A FM Gospel Radio Station at R.A.U.?

On March 29, 2024April 7, 2024 By Jacob LeeIn Uncategorized

Before I share about a possible FM Gospel radio station at Reaching Africa’s Unreached, I would like to give you some updates since our last post.

This is our 1976 Ford 3600 work horse which helped tame our “African bush“. It came in our first container back in 2013. Thank you to the donors…you know who you are! Thank you to the Hill Country Fellowship team for bringing parts for it when they arrive in April. Thank you also to Forest Hill Presbyterian Church (PCA) team who brought parts in January and ABWE Roots of Faith NT team who brought a part in early March. These were small parts but needful as we cannot get them here.

By God’s grace and the love his people, RAU now has nearly 26 acres, around 1000 grafted mangoes, 18 box gardens, put in 25 boreholes (water wells) in villages without clean water, and on the RAU campus buildings for staff, housing for teaching teams and church leaders for our module trainings, and the Hall of Tyrannus pastor teaching center.

**This is all through God’s amazing grace and the Christ-like, sacrificial love of his people!**

Currently we are progressing on expanding our ability to be a resource center for sending out books and Bibles for Ugandans and Sudanese. For more information see: YouTube Update and “Bible & Book Distribution Center” Will you help us spread the fame of King Jesus through the written page?

Ready for the roof. Imagine these containers filled with Bibles and Christian books for Uganda, South Sudanese and Republic of (North) Sudanese churches

Sudanese in Juba receiving Bibles and Christian books from RAU

From March 4th-9th we had 53 church leaders from various denominations for ABWE’s Good Soil “Roots of Faith: New Testament”. ABWE missionaries, Randy Southwell, Nuwagaba Mwesigwa Denny, and Pastor Bobby Hile (with First Baptist Church of Van Wert Ohio) were back with us. It was a wonderful, engaging week of studying the New Testament! Last year, these men, along with ABWE’s missionary, Caleb Mitchell, were with us for “Roots of Faith: Old Testament”. Thank you for your support in helping us walk out 2 Timothy 2:2.

ABWE Good Soil Roots of Faith: New Testament March 4th-9th

RAU is in close partnership with ABWE. Carol and I have become ABWE associate missionaries, while remaining RAU missionaries. We saw this as God’s leading to carry on the mission/vision of Reaching Africa’s Unreached. ABWE has been around for 100 years and knows all the ins and outs of working all over the world while keeping the local church primary in missions. As we have mentioned often, two families coming through ABWE, the Pryce’s and Langworthy’s, are raising support to join us long term. I hope Carol and I can stay as long as we can here to walk alongside them/others that the Lord brings long term so that we can be mutually encouraged and learn from one another. ABWE’s and RAU’s vision/mission are in alignment and it is our desire that this vision is carried on from generation to generation until Jesus return.

Aaron Langworthy, along with ABWE’s East Africa director, Caleb Mitchell, came with the Roots of Faith team this time. It was Aaron’s first time to visit Uganda with the desire to “come and see“, take lots of pictures and videos and be able to use them in their efforts to raise support for their move here to RAU. We (Aaron, Caleb, Pastor Henry, Carol and I ) visited Yumbe, meeting up with RAU’s Aringa co-worker, Onduga Charles, and also some of the Sheikhs (Muslim leaders) in the Yumbe community. It was an opportunity for introductions and connections that, one day, can be strengthened–and an opportunity to show love to 3 Sheikhs , in particular, through some medical help. We also made a quick trip to several places in the Metu Mountains with RAU’s co-worker Metu Mountain co-worker Pastor Tobious so that Aaron could have “on the ground” experience of the places where RAU does much outreach and discipleship.

