“The What and the Why of Remembering and Recounting” by Carol Lee

The What:

“I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, the praises of the LORD,
according to all that the LORD has granted us…” (Psalm 63: 7a)

The Why

“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.
For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.” (Psalms 22:27-28)

Time seems to be passing at lightening speed. Days are blurring together with activities. Deadlines are approaching. Changes are looming, as always. In the midst of this “crazy busy”, if we do not stop to remember and recount WHAT the Lord has done or is doing and WHY we keep doing what we are doing, it can all feel a bit overwhelming and, at times, frustrating; but remembering and recounting fans to flame our love for the Lord and our desire to be a part of His Big Story. It really is about Him and the glory He receives in the good things He does. Lately, I have meditated a lot on the beauty of our triune God and the excellencies of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That EVERYONE could taste and see that the Lord is good–that is the fuel for our work–WORSHIP!

Let me remember and recount!!

ONE

Faithful Brothers and Sisters in the Mission

On April 2nd, we were happy to receive Eli Fader, a faithful teacher, mentor, and missionary from the Adjumani area across the Nile River, along with a group of faithful men Eli has been working alongside, and training in theological studies (Theological Education by Extension or TEE). What a joy to know that others also carry the weight of what burdens our hearts. Jacob ‘s hope was to inspire the men with RAU’s theme verse, 2 Timothy 2:2, and to urge them to be faithful men who, in turn, teach other faithful ones. Each participant received precious resources in books, Bibles and tracts. Mostly, it was a day for learning about grafted mangoes, from grafting seedlings to properly spacing and planting them and to the care of the growing trees (protecting the young trees from goats and other animals, monitoring for diseases and controlling the dreaded fruit flies which ruin the good money-making fruit of grafted mango trees). It has always been the desire and goal of RAU to inspire local community members and leaders to take up farming as a business so that their lives can be improved with sustainable income in addition to encouraging them in their spiritual growth. We praise God for Eli and Bethany Fader who have labored well in the harvest fields, both in South Sudan and Uganda and we are grateful to be able to link with them in a small way.

TWO

Faithful Partners in Ministry With a Passion to Extend The Kingdom of Christ

On April 26th, we received a team from Hill Country Fellowship (HCF) in Burnet, Texas (Scott [lead pastor], Jeremy, [Missions pastor], Don, Mike, Grayson, Jessup, T.D., and Margaret). Their desire in making the journey was to “come and see“, to discern the areas of need, to know how they, as a church, could come alongside the mission of RAU in the future, and to express the love of Christ to the people RAU is serving. To THAT end, Jacob filled every day of their visit TO THE BRIM AND OVERFLOWING with ministry events and visits–into the Metu Mountains (Arapi/Gbari side and Ayaa side), Yumbe District and the refugee settlement. No time for weary travelers to rest on this trip!!

The team arrived on Wednesday (26th) and immediately, on Thursday morning (27th), we headed for an over-nighter in two vehicles to Yumbe District (Judith Wollmershaeuser, with German NGO, Coworkers, drove her AIR-CONDITIONED truck, allowing all four of us ladies to travel in greater comfort on the bumpy, dusty road to Yumbe)! The guys toughed it out in the Land Cruiser. At St. Peter’s Church of Uganda at Eleke in Yumbe District, we were greeted by our dear friend, Onduga Charles, and leaders of the church in the parish. Scott and Jeremy brought encouragement through teaching to those who had gathered and four of the team members gave a short message as well.

After a late lunch, we headed to a local guesthouse/hotel (at which we would spend the night) to unload our belongings and check-in. From there we traveled to Kulikulinga, a more remote town, to set up sound equipment and situate the Land Cruiser (LC) for the Jesus Film which would be shown after dark. Before the film, though, we all scattered throughout the town with brothers and sisters from Pilgrim’s Church and other nearby churches in Yumbe District who could help translate conversations with local community members in the Kulikulinga market area. Many one-on-one conversations were initiated and gospel tracts shared (dual language, Aringa/English). Our friend, Onduga Charles, told us later that 2 Muslims responded and by the end of the evening did, indeed, profess faith in Christ as Savior after long discussions were had. As the sun began to go down. Scott, Jeremy, and Jacob each took a turn preaching with great enthusiasm from the rack of the Land Cruiser. A large crowd gathered around the Land Cruiser and across the road.

Following the preaching and after a little trouble, the screen for the Jesus Film was fixed on the LC. In the process of trying to get the movie projector to work with the sound system, a huge gust of wind came through and knocked down the screen, breaking one of the components. We had to laugh that many Muslims in the crowd were jubilating “that Allah had thwarted our attempts“. With just a bit of effort, though, the team was able to prop the screen up against a building after which the film was shown without problem. The visibility of the screen (which can allow people on either side to watch ) was diminished by not being on top of the LC, but many hundreds pressed in to watch–sitting and standing. What a joy to show them a movie in their own Aringa language–and how much better, even, that it was about the life and saving ministry of Jesus Christ as told in the Gospel of Luke.

We came back to the Hotel to eat a very late buffet supper prepared by the kitchen staff and squeezed in as much sleep as possible. The next morning, Omar (a former Sheikh who became a follower of Jesus) and his family joined us for breakfast, after which he shared his story of coming to faith in Christ and living faithfully amidst persecution. We headed into town to meet the District Kadhi, Sheikh Swahib in his office next to the mosque followed by a visit to the homes of Sheikh Ayile and Sheikh Adnan. At Ayile’s home, Judith, our German friend and nutritionist, spent a considerable amount of time providing Diabetic education and recommendations. Each Sheikh also received an Aringa New Testament, Good Soil’s “Message of Hope” in English and Aringa, Christian books, and a grafted mango from Jacob and instructions on how to plant it and care for it. At the end of that visit we were also able to pray for and help a young child receive medical treatment who was suffering from a respiratory infection and failing to thrive. What a privilege to represent the Lord Jesus Christ and His love for the Aringa people in action and in truth!! The team prayed in each home. We returned to RAU as timely as possible Friday afternoon to allow the HCF team to recuperate before the rest of their adventures in the Metu Mountains, Saturday through the following Tuesday.

Saturday early, we headed to the Metu mountains–the northern range–to visit the Aya Baptist church plants (Arapi/Gbari, Oyo and Duku). This visit included a lot of walking. Needless to say (though I say it anyway!!) after this day the team was weary, both from physical exertion and sleep deprivation! You would never have known it by their energetic participation in ministry. On Sunday we returned to Arapi/Gbari for a Metu Mountain Baptism (people from the 9 church plants from the northern and southern parts of the mountains). After Sunday prayers everyone walked down the steep hill from the church to the stream in the valley. Just the day before, the stream was perfectly clear and manageable, but an overnight downpour completely muddied the stream and raised the water level. At first it appeared that having a baptism might be difficult, but after Pastor Bakayi Simon braved the murky waters others also joined in and soon the celebration of 44 baptisms was underway.

On Monday, we took a completely different direction–to Bidi Bidi Refugee settlement to visit our friend and co-worker, Joshua Abraham (originally from Darfur, Sudan) and the brothers and sisters he had gathered together for introduction and encouragement. We can easily take for granted the presumed certainty and plodding nature of our lives when systems are stable and supply is sufficient, but imagine trying to be productive and faithful in a country to which you have fled for safety without the promise of a regular job and source of income and support of family and friends? Faithfulness under the latter is what has impressed us the most about Joshua and the other Christians who lead and serve under such conditions. We were privileged to hear their stories, to pray for them, and to break bread together with them.

