Plodding With Purpose

On March 18, 2015September 19, 2015 By Jacob LeeIn Discipleship, Evangelism, Mercy Ministries, News and Status Updates

Plodding With Purpose

by Carol Lee

“This hill, though high, I covet to ascend;
The difficulty will not me offend.
For I perceive the way to life lies here.
Come, pluck up, heart; let’s neither faint nor fear.
Better, though difficult, the right way to go,
Than wrong, though easy, where the end is woe.”
― John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress

“And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.“

Galatians 6:9

Jon Bloom wrote this in an article about “plodding“: “Purpose to be a plodder. A plodder keeps moving. A plodder perseveres. A plodder presses on. A plodder knows the disappointment of unrealized ideals, feels the fear of failure and exposed deficiencies, and the ambiguity of too many demands, options, and tasks. But a plodder isn’t immobilized by them. He or she presses on in the faith that God will supply the needed strength (1 Peter 4:11), wisdom (James 1:5), and direction (Proverbs 3:6).“

Most of what we do here at Reaching Africa’s Unreached is a “plodding” along in the tasks we have been given (and have chosen) to do. As Johann Wolfgang von Goethe says, “In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm… in the real world all rests on perseverance.” What is recorded here is our day to day, doing-what-we-know-to-do activities (done, hopefully, in a faithful and joyful way).

Child — A young girl who came with intestinal troubles to receive help

Since our last retreat the pace has slowed, but only long enough to plan the next thing. So often, too, the “next thing” just shows up, so we are learning flexibility and an attitude (I don’t say we have these attitudes down pat – but we are ever learning) of servanthood and compassion for whatever situation or person that shows up! Many times it is a Pastor or Christian who needs a resource or some encouragement. And often it is someone with a medical/physical issue which needs care and resources. Both of these things happened just today: Jacob received a young man who was looking for helpful theological resources; I received an elderly woman with conjunctivitis who needed help with the medication; also today we both spent time counseling a young man who was having pastoral and personal problems. That is life – no matter where one lives – and plodding on faithfully and joyfully is our calling.

Our young student was happy to see us and greeted us enthusiastically with vigorous hugs. I am sure she thought we might not come since it was so late. It was a joy to see her and her environment and to provide her with some treats and supplies which she needed. Her mother sent along some home-cooked goodies (which also tells of the work of the Holy Spirit in the softening of this mother’s heart for her daughter!). It was a joy to also have an outlet for motherly love and encouragement and prayer for “N.” Please keep praying for her to grow in her new found faith and her mother and other family members that they would know and experience the love and grace of Jesus through the Word of God and through the love of Christians in Yumbe.

Meanwhile, back at the mechanic shop, Jacob and Zorah, as mentioned above, were hanging out, waiting for an ever-growing list of problems to be found and fixed. This story, though it could be seen as a frustration and delay, has the providence and kindness of God written all over it! Along the bumpy and dusty patch of road between Yumbe and Koboko, one particular bump brought about a particular sound which, though it had a sort of musical clang to it, was NOT music to Jacob’s ears! When he checked he found a broken stabilizer bracket in the the front end. The reason we can see God’s kindness in this is that it happened on our way to a place where something could be done to fix it – rather than on some remote “road” in the Metu mountains where, apart from a miracle, nothing could have been done to fix it and no wrecker would have been available to come and haul the Land Cruiser to town! Even the ever-growing list of problems was a blessing because the problems were identified in a place and at a time where they could be seen and fixed. This is a blessing indeed as we look forward to some rugged outings in the near future.

102_9156 — Working on a double battery system. Jacob also wants to get a winch install to be prepared for the bush roads in the rainy season.

This Friday, March 20th, Jacob has been invited by some Koboko Pastors (who attended a RAU Retreat) to come to Koboko for a day of teaching for them and fellow shepherds. I can’t think of many groups of Christians who would do this, but these men asked him to come and teach on the Biblical view of suffering, a topic which Jacob normally includes in the Retreat curriculum but which was left out due to a time crunch. He may be able to provide 2 sessions of teaching so that their organizational effort can be maximized. We so appreciate the desire of these leaders to grow in their knowledge of and obedience to the Word of God! Please be praying for this event. Jacob, Zorah and Joseph (who organized the event and is spending some time here with us) will go Friday morning and then Jacob and Zorah will come back on Saturday. There will be 50 or more leaders present.

10933840_10203634359035383_1017661201354656450_n — Angurini Joseph, organizer, song leader

Next Tuesday, March 24th, we will head to Gbari (“Bah-ree“) for another day of discipleship teaching for new believers and medication distribution in the community. (One of the bounties of our visit to Arua was finding a wholesale pharmaceutical shop where we were able to get de-worming medicines and to fill a wish list of medications for a nurse in the Gbari area whose clinic was in desperate need of medicines.) Gbari is the place in the Metu Mountains where a fledgling church was started and where Geoffrey, from Aya Baptist, has been sent as a missionary Pastor along with his family. Nothing short of revival has been happening in this remote and rugged region. It is RAU’s commitment to stand with men who are sent to hard-to-reach and hard-to-stay places so that the living Church of the Living God can find a firm and growing foothold in a spiritual desert.

“The work of evangelism is never complete until the one evangelized becomes an evangelizer.”

Dr. Herschel Hobbs

Working together to spread the fame of King Jesus!

With regard to this, we are asking for financial help on behalf of the Gbari church for $1000 which would purchase one half acre, build of a simple grass thatched church structure, a tukalu for Geoffrey and his family and a latrine for the church members to use. Please pray for a desire and means to supply this need.

On Friday, March 27th, Jacob will do some open air preaching in a village market somewhere near Yumbe town. It is a market Friday so more than the usual amount of people will be there. Virtually all of the listeners will be Muslims. Please pray for “plowed ground” in the hearts of those who will hear the Best News Ever and for heart-penetrating and wise words from the preacher!

One resource that has been an immense help in the Yumbe and Obongi area is the book called, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, by Nabeel Qureshi. It is an autobiographical story of a young Pakistani man whose journey took him from a sincere devotion to Allah and the tenets of Islam to deep faith in the saving work of Christ over a long period of questioning, searching and with the help of a humble, loving Christian friend. We have placed this book into the hands of several Imams and other Muslims as well as into the hands of Christian leaders for whom this resource will be a benefit in their interactions with Muslims. Just this weekend we heard of the testimony of the son of a Muslim man who died. The son came to stay in his uncle’s home (who is a Christian) and, after reading this book, converted to Christ from Islam because the questions that he had were answered in this book. Please consider purchasing copies of this for us to bring back from our Stateside visit which is coming up soon and/or to be placed in the container.