This is the Yumbe District Khadi Sheikh Swaib Allahai Acigiga. When we visited him he took us to a large farm where members of the Muslim community are putting into practice the farming methods he learned when he was RAU

Praise God for our time in the Metu Mountains and Yumbe

Above: Jovia is continuing to recover well from surgery for macrodactyly on her left foot (unusually large toes). This sweet girl rural Metu Mountain girl was able to have this surgery done by God’s through his people.

Now for an update on the powerful FM radio station that RAU and Radio South Sudan hope to construct on the RAU campus. Our goal is for it to cover Moyo, Obongi, Yumbe, Adjumani, the nearby refugee resettlement camps and other West Nile Uganda Districts. Also, our desire is for it to reach deep into South Sudan. RAU is just two kilometers from South Sudan. One former Moyo station was able to reach Juba so I am confident that with a strong transmitter RAU’s station could as well.

Currently, Moyo only has one working radio station run by the Roman Catholics so the options are this one and a Muslim run station from Yumbe as well as another secular station in Obongi. Very few people in our area have TV’s. I would estimate that nearly 100% of the population listens daily to the radio. I under the conviction that it is God’s will for a strong FM gospel radio station to be on the campus of RAU which would proclaim the glorious gospel of grace, give biblically sound teaching, provide gospel-centered music, and community agricultural training and health reports. I also know that where God leads he provides. Please pray and consider how you may be able to help us establish this goal.

One of RAU’s workers listening to the one radio station in Moyo. Nearly all listen to the radio through their phones or small radios. What would be the impact of a gospel centered Christ exalting radio station for the West Nile of Uganda and South Sudan?

This is the current status on radio station. Nearly a year ago, Mike Gwartney, with Radio South Sudan came to RAU with his son and one of his Uganda co-workers. They generously offer to help RAU with equipment and Ugandan experts to install, set up and train staff in its operation. RAU’s commitment is to keep it up and run it for gospel proclamation. Since then we have struggled to get a license from the UCC (Ugandan Communication Commission). Currently, they are not giving out new frequencies and licenses to run a station. Their advice is to buy an existing frequency which is not operating. I am of the conviction having an FM station is a “Macedonia” calling. Before that vision of Paul’s, he was stopped twice (see Acts 16:6-10). We are currently in discussion with the family of the owner of a station who recently died. They want to sell their tower, transmitter, batteries, etc., and the frequency which would be switched into RAU’s name. The plan would be to combine this equipment with what is coming with Radio South Sudan to make it a very powerful FM Gospel station. I estimate the cost to be $80,000+. At such times, I feel like I am one of disciples who was told to feed the 5,000 and saying to Lord but we only have…. Please let us pray together that the Lord do his multiplying work!

The base of the radio would be at the bottom of tank tower and extend above the water tank. We have a 12M X 4M spot ready to be made into the studio. I could extend it bit as well. Those years of being in construction back in Texas have come in handy here. We have some money which has been given which can go towards the building of the studio.

Please keep praying for the radio station and “Bible & Book Distribution Center” as well as the other ministries RAU is involved. Please consider being a part of Reaching Africa’s Unreached (RAU), the ABWE team, and local Ugandan/Sudanese partners in spreading the fame of King Jesus in the West Nile of Uganda and northward into South Sudan and the Republic of (North) Sudan!

Please pray for these upcoming ministry events:

Easter service in Obongi Town Church. This was RAU’s first partnership in a church plant. Obongi town itself is upwards of 95% Muslim.. I have been also invited to speak in the afternoon for one hour on the Obongi radio station.
April 17th-24th: we have a ministry team coming from Hill Country Fellowship in Burnet, Texas. We will be ministering in the Metu Mountains, Yumbe and the nearby refuge resettlement camp. Please being praying for this team’s travel and ministry with us.
The second half of the module “Helping Without Hurting in Africa” is May 6th -11th. One of the authors of the book and Ugandan economist, Jonny Kabiswa Kyazze, along with a colleague will come for the teaching. Sadly, co author Anthony Sytsma is unable to be with us again. Read about the first half last year here: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/2023/05/21/helping-without-hurting-in-africa/
May 27th-31st: we hosting, once again, Jinja’s Hope Smiles for another week long dental outreach. Last November, in five days the team saw 487 patients, did 243 Deep cleanings, 56 Simple cleanings, 323 Restorations and 425 Extractions. Each person received Madi-English or Aringa-English dual language gospel tracts which they could read while waiting to be seen. Some received bibles as well as books in Arabic (Sudanese who came from across the South Sudan border which is 2 kilometers away). Interestingly, two patients who were seen were army generals from South Sudan. For pictures scroll down on this post: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/2023/11/18/keeping-our-stride/
In the “in between times” we will be working on the new construction efforts for the Bible and Distribution center, and, Lord willing, the new gospel radio station, discipleship and evangelism in the Metu Mountains, Yumbe and Obongi.
Pray for Carol and me that we would be fruitful, full of vitality, and ever green! “Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!” (Psalms 94:14-15 NLT) Now pushing closer to 69, I sincerely wish to apologize to people still alive who I called “old” at 40 when I was 18! My testimony entitled, “I Remember,” is here.

We had a recent incident on campus causing us to giving thanks to the Lord for the many of you who pray for our protection. Over the years, especially in the beginning we had to kill many very poisonous snakes. Now that everything is cleared we see fewer cobras, mambas, puff adders and others. However, just last week a very large black mamba was spotted in one of mango trees on the campus which was fortunately killed before biting anyone. “The bite of a black mamba can cause collapse in humans within 45 minutes. Without appropriate antivenom treatment, symptoms typically progress to respiratory failure, which leads to cardiovascular collapse and death. This typically occurs in 7 to 15 hours.” No antivenom is available in Moyo. Read more about the Black Mamba here!

With love, gratefulness and prayers,

Jacob and Carol Lee

What we do now in the Lord and for Him will echo throughout eternity for His praise and honor….all else is dust in the wind!

www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

RAU is in a partnership with ABWE: www.ABWE.org

“It is our conviction that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16) and we have been entrusted to proclaim it passionately and rightly. Our dependence is upon the Holy Spirit for the power to preach, teach, live and endure all things for the sake of the elect. (1 Timothy 2:10). As Christians, we are called to lay down our lives so that the Gospel will be preached to all. As ones who are confident in God’s sovereignty and passionate for His glory we seek to reach the many that have never heard of the Savior and His work of reconciliation. We understand that this work cannot be accomplished in our own strength but only through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. The means He uses in His people are cross-centered living, sacrificial and loving service, Bible-soaked preaching/teaching, fervent intercessory prayer, and Christ-likeness.” (From Reaching Africa’s Unreached Mission & Vision Statement)

Donations are tax deductible–> https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=WAR99DL4JFWXQ&ssrt=1702909444355

For those not wishing to use PayPal, donations can be made through ABWE’s portal here: https://give.abwe.org/worker/2125 Also, anyone who is giving through PayPal is more than welcome to switch to the ABWE portal. There are several reasons why we would like to move away from PayPal portal to the ABWE portal. All gifts remain tax deductible through PayPal and ABWE.

Checks also may be written out to “RAU” and sent to our secretary Beth and she will deposit them into RAU’s account : Lifegate-RAU, 395 Lifegate Ln., Seguin, TX. 78155

Mission & Vision Statements: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/about/

Mercy Ministries: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/agriculture-project/

Blog Posts: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

Donation Page : https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

RAU’s YouTube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRmHafoBSemE7jS8kEHCG6Q/videos

Video Interview: What does it mean to be an Associate Missionary with ABWE?

Count Your Blessings, Name Them One By One!!

On March 2, 2024 By Jacob LeeIn Uncategorized2 Comments

By Carol Lee

Alu (1), Eri (2), Ina (3), Isu (4), Tou (5), Azia (6), Tudyeri (7), Aro (8), Dricalu [Dri-cha-lo] (9), Mudri (10)!!! (1-10 in the Ma’di language.)

