Work of Faith, Labor of Love, Endurance of Hope (By Carol)

On August 25, 2014 By Jacob LeeIn Building Projects, Discipleship, Missions

“So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.“

Galatians 6:9

Jacob is in the middle of a very busy season. While he has been weary – physically – he has not grown weary in working to accomplish the tasks to which the Lord has called him. I am amazed that he rarely loses sight of the goal of that upward call in Christ. I have never seen someone as focused and onward-pressing as he is, not for the sake of working hard, but for the joy of reaching a worthy goal: the strengthening of the local churches through discipleship, the provision of rich resources and encouragement in the faith. His diligence reminds me of the encouragement of Paul to the Thessalonians: “because we recall in the presence of our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 1:3

July was packed full of ministry in the District of Yumbe with the added joy of hosting Preston and Laurel Sink. Jacob preached every Sunday. In the first two weeks of August he held back-to-back Pastor Retreats. The third week of August was jam-packed with travel to and from and shopping in Kampala (which is a feat in itself). Here is an excerpt from his Facebook post highlighting his activities in Kampala:

“Here are a few of the things which were accomplished: Successful eye appointment 8 year Anzoa who had corrective eye surgery for congenital cataracts; used disk harrow bought, broken down and sent to RAU on the bus (it is now hooked to the tractor at RAU); roof rack modified for the Land Cruiser (L.C.) to better suit open air preaching in markets. Now speakers can be placed on the roof rack at the same time we are preaching from it; new tires were put on the L.C. because of tires placed in the container from a Texas brother, front end work, new battery,and a winch for the front of the L.C. The last three items were possible because of the generosity of Seagrove Baptist Church (Preston and Laurel’s sending church); bags of rice,sugar,cooking gas etc. were purchased.”

Jacob has experienced the full stress of the driving. Now, he is back home and overseeing 4 different work crews (several agricultural ventures, campus-improvement projects and the ever present mechanical repairs.)

In these coming two weeks he hopes to make it a priority to study and prepare for upcoming retreats and outreaches. Please pray that the dust of urgent activity settles and that grace and steadfastness enable this priority to become reality.

If I didn’t know Jacob’s heart, witness his joy and hear his often repeated words, “this is why we are here,” I might have reason for concern – this might just be the diary of a workaholic mad man. Instead, I have increasing admiration for a man who sees “that Day” approaching and who is doing his utmost to live in the light of “that Day.” (Hebrews 10:25)

Here are some pictorial highlights of the past few weeks (for Jacob) …

unnamed (13) — The second of two Baptist Pastors’ Retreats for Men from the Moyo area

unnamed (11) — Jacob teaching while Tobious interprets

unnamed (6) — Attentive and intentional note-takers

unnamed — Making the most of every opportunity

102_5487 — The congregation of Kokobo COU (Church of Uganda)

Being welcomed to Kokobo COU by some of the members with jubilant singing.

unnamed (25) — Come and worship, people!

Nurse Sam doing something he loves…teaching the children songs of praise and encouraging them to teach others.

unnamed (21) — Reading “Quest for Joy” in Aringa.

unnamed (33) — The joy of receiving the gift of sight through reading glasses – provided by Laurel and Preston

A promising sign at the onset of their journey to Kampala!

102_5537 — Souping up the rack for open air preaching

102_5510 — Buying a farm implement…harrow

102_5560 — Waiting to board the ferry at the Nile River

…and, on the lighter side…for me (Carol). I am thrilled to be able to capture and share snapshots of the beauty of God’s creation in Uganda, specifically, the West Nile region. Also, while Jacob was away, I took the opportunity to finish some baby blankets, one for our newest grandchild and the other for the soon-to-be-born child of a local friend.

Sunrise – one of my favorite views from our home

Jacob and I want to thank each of you who are interested in what RAU is doing, who pray for us, give toward the work so that we all love “not in word or tongue, but in action and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)

In just over one month Jacob and I will be back in the States to enjoy some happily anticipated reunions with family and friends. It will be a much needed time of refreshment and renewing, especially for Jacob. We hope to see many of you while we are there.