On the following Tuesday, March 31st, we (and I am tentatively including myself in the “we“) will, once again, head up the Metu Mountains and then hike over rough terrain to another remote and virtually unreached village called, “Oku.” From what we have heard, there has been little or no reach of The Best News Ever into this village. Pray that as the Gospel Story is shared hearts will “see and savor Jesus Christ” (John Piper) and will gladly trust in His lavish love and sacrifice for them! Pray that lasting fruit would be borne and that a thriving Church could grow there with the help of faithful disciple-makers.

We are so happy to report some fruit and progress on the medical need and provision of treatment that was written about a good while ago. Many of you may remember “Mildred Forgive,” the young baby girl with hydrocephalus. Recently, her mother brought her by for us to see her progress and to receive some help to get Mildred Forgive to her next appointment. Oh. My. Goodness! The transformation is amazing, as you will see in the photos below! Thank you for giving and praying and loving!

Prayers and love for Mildred Forgive bear fruit

The building and renovation of the tukalu near the house is coming along nicely. Once finished, it will accommodate 4 double bunks and a queen-sized bed. It will have an enlarged bathroom and a sitting room attached. Not only will we be able to include 8 more pastors at the retreats, but we will have a nice set-up for a visiting couple or family who wants to stay for a while for ministry.

The expanded Tukalu; the slab to the right is ready to receive the 2nd container. The roof will extend over both containers to make a handy-dandy work space between the two.

Please also remember our “Fill the Container Drive.” Praise the Lord, we have funds for 2000 of the 5000 Global ESV Study Bibles we are hoping for. It is $10 per Bible, including shipping to Seguin, if we buy them in bulk (5000). The money for purchasing and shipping the container here is already in place. We only have to fill the container with the hoped for supplies.

As we look towards the rainy season, we have as a major priority the mounting of a winch on the front of the Land Cruiser to help extricate us out of any “muddy situations” which may arise.

Jacob is also hoping soon to get the ground plowed and ready for planting another crop of soybeans and a good number more of grafted mango trees. This will happen once there have been some ground-soaking rains to soften up the dirt.

Yesterday (Tuesday, March 17th) Jacob took the whole day to refresh his soul in reading Jesus Continued…Why the Spirit Inside You is Better Than Jesus Beside You, by J.D. Greear. Jacob reported that it is one of the BEST books he has ever read on the work and role of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life. He was personally encouraged, refreshed and enlivened by it. He highly recommends the book!

I am enjoying Zorah’s love for and interest in guitar, music and worship. We have a growing, common repertoire of songs and are enjoying practicing it has been refreshing to harmonize and play “the eggs” (percussion instrument in the shape of colorful eggs!) Maybe, ONE DAY, we will include a video of us singing one of the songs!

We don’t hear as often from Sam these days. He is very busy, immersed in his Nursing studies. We are continuing to pray for him that the Lord would bless his mind and that Sam would be prepared for even greater service as he fine tunes his skills as a nurse. He has been such a blessing to us at RAU and we are grateful for his partnership and leadership in RAU.

Patrick Bukenya is doing well, along with his family. He is doing a fabulous job of leading at First Presbyterian and is a vital liaison for RAU. His children, Genesis and Gabby are growing and blossoming beautifully. Vickie continues to show great wisdom and leadership in her profession as a Pharmacist. Patrick has given us a good report on the 8 children that were sponsored to attend the school which was started by First Presbyterian Church of Uganda. See them looking “smart” (the Uganda term for “beautiful”) in the photos below!

Patrick, Vickie, Gabby (left) and Genesis (right)

The Moyo area children at First Presbyterian Church’s School who are being sponsored.

Richard, from South Sudan at First Presbyterian; standing straight on his feet after club foot surgery.

The men and women who help us here at RAU on a daily basis are such a blessing to us. Our love and appreciation for them grows daily. We are blessed to have them as co-workers with us in this West Nile Region of Uganda. They, especially, understand the daily plodding in faithfulness, but they are seeing the bigger picture which is a steady progress in the Kingdom of God and blessings that come through faithfulness.

102_4767 — Working on the front fence line.

Odendi (Zakeo), Mindra, Pastor Henery, Mundrugo, and John

We cannot end a newsletter without also expressing our gratitude for the Rope Holders without whom we could not plod faithfully and joyfully! Your financial support, prayers, love and enthusiasm are to us like the air we breathe – absolutely vital! May the Lord bless your lives as you bless us!

Thanks for reading this.

Love, Carol (and Jacob)

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 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

Rejoicing in Answered Prayer

On February 14, 2015September 19, 2015 By Jacob LeeIn Evangelism, Mercy Ministries, Missions

102_8389 — Beating the trails to get the gospel to Oyo

“…While you also cooperate by your prayers for us [helping and laboring together with us]. Thus [the lips of] many persons [turned toward God will eventually] give thanks on our behalf for the grace (the blessing of deliverance) granted us at the request of the many who have prayed.”

2 Corinthians 1:11 (Amplified Version emphasis mine)

This verse expresses the heart of this short note of thanks to those who have prayed for us and especially for those prayer requests in my last newsletter. You can find the previous newsletter here: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/2015/02/09/revival-fires/. You need to know how the Lord has moved since last writing so you too can join in thanksgiving and praise to our heavenly Father!

10978705_10203679362840450_8890003167709049313_n — In Arua

Because of sponsorship eight primary students from Moyo are now all settled in and have started school at Covenant Presbyterian School in Kampala.

While in Arua I got some front end work done on the Land Cruiser. It has been taking quite a beating in our outreaches. We also purchased bulk supplies of beans, rice, sugar, posho, and Royco (spices used in cooking), and traded an empty cooking gas tank for a full one. We have two upcoming pastor’s retreats and we go through a lot food. Buying in bulk in Arua saves us money. Please pray for the pastors from Congo and Arua who will be with us 17^th– 20^th and another group of Congo pastors March 3^rd– 6^th.

102_8606 — The roads, especially in the Metu Mountains, have been very hard on the Land Cruiser.

Some money was given to help the local child who was brought here by her mother who had an umbilical hernia repair at age 3. We will be sending her to Moyo hospital for an ultra sound and will seek a referral to Gulu’s Lachor Hospital, which specializes in children. Depending on what needs to be done, we will see if the donation will cover all the costs. Pray that it does!

The day after writing the last newsletter we went back into the Metu Mountains for another evangelism outreach. The Metu Mountains (Southern Appalachian size) stretch on our east side. We went to Ayo, which was the last village among of string of villages we preached in (Gbarai to Arapi to Duku and Ayo.) We drove as far as we could and then walked the rest of the way into Ayo. A little over 30 adults and many children gathered for the preaching of the Word. I preached my heart out and the Lord came down! At first it seemed that there would be no response to my exhortations/pleading with them; then, one older lady stood and as soon as she did 19 other adults stood to make open professions to follow Jesus. Our hearts leapt with joy along with the angels (Luke 15:10). After sharing more and getting names, we, along with the local clinic nurse (she also confessed Christ in Ayo), gave out many medicines which RAU brought along. Upon leaving we were told that a woman who could not make the walk (because of being burned badly as child) wanted salvation. We walked down to the stream and met her. Geoffrey shared the gospel and she immediately believed! Thank you for your prayers! Pray now that we can work out strategies for discipleship and the planting of a church there. It is too far of a walk to Gbari. There is one more village beyond Lea in a nearby string of hills that we know of which still needs to be reached. Plans are set in motion to go there soon. Keep praying. God is hearing your prayers!