“My soul, bless the LORD,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
My soul, bless the LORD,
and do not forget all his benefits.“
Psalm 103: 1-2

One (Alu): How can we not start with the most basic of blessings? God is our Father and we are His children!!! He has provided us with life and breath and every good thing–most especially, the life-giving, atoning work of Christ, our Savior! Now, the Holy Spirit makes His home in us who have put our faith in Christ, teaching us, convicting us, comforting us and keeping us through life’s trials and triumphs. That God is sovereignly good means that even the hardest things are good things and He means to use all things for His glory and our good! Praise the Lord!

Two (Eri): Micaiah Joy was here and made her mark on this part of Uganda!!! Much like her namesake in the Old Testament (1 Kings 22: 8), she is a steadfast truth-teller; she is an encourager and radiates the warm and inviting light of Christ. Jacob and I, the whole RAU team, and all with whom she came into contact were blessed and refreshed in her company. Most days, she worked out in the gardens, raking, watering or weeding and even in the fields, digging–and getting a few blisters. Her diligence and courage to try new things brought much happiness to her co-workers. She soaked up every experience possible and spread joy, fun, and friendship around–much like the “ti ze” (cow manure) she helped to scatter over the fields! (Hahahaha!) Though Micaiah has returned to the States, she has left us with a sweet taste in our mouths and a reminder of the fragrant aroma we are to be to the world around us! We pray that, wherever the Lord takes her in the future, she will be used in the same way there as she was used here.

Three (Ina): The two empty containers have been set on their foundation, awaiting the 21,000 Bibles and books that are being shipped!!! Our sincere hope is that this literature will be like a goldmine, ready to be excavated by eager students of the Word through Spirit illumination–the word of truth and truth made accessible through books by Spirit-gifted teachers. Now that the containers are set in place, the plan is to build a roof over the both of them to provide protection from the elements. The space between the containers will be used as storage for the tractor and other items. You can find more details here: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/2024/01/30/bible-and-book-distribution-center/ Please pray with us for provision for this next stage of preparation and consider giving. Thank you!

Four (Isu): RAU is blessed to have key partnerships in its goal to distribute inspiring literature to leaders, pastors and future leaders!!! We thank God for ChristianBook International Outreach and Crossway for their part in bringing much needed resources to this region.

Five (Tou): Paul George, friend and RAU co-worker, made it safely to RAU!!! After a slightly longer than expected stay in the USA settling his mother comfortably after the death of his father he was able to return. Paul has a heart for evangelism and for ministry to suffering people. His plan is to move to a location near the hospital where he will be available for prayer, counsel and support for those struggling physically and spiritually. He is also involved in a vital spiritual ministry in the local prison. Please be praying for him in those various areas of service. His faithfulness in standing with us at RAU and coming alongside us on the ground is a gift.

Six (Azia): Jacob and I have always been so grateful for the team on the ground!!! Over the almost 11 years, though different ones have come and gone, we see the core team as having been distilled to a family of faithful, hard-working and beloved folks. It is a joy to work with them–each one has specific skill sets that are a blessing to the ministry.

Seven (Tudyeri): The Mango orchard is really shaping up!!! To this point, we have around 1000 grafted mangoes planted over the nearly 26-acres of RAU property. Lots of pruning and clearing have made a ready environment for reducing the fruit fly population and spread of other pests and diseases. The age of the mango trees ranges from 9 months to 11 years. Most trees begin significant production between years 3-5 and they can produce up to 100 or more years under ideal conditions! That is why we are advocating to as many as possible the planting of grafted mangoes in Moyo District. It is a great, long term plan for economic empowerment as, once the trees are established, they are a sure, longterm source of income-producing fruit. RAU’s hope is that, if enough grafted mango trees are planted in the district, a juicing plant (along with jobs and a ready market) might be drawn to this region. Jacob loves to say, “I preach grafted mango production second only to the Gospel“. Spiritual need will always come first, but physical needs also cannot be ignored. Grafted mangoes help support the ministry of RAU and can be a boost for the local economy.