Tuesday, the last thrust of ministry exploration for the team, was THE MOST strenuous and involved a hike into “Pristine” (which is our nickname for Oku and Lea, aka “the ends of the earth“). By this time, Margaret and TD and I had decided against another rough “white knuckle mission adventure” in favor of staying at RAU and then taking a boda into Moyo town. The rest of the team (including Judith) geared up for the day. It was every bit as strenuous as we had warned them it would be. There was a concern that “one of them” (who shall remain nameless) might not make it back up the hill BUT, indeed, everyone made it safely. [Thanks to Judith Wollmershaeuser for the photos from that day!]

One of the greatest benefits of receiving short term ministry teams is that connections are formed with the global church. We discern the Body of Christ made one through the work of the Holy Spirit and united around the world. It enlarges our view of God and the awesome work He is doing and it allows us to participate in what He is doing. Jacob and I are grateful for that vision which Scott and Jeremy so effectively communicate to their church members in their example and in their priorities for the church. Let Jesus’ Commission be our mission as we ALL work together toward seeing a representation of every tribe, tongue, people and nation among God’s people. This is the WHY of WHAT we are doing!!

THREE

Faithful Ministries Working Toward the Same Goal

Last year, RAU held the first 10 lessons of “Helping Without Hurting in Africa”. During May 5-10 of this year, we finished the 2nd half (11-20) with a slightly smaller group of people. I love the premise and training objective of this book written by a Ugandan Economist (Jonny Kabiswa Kyazze) and a missionary to East Africa (Anthony Sytsma): “to transform the mind-sets of Christian leaders in Africa and equip them to wisely help materially poor people in their churches and communities…As Nelson Mandela, a former president of South Africa, said: “One of the most difficult things is not to change society but to change yourself.” Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan activist quoted within the book, says: “They [Africans] must believe in themselves again; that they are capable of clearing their own path and forging their own identity; that they have a right to be governed with justice, accountability, and transparency; that they can honour and practice their cultures and make them relevant to today’s needs; and that they no longer need to be indebted–financially, intellectually, and spiritually–to those who once governed them. They must rise up and walk….“

The above quotes from the book aptly express RAU’s commitment to working together with local churches and other ministries in seeing this happen in our area of Uganda and beyond. To that end, RAU has made an effort, through educational opportunity, hands-on training, and literary resources, to inspire the kind of mindset that will promote the sustainable good of the people.

FOUR

Faithful Plodding in Preparation For Future Ministry

• Containers for the Resource Center: The roof and finish work for the containers is coming along well. The building has a covered garage in between the containers and a store room in the back. The ground around the containers is also being laid with design stone that will provide parking space under the mango tree. With these two additional containers we will have four 40 foot containers as a safe holding spot as resources are distributed to leaders and churches in Uganda, South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan. More information on this vision is “here“. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated for the completion of this work. We received word that a container of 20,000 ESV paperback Bibles from Christianbook International Outreach CIO  is on its way and scheduled to arrive around the middle of June. Another load of sound Christian books for leaders is “hitching” a ride on a CIO container and should be here in the Fall. Jacob has in his heart to bring as many as the Lord wills of the Africa Study Bibles on a future “haul“. He is already working on the “A-Z” of getting them here. Pray that many can be brought to RAU.

RAU is grateful for our partnership with  Crossway Global Ministry , Christianbook International Outreach CIO and for all of you who support us in our vision of getting Bibles, Study Bibles, and Christ-centered literature into the hands of church leaders and those who come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior! Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the fastest church-growth regions in the world. For the church to grow not only in number but in depth and faithfulness, such resources, especially the Bible, are desperately needed.
“The printed page is a missionary that can go anywhere and do so at minimum cost. It enters closed lands and reaches all strata of society. It does not grow weary. It needs no furlough. It lives longer than any missionary. It never gets ill. It penetrates through the mind to the heart and conscience. It has and is producing results everywhere. It has often lain dormant yet retained its life and bloomed years later.” (Missionary Samuel Marinus Zwemer 1867– 1952).