102_8553 — Those standing are the ones who are saying “I trust in Jesus for salvation and want to follow Him”!

You Tube Video in Ayo:

Tomorrow I am preaching at Laropi Baptist Town Church and next Sunday, the 22^nd, in Pilgrim Church of Uganda in Yumbe Town. Later in the day we will have open air preaching (following the example of George Whitefield) in Kuru market. Kuru is just outside of Yumbe and is considered by the Christians in Yumbe (that I have talked with) to have the most ardent Muslims in Yumbe District. It was confirmed to me by two Christian “men of the soil” that 95% of the people of Kuru are Muslims. I am asking/imploring you all to pray daily and fervently that the gospel would make inroads into the hearts of the people in Kuru.

unnamed (7) — We have already been in Kuru on several occasions for one on one witnessing and handing out tracts in Aringa.

Please continue to pray for the rest of the money to come in for the 5,000 ESV Study Bibles we seeking to get. They would be placed in a container which would come to us. See: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/fill-the-container-study-bibles-books-and-more/

102_7831 — Pastors with their ESV Global Study Bibles

On this Valentine’s Day I am reminded of the grand blessing Carol is to me and to so many others. True love is exhibited not only in words but with words that are accompanied by actions. My dear wife of 33 years is a person who exhibits this kind of love for Jesus and His church, her family, friends, people of another culture, and for me. She has left behind ones she deeply loves and the securities and comforts which come from living in America to be with me to serve Jesus whom we both supremely love! I love you, Carol, and I say that not just because it is Valentine’s Day! I am grateful she has followed this wild man to the African bush! This is why “security” is not an issue for Carol:

“Where does your security lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your savior, your guide? If He is, you don’t need to search any further for security.” (Elisabeth Elliot)

Carol 3 — In a village church in Yumbe District

Thank you for all your prayers and support. Carol and I appreciate them and you. May the Lord richly bless you!

Pressing on with Jesus and You,

Jacob (Carol) Lee

Blog: http://www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

Facebook: http://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 the PayPal link. 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

Revival Fires

On February 9, 2015September 19, 2015 By Jacob LeeIn Discipleship, Evangelism, Mercy Ministries, Missions

Even though it has been a while since I have written, you have been never far from my mind. I am continually reminded, as I see grace and mercy working effectually in people’s lives here as well as in our own, that your prayers and support are the means of supplying that mercy and grace here in the West Nile. Seeing such an outpouring spurs me on to further action. Puritan Thomas Brooks puts it this way, “A man full of hope will be full of action.” Carol and I have this hope because of our Lord and His promises. We also have hope because of so many faithful friends! Thank you for your effectual partnership. Come and see now what the Lord is doing!

“We cannot organize revival, but we can set our sails to catch the wind from Heaven when God chooses to blow upon His people once again.”

Campbell Morgan

I truly feel that the Lord is fanning a fire of revival, especially on Metu Mountain. The physical fires that rage during the hot season all over the mountains, which we saw with our own eyes not long ago, are almost representative of what is happening spiritually there! We have been blessed to “catch the wind from Heaven” and to come alongside the churches that are reaching out with the gospel in the remote villages of Metu Mountain.

The following paragraphs are Facebook posts of outreaches which took place in January and they will give you a picture of what the Lord is doing in and among us. Reaching Africa’s Unreached has a Face Book page which provides an easy and accessible place to post pictures and make short posts. I hope that as you read over these short posts you will be spurred on with your intercession and sacrificial support. This is the link for Reaching Africa’s Unreached Facebook page :

www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

If you click on “Like” you will receive a notice each time I place a short post or picture.

———-

January 21st

“I am off to the remote villages of Gbari and Arapi with Zorah and Zakeo. A little over a month ago, we partnered with Aya Baptist Church in evangelism outreaches…tukalu to tukalu (traditional homes)…and helped move a young man and his family from Aya to shepherd the new church planted there. Now there are over 80 coming for worship on Sunday mornings with over 60% being new believers (this fits my definition of revival.) Today we will hold discipleship sessions and also give out de-worming medicines. Please pray for this new and growing church!”

80% of the people in the Gbari/Arapi church are new believers

January 23rd
“Yesterday, Zorah, Charles, and I picked up John Howarton who flew in from Juba to Arua. We also took care of some business in the town. Arua is very nice and is a bustling town as it draws trade from both South Sudan and D.R. Congo. This morning we headed back to Reaching Africa’s Unreached. The route takes us through the Muslim areas of Koboko and Yumbe. One would have to travel to North Sudan (or nearly there) to find an area as densely populated with Muslims. In Kuru, which is between Yumbe and Koboko, we took a break from our drive, taking advantage of the divine appointments all around us. For the most part, the people of Kuru readily received our gospel tracts (with several local pictures in it) in their native language of Aringa. (Charles is the one who translated the tracts. See a sample here: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/aringa-language/ . We would like to get more of these tracts to be sent in our next container. If you would like to help us do that, see this link: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/fill-the-container-stu ). We are targeting Kuru for our next open air preaching in Yumbe District. It would be in this very same market we were in today. This last Christmas Eve, a small group of Christians from Kuru were “physically” dispersed while celebrating Christ’s birth. Lift up Kuru in your prayers…may Jesus be known and worshiped widely and freely in Kuru!”

Heading RAU from Arua with John and Charles — Heading to RAU from Arua with John and Charles

How will they know unless someone tells them?

January 27th
“Today and tomorrow (evangelism today and discipleship/medicines on Wednesday) we ( John , Zorah and I) are back to Gbari/Arapi (pronounced “Bar-ee” and “uh-rah-pee”) in the nearby Metu Mountain range ( Appalachian size ). The church there is growing very fast in numbers and we want them to grow in depth as well. Geoffrey has moved his family of 8 there from Aya to shepherd this growing flock….On Friday we go with a team from Reaching Africa’s Unreached and Aya Baptist to another village — Cinya (pronounced “chinya”), just a ridge over, which has no church. May the Name of Jesus be also worshiped in Cinya! Pray for us and help if you can…blessings!”

Every village must be reached with the gospel. Where there are no roads we walk!

January 27th
“We had a fruitful day of evangelism in Gbari, Arapi, and Duku today. Zorah, John Howarton, and I were joined by Aya and Gbari believers. Duku was very hard to get to and I almost turned around twice. The Land Cruiser was in first gear and 4 wheel drive on some parts but we made it to Duku. I am glad as 13 of the 34 people (not counting children) making professions of faith were from Duku! Many others seemed to be very close (to a decision) in the others places we went to, but continued in their bondage. We pray that, at some point, their eyes will be opened and their hearts made soft and receptive. We are back for discipleship/medical outreach tomorrow. The Lord is adding daily to the number of believers in the 5 week old Gbari/Arapi Church. We are also surveying spots for a permanent site for the new church. Please keep praying for this church plant and, most importantly, that the believers would grow in their faith and love for Jesus!”

YouTube Video from 27th:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGiuNduIofY&feature=youtu.be

January 27th
“We are back in the same area of the Metu Mountains today. Yesterday’s focus was evangelism and today’s focus is discipleship. Yesterday, 34 adults placed their trust in Christ alone for salvation. …PTL! Today John, Zorah, and I will have lessons on the fundamentals of the faith with these new believers and members of the 5 week old Gbari Church. Nothing short of revival has been happening in these rugged Metu hills which envelope Gbari, Arapi and Duku! We have received some more medicines and will be giving them out after the teaching. Basic medical care is very lacking in these remote areas. Here are some special prayer requests: For the Land Cruiser- travel is extremely hard on the vehicle; New believers- not only these 34 from yesterday, but also the almost 60 from the last 5 weeks; physical strength- we are all very tired and sore from yesterday; Pastor Geoffrey, his wife, and six children — he has answered the call and moved his family to Gbari; purchase of a plot of land for this new church and construction of a meeting place. Currently, there is no permanent place to meet. Thank you for your prayers for us and the ministry of Reaching Africa’s Unreached!”

Discipleship training in Gbari with John Howarton

Standing: Pastor Geoffrey and and Pastor Tobious

On January 29th I posted this to Face Book:
“We MUST get the gospel out (most especially to those places that are “gospel starved“) using all means: by radio, by vehicle, by bicycle, by walking, by sitting with families, with literature, with medicines, in the market, next to Mosques, in remote villages, and together with others! The fields are ripe for the harvesting…let us go and not just talk about going!”

Preaching on New Life radio Moyo — Preaching on New Life radio, Moyo

Proclaiming the gospel in the remote village of — Proclaiming the gospel in the remote village a couple hours walk from Cinya

Working hand in hand with local churches to reach the unreached

January 30th
“We are off to Cinya, a village of about 200 in the Metu Mountains. It has no church and no witness of Christ. We are getting off a little late as we had a problem with our solar power, but it is now back up and running…PTL! Whenever we have made a decision this week to go to an unreached place there have been roadblocks, both literally (lack of roads) and figuratively. Each time we have pressed through the Lord has opened the way for the salvation of many. This week the Lord has granted us the privilege of being in Ijujo, Aya, Gbari, Arapi, Duku, and, now, Cinya. Each of these villages is enveloped by beautiful hills…beautiful, even in the dry season. (In the wet seasons it is very green and monkeys, chimps, and gorillas can be seen in the highly forested areas). In our evangelism pray that the Lord opens eyes again today. The last leg of today’s journey we will be footing. Pray also for physical strength (especially for us old guys- John and me! It is the middle of the hot/dry season and trails can be steep). In all our evangelism we partner with a local church or churches and seek to support them in planting other churches in these unreached areas, but try to step out of the way to allow them to carry out the responsibilities of the local church, such as performing the baptisms. Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out harvesters! The fields are ripe! Thank you!”

Roads to and from Cinya:

After our return I posted this:
“We are back from a long hard but fruitful day in some very remote areas of the Metu Mountains. We trekked into 5 different villages. My legs still feel like jelly. The Lord opened the hearts of 26 to respond to the gospel! Thank you for your prayers! I will try to put up more pictures later…. I am fighting a severe sore throat now and am quite dehydrated…your prayers are appreciated!”

Every village MUST be reached with the gospel!

YouTube Video from the 30th:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLWrSbIIQRw

While John Howarton was here we also went to Obongi on Sunday Feb. 1st. It is always a joy to stand with Godfrey and to encourage him in his every effort to shepherd his flock well and to enlarge the flock through loving evangelism to those around him.

John preaching with Godfrey interpreting — John preaching in Obongi with Godfrey interpreting

February 1^st:
“Our Sunday in Obongi was a great blessing! Thank you everyone for your prayers. The Lord was in our midst bearing testimony of His greatness and love through Jesus. Three leading Imams of Obongi , a leading local politician, and other Muslims joined together for the preaching of God’s Word along with the Obongi Town Church pastored by dear friend, Godfrey. They heard the CLEAR presentation of the gospel in John Howarton’s (Luke 5:17-21) and my (John 8:12) messages. During the day we also gave out 300 de-worming tablets, 40 anti fungal creams and 50+ reading glasses (tracts were given with the glasses). ESV Global Study Bibles, Bible stories in Arabic, a John Piper book in Swahili and the book Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus were given to each Imam. We went to the RAU Obongi land and prayed over it. This is where we are looking to build a branch of the Hall of Tyrannus and where Obongi Town Church would also meet. Then we visited the largest local Mosque where we talked to the secretary of the Mosque and also gave him a Bible. To see him walk to the Mosque at prayer time with an ESV Global Study Bible in hand made me smile from ear to ear! More seeds were planted in Obongi and previous seeds planted among the Muslims were watered…may the Lord bring about the harvest. Please keep praying for the work in Obongi.”

Obongi 1 — Carol capturing the beautiful people of Obongi and Africa with her camera.

Obongi Town Church congregation. Many Muslims including three prominent Imams joined us for the morning — Obongi Town Church congregation. Many Muslims, including three prominent Imams, joined us for the morning

Imams happily receiving Bible Stories in Arabic, ESV Global Study Bible, , book “Seeking Allah Finding Jesus, a John Piper book in Swahili, and various gospel tracts. Later they and many Muslims received reading glasses , de-worming pills, and anti-fungal creams

With one of the Imams. Pray these Imams and all the Muslims who attended the church service. — With one of the Imams. Pray for these Imams and all the Muslims who attended the church service.

Obongi 36 — I can read…and it is the gospel!

Obongi 51 — The largest Mosque in Obongi. The Imam was with us all morning!

Obongi 16 — Lord, open their eyes to see and believe the glorious gospel!

February 2nd:
“John Howarton left early this morning for Kampala and heads back to Texas around midnight on Wednesday. Having him here last week for all the outreaches in the Metu Mountains (where over 60 people were saved) was a great blessing to God’s people and a great help to Carol and me…thank you John!”

The day after John left we received 15 pastors and church leaders from the Maracha and Koboko areas which are situated close to the D.R. of Congo as well as South Sudan. It was a great group of men which our friend, Joseph, organized and brought. Our friend, Pastor Bob Gad, from Kampala came and helped me with the teaching. He is a gifted teacher and really has a heart to help other pastors grow and be encouraged in their faith. Also, RAU intern Achidrii Onet Zorah taught a session. Zorah received his biblical training in Kampala and is originally from the West Nile (our Northwestern area of Uganda). He has a real heart of a servant and has been a great aid to me. He is helping to fill in the gap since co-worker Sam left to upgrade his medical training. The Facebook posts continue below.

February 3^rd :

We have another group of pastors with us this week for a retreat. They should be here in a couple hours. The leaders are coming from Koboko and Maracha. Please pray that the Lord would strengthen and encourage these shepherds!

Koboko Marach Retreat — RAU’s 11th Retreat

Teaching:

10690063_10203634366635573_8877178140798909930_n — Bob Gad

10965927_10203641322969477_1021630067_n — Zorah

10410958_10203634361315440_4358144332277601813_n — Yours truly

February 5^th:

We are about to start day three of our 11th pastor’s retreat. Most of these pastors are from Koboko along with a few from Maracha. Bob and I have been doing the teaching. Zorah will jump in the line up this morning. It is such an honor to have a part of shepherd’s lives that are on the front lines. May the Lord use our time together and the materials they are receiving to encourage and empower them for their flocks and the multiplication of their congregations in village which do not have a single church!

10408587_10152615770593053_4976370447959331983_n — Food and fellowship

102_7812 — Reading glasses and ESV Global Study Bibles

February 6^th:

May this truth be cemented in all hearts on this our last day of our retreat with Koboko/Maracha pastors! “This [Good News] cannot be merely discussed, analyzed, or taught. It must be heralded!” (John Piper)

YouTube Video notes from church leaders at the retreat:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iPxwc4v3wo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9h3-S4cP_I

This retreat was our 11^th one since Carol and I made our permanent move here. We are currently adding a large room to “Sam’s tukalu” which has an attached bathroom and is near the Guesthouse. This addition will allow us to sleep 8 more church leaders for retreats. We also will have a double bed in the room for any married couples from America which would like to come for short term ministry. As I have mentioned in past letters these retreats are the top priority of RAU’s calling. In these retreats we are able to interact closely with church leaders to strengthen and encourage them through the teaching and resources. Our goal is to better equip them so that they can strengthen their congregations and so that they can be multiplying congregations. 2 Timothy 2:2, with the biblical examples of Acts 19:9-10 (“…so that all…”) and 18:24:24-28 (“…took him aside….”) are our theme verses for the retreats. Your prayers and support help us transport leaders here and back and care for them while they are here. We have other retreats scheduled and we are planning for more.

10929169_10152615766733053_1262316535033030789_n — 2 Timothy 2:2

February 8^th(Sunday):

We are back and had a blessed time with the Katrini believers. (Katrini is located in Yumbe District not far from the Koboko District). Their love for Jesus shines brightly! What an honor to proclaim the Word to them. Please pray for her and all Christ’s sheep in Yumbe District.

102_8207 — Listening to the Word in Katrini Yumbe District

102_6724 — Pray for Yumbe. It is a stronghold of Islam with 95% of its population being Muslim. This is the report we have received from Christian “men of the soil”.

We have just heard back from our contact in Yumbe District that things have gotten worse for this 16 year old girl. Yesterday she was able to secretly get away to meet and pray with us. It touched my heart deeply to be able to meet with her and try to strengthen her with scripture, prayer and our physical presence and assurance. Her maturity as a new and very young believer reveals the hand of God’s grace in her life. We have definite plans in the works but they are best left unwritten at present. Please keep praying for her, her safety, and her family as well as all of us seeking to be Christ’s embrace in her life!

Here are a few other updates. The security wall around the outside of the veranda is finished. It adds another wall of protection and has not taken away from the beauty of the Guesthouse/Hall of Tyrannus.

Veranda Security wall is complete:

102_7702 — This is the Northeast corner. Our bedroom is in this corner and it was from this direction the assaults came last September

Work continues on the room addition to the tukalu which I previously mentioned. Remaining parts of the land are being cleared for the upcoming growing season. Lord willing we be able to add another 300+- grafted mangoes to the land. This would put their number at 500+. These mangoes will by God’s grace be able to help support the ministry of RAU in the future. We now have hot,rather warm, water for showers. There is a long length of black ¾ inch black pipe snaking around in the attic from our 5,000 liter tank to our showers. The heat in the attic keeps the water the warm. Praise God for warm showers! The downside is that we all will be using more water 🙂 .

We are also preparing a pad for the second container for when it arrives. By faith we are trusting the Lord and working on getting it here packed full of resources for the ministry. The most important item in the container is the 5,000 ESV Global Study Bibles. It is most beneficial resource we give to church leaders. The fruit of such a gift is immeasurable! For $10 one of these bibles can be placed into leaders’ (pastor, elder, deacon, evangelist, Sunday School teacher, administrators, and denomination leaders as well leaders in the army, police, and politics) hands. The money is available for buying and shipping the container. We just need people to step up and help us purchase the bibles. We have $14,600 of the $50,000 needed for the 5,000. Do not let the big number scare you. The number can be reached with many small gifts or several larger gifts. Please pray over this need and do what you can. Receive this word of encouragement from one of my missionary heroes: “I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.” Hudson Taylor

At this link you can find information on the container shipment and how to give:

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/fill-the-container-study-bibles-books-and-more/

Because of specific targeted gifts by individuals we have been able to be vessels of help for a number of children, both medically and educationally. We have written in the past about these children and people have been touched by the Lord to specifically meet their needs. These outreaches are not RAU’s primary mission but we count it a privilege to be a pipeline of help in these ways. The West Nile region is way behind the rest of Uganda in means and places to help the children.

In the last month 8 local primary age children have been sponsored for one whole year of education including room and board at First Presbyterian Covenant School in Kampala. This school is run by the church in which RAU co-worker, Patrick, is a Pastor. In our Moyo area the schools are very crowded (100+ students per teacher many times) and are known to perform poorly in testing. In many cases parents do not have the money to even send their children to school so they remain home with no education. When the Lord opens the way, RAU’s 17 acres has the room to build facilities for a Christian School, but until then this is a way in which we can sow into a young person’s life. It is still not too late to sponsor a child/children for the 2015 school year. Six hundred dollars plus a onetime start up cost of $100 educates and cares for a child for one year at First Presbyterian Covenant! When giving please specify that this is where you want your gift directed.

Henrys daughter — One of the local children who received an education scholarship

We also have been able to help children with cleft palates/lips (3), hydrocephalus (2), severe club feet (1), teeth issue (1), severe eye problem (1), and various other smaller needs. Since the beginning of the year we have given out 1,500 de-worming tablets, 150 anti-fungal creams, many malaria meds, and pain tablets. Many, many reading glasses have been given out as well, both to believers and unbelievers. These acts of love touch people/families in a very special way! We only use funds specifically designated for “medical” needs to carry out these expressions of Christ’s love.

