Sam and I spent most of one day at Mengo Hospital Kampala with 8 year Anzo and her father Mindra. They live near us at Reaching Africa’s Unreached and Mindra has been helping us a lot at RAU. We have had a consultation with doctor for this sweet little girl who has suffered from congenital cataracts from birth. The good news is that she can be helped with surgery. We will be back in mid June for that and afterwards she should be able to see clearly…PTL!
The doctor who examined Anzo stated the hospital wants to help children in the West Nile Region who have eye problems but finding the children,transportation to Kampala, and care in the hospital has kept them from being able to help. This very well may be a way RAU can be a part of helping children with eye difficulties in much neglected rural village areas of Yumbe and Moyo Districts. We are already working with a hospital in Kampala for children with cleft pallets, club feet, etc. This is just another opportunity for us to show the love of Jesus.These children are forever changed and their families/clans hearts are softened to hear the good news of Jesus Christ!
This was Anzo’s and Mindra first burger and fries.
I had a very encouraging conversation with the Mengo hospital administrator in charge of the eye department. It does looks like we will be able to partner together to help other children in Northwestern Uganda (West Nile Region). Their funds from a grant will be soon running out and they may not be able to continue doing the surgeries for free. The administrator stated when their grant is is fully used if we could contribute at least $200 we could still bring children there for surgeries. What do you say?
These children have no hope for corrective surgeries unless someone comes to them and helps them…just like the Lord did for us! The Lord is providentially bringing these children from Moyo and Yumbe Districts right to us. We cannot turn away from them! We have opportunity to help an additional two children with cleft pallets from Yumbe District and from Moyo District a child with severe club feet, another with knee issues, and yet another with a wrist problem. Please pray for these children and help us help them.
We also had hopes, when in Kampala, that Carol and I could buy an ’06 Land Cruiser. Pastor Patrick had spotted one for us. Just after arriving in Kampala we were told the vehicle was sold to someone else. I should have felt very disappointed but I was not. I am a firm believer in the sovereignty God! I remember RC Sproul once stating, “If there is just one rogue molecule in the Universe God is not sovereign.” I agree! We did everything we could and the door was closed to the ’06. I knew the Lord had something better for us and He did! The next day a ’02 Land Cruiser was located which was in better shape and with fewer miles. It has everything we wanted with the exception of a winch and right kind of roof rack. Hopefully we will be able to get the winch later. We have had a big rack made for it which will be helpful to carry things and be used for a platform to preach from in villages. I am sure George Whitefield would have done the very same thing if he, too, had had a Land Cruiser.
Now we will not be hindered from going out from RAU for discipleship, evangelism, and medical outreaches. We will also have the means to mobilize and bring children from the West Nile for corrective surgeries.!
A group of pastors will be arriving from Yumbe Tuesday and will be with us until Friday and then the following Tuesday through Friday another group from Obongi will be with us. These pastor/leadership retreats are the backbone of RAU’s mission and vision!
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!
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.
I have so much joy in being able to relay to you the mercy and faithfulness of our God in allowing us to see harvest at RAU and to show you what your work has done. Often, Jacob and I think about the fact that if it were not for you and your financial and prayerful partnership, and your joyful obedience to the Lord, we could accomplish nothing. As Pastor Josh Jordan from our home church, Lifegate, preached this last Sunday (which we were able to hear via Skype) RAU is only a conduit of your gospel generosity! I have had the opportunity to thank many of you who have given and my theme has been how God’s faithfulness through the faithfulness of His people spurs us on to be faithful in our calling here in Uganda. It is the beautiful cycle of giving and blessing that we see in 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 that is described in agricultural terms: the Lord’s people plant (cheerfully and generously) and receive a bountiful harvest; this yields an ever increasing harvest of righteousness that glorifies the Lord and produces thankfulness in people because they experience the mercy of our Savior. Thank you all for giving, whether it be money, prayers, personal visits, encouragement or love…it will, all of it, yield a harvest of righteousness as we see the Lord’s people blessed by it and God receiving glory in it! May we become transformed by the Gospel in such a way that the world will see that we have been with Jesus!
The following are areas in which we clearly see growth and blessing:
1. The physical structures are completed. That is a tremendous relief and it is gratifying to see these goals completed.
2. The land has been cleared and tilled and crops (G-nuts, beans, maize, cassava, and soybeans) have been planted. Jacob has, I think, given a good accounting of exactly what a big feat that was. As I am writing this, Jacob just finished paying the ones who did the planting and it started pouring rain! The timing couldn’t have been better! We await the harvest, the selling of which will allow reinvestment into RAU ministry. The first planted G-nuts (ground nuts or peanuts) are already sprouting out of the ground. I am grateful for Jacob and his diverse talents, all of which the Lord is using here! I am also grateful for the local people that work at RAU. They are showing themselves to be diligent and a joy to be around! It is a mutually beneficial relationship.
50 more grafted mangoes ready to plant
3. While we had a few postponements of Pastors’ retreats, they are all back on the schedule…all six of them. (As if to give example to Romans 8:28, the postponements worked for the good of giving time to get the plowing and planting done.) Even if there has been a breif hiatus in retreats, we have still had, almost on a daily basis, pastors dropping by for resources which RAU is so blessed and privileged to have available for them, thanks to many donors! It is encouraging that they not only want the resources, but truly enjoy the fellowship and discussions on Christian living and the Bible. In upcoming retreats, we are truly looking forward to serving each and every pastor that attends a retreat by providing them with teaching and resources, but also in getting to know them and their specific challenges as pastors. We want them to go back home encouraged and spurred on to serve their people as Christ’s Under Shepherds.
4. Medical Outreach is happening in more of an unexpected, but beautiful way. As our RAU vision for a Medical Clinic on site is a “down the road” plan (even if we had the funds to start building right away) it is encouraging to me to see that there are ways we can help immediately. Out of our Kerwa outreach, where RAU was able to not only work in a clinic there, but provide medicines, we identified a child with a cleft lip and palate and then, later, another child with an even more severe cleft lip and palate. (This has already been reported on in another post.)
Two happy moms and their babies who received cleft palate surgery
These children, whose lives have been clearly changed, opened our eyes to see others who have deformities or disease that can be corrected/treated if only they can receive the appropriate surgery or intervention. The following children have been diagnosed with correctable conditions: (all photos were taken with the permission of the parents)
Anzo ( 8 year old daughter of one of the men who helps on RAU property, Mindra)—she has bilateral congenital cataracts. She and her father, Mindra, will be traveling with Jacob to Kampala where Anzo will be evaluated at Mengo Hospital, which has a department specifically dealing with eye disorders. The hope is that she will receive corrective surgery in the near future. At this time, her day vision is very poor and she can only see up close with squinted eyes.
Anzo
Ezron (3 year old boy and nephew of one of the men who works at RAU)—has severe knock knee or genu valgum. He would initially be taken for an evaluation at CoRSU in Kampala (where the infants with cleft palate had surgery.) At CoRSU they have a special pediatric orthopedic clinic.
Ezron
Richard (a 5 or 6 year old boy we saw at a church we go to often)—has bilateral club foot. The father, Michael, who is a teacher in South Sudan, said that he had attempted several times to find a way to get corrective surgery for his son, but was unable. Our plan, if we have the funds to do so, would be to take Richard to CoRSU Hospital in Kampala for surgery. In his case, also, we would first need to get an evaluation by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. They have clinics every Monday for evaluations which includes x-rays and blood work.
Richard
Emanuel (9 year old girl from our local community)—had broken her wrist which healed badly and is now deformed.
Emanuel
Without forgetting or undercutting our primary calling to pastors and church leaders, we would like to bring these medical needs to your attention so that, if you have a burden from the Lord to help meet them, you could specifically allocate funds to help these children.
We thank God for the encouragement of seeing fruit! We pray that it will be the Lord who receives glory through cheerful sowing and reaping and grateful receiving.
Planting
2 Corinthians 9:6-12
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
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!
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.
(Many pictures and videos are posted after the report.)
As I write this newsletter my emotions are mixed. In the last few days I have seen clear evidences of God’s grace and clear evidences of sin and the fall. Of course, these signs are always around us, whether we live in America or Africa. However, at times they are more pronounced.
During this past week I was informed that Kenya Ray had died. Kenya Ray, 25 years old, was the youth leader in his church. He had attended our first leadership retreat when Ron Zeiner was with us. He was a vibrant man, gifted in music, who loved Jesus dearly. He is the kind of young man with whom the Lord has called me here to share my life. His death greatly saddens me. After the retreat, we interacted often and I preached in his small village church. He came down with typhoid partnered with malaria…and it killed him. He was undergoing treatment in the hospital when he died. I attended his burial in village very near us. This was the first African funeral I have attended which was a very unique experience in and of itself. Please be praying for his family.
An outbreak of cholera is in a small town near Moyo and in Obongi itself. Obongi is where Godfrey leads the new RAU church plant. The church is growing in numbers through converts on a weekly basis. I am happy to also report they are also growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. Pray for protection from cholera and other sicknesses which ravage this area.
On the 30th, we (Carol, Sam, Godfrey, and I) spent much of the day in a South Sudanese refugee camp near Adjumani. Last month, in one of my newsletters, I shared with you that we were able to purchase, with the donations of several people, around 4.5 tons of dried cassava for refugees. It had been delivered to the UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) camp where it was stored until arrangements were able to be made for us to be present when it was distributed. Pastor Justin coordinated all these details for us. When we first arrived at the UNHCR compound, we met with Omar who is the second in charge. He was very gracious even though he was in the midst of dealing with a conflict in one of the camps.
Omar told us there are 14 separate camps with the total number of refugees at 72,000 or more. Others have told us there are 100,000. If you are not familiar with why these refugees are here, I encourage you to visit this BBC site: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-25427965 . The refugees are continuing to come into Uganda as the fighting continues in South Sudan. They now have opened Moyo District for refugees as well. As you know, Moyo District borders South Sudan and this is the district where RAU is located. From my bedroom window I can look into South Sudan.
The camp we went to was one set aside as a “special needs camp”. It was specifically for the elderly and those disabled both physically and mentally. There were many, many children in the camp as well. Before the distribution I had an opportunity to encourage them. I struggled for words, praying fervently the whole time. I told them that they had not been forgotten by the God of the Universe and we were there with them because the Lord loved them and we loved them. It was Christ’s love which compelled us to be there and it was Christ’s love which moved people to give so that their families could have the food. These words brought loud cheers from them and many smiles of appreciation. The refugees are not currently in a position where they can help themselves.
Most refugees fled the tribe-against-tribe war in South Sudan with only what they could carry. The repercussions of such fighting do not leave out the old, the young, and the disabled. These Dinkas with special needs are suffering because of sin. As followers of Christ these are the ones we are called to come alongside and help. It was our Lord who told us to love and care for those who cannot repay us. I am of the firm conviction that these are the very ones we are called to run to and not away from!
Through Pastor Justin, who works closely with the UNHRC and DRC (Danish Refugee Council) in the camps, we will be able to come back to this camp as the Lord supplies through donations. We found out that clothes, school supplies and basic hygiene kits are also needed. These items can be purchased in Kampala. Food is welcomed but, because the UNHRC does not have big storage facilities, it has to be coordinated well and, therefore, is not optimal.
The door is also open for evangelism and discipleship. I had thought RAU would be involved in these activities by going into South Sudan but, instead, South Sudan has been brought to our doorstep! Pray with us for South Sudan and for the many refugees who have had to flee their homes, possessions and livelihood; and pray for the opportunity to proclaim the gospel in both word and deed.
We just received a wonderful report from Pastor Ben who has been spearheading the cleft pallet surgeries from RAU’s end for two babies from Yumbe District. The first child had his first operation over a month ago and has been in Kampala now for about 10 days waiting for his second surgery at a fine hospital called CORSU. I cannot speak too highly about their services. They did the surgeries free of charge! The second baby, a little girl, with even more severe disfigurement, has now received her first operation. The change is amazing and the mother couldn’t be more grateful and happy!
This is a quote from Ben’s report. He has been in Kampala with the children and mothers:
“…I asked the mother how she felt after seeing her former damaged baby being made well, she almost dropped tears, as she recalled the words of her grandmother who told her not to waste money for the treatment, but to spend it on feeding, so that the child would grow just like that. She only said this statement; “I’M LOST FOR WORDS” then she bowed down her head and looked at the child again, and again she raised her face and looked at my face and she smiled. I told her there are people who are praying for you, your baby, and supporting you in all what you were going through. Then she developed a demand to see the people. I told her about Jacob and Carol Lee and the entire ministry of RAU…”
The first child was spotted by Carol and Sam during our medical, evangelism, and discipleship outreach in a Yumbe Sub County called Kerwa. The second child was identified by Ben who brought her to our attention. We found out that there are hospitals and doctors who will freely operate on these children if there is some one or a group who will transport the children/parent(s), and care for them pre- and post-surgery, and while they are in the hospital. Here, family members must feed and care for the patients/family while in the hospital. Ben worked out all the details and RAU, with the gifts of several people, has been able to have the privilege to care for these children.
Both families have been very touched by the love shown them. In Africa, in general, and with Muslim families in particular, there is a very tight family and clan bond. The love of Jesus shown to these families is a strong witness for the families and their Muslim communities. Pray for these children and their families. There will need to be more follow-up surgeries. Also, word is getting out and, no doubt, more children will be brought to us. As the Lord provides through you we will help those that come.
Carol has often posted pictures of Mindra, who is one of the men who works at RAU many days a week on our land. He has the most delightful laugh! His oldest daughter is now eight and, since birth, she has only been able to open her eyes partially and see poorly. He has been told that she needs special surgery which can only be done safely in Kampala. Carol and I are burdened to help this child. On our next trip to Kampala we would like to take Mindra and his daughter with us so she can be examined by a specialist who can give us some guidance. If you would like to help us with this please let me know.
In this region the things we were able to help with seldom happen. Children/families and refugees in these situations are simply not able to help themselves. They need someone to give them a leg up!
We came here purposefully to strengthen and to teach faithful church leaders who will, in turn, teach others (2Tim. 2:2). Our goal is to see the local churches (which are few, especially in areas such as Obongi and Yumbe) become multiplying churches. This will always be our calling. Along the way, though, the Lord has placed these opportunities to display the mercy and love of the Lord in physical ways. We are not surprised as we see this type of ministry displayed in the life of Christ. In the book of Titus we are told that Christ has redeemed us “from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works” (2:14). We want to walk together with you with a zeal for good works.
In Yumbe District, with its high population of Muslims, we want to continue to couple our evangelism/discipleship with medical help. Medical personnel, please consider coming on short term ministry trips. I can coordinate things from this end. We would like to set aside the month of July to specifically target Yumbe District with medical care, evangelism and discipleship. Contact me if you can come and we can work together to make Jesus known in Yumbe District. Pray for the distribution of the first ever translation of the New Testament in Aringa. Aringa is the main language of Yumbe. Each New Testament cost only $3! We are also having 20,000 of the Quest for Joy (gospel tract by John Piper) printed by Literature Ministries International in Aringa. We need people who will pack these tracts in their bags when they come!
We have six leadership retreats lined up here at RAU. In these retreats the men spend four days with us. Please pray for the retreats as they are the backbone of our ministry. We will continue to travel to Obongi and Yumbe as often as we can for discipleship training and evangelism. Please continue in your prayers and support for these retreats and outreaches.
Let me leave you with exhortation from John Stott that I come back to often:
“If God desires every knee to bow to Jesus and every tongue to confess Him, so should we. We should be ‘jealous’ for the honor of His name—troubled when it remains unknown, hurt when it is ignored, indignant when it is blasphemed, and all the time anxious and determined that it shall be given the honor and glory which are due to it.
The highest of all missionary motives is neither obedience to the Great Commission (important as that is), nor love for sinners who are alienated and perishing (strong as that incentive is, especially when we contemplate the wrath of God), but rather zeal—burning and passionate zeal—for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Only one imperialism is Christian, and that is concern for His Imperial Majesty Jesus Christ, and for the glory of his empire or kingdom. Before this supreme goal of the Christian mission, all unworthy motives wither and die.” John Stott The Message of Romans (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1994), p. 53.
(Note: We were given permission to take and post these pictures/videos)
Before and After Surgeries
The children and mothers stayed in CORSU hospital in Kampala before surgeries and after their surgeries. RAU will also continue to care for them after they return their homes in Yumbe District. Follow up surgeries may be needed.
Some very happy mothers! Thank you for your prayers and support!
South Sudanese Refugee Camp Pictures and Videos
Loading the cassava at RAU
The cassava was transported across the Nile River to the UNHCR headquarters where it was off loaded and stored.
When we arrived at the UNHCR headquarters the cassava was loaded on the truck to the left.
At the camp ready to offload
Off loading at the camp4.5 tons of cassava ready for distribution
Kaaba and Julfa with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) did an excellent job facilitating the distribution of the cassava to the people. They were very helpful and easy to work with. The DRC works closely with the UN.
Justin on the far right has been our hands,eyes,ears in the camp for us. He is a pastor and has a heart for the refugees which is clearly seen in his life. He is leading a group of believers in one of the camps and currently is building a structure so they can meet throughout the rainy season. If you would like to help him in his building work I would be happy to put you into contact with him. The boy in the middle lives in the camp. The head markings are very common among the Dinka’s.
Before the distribution we had opportunity to share with people that they had not been forgotten by the God of the Universe. I told them we were there because we loved them and that the food given was a token God’s love expressed by Christians who loved them.
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!
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.
Has it already been eight and half months? Has it only been eight and a half months? Time has flown by and, yet, it seems like we have been here longer than that. I thought it would be good, especially for those who do not access Facebook, to give you a pictorial view of our lives here at RAU. I started out taking pictures with my i Pad, but during our last visit to the States I was given a wonderful camera as a gift. I hope that I am and will be doing it justice!
Jacob and I had been preparing our hearts for this momentous move for many years, but preparing to say goodbye does not mean diminishing love or the object of one’s love so that it doesn’t hurt so much.
Our loves!
Josh and Becca, Eliza and BenJosiah LeeAnna and Kenny Danley and the little one, yet unborn, who we would later come to know as Keira!Creating memoriesSaying goodbye at the airport
Is it possible to be happy and sad at the same time? Well, we were! There were tears and hugs and sad goodbyes, but there was an inner excitement in being on our way to this grand adventure to which the Lord had called us. And an adventure it has been…from the start!
Muddy road ahead!On the way to MoyoNear Murchison FallsSign post for the Nile River–you know you’re close!The bulrushes at the Nile RiverHome at last!
It wasn’t long after we reached our home in Afoji that we realized that our family was not replaced but expanded!
Patrick BukenyaVickie BukenyaGabbie and Genesis BukenyaSam! (AKA Nyombi Samuel Wilson, AKA NSamuel RAU)Getting to know and love our cook, Lucy
RAU family!Vuamaiku Abraham, co-workerLanguage study with Maggie, Abraham’s wife
Cuisine D’Afrique
Adjusting to cultural differences was a challenge; however, I have to say that having grown up in India as a missionary’s kid made the transition much easier. In some ways, it was as if I were returning to my childhood home and to a landscape I knew and loved, including some foods.
Our taste buds had a new palate of foods to accommodate to, some of which were no trouble, but delight…like fresh fruit from the tree onto our table! And the wonderful benefit of our new diet?—much needed weight loss!
Developing new tastes–posho and beansAnd remembering and reviving old tastes–guavasLearning new skills–chapathi makingRed hot!Home made hot sauceMaking passion fruit juicePapaya!Luscious watermelonMangoes!
OK! