They said it is the first time, since the beginning of Islam in Yumbe District, that a Christian has come to them , in their words, “to teach the Bible” and to do it in such a way as to bring Muslims and Christians together in a peaceful way. God prepared the way and they truly were eager to receive the Word of truth. Thank you, again, for your prayers! The gospel was proclaimed clearly in love. I passionately appealed to them to come to Christ alone for salvation. One of the lead Sheikhs said, “a child does not mature in one day. You must continue to teach us”! The Holy Spirit is drawing them! Please continue in prayer for them!”

During the meeting, we heard several stories of Christians who, in the past, had done anything but love the Aringa Muslims and who did much to undermine the truth that God had a loving interest in their lives.  Rather, the Christians did many things to insult them and raise barriers between themselves and the Muslims. It was a blessing to take part in an event which loudly proclaimed to the leaders who had gathered, “God loves you…and so do we!!!”

The reception we received was nothing short of gracious and hospitable; the Khard and a representative to Parliament were humble in requesting Jacob to explain the Bible to those who did not know what it teaches. Jacob was humble and gracious in opening a window to allow a glimpse, not only of what the Bible says, but also the spirit in which it is said.  Jacob spoke from Mark 2: 1-12, expanding on many points to give a more comprehensive view of what Christians believe about Jesus, and what Jesus has done for us.

This important message could not have been effectively communicated without a good interpreter, good friend and brother, Charles. We have been profoundly blessed by our partnership with Onduga Charles, from Pilgrim Church in Yumbe. He is an exemplary Christian who fleshes out faithfulness and friendliness in his community.  His home has been a shelter to those who have taken shelter in Christ and he is ready to disciple any who show an interest in Jesus as Savior.  It has been Charles’ good name which has helped opened the door for Jacob’s relationship with Muslim leaders in Yumbe.

This meeting in Govuli and the earnest pleas for Jacob to come back to teach the Bible as well as to do capacity building trainings has highlighted the need for discipleship training of Christian leaders who can replicate this type of grace-filled interaction and discipleship in which Jacob has been so effective.  This meeting has shown us how critical it is for Christians to know HOW to interact with Muslims so as not to create barriers but bridges. As Jacob has said, people will not be won to Christ through insults. Jesus prayed for us to be loving, fruit-bearing people in John.  This is the impetus for our desire to train leaders in the West Nile region, in the specific areas of the Metu Mountains, Moyo, Obongi and Yumbe.

Thankfully, our new and enlarged teaching center (Hall of Tyrannus), where all this discipleship training will take place, is well underway.  We hope to have it completed by the 1st of May so it will be ready for use when the Reaching and Teaching Team come from High Pointe Baptist Church Austin, Texas on May 5th.  As Jacob has mentioned in past newsletters, we have so many opportunities to bring in groups of leaders (Church and community) for various types of training, from Biblical to Agricultural.

The Agricultural branch of RAU ministry is busy with a new planting season (now that the rains have started).  We have been blessed to have fruit bearing trees (bananas) even during the dry season.  I have personally heard many a testimony of how the demo plot along with Emma’s Agriculture radio call-in show has been an inspiration and blessing to many.  We are grateful for the partnership of M.A.R.S. (Missionary Agricultural Resource Services) which has helped us keep this program going.

It is exciting to anticipate all that God may do in these coming months and years in this region.  From what we have already experienced, we see an intense crescendo of excitement and openness to the Kingdom of God and we are spurred on by a growing number of people showing an interest in coming over to help us!  We are eager for what the Lord has planned!

Please be praying for the following events and needs:

• Upcoming dialogs with Imams and Sheikhs: March 11th and 18th
• Ongoing discipleship with leaders in the Metu Mountains
• Timely completion of the new and enlarged Teaching Hall of Tyrannus and funding specifically for the building
• Baptism of 70 believers from Gbari/Arapi/Duku/Oyo Church plants on March 19th
• Visit from Dr. Stephen McConnell March 25th through 31st.
• Reaching and Teaching Team and 2nd learning module, May 5th-16th

In all these ventures we praise God for the ongoing support of our gracious partners who give and pray and send and come!  Please do not grow weary of doing these things!  The time of harvest is here and we need your labor of love in its many expressions.  

We listened to a message this last Sunday by Thabiti Anyabwile entitled, “Hell is real; Time is short; Jesus said, “Go!”.  We were spurred on to keep that Kingdom focus and to put more energy into obtaining what we desire and less into avoiding what we fear; we pray that you will, too!  We pray that you will be captivated by a vision of God’s redeeming plans for the world and, specifically, the West Nile region of Uganda!

Love and blessings!

Carol (and Jacob) Lee