Here are some of the items on our ministry wish-list:

***80,000 tracts printed in Aringa, Ma’di and English – $5,ooo (these tracts have been a very effective way of sharing – people are eager to receive and read them and they get passed around)

***Copy machine for Pastors’ Retreats (resource packets for each pastor) – $1,000

***Future Pastors’ Retreats and Evangelism/teaching outreaches

***Solar powered submersible well pump – it would save on fuel costs of running the generator to pump water – $5,000

***Build a branch Hall of Tyrannus and meeting place for Obongi Church plant (plot has been purchased in Obongi through a donation from a Texas couple); there are no church structures in this town of 20,000. We received much opposition from a prominent Muslim official. Following proper channels we pushed back hard and he has relented, at least for the time being.

***Vehicle to use while we are visiting Stateside in October and part of November.

Carol (and Jacob)

Web Site: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.com
Blog: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

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

Our “wish lists” may be found at Amazon (Click on the “Wish List” link and type in our name or email address)

The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our power to get it to those who do not have it. May the Lord grant each of us His followers the wherewithal to be obedient disciples! Jacob W. Lee

Tax deductible charitable donations may be made via PayPal. PayPal also has a way to make reoccurring monthly gifts. To do so please click their link below. PayPal deducts a small amount from each gift as a processing fee. All gifts given through PayPal are now tax deductible as Reaching Africa’s Unreached has 501 c3 tax exempt status as a charitable organization. If you wish to write a check you may write it out to R.A.U. and mail it to Lifegate Missions, 395 Lifegate Ln., Seguin Texas 78155.

Setting of the RAU Road Sign

On February 27, 2014 By Jacob LeeIn Building Projects

We have put the road sign together and set it. It was very heavy. It took 10 of us to carry it and put it in placein. No cranes here in the bush of Africa! The Earl Moore family made the frame for it back in Seguin Texas. Thank you Moores! It had a long ride and wait in the container but it made it! They did an excellent job and everything fit together well. May the Lord use the sign for His glory!

The sign with the Moore's in Seguin Texas before its long journey to RAU. — The sign with the Moore’s in Seguin Texas before its long journey to RAU.

Assembling the sign on RAU's front vereanda — Assembling the sign on RAU’s front veranda

Deep holes were dug for the posts of the sign. The guys had never seen a post hole digger and they quickly fell in love with mine. — Deep holes were dug for the posts of the sign. The guys had never seen a post hole digger and they quickly fell in love with it.

RAU has a number of strong and able men ready and willing to work hard! — RAU has strong and able men ready and willing to work hard!

When Sam left to take the picture the men on left side struggled to hold the sign.

Getting ready to drop the sign posts into their holes

Mixing roack,sand, and cement forthe for the sign post holes. We had to make our own gravel by busting rocks with a sledge hammer. — Mixing rock,sand, and cement for the for the sign post holes. We had to make our own gravel by busting rocks with a sledge hammer.

Full Steam Ahead in Yumbe

On December 11, 2013September 20, 2015 By Jacob LeeIn Building Projects, Discipleship, Missions, News and Status Updates, Unreached Peoples2 Comments

With Pastors Ben and Charles. These two pastors have been faithful witnesses Yumbe. — With Pastors Ben and Charles on the main street of Yumbe. These two pastors have been faithful witnesses Yumbe.

I had a great day in Yumbe on the 10th with Sam and pastors Ben and Charles from Yumbe town. Sam and I took public transport. At any given point there were 10-13 of us packed into a small mini van. With the many stops and slow going what is typically an hour trip one way was 3 hot and dusty hours one way.The hot/dry season has begun.

Oh boy! It was worth it though! We all had a very good time of fellowship with Ben and Charles. I was able to get a good interview with them on the general state of Yumbe and plans for Reaching Africa’s Unreached working with the few but zealous pastors of the Yumbe District in proclaiming Jesus.

I hope you have been encouraged to pray and support our work in Yumbe!

