Our friend Gary Greaves with Strategic World Impact (SWI) put this video together on the events of the early morning hours September 20th. Kevin Turner, President of SWI has been with us assisting us in these trying days. He has been a great blessing to us here at Reaching Africa’s Unreached. On behalf of RAU I thank Kevin, Gary,SWI and everyone who has been praying! Please continue in your prayers!
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 deductibleas 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.
As mentioned in Carol’s last post, Preston and Laurel Sink spent two weeks of July with us in ministry. They were a real joy to us and many others. They boosted Carol’s and my spirits. They made a short video of their trip for their Church, Seagrove Baptist Church from Florida, highlighting some of the things they did. They graciously gave us permission to post it here on the RAU blog. I think you will enjoy it!
A big thank you to all who have been praying for Pastor Godfrey and the situation I alerted many of you about in a private email. Because of the situation I cannot give you details but know things are looking better. Please continue in your prayers! Thank you very much!
We had a great day in Obongi with seven young adults from 1st Presbyterian Church in Kampala on September 8th. I have had the blessing of knowing most them for a number of years, one of whom I met on my first trip to Africa in 2006. They were a great blessing to the 7 month old Obongi Town Church led by Pastor Godfrey. They brought clothes to give out and each of them shared a word of encouragement. I had the privilege of preaching and taught from The Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector. Our plan was to go tukalu to tukalu for evangelism after lunch but the heavy rains stopped us. Nevertheless, the Lord brought two people to us who were saved. One came because he was told in the town that this “group” could help him. He came in the middle of my message and afterwards approached us, wanting to know Christ. The other was a teenage girl who stopped by and with whom one of our youth spent a good hour talking; in the end she, too, was giving her life to the King of kings! When God is moving in a place no one can stop Him! On the way back we gained three more passengers who needed rides to Moyo, bringing the total in the Land Cruiser to 13. With all the rain we had to use the 4 wheel drive several times.
Heading to Obongi
Children around Obongi Town Church
The promises of Matthew 19:29 are true!
Each of the youth shared and they all led in some songsDistributing clothes brought from Kampala by the youth group
Lunch preparationsPork and fish from the Nile were on the menu
Packed in and ready to head back to Moyo
On Tuesday, the 9th, we had a beautiful day sharing Christ on Metu Mountain in several villages. The seven youth from Kampala, Sam, Godfrey, members of Aya Baptist Church, and I branched out in teams from Aya Baptist Church which is pastored by Tobius. The Lord opened the hearts of 13 people to confess Christ and many others heard the gospel message. I had the opportunity to share the gospel in a school and later had the joy of seeing a very old man place his trust in Christ. We all returned to Aya Baptist to report, praise and eat! The camera was with me so I regrettably did not get any photos of the youth as they shared the good news of Jesus. Clothing was also given out to Aya Baptist members.We left, after some beautiful fellowship, determined to go at a later date to the other villages in the area without one church! There are numerous villages back in the hills. By God’s grace we must go to them with the gospel! What joy to work with young people and a church like Aya Baptist who love Jesus and put feet to that love. Preparations are continuing for the drilling of a well in Aya. It would serve Aya and surrounding villages. There are no bore holes in these hills.
Traveling to Aya
This older man professed Christ after sharing the gospel with him.
I enjoyed sharing the gospel at this school. It brought back good memories of my times at Lifegate Christian School and Nixon-Smiley High School. There is open access to preaching the gospel in both government and private schools!
We see everyone as in need of the gospel and seek to proclaim Jesus
Worship at Aya Baptist
Clothes from the youth were given out at Aya BaptistLunch preparationsLunch is arriving!
Having some fun on the way back to RAU…hmmm…I wonder where Isma is at 🙂 !
What a fine, fun, and Jesus-loving youth group!
On Wednesday the 10th, I, along with 15 others (all much younger than me,) spent much of the day in Yumbe in one-on-one witnessing. We broke up into 5 teams and fanned out throughout Yumbe town. We all had very engaging and spirited conversations in this District which is tagged by locals at around 95% Muslim. The Lord was faithful and opened the hearts (compare Acts 16:14) of eight who have joined the family of faith. Thank you to everyone who faithfully intercedes and supports our work!
Getting ready to head into Yumbe town with the gospel. Can you tell we have a lot fun with each other?
With John and Charles who are faithful followers of Jesus in Yumbe. They are excellent interpreters. We were met with many challenging questions from Muslims who would agree to talk with us.Waiting for lunch
Debriefing…..we all shared our stories
Getting ready to head back to RAU and praising God for those who have come to know Him!
On the 11th we all went to the Moyo prison. The youth shared and sang and faithfully challenged the inmates to follow Christ. They also brought sugar, soap, and clothes for them, displaying Jesus’ love in a very tangible way. We were not allowed to take any pictures. The 12th will be spent in one on one witnessing here in Moyo District and then on the 13th they will all head back to Kampala. Each them of Jesus and I am confident they will be back with more of their fellow youth next time. When youth are challenged in the proper way I have found that they meet and exceed the challenge before them. This mission trip was not easy for them as they were stretched; the stretching was good for them and all of us at RAU!
From the 16th to the 19th we have pastors here for a teaching retreat from Koboko, Maracha, and D.R. Congo. Please be in prayer for this time of teaching and mutual encouragement in the faith. We now have some good contacts in these areas which help facilitate the bringing of these men here. The backbone of our calling are these retreats. With your prayers and support we are able to bring these men here, feed and house them, give them an ESV Global Study Bible and other solid, biblical literature, and teach on the fundamentals of the faith. This is our 9th pastor/church leaders retreat and we have hosted over 200 guests.Our good friend Kevin Turner with SWI will be with us from the 18th to the 25th. He will be able to teach at the last part of the retreat and will be a grand blessing to us and all he comes into contact with. I confidently say that because of his deep and abiding love for Jesus!
Please be in prayer for Africa as much of it is increasingly in the bull’s eye of Ebola. As you know, Ebola is rampant in West Africa. In the past, it has also been here in East Africa and in our immediate area. Please pray that its spread will stop and lives are saved. The following map gives the potential spread of it if it is not stopped. May the Sovereign God of the universe stop it in its path!
We head back to the sweet USA on October 2. It will be ten months since we have been back. We look forward to meeting the newest grandchild, number four, who is due just as we return. Both Carol and I are also looking forward to spending time with family, friends, and dear supporters! Most of our time will be in Texas; however, we will also be in Iowa for my parents 60th wedding anniversary celebration and in Tennessee with our middle son, Josiah.
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 deductibleas 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.
We just finished the first weekend in a month of ministry dedicated to Yumbe District. I preached in a Church of Uganda congregation in Eleke. RAU has been given an open door to preach in Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Independent churches. Eleke was brimming with people, especially children! The opportunity for them is great if they find a way to capture the hearts and minds of all these children.
Call to worship – in a culture where people don’t live by the clock.Procession to the ChurchPreaching on the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. This is one of most compelling parables illustrating the gospel and how it is to be lived.Moving confession of and repentance from anger and unforgiveness following sermonMany children, waiting to be engaged in Christ’s commission
Later, from the top of the Land Cruiser, I had the privilege of heralding the gospel in the market of Kerila, right after the Pilgrim’s Church Choir drew the crowds with their beautiful singing . Our preaching site was 100 yards from a large, beautiful, and brightly colored mosque and our message was lovingly aimed at the many Muslims of the area who are nearing the end of Ramadan celebration. Whether they gathered around us or were listening from behind closed doors or from a distance, our prayer is that the Lord opened hearts to believe the Gospel message in the same way the Lord opened Lydia’s heart in Acts 16.
The choir leaderWorshipersIs there a Lydia among them?Climbing the “podium”! I know George Whitefield would have loved this platform!Chatting with Brother Barnabas who was my interpreterPreach the gospel to all of creation!
Gathering to listen
The Land Cruiser served us well to not only take us back and forth from Afoji to Yumbe, but to ferry the choir, instruments and sound system to the church and market area.
Loading up the Land CruiserHow full can we pack it?!!Every space used!African style!
We will head back this next weekend!
Updates:
We have been hard at fence work, giving RAU an amazing “face lift!” A special thank you to Andy and Patsy Hildebrand from Seguin, Texas for supplying RAU with T posts and barbed wire which hitched a ride in the container. Termites are especially bad in this area so wooden posts do not last long. Also, animals love to come grazing if they’re allowed, so a sturdy perimeter is a must. Our soybeans, beans, peanuts,corn, and cassava are doing well. A nice rain would be beneficial as it is getting a bit dry. The proceeds from the crops will go directly into the ministry.
“Mildred Forgive”
We are sorry that we don’t have an updated picture of Mildred. She is back home and looks like a normal little baby and doing very well. She has a follow up visit at the end of this month. The family is very grateful for the financial help of those who made the surgery possible. Hopefully soon, we will be able to meet up with her and the mother to get some new photos.
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 names)
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 deductibleas 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.
“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.” –Leonardo Da Vinci
How far are we willing to go…physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually…to realize the the things we deem important? The Apostle Paul spurs us on like this: “Not that I have already attained this – that is, I have not already been perfected – but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead, with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:12-14, NET)
We were blown away this last week by the lengths some of the retreat attendees went to obtain their goal of being taught and receiving resources. They did not sit back and “let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.“ Three of the men cycled around 20 km – not on paved, level roads, but on hilly, rough and rocky roads, not with fancy ten speeds, but basic cycles – to get to RAU campus and then cycled back!
It is this caliber of person that gives us such joy and satisfaction to host at our Pastors’ retreats. But whether the pastors and lay leaders have come from near or far, their expressions of gratefulness to the Lord for His provision are equally genuine and spur us to continue what we are doing. This last week we hosted a group of Pastors and lay leaders from the Church of Uganda in Moyo, Lefori, and Koboko. We enjoy each group that comes and love to hear their stories, empathize in their struggles, pray for them, equip them and encourage them to press on. At the end of the retreat we set aside time to hear from them. That’s where we get especially encouraged as they give thanks to God for the blessings they have received during the week.
Fiery and gifted preacher and teacher, Patrick Bukenya, with Robert interpreting into the Kuku (Bari) language
Jacob Lee, visionary architect for RAU and gifted teacher; Robert, interpreter extraordinaire
Some of the women lay leaders who attended, along with Robert.Seriously taking notes!The group photoCollecting quotes from the talking wallsA joyful smile
Thanks be to God for all our faithful supporters! As time passes we see so much more clearly that you are like a tree and we are like the branch. You support us; you provide the sap that keeps us alive! Thank you for faithfully giving and praying!
This coming month of July has been set aside for ministry in Yumbe and Yumbe District. We will spend each Sunday in Yumbe where Jacob will have the privilege to preach. During the week we will have other opportunities for ministry – teaching, medical and evangelism. We are expecting a young couple, Preston and Laurel, to join us from Florida in the last two weeks of July. We look forward to including them in the ministry that is planned and pray that it will be a time of mutual blessing! From July 15th through the 18th we will be hosting our third retreat for pastors and leaders from the Yumbe area here at RAU. There are many unreached and unengaged people in Yumbe District, so we feel it particularly crucial to focus on the spiritual care of the Christians in this region.
Resources needed!
As we look forward to years of serving pastors and church leaders, it has been on our minds that we need to start working on the next container – this time, perhaps, a smaller one with just Study Bibles, books and tracts. Knowing that it will take some time to reach the goal financially, we feel the urgency to think and talk about it now! Our hope is to get 5000 more ESV Global Study Bibles as well as other literature from The Gospel Coalition International Outreach, as we have in the past. Confining the container strictly to literature will, we hope, keep it from being bogged down at customs in Kampala.
Resources for pastors and church leaders which have been given during retreats
We will keep you updated on the details of this plan, but keep this as a matter of priority in prayer and giving. Without resources our impact will be softened.
Please keep praying for our growing opportunities for medical outreach and care. The Lord continues to place people with special needs before us and it is a particular joy to be able to be involved in changing their lives through surgeries and other treatments. Thank you for always responding so joyfully and promptly when we place these medical needs before you.
Some very happy mothers! Thank you for your prayers and support!
The two children who received cleft palate surgery are doing well. The second child still needs the palate reconstruction. (A generous couple has come forward to provide funds to see that it happens.) Mindra’s daughter, Anzo (whose name means “happiness” or “gratitude”) had her cataract surgery and she is healing wonderfully and able to see with greater clarity during the day. We still have plans to ensure surgery for the two young children with orthopedic abnormalities (club foot and knock knees).
Awaiting provision for surgery at CoRSU Hospital in KampalaAwaiting provision for surgery at CoRSU Hospital in Kampala
Little Mildred, with hydrocephalus, is at the CURE Children’s Hospital in Mbale, Uganda, which specializes in neurological problems. When we found out that the surgery was not free, a wonderful couple stepped up to provide the funds. Understandably, the surgery is not free. It costs the hospital around $2000 USD to perform it, but because it has been subsidized by donors, the cost is $400 or 1 million Ugandan Shillings plus care while in the hospital and transport to and from the hospital. Mildred, we just found out, had her surgery several days ago and is recovering very well in the ICU. She still needs a second surgery. Please pray that the shunts will remain open and functional. Statistically, shunts have a 40% chance of closing off within a short period of time, requiring repeat surgeries.
2 month old Mildred with hydrocephalus
Last week, we received some photos from our friend, Ben, in Yumbe, of children who have various correctable problems. Four of them have cleft lips/palates, one has hypertrophied adenoids (severely enlarged adenoids – to the point where he is barely able to swallow) and the last child has both male and female genitalia. We will continue to help these children with surgery as the Lord provides.
Please pray about funding a specific surgical need. We don’t want to make any promises to these families without having the certainty of provision. Also, we don’t want to drift from our primary purpose of pastoral training, so any provision of medical care will be from funds raised specifically for each medical need or case, and not from money that is given generally towards RAU’s ministry.
As we press on, please pray about the following needs. As the Lord moves your heart to give financially, please indicate, along with the gift, to which ministry you want the funds allocated.
1. Pastors’ Retreats
2. Literature Resource Container
3. Medical needs of Children: 2 orthopedic surgeries (our next priority), 4 cleft palate surgeries, 1 enlarged adenoids, 1 child with both male/female genitalia
“Now to Him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.“
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 names)
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 deductibleas 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.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. “
Philippians 4:4
Carol and I have much to rejoice in as we come close to completing our first year as missionaries in Uganda, just a couple kilometers off the South Sudan border. There have been many challenges and difficulties mixed with many successes and triumphs. We can rejoice at all times because we know, from God’s promises as well as His presence, that He is always with us and in His presence is fullness of joy (Psalms 16:11)! We rejoice, also, because we know we have a battalion of prayer warriors and supporters who are standing with us in spreading the fame of King Jesus here in the West Nile region of Uganda. Thank you!
I am rejoicing that we now have a new Aringa web page at RAU’s blog featuring the excellent gospel tract Quest For Joy written by John Piper ( Desiring God ). The Aringa translation and editing work was done by Yumbe friends, Onduga Charles, Angoli Alex and Angupale Andrew. Thank you Charles, Alex, and Andrew! The excellent layout work on the AringaQuest For Joy tract (English version here) was done by graphic designer Dan Thompson. Doug Salser with Literature Ministries International helped spearhead this web edition as well as a print edition. Many thanks to Dan and Doug! They were also the ones who did the same work with the Ma’di Quest For Joy. Twenty thousand of the Aringa Quest For Joy tracts have been published and purchased by Reaching Africa’s Unreached and are to be distributed in Yumbe District. Preston and Laurel from Florida will be bring around 8,000 to us when they visit for a ministry trip in the last weeks of July. We are praying that the rest can come with other visitors.
The distribution of these tracts corresponds with the first ever translation and publication of the Aringa New Testament through Here’s Life Ministries. On the 24th we are rejoicing that we get to be part of the dedication service for this first ever translation of the New Testament in Aringa. God is getting His Word to the Aringa people!
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. “!
Proclaiming Jesus in Yumbe West Nile
We will be spending most of July in Yumbe itself involved with discipleship, evangelism, along with distributing de-worming medicine. July 15-18 we will host, here at RAU, our third group of church leaders from Yumbe District. This coming week, we host a group of pastors/church leaders from Moyo. As I have mentioned before, these retreats are the backbone of RAU’s ministry. We are very desirous of teaching faithful men who in turn will teach others (2 Tim. 2:2). The key to the unreached and unengaged people’s being reached with the glorious gospel is multiplication not addition! Your prayers and support are a very vital part of this ministry! Thank you!
Along with RAU’s discipleship and evangelism, the Lord has brought, and continues to bring, children with special needs our way. Eight year old Anzo, who is our neighbor, had successful corrective surgery on both eyes for her congenital cataracts this past week. Earlier in the year, RAU was able to assist, because of God’s people, two babies from Yumbe with cleft pallet surgeries. On Friday a 2 month old baby with hydrocephalus was brought to our attention through a local friend,Michael. The baby is very,very weak , and she is pitifully thin. The baby is too weak to even cry!
2 month old baby with hydrocephalus
She is currently in the Moyo hospital getting paperwork/recommendation for transfer to Mbale for a shunt. There is no such facility available here to care for the special needs of these precious children and so it requires traveling long distances. Hopefully, the surgery can be done free, just like with the other children or, at least, inexpensively. The definite need is for transport and care while in the hospital. (When someone takes their child to a hospital that is outside of their home area, they must pack pots and pans and everything they will need to feed and clean and care for themselves.) There is also a 6-8 year old boy with bilateral club foot and a 3-4 year old girl with severe knock knees whom we would like to also help. They both live near by. As with the other children, this is where we feel we can be a part of God’s transforming love. This ministry has been set before us and we know we are here for this purpose as well preaching and teaching. Pray for these children and us. Help us us if you can. Thank you! At this link there are instructions on how you can give: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/
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 names)
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 deductibleas 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.
Reaching Africa's Unreached 