Eight (Aro): A huge project has been underway which is nearing completion: the construction of two water channels to reduce erosion in certain areas of the land which slope downward in several directions. We have had a great crew working on the project. Additionally, Vetiver grass has been planted to keep the top soil rooted. These measures will help the mangoes to grow and produce well.

Nine (Dricalu): We are grateful for teams that come and help us with the modular trainings which characterize our 2 Timothy 2:2 vision of training faithful leaders who will be able to teach others!!! This next week, we are receiving an ABWE team which is returning to teach Roots of Faith: New Testament Survey. Last year, they completed the Roots of Faith: Old Testament Survey and, from the feedback and simply watching the participation, it was an effective course. We are especially happy to be receiving Aaron Langworthy, one of our prospective ABWE/RAU missionaries. Our hope is that this on-the-ground visit will add jet fuel to their fundraising efforts and bring them here in full-time ministry quickly. Pray for the Pryce family who is also seeking to join us long term.

Ten (Mudri): Jacob and I thank God so, so much for you all who pray for us, give to the ministry, write notes of encouragement, come and work with us, host us when we are Stateside, hug our necks, feed us and so much more!!! The ministry of RAU is an outworking of the vision and mission of local churches and our raison d’etre is to come alongside what God is doing in local churches on this side–encouraging and equipping leaders of churches in the West Nile of Uganda, South Sudan and in the Republic of Sudan. We have often said that, as a ministry, we are simply a pipeline of blessings that come from your hands and heart and are delivered to the ones we are here to serve.

Please continue to pray for the following needs and upcoming events:

The Langworthy’s and Pryce’s are working towards meeting their budget goals which will give them a “green light” to make the move to RAU. Please pray that churches and individuals will see the vision and get on board with support. This is a vital part of encouraging Jacob and me, of broadening the effective work of RAU and of continuing the work even after Jacob and I are gone!
Pray for a successful Leadership retreat (ABWE Good Soil Roots of Faith: New Testament) this upcoming week, for safety in everyone’s travels–teachers and students alike, for an optimal learning environment, for endurance, for cooler weather, and for health and wellbeing of all.
In April, we will host a team from a new supporting church in Burnet, Texas–Hill Country Fellowship. The lead pastor, Scott Frerking, is an acquaintance and friend from many decades ago who Jacob and I knew him when he was a young lad of 8 or 9. It is such a privilege to see him taking a spiritual lead and, along with Missions Pastor, Jeremy Cotton, nurture a very missions-minded church. This is a “come and see” visit for these two men and for the rest of the team that is joining them!
In May, we will receive one of the authors of “Helping Without Hurting in Africa“, Jonny Kabiswa Kyazze and his team, for the 2nd half of their course. This is such an impactful teaching and our prayer is that the mindset they propose will be readily received and implemented for the long-term blessing of the countries from which the students come.
At the end of May, the Hope Smiles Dental team from Jinja, Uganda, will be back for a 2nd week-long dental clinic. Last November they were an immense blessing to our region which is in great need of their services. Please consider giving towards future dental outreaches. The cost is $5,000 for a week long clinic. This covers payment for their services, travel, medicines, transportation to bring people from the remote places of the Metu Mountains and Yumbe and housing/feeding the team while they are here.
Please pray and consider giving towards the roofing over the two new containers. And pray that RAU could wisely and effectively distribute the resources to those who will most benefit from them. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09V2ooYNuNE&t=5s
Pray for the Demo Farm operations–that this place would be a place of learning and inspiration that would improve the economic conditions in the generations to come in this region of Uganda as well as other countries from which farmers come to improve their practices.