In February we will hosting 17 pastors/church leaders here at RAU from Yumbe. We have an excellent team visiting from America to participate in this ministry week. To make our ministry even more effective in Yumbe we need to have a more constant presence in there.

RAU would like to see a small Reaching Africa’s Unreached Hall of Tyrannus teaching/resource center on main street. We would try to come on a weekly basis for teaching and encouragement for local pastors and those called to shepherd new church plants in Yumbe District. Since it is difficult for them to come here to RAU often this would put us in a position to go them often. Only as the church is grounded in the Word will it prosper and grow in Muslim dominated Yumbe!

We want all of Yumbe District to hear the gospel just as Asia did in Paul’s Day.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…”

On November 26, 2013November 26, 2013 By Jacob LeeIn Building Projects, Missions, News and Status Updates, Unreached Peoples

: God’s promise over RAU

I hope this update finds you thankful for God’s blessings and presence in your lives.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change”

James 1:17

Being away from America and family makes me appreciate all the past Thanksgiving celebrations with friends and family all the more. I am deeply grateful for all of you and the love you have shown to us through your words of encouragement, prayers, and financial support. We would not be here doing what we are doing without the support of God’s people who have a heart for Jesus and His mission (John 20:21).

Thank you for your prayers for protection! One recent evening at about 11PM a man came running down our drive full speed, headed for the front door. One of our guards ready with his AK, had it pointed at the man and ordered him to halt twice. When the man did not, instead of shooting the guard said “Stop in the Name of Jesus” just as the man approached the veranda. The intruder immediately fell to the ground with a loud scream! Praise God for our guards, Stephen and Aldo, who know Jesus and the power of His Name! After questioning the intruder it was determined he was most likely high on opium. Later he was escorted away by a local village counselor we know, who also is a brother. Carol and I are thanking the Lord for His protection and commented to each other that we must not ever become complacent! Thank you for your prayers!

As Carol recently wrote, we have had three teams from America come and go. Each came with their distinct giftings and were tremendous blessings to us and the people of Moyo and Yumbe Districts. The gospel was preached to the lost and people were saved, 31 pastors were strengthened through sound biblical teaching in our first RAU pastors retreat , discipleship took place, and people were shown love through ministry to their physical needs.

: The Hall of Tyrannus

Seeing and being a part of this brings such joy to my heart. Often, when sitting on the front veranda, I think back to when I first drove by this piece of property in 2007 on the way to what was then still Sudan. It was on that very trip that the Lord placed this area on my heart and called me here. When the Lord calls all we must do is take a step at a time in obedience and He does the rest. Those of you who have kept up with my reports over the years know of door after door being opened and provision being given. What missionary, Hudson Taylor, once said is true, “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” Praise be to the Lord God Almighty! Thank you for being a part of what the Lord is doing here!

As you know we are nearly finished with Phase 1 of our vision which has consisted in developing relationships with local pastors/leaders,purchasing land, securing a land title, seeking favor with government officials/law enforcement, receiving NGO status, receiving 501c3 tax exempt status, Carol and I making our move to RAU, having a ministry vehicle suitable for the area, shipment of a container with Bibles/literature/other ministry items, having a Christ-exalting place to host ministry teams and pastors for training (Guesthouse and Hall of Tyrannus), and beginning to reach areas where there are no Christians or very few. We praise God for His wisdom and provision!

Here are specifics on what remains of Phase 1:

The container currently remains in Kampala and Lord willing it will be released from Ugandan revenue soon to resume its journey north to us. We have a pad ready for it. There are some remaining papers which have to be signed by government officials before it can leave Kampala. Pray the documents will be signed soon! Each day they delay costs us money. The clearing fees will now be over $3000.Help us in this if you can.