Carol just came in weeping. A local child was just brought here by her mother who had an umbilical hernia repair at age 3. She is now 7, but looks as if she is only 4 or 5 years old. She cannot eat well as her belly becomes distended and food won’t pass through properly. She often is unable to keep food down. Carol feels that there may be some kind of intestinal blockage which could become life-threatening without some kind of intervention! The child cannot be helped here but there are places in Kampala or even Gulu. The expense is in getting to the hospital and having the funds to care for themselves while they are there keep them from being brought to these places for care. When you give specifically for “medical” needs these are kinds of things we do with the funds.

In this newsletter I have written about many needs and have asked you to give. Living on a long term basis here coupled with spending most of my life in America gives me a unique experience. Each of our living experiences gives us unique insights. My prayer is that Carol and I can be your eyes and hands here. One of our goals in writing is to “make you aware” of what we see day in and day out.

Effectiveness in doing anything long term does not come as a result of guilt. I unashamedly lay these needs before you, trusting the Holy Spirit to move as He sees fit. As an American and especially as a Christian I know that many “needs” are “laid” before us all. In fact, because of television and the internet we are inundated with pressing needs both in our own country and around the world. What we must all do is ask the Lord in what way we can best serve the cause of Christ with what we have. Most often we do this with those we know and have confidence that our gifts are used properly. As it says in 2 Corinthian 5:10, we ALL, as believers, will have to give an account for our actions at the judgment seat of Christ. Also, our lives are like a vapor; we only have a short time in which to make the greatest eternal impact. It’s not a matter of feeling guilty but being effective.

Here is link where information can be found on giving to RAU along with number of good articles on Christian giving:

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

May the Lord richly bless each of you and your families! Carol and I are so very grateful for all your love, prayers, and support!

All for Jesus,

Jacob (Carol) Lee

Blog: http://www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

Facebook: http://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)

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 the PayPal link. 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

What’s Going Up Is What’s Going Down…At RAU!

On January 20, 2015 By Jacob LeeIn Discipleship, Evangelism, Mercy Ministries, Missions, News and Status Updates, Uncategorized

What’s Going Up is What’s Going Down…At RAU!

by Carol Lee

“Progress results from persistence with purpose.“

– Frank Tyger

Jacob is good about putting posts on Face Book that keep people current on activities and projects here at RAU, but we realize that not everyone “does” Face Book. We want to lasso everyone “into the know” with this post and email.

It has been a season of projects and building and organizing. If there were no seed-sowing, fruit-bearing purpose, it would simply be busy work, but with Jacob there’s always a purposeful plan and he’s persistent, so…we make progress!

The perimeter security wall has been nearly finished. It is now just a matter of aesthetics. As you can see from the picture above, the wall serves not only a practical purpose, but pleases the eye as well.

Right on the heels of that project a second one has begun. Another room is being added on to “Sam’s tukalu” which will allow a queen-sized bed and a couple of bunk beds. We already have solar panels and a battery with which the tukalu can be “electrified.” The current tukalu already has a bathroom with toilet and shower. As we think about the ministry goals of RAU, Jacob is keeping in mind ways of increasing the number of people who may be served during retreat times. He is also thinking in terms of teams, especially couples, who may come to serve. This tukalu will serve both purposes.

102_6527 — Addition of a room to the Tukalu and the foundation for another container.

On the north side of the new room, the foundation is being laid for a platform for the 2nd container for which we are hoping, praying and planning. The idea here is that, between the two containers (which,in themselves, will allow for much storage) there will be a covered work/storage space. That Jacob! He thinks of everything! There is funding enough at present to purchase the container and send it. However, we still need the funding to fill the container with precious cargo – Bibles! It costs $10 per Bible. If everyone bought even one Bible it would help a lot towards meeting our goal. Please keep that in mind in your prayers and your budget. We have the details here: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/fill-the-container-study-bibles-books-and-more/

Jacob continues to walk through opening doors. Tuesday the 20th he will have an opportunity to preach over the radio airwaves via the local Christian radio station. At the end of the message people will be able to call the station with questions or comments. I believe we have mentioned before that this could become a regular event.

In the hills nearby the radio station, Aya Baptist Church has been busy reaching out to its neighbors in the remote areas of Gbare (pronounced, “Bar- ay”) and Arapi (pronounced, “Ah-rah-pee”). They are in the process now of discipling new believers in Jesus and sending one of their own to move to Gbare to pastor the newly formed church. Last Sunday there were 81 people who attended church in Gbare, at least 60% of which were new believers from the last month of evangelism. RAU is partnering with Aya Baptist Church to see a good work established and to see the roots of the church grow deep in love for and obedience to the Word of God. This coming week, on Wednesday, Jacob and Zora (our new ministry intern) will head up to Gbare for some time of discipleship and instruction as well as the basic good of some de-worming medicine. Please pray for this work.

102_6392 — Tobious (and the pastor from Ijuju Baptist Church) and Jacob in the Gbare area evangelizing tukalu to tukalu

On Sunday the 18th, Jacob, Zora and Mindra (one of the men who works here at RAU) drove to Yumbe where they were met by Charles. Charles took them to Ambelecu, one of the Church of Uganda (COU) congregations in Yumbe District near the Koboko border. The COU (also known as the Anglican Church) is a solid presence amidst a devout majority Muslim population. It is a very urgent and major goal of RAU to come alongside believers in an area where it is becoming increasingly dangerous and difficult to be a Christian.

102_6559 — Praying and thanking the Lord for safe arrival to Ambelecu COU.

102_6624 — Jacob preaching the Word and Charles interpreting.

102_6672 — Praying over those who responded to the message to forgive from the heart because they’ve been forgiven.

102_6693 — Honoring the women who cooked and served

On Sunday the 11th, Jacob, Sam and Zora went to Obongi to strengthen Pastor Godfrey’s congregation, Obongi Town Church, in the Word as well as to stand with Godfrey amidst some intense opposition which he has been experiencing. Keep praying for him and his flock. His experiences give us a current depiction of first century church problems such as are recorded in the Book of Acts where Paul went from place to place, experiencing hardship and opposition wherever he was. While Jacob and the guys were there in Obongi they took the opportunity to provide reading glasses, tracts and medicines to those who had gathered, most of whom were Muslims.

10922690_10152578570073053_1038904926047270147_n — Godfrey and Jacob

In one of the last posts, we had mentioned the need for education sponsorship for Richard, who has received surgery for club foot. Within two days, a brother came forward to offer the amount needed for Richard to attend First Presbyterian’s Covenant Junior School! When we told Richard’s father, he was thrilled, as you can imagine, for his young son (for whom life had thrown a curve ball) to receive such an opportunity.

14306_10152580550563053_6789232904349272194_n — Richard – he walketh!

In addition, Anzoa, the young girl who received corrective surgery for congenital cataracts, also received a sponsorship. A brother in America is working on meeting a goal to find sponsorship for 18 more local children. (For one year, it costs $600 to board and educate and provide uniforms for one child.) In America, we take a decent education for granted. Here, people struggle to find ways of getting their children into school and keeping them in school. The older the child, the more expensive and, therefore, the harder it is to keep them in school all the way through to graduation. If anyone is interested in sponsoring a child please contact us.

During the writing of this, a young father came with his child who has hydrocephalus (or some other congenital abnormality.) It is the most expensive of corrective surgeries in which we have been involved because it typically requires numerous follow up visits to the hospital and we rely on special donations for these medical needs that present themselves to us. If the Lord lays it on your heart, we would love to take part in helping this child’ s life and lot improve! You may designate a donation specifically for “the hydrocephalus child“. Thanks in advance for placing your life and resources at Jesus’ feet to be used for His glory in this child’s life!

Not long after, just today, a mother brought her little 6 month old baby girl, named Charity, who has a cleft lip and palate. She is asking for help to get the corrective surgery for this. We, in turn, are presenting this need to you all, hoping that your compassion may be kindled for this child. While the surgery is provided free of charge at CoRSU Hospital in Entebbe, the cost of transporting the mother and child back and forth 2 times as well as providing their up keep while there is what costs. From our past experience, the cost comes to about $800. Any amount that is left over will be kept for the next child who has a physical need.

We feel an empty space which Sam has left in his moving back to the Kampala area to further his medical education. We have been so blessed to have his friendship, his commitment to RAU’s vision and goals, and his talents. He has been a great help to Jacob and a great help in making the vision of RAU a reality. We are grateful for the Lord’s provision for Sam – getting a Bachelors Degree in Nursing is a three year process and is not cheap! The Lord is good. Sam, we wish you very well! We will miss your joyful heart and your beautiful voice leading us in praise!

1013251_10203524502809046_6471259240384171657_n — Nyombi Samuel Wilson

10171632_10203524503289058_5753422362849974391_n — An evening walkabout

10868073_10203534480578484_1257508740631464381_n — His last RAU papaya for a while

Providentially, the Lord has brought us a young man to intern with RAU – Achidrii Onet Zora. Zora completed a two year theological training at African Renewal University, a school which is greatly supported by Desiring God Ministries. Zora has shown himself to be servant-hearted, willing to put his hand to a broom or a hammer or the dishes, or to help Jacob organize books and other resources. He is an “eternal” student, one who likes to ask questions that open up great biblical discussions and who is humble in receiving insight as well as in adding his own insight to the conversation. Jacob has given him opportunity to prepare and give a teaching or a word of encouragement which he has not only done willingly, but with an earnest desire for feedback by which he can grow in serving in this area.

10921700_10203481842302560_912079484_n — Zora enjoying the library books! A man after Jacob’s own heart!

10917830_10203534334774839_3567808568755153616_n — Jacob has perfected his “Tom Sawyer skills” on Zora

10425873_10203534332014770_8184058965400041336_n — Getting resource bags ready for future retreats

10675746_10203534333734813_69356648726940163_n — Filing and organizing

10929550_10203534333014795_3164533758772249000_n — Handy with a broom, too!

This weekend we look forward to the return of our dear friend, John Howarton. He has already been ministering in Ethiopia and South Sudan. Shortly after he arrives we will be hosting another pastors’ retreat in which John’s teaching gift will be used and appreciated.

1425520_611839785538924_1892855207_n — John with his friend, Muhtar

I (Carol) am back to my “normal” self. We will leave out any description of what that word, “normal” might mean for me! On advice and reminder from my brother, Dave, I am staying home from the bumpy day trips to allow any unseen injury to heal which might have occurred from the jarring fall I experienced a few weeks ago. I am enjoying some time to work on my skill set: drawing/painting and my latest interest – ink.

10923240_10203518999271461_6350749641140623466_n — An ink drawing of my favorite tree in front of Aya Baptist Church

We hope that, as you read about our adventures (and misadventures!), and as you pray for RAU, you may also be asking the Lord if you can serve with us here on a more permanent basis. There is more than enough for one man to do and it would be awesome to have a others working together with us here. For starters, consider coming for a short stay to see how your gifts could be used in a greater way to serve the people of this under-served area.

The earthly formula at the beginning of this post could have you wondering if you have the wherewithal to take part in this mission and it places the burden on frail humanity: “Persistence + Purpose = Progress.” Who is equal to the task?!! BUT!….thanks be to God who does not make us His co-workers without equipping us! Remember I Corinthians 4:7: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” Philippians 2: 13 says, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” In Luke 24:49 we are reminded that Jesus did not leave without fulfilling His promise to give us the Holy Spirit. “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work withing us, to Him be the glory…!” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

May the Lord bless you all! We pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you all with joy, obedience and eyes to see the joy beyond the Cross!

Carol (on behalf of Jacob and RAU)

Blog: http://www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

Facebook: http://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)

Jacob W. Lee

Pressing In

On December 21, 2014 By Jacob LeeIn Discipleship, Evangelism, Mercy Ministries

By Carol Lee

Tractor 4 — Jacob, in between ministry opportunities, making good use of the tractor to shred the planting areas during dry season.

“It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish.”

J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings

There is no better champion of this statement than Jacob Lee! And there’s no goal that will not go unmet…or, at least, unattempted…when the idea of it gets set in his head and his heart! I am grateful for his leadership and vision because it keeps Reaching Africa’s Unreached (RAU) ever moving forward…ever pressing in to the Kingdom of God. There is too much at stake, too much to be done for idleness. (I need to take a lesson from him!) When a Pastors’ Retreat is done, there is some new or ongoing project that needs completion on the compound. If you are impressed with anything at RAU (whether it be the campus or any outreach) it’s because Jacob has “laid his hand to the plow” and has not looked back!

Once our last retreat was done, Ssalongo and the building crew came in to start on the veranda’s perimeter safety wall. I was dreading a “closed in feeling” and the loss of clean, open vistas, but I am happy to say that it looks more artful than I could have imagined and it does not really block the view…just gives it a new “dimension” (as I have said elsewhere…I am “making lemonade out of lemons“).

102_6277 — Truck which brought supplies from Kampala to RAU for the building of the perimeter security wall.

102_6316 — Welding the decorative security bars.

102_6315 — Ssalongo, the contractor/builder extraordinaire.

102_6313 — The brick wall is now being covered with local slate.

10616166_10152499217558053_711372818782978229_n — Making great progress on the perimeter security wall. Looking good!

10420176_10203331167415782_7082061141375872335_n (1) — A view from the inside looking out.

We were happy to welcome to RAU a new friend – close on the heels of the last retreat – Paul George from Dayspring Fellowship in Austin, Texas. He has a love for people and a desire to meet their physical as well as spiritual needs. Thanks to his generosity, many children…and adults…in the area have already received worm medicine, anti-fungal creams, and antibiotics. With every day trip Jacob, Paul and Sam have taken to the rural areas (Palorinya, Gbwari, Arapi and Metu), many medications, which are an extension of Paul’s generous and compassionate heart, have been freely distributed. Paul arrived here a week ago on Monday.

