tobious and some of his men, drove as far as we could and then parked and hiked to Alu Godu, another remote Metu Mountain village with no church. It was our first trip to Alu Godu.  It was a beautiful vista as we came around a bend in the path to see this lovely village sprawled out over a hill.  While we waited for the residents to finish their lunches and gather under a tree, we took a walk down a very steep path which leads to a stream.  This stream is their source of water until it dries up during dry season…and, then, they have to walk even further to fetch water. Unfathomable!  We are hoping that this might be one of the targeted areas for a bore hole and water hand pump.  One well cost $7500 to bore and set up. The only obstacle is that no passable road exists yet for a vehicles. This is something that the villagers and the local government will be working on.

 After Kevin’s and Jacob’s messages some 40+ adults stood making their desire known that they wanted to trust in Christ alone for salvation…a new church was birthed! Jacob is currently working hand in hand with Pastor Tobious to make sure that we can have itinerant preachers come on the weekends until a shepherd is raised up from within or one moves there from one of the other new local churches in the Metu Mountains. Discipleship here and among the other new church plants is high on the priority list.

On the jarring ride back from Alu Godu, Kevin felt “something” in his lower back which didn’t cause him much distress until he woke up the next morning unable to move without spasms of pain.  This laid him low for the next couple of days and he was sad to miss out on our outreach to Yumbe on Sunday.

On Sunday, November 20th, Jacob, Pastor Henery and I went to Yumbe and worshiped with Pilgrim’s church and our dear friend, Charles.  Jacob preached from John 20:21 encouraging the congregation to be assured that Jesus has sent “them” just as He was sent and that they should take that commissioning seriously.  Shortly after the service, Jacob did a teaching (for those who were interested in reaching their Muslim neighbors) from 1 Peter 3:13-17, helping the listeners to understand not only the “what” of the Gospel, but the “how” of sharing it…with gentleness, respect and preparedness.  After a couple hours of leisure at a local guesthouse where we enjoyed a cold soda and a small snack, we packed up the vehicle with the many speakers and sound equipment and headed to the downtown Yumbe taxi park for open air preaching.  As usual, the youth of Pilgrim’s church did a great job of drawing a crowd with their energetic singing and dancing.

St. Paul’s Pilgrim Church Yumbe

Jacob and Charles climbed on top of the Land Cruiser to deliver a rousing message and call to see who Jesus is as He described himself in John 10:1-18 (the Door, the Good Shepherd).  I enjoyed capturing all of these moments on camera as well as interacting with some of the women who were passing through but had stopped to listen for a moment.

Open Air Preaching in the Yumbe Taxi Park

Though Kevin still was experiencing pain on Monday, he was determined not to miss out on another event which was planned for Tuesday – the outreach to Oyo/Duku and Gbari/Arapi.  He did everything he could do to rest and stretch out his back, but in the end he was resolute that, no matter what, he was going! And he did!

On Tuesday, the 22nd, Jacob, Kevin and Mindra picked up Tobious and few other men and headed to the Metu Mountains again, this time to Gbari, Arapi, Oyo and Duku. Through the preaching and ministry done in Oyo, three more people professed their trust in Christ.  Pastor Tobious states that, now, around 45% of the people from Oyo are professing Christians and are meeting regularly as a church. Eighteen months ago there were none who were “born again”.  In Gbari/Arapi, the number of people gathering each Sunday has outgrown the tarp-covered meeting place.  A slab was poured a little over a year ago, along with the building of latrines and a small house for Pastor Geoffrey.  However, the money for finishing the actual church building ran out and so the people have been meeting under a tarp structure.  We would love to see the church building finished up.  It would not only make a protective area for the gathered church to meet, but it would also provide a covered area from which to do medical or other kinds of ministry.

Kevin and Jacob returned from their journey tired and stiff, but feeling encouraged that something significant is happening in those remote mountain villages.  It, once again, reminds us of why we need to focus our resources on the Bible School and getting that fully operational.  The Lord is at work and we must do our part to provide skilled leaders to guard and teach new believers.

 Thank you all for your love, prayers and support! May the Lord bless you!

Love in Christ,

Carol (and Jacob)

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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He Gives and Takes Away, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

Jacob and I arrived safely (in addition to all 14 suitcases) to RAU on October 26^th after a long and busy, but fruitful trip back to the USA!!  It is always a nail biter to get everything packed and hope it all fits and stays within the 50-lb. weight limit of each suitcase.  That all suitcases showed up at the Entebbe airport in Kampala and then to RAU is reason to celebrate and say, “Blessed be the Name of the Lord! He has been merciful and good!”

When we finally arrived at the RAU compound, we were absolutely blown away by the fruitfulness and bountiful growth of everything which has been planted at RAU.  While we were away, all the crops shot up and now the RAU compound has become a veritable “Garden of Eden.”   It’s a blessing from God and it is natural to exclaim, “Blessed be the Name of the Lord – He has given us so much!”

The mango trees, the rice and all the various vegetables have grown to such an extent that the RAU Guesthouse/Hall of Tyrannus is not even visible from the road, making our compound a quiet haven. The banana trees have grown by the foot and have produced offspring such that we are now able to cull away smaller shoots (suckers) and sell them at a minimal, non-profit price to the people in the surrounding community.

View of the fields from the Guesthouse Roof

In a timely way, Emma taught last week all about planting and caring for bananas on the weekly Ag radio program on TBS (FM 98.6, Uganda).  We have since been having folks coming by to get their banana suckers (all proceeds from the banana suckers or any other agricultural sale is returned into our Agricultural fund.)

While we were away, we could be at perfect peace in leaving the management of daily activities of RAU in the capable hands of Samuel (from D.R. Congo) and Emma.  Samuel showed himself to be a wonderful accountant and manager.  Emma maximized the efficiency and output of our co-workers in the Ag demonstration plot.  Such faithfulness and trustworthiness is a gift from the Lord – blessed be the Name of the Lord!