• Radio Station/frequency: We are continuing to wait for a response from our application for a radio frequency. The wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly, but it seems that the cogs of the wheel are connecting and causing some motion. In faith, Jacob is laying the groundwork for the building of a studio where broadcasting would take place.

• Grafted Mangoes: As many of you know, we are energetically promoting grafted mangoes in education and demonstration for economic empowerment for the church and the community. We now have nearly 1000 grafted mango trees, ages 11 years to 11 months old on RAU’s demonstration farm. Harvest is in full swing and customers are even coming from Kampala and Juba. The trees themself are becoming the greatest ambassadors for promoting grafted mangoes for our area. In the photos below are a few varieties of mangoes here at RAU. Included are photos of the newest field with the 11 month old mangoes, older mango trees and a picture of a large and small tree where you can see the grafting line.

PRAISE AND PRAYER REQUESTS

• Jovia Lioni: Praise the Lord! Jovia has gone for her second review after having reconstructive surgery on her foot with macrodactyly (unusually large toe, in her case). It was a joy to receive this photo of her wearing “normal” shoes on both feet! Her review went very well and she has been discharged from care (apart from any further problems which are not expected). This so well tells the story of the what and why of God’s Big Story much of which we have yet to see and understand.
• Praise the Lord for amazing partners in our gospel preaching, discipleship, and mercy ministry work–without which we could NOT do what we are doing. God is good and He is good THROUGH all of you who consider RAU among your priorities in prayer, financial partnership and encouragement and engagement.
• Praise the Lord for our partnership with ABWE! Jacob and I are 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. Please continue in prayer for the Langworthy and Pryce families as they raise support to come alongside the work as long term missionaries. Please watch the video that Aaron Langworthy made when he was here a couple months back with the ABWE Roots of Faith team. It covers well many aspects of RAU’s ministry. ABWE also did some video short clips with Jacob and me, “Supporting Local Ugandan Churches” and “Answering God’s Call to Missions as an Older Couple”.
• We are grateful to be able to be a part the ABWE East Africa conference in Cape Town, South Africa from June 24th-27th and to get to know other missionaries from our region. We are thankful for Caleb and Alair Mitchel who took the lead in organizing what we expect to be a great time of encouragement.

• Please pray that walls of resistance would be broken down so that we can get a powerful, gospel-centered, Christ-exalting FM radio station established at RAU!

• Lastly, please pray for our visit to America this summer. From Cape Town we will head to Texas. We look forward to seeing family, friends, being in our home sending church, Lifegate, and visiting supporting churches during our USA visit. Lord willing we will make new friends and be in a couple of new churches (for us) that have a heart for missions in our area of the world.

Jacob shared this quote and I believe it speaks very well to the What and the Why of our life “on this side off the pond”!

“On a personal note, one of the hardest things for Carol and me is being so far away from our children, their spouses, our 9 grandchildren and other family members. We often ponder, many times with tears when thinking about our family, this phrase from Oswald Chambers, “Obedience to the call of Christ nearly always costs everything to two people- the one who is called, and the one who loves that one.”  Jacob has also recently written about our prayer for our children/spouses and our grandchildren quoting this verse: ““And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,” says the LORD, “from this time forth and forevermore.” (Isaiah 59:21). Our prayer is not only for our children and children’s children but that, as God promised Abraham, ALL the nations of the earth would be blessed, and “and all the families of the nations shall worship before [the LORD]. For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.“

Blessings, Prayers, and Appreciation!

Carol and Jacob Lee

www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

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!

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“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)

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

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

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

Our ABWE Personal Donation Page: https://give.abwe.org/worker/2125

Our RAU/ABWE Uganda Ministry Operations/Projects Page: https://give.abwe.org/projects/rau-uganda-short-term-teams

RAU is in partnership with ABWE

Carol and I am grateful to be  Associate Missionaries with ABWE.

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