The day after Paul arrived, Jacob, giving him NO rest, took Paul (and Sam) to Palorinya for a two-day (Tuesday-Wednesday) Pastor’s Conference put on by the Baptist churches. The team headed out early each morning and came back to RAU in the evenings. About 32 men attended and received ESV Global Study Bibles. Jacob thoroughly enjoyed these men’s “Berean” hearts – eager to learn and know, but careful to study and question. He was immensely encouraged by this “band of brothers.” Jacob was the primary teacher, but Paul gave some short teachings as well. During the teaching sessions, Sam took the young ones and taught them new songs. He and Paul also gave out worm medicines to young and old.

102_6343 — The worship team at the Palorinya Baptist Conference

102_6349 — Sam teaching the young ones songs

102_6327 — Peter (left) and Nicholas (right) with Jacob. Key leaders and wonderful brothers.

Thursday was a “down day” but, since you can’t keep a good man down, Jacob was busy overseeing some projects on the campus. Almost every day, pastors or other visitors also drop by. Jacob is always ready to stop what he is doing to spend time with them and to encourage them in some way, whether by words, books, reading glasses, medicines or other provisions.

On Friday, the team headed to Gbwari and Arapi for an outreach. This is what Jacob had to say in a Face Book post he made: “We just arrived back from a fruitful day of ministry in a remote church-less area of Gbware and Arapi on Nyeri Mountain. Reaching Africa’s Unreached partnered with Aya Baptist Church. We broke up into several teams and went Tukalu to Tukalu for home evangelism. Sam, Paul and two Aya brothers gave out 300 doses of worm medicine and 50 were treated for fungal infections at the Gbwari primary school. [Ninety percent] of those treated were children. In our evangelism, 28 made confessions of faith as well as a a health worker we gave a ride to on the way back to RAU. There were about a dozen new followers of Christ from earlier evangelism in the week by Aya brethren. We are now hoping to build a small grass roofed church where these new believers can begin meeting and will work with a young man who feels called to shepherd this new flock. The Lord is building His church and the gates of hell cannot prevail! Please pray this new body of believers and for us all in their discipleship!” And again on the following day, “I have been hobbling along the whole day like an old man. My legs are stiff from our climbing and walking during our door to door evangelism in Arapi yesterday. My 59 year old legs held up well with all the young bucks . It was a very rewarding day in so many ways. It was my first time to experience a whole family (8 people) put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation!” It is exciting to see Jacob walking through doorways of opportunities for which he has been preparing most of his adult life!

102_6377 — The team from RAU and the team from Aya Baptist Church

102_6408 — Up and down hills during tukalu to tukalu evangelism

102_6403 — Pastor Tobious from Aya meeting with a family of 8 who just believed on the Name of the Lord.

102_6383 — Dry season on the Nyeri Mountains

102_6393 — Reaching into very unreached areas with some good news!

102_6410 — On the way down from Nyeri Mountain, the evangelists sat on top to make room for some other passengers needing medicines

102_6394 — One of the women who believed on the Name of the Lord

102_6412 — Receiving medicines from Sam and Paul

102_6319 — Overlooking the Nile River Basin

While the team was hiking all over Nyeri Mountain, I was back at RAU, “holding down the fort” and doing my small part (typing) in the translation work of John Piper’s tract, “Quest For Joy” into Lugbara and Kakwa. Our friend and contact in Maracha, Pastor Joseph, has been overseeing that work of translation, ensuring that it is faithfully converted from English in to these two languages. Joseph has a willing, servant-heart and has eagerly done everything he can to encourage and build up the pastors in his area of the West Nile. The Lord has graciously provided faithful contacts in each of the areas into which we are pressing, of which Joseph is one!

10421505_10203323467063278_2938914357733402751_n — A sample of the Lugbara version of John Piper’s “Quest for Joy”

10882275_10203323466383261_395924660824622607_n — Three versions of “Quest for Joy” (left to right): Ma’di, English (with some terminology simplified – with permission) and Aringa. The original tract by John Piper is in front.

1475957_10203323664468213_6568950400148161392_n — Joseph of Maracha

Saturday was another work day here at the compound. Here’s another excerpt from Jacob’s post on Facebook: “Now that we are not in a growing season we are back at taming the remaining African bush on at Reaching Africa’s Unreached. There are several large termite mounds with unzi (bad, in Ma’di) trees and thorns within them. We are also near completion of creating a wide fire wall around the perimeter of the 17 acres. Wild fires can be very damaging and dangerous in the dry season.This first time is involving more labor as we level the ground and remove anything which might damage the tractor and equipment. I am very guarded in the use of tractor and implements because fixing anything is very difficult, costly and parts are hard to come by.”

102_6432 — Clearing away trees and stumps to make it easier on the tractor

102_6302 — Fire wall around perimeter of the property

One of our greatest joys has been to see the beautiful results of corrective surgeries on children towards which our beloved supporters have donated. On Saturday, little Richard, with bilateral club foot, came by to show us the progress that has been made on his feet. When we first met him, he would not smile. This time around, he was trying to hold his smiles in. He still has a few more minor surgeries which have to be done after the holidays, but the progress is miraculous. We are so grateful to our donors and the donors who give to CoRSU Hospital so that they can provide excellent skill and care to people like Richard.

10712929_10152500106723053_4716797752823150001_n — Richard with Jacob: BEFORE

10868270_10152500106938053_5259488472556815299_n (1) — Richard with Jacob: AFTER

10428093_10152500117558053_1319263555093715529_n — Richard’s feet are not the only transformation which has taken place. Somewhere along the way he found his smile, too!!!

Today (Sunday), Jacob, Paul and Sam visited and worshiped with believers in a Pentecostal church in Metu. Pastor Robert was very gracious and the brothers and sisters very warm in receiving them. The team was able to give out ESV Study Bibles to leaders in the church, many tracts for their use in reaching out to their communities and, once again, medicines to the children and some adults.

102_6445 — Pentecostal (PAG) church in Metu

In the six weeks since we have been back here, we have had the blessing of being able to put an ESV Study Bible in to the hands of key community leaders (police and government officials) and many pastors and church leaders. Their joy in receiving this resource is immeasurable, but can be likened to receiving a cold, refreshing glass of water on a blistering hot day. Most of these people do not have bookshelves loaded with books. Such a resource here is a rarity which makes it all the more valuable. Please consider giving a special gift towards purchasing the 5,000 ESV Global Bibles which we hope to place in our container. Hebrews 4:12 says,

“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.”

Thank you for taking such an interest in what we are doing and also taking part in what we are doing!

Carol and (Jacob) Lee

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)

Reaching Africa's Unreached

Category: Mercy Ministries

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Rejoicing in Answered Prayer

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What’s Going Up Is What’s Going Down…At RAU!

Pressing In