: This is where the container will sit at RAU

Patrick has had some “serious” discussions with the Kampala auto broker with whom we ordered our ’99 Land Cruiser. Lord willing it should be in Kampala in couple weeks. Please pray! We have received a lot of false information in the past. We really are in need of this vehicle for ministry.
The four tukalu’s have been completely refurbished with a new African/American latrine and bathing station for guests. The four tukulu’s can sleep up to 17. The old tukalu kitchen has been demolished and our new four holed charcoal kitchen with attached living quarters for our cook Lucy is complete with the exception electrifying it off of the Guesthouse system, the water tower is completely finished, and the Guesthouse/Hall of Tyrannus just needs a few things. With our past guests and pastors’ retreat we have found out that our electrical system is not adequate. We need to add some more batteries for storage. We also need to be able to run our generator often to pump water while guests are here. We ran out of water often. We have a small room under our tank where we would like to place the generator and run underground wiring to the Guesthouse where the pump connection is located. There are also some more furniture items needed. Need: $5000

: Water Tower, Guesthouse, and Kitchen

: Refurbished Tukalu’s

: New latrine and bathing station

After spending 2 months here at RAU for discipleship, Godfrey has been spending Saturdays up to Tuesdays in Obongi with new believers. Obongi has a population of about 20-25000. After our last two evangelistic trips there have been 16 who have trusted in Christ as Savior and Lord who have joined the few other believers in Obongi town. Godfrey is working one on one with them along with Bosco and Asili who are leading small churches outside Obongi town. We have found a tukalu which we are renting for Godfrey and when we leave for Christmas break he will make his full time move to Obongi to shepherd these new believers in Christ.There is now at least one evangelical church in Obongi town and RAU’s first church plant! PTL! We will continue to visit often to strengthen Godfrey and the new believers. Pray that Christ’s church will grow in this Muslim dominated town as we press on with our evangelism there. There are some short clips of one of our several open air preaching events in Obongi here.

: Godfrey at RAU getting ready for Obongi

: Preaching in Obongi. Obongi now has an evangelical church in it’s town!

On Friday the 29th we will make our fourth trip to Yumbe. Remember Yumbe is a town nearing 35,000 people with less than 100 evangelical (called “born again” here) Christians. We were told this by a pastor who has worked for the past 8 years in Yumbe. When we first visited we thought there were around 300. We will have lunch with the three pastors in the town as well as 12 other pastors/leaders of Yumbe District. The District has over 500,000 with very,very few believers in it. One corner of the District has a number of believers in it but most of the rest of the district is 100% unreached and will remain that way unless some goes to them!We will work out strategies with the pastors in reaching Yumbe and I will share about ways RAU can help to strengthen the pastors of the district. Please pray for believers in Yumbe and our outreach there.

: Yumbe’s main mosque

We have been dialoging with several Congolese pastors who have had contact with the unreached Mbuti in the Iturie rain forest of Northeastern DR Congo. They have been checking out security issues in the area (there are number of rebel groups operating in the DR Congo) and the logistics of getting to this unreached group. The first trip will have to wait until I get back after Christmas. I will get back to you with further details and costs. Please continue to pray that the light of gospel can be brought to the Mbuti soon…”the Good News is only good if it gets there on time“!

: The Mbuti

We have more teams from America coming after the new year and we will be hosting more pastor’s retreats. We would like to have more housing for the pastors for these retreats. In our last retreat, we had to taxi pastors each evening, which is not an easy thing to do here for various reasons. If you would like to help with this let me know.
We have been actively clearing land so that we can start planting cash crops at the beginning of the next rainy season. Praise God we have a tractor coming in the container. However to till the land I will need to purchase a harrow. A new one can be purchased in Kampala and transported here for around $5000.

: Clearing Brush

I hope that you do not tire in hearing about what we are seeking to do for Christ’s glory and the needs that lie before us. As we all lay everything before the feet of Jesus confessing that all we have, including our lives, belong to Him, the gospel will go forth to all those who do not have opportunity to hear the good news!

Thank you all for your faithful prayers and support.

Jacob(for the both of us)

Web Site: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.com
Blog: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

——

Small packages and letters may safely be sent to:

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

Our “wish lists” may be found at Amazon

*If you have questions on donations please email me at JacobLeeRAU@gmail.com

The Local Churches First Call Is Sending Not Seating!

On November 9, 2013November 10, 2013 By Jacob LeeIn Building Projects, Evangelism, Missions, News and Status Updates

Thank you for your prayers and support.Carol has just written with lots of recent news. I second everything she said about our new friends whom I have affectionately nicknamed “The Tennessee Trio”. David, Michael, and Eric were a great blessing to us and to believers throughout Moyo and Yumbe Districts.We love the same King and each of us love being a part of His mission (John 20:21). The only thing I hold against them is putting Tennessee orange on co-worker Sam. I prefer burnt orange on him!

In the Trio’s short time here they proclaimed God’s Word in various churches, in outdoor preaching venues in Moyo and Obongi, and in one on one situations in Moyo,Obongi, and Yumbe. In Obongi we rejoiced with the angels in the new found faith of many. Several who trusted in Christ were Muslims. There are several videos at the bottom of this page. For you Facebook friends, David posted a short clip of me preaching in Obongi. ( https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202444645746859&set=vb.1515529516&type=2&theater ). The opportunity to do such preaching thrills my soul!

We had the opportunity to spend one full day in Yumbe town. I wanted our new friends to have the joy of sharing Christ in a town with few Christians and which is dominated by Islam. When we got there Abraham parked the truck at a busy intersection and we all got out and mingled with a good sized crowd. Each us pointed someone to Jesus. Stephen, one of our night guards, and a dear brother in Christ, came with us. He was off duty. He shared later with me that it was his first time to share Christ with someone. I am confident this will not be his last time either! He is like a son to me and I have seen him and his partner Aldo grow leaps and bounds in their faith.Each evening we have opportunities to talk, pray, and worship with Stephen and Aldo. Eric, Michael and David also had time to share their lives and love with Stephen and Aldo.

We had a “Divine appointment” with a young man named Ben who has been a pastor in Yumbe the past eight years.Through his faithful service in local government (his money making job) he is greatly respected by officials in Yumbe. With Ben’s assistance we had the opportunity to meet several government officials. I sat across the desk from a federal government official and he gave us the “go ahead” to preach in Yumbe even though he is a Muslim. Praise God for His favor and sway upon unbelievers! Ben told us that Yumbe has a population of around 35,000 with less than 100 (that figures out to be around .3%) evangelical Christians. We have a meeting set up with the 3 pastors in Yumbe and some of their leaders to lay out strategies to reach Yumbe town. Pray for us in our desire to lift Jesus high in Yumbe,Obongi, and Moyo!

Yumbe Official's office — Yumbe Official’s office

Our building projects are all nearly finished. The tukalus have been refurbished and painted. The latrine /bathing station for our Tukalus is finished with the exception of a second coat of paint.The new outdoor kitchen and living quarters for Lucy, our cook and helper, should be complete early next week. Only trim work remains on the veranda tile. The water tower has been plastered and now is being painted.

Tukalu's are refurbished and Latrine/Bathing Station is finished. — Tukalu’s are refurbished and the Latrine/Bathing Station is finished.

Water Tower, Container Site, and Sam's Quarters — Water Tower, Container Site, and Sam’s Quarters

We have a spot ready for the container whenever it finally makes it to us. The container has cleared the Ugandan revenue service and when we receive our tax clearance all we will have to do is pay the $2000 plus in clearance fees.

On Tuesday, good friends, Kevin Turner and Ron Day, will be with us for nearly two weeks. I look forward to spending time with them and seeing how the the Lord will use their stay with us. Kevin is president of SWI and Ron is a film maker. Please pray for a safe journey to us and a time of mutual encouragement and blessing while they are here. I greatly appreciate their love manifested in taking the time and their sacrifice to be with us to bring us encouragement and be vessels in King Jesus’ service.

Thank you all for your faithful prayers and support.

May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon and be gracious to you!

Jacob (for the both of us)

Web Site: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.com
Blog: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

Small packages and letters may safely be sent to:

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

Our “wish lists” may be found at Amazon