Though Samuel is still recovering from a recent surgery, he was a hard worker and a gentle overseer.  Emma, though he suffered a fractured scapula during an accident which happened right after we left for the USA, was able to continue steadfastly, despite immense pain, in his radio program and guiding the work on the demo plot.

Once we were unpacked and organized, Jacob immediately went into action mode to oversee and work on projects.  He has been busy giving tours to interested groups who are curious and inspired to see what is going on at the RAU Ag demonstration plot.  The gift of health, energy and meaningful labor is from the Lord – blessed be the Name of the Lord!

The showing of our demo plot has led to some wonderful opportunities for Jacob to share the life-giving message of the Gospel.  One gentleman saw all the scriptures posted on the walls of our house.  One of them read, “Truly, truly I tell you, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again.”  When the man read the sign, he asked Jacob, “What does that mean?”  So…Jacob had the privilege of explaining it to him.

Just today, a Muslim gentleman came by to buy banana suckers. Jacob took the opportunity to give him an Arabic New Testament, an English Bible and some literature aimed at answering Muslims’ questions about Christianity.  We have been given the gift of the Gospel freely so that we may also freely give it to others! – Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

Jacob has also been working on the event schedule for our dear friend and brother in ministry, Kevin Turner, who will be arriving here on November 6^th.  Having our friends come alongside us and bear our burdens with us is a benefit beyond description. Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

Today, through the generous gifts of a donor, we were able to bless our Metu Mountain Men (itinerant pastors) with new shoes and backpacks to aid them as they walk from village to village to oversee the new believers that have come to faith in Christ over the last year.

In addition, our friend, Delmar Hager, with Study To Be Approved (STBA), has provided our “Mountain Men” with Kindle Fire’s loaded with the Jesus Film in Ma’di, Aringa, Swahili and English which they can show as they go from home to home. The Kindles also have books loaded onto them.  These men have shown a commitment to getting the Gospel to the hardest-to-reach places like no others that I have seen.  We are grateful that the Lord laid these men on the hearts of a generous person to give to them lavishly so that they know the Father’s care.  Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

I am sure that, inferring from the title, you are waiting for the “other shoe to drop.”  I have underscored heavily all the beautiful ways in which “the Lord gives,” which have inspired us to say, “Blessed be the Name of the Lord.” However, the painful reality that He sometimes “takes away” is staring us bleakly in the face right now and we must say we are floundering a little to exclaim, “Blessed be the Name of the Lord!”

Our dear Walter, who recently and successfully underwent heart valve replacement surgery in India, was taken from us!  He died this last Saturday, October 29^th.  It was sudden and unexpected and was, to the best of the medical personnel’s assessment, a post-surgical complication which was too complex to be properly addressed at the hospital here in Moyo.

I was to visit Walter and his family in their home that morning to bring them a monitoring device donated generously for him, but I went to the home only to find that Walter had been taken to the hospital.  When I joined them at the hospital, Walter was still alert, but in severe pain.  The clinical officer was doing his best to provide hydration and pain medication.  However, what Walter needed was an E.R. and ICU with diagnostic and resuscitative equipment which were a rough ride and many hours away from Moyo.

I can honestly say that this was one of the most painful and helpless experiences of my life – to see Walter slipping away as I held him (he had been extremely agitated and we were trying to protect him from injury) and to be totally devoid of any other option for his care or ability to help.  My heart just broke for his parents who have now experienced the death of their two oldest children.

Despite such an excessive share of sorrow, I was amazed by the testimony of Anthony, Walter’s father, who, during the funeral, could say in so many words, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”  It has been a rebuke to my heart.  As I watched Walter losing the battle in the hospital I was inwardly crying out, “No, Lord! This cannot possibly be the outcome of Walter’s struggle! He was supposed to get better and to be able to live a long life for your glory.  Why, Lord?!!”

As we struggle through this painful event, we are wondering out loud about the “good” that Romans 8 promises and what part we are to play in the working out of God’s good.  Please pray for Walter’s family who need, in lavish measure, the gift of grace and the comfort of the Holy Spirit so that they can continue to say, with growing faith and hope, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the Name of the Lord.”  Pray that our faith would also grow in the same way.

“The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord.”

The following ministry events and opportunities are coming up and need your faithful intercession:

• Worship with Itula Baptist Church on November 6^th
• Kevin’s arrival on November 8^th
• Drive then hike and ministry to Lea and Oku  church plants in the Metu Mountains on November 10^th
• Open air preaching in Yumbe town on November 12^th
• Worship with Aya Baptist Church on November 13^th
• New evangelism outreach to a village without a church in the Metu Mountains on November 15^th
• A training for youth in Yumbe in how to effectively share the love and good news of Christ to Muslims on November 19th

Our biggest goal remains to build a classroom and living/study/kitchen area for our Bible School which will begin in 2017 as we partner with Reaching and Teaching modules in coordination with High Pointe Baptist Church Austin,Texas to present 3 modules a year for three years, taking groups of 30 participants through the whole program. Because of our previous retreats we have many candidates. Also, there is great need for new shepherds to be trained for church plants in the Metu Mountains and new churches we are “greeting from afar” in Yumbe District.

Please consider giving towards this project. We have a bid of $25,000 for this new structure on the RAU compound.This building will help facilitate our ongoing vision to walk out        2 Timothy 2:2

Here is a link to another episode of “Meditations From a Hammock” which I recently wrote:   https://reachingafricasunreached.org/meditations-from-a-hammock-by-carol/

 Thank you all for your love, prayers and support! May the Lord bless you!

Love in Christ,

Carol (and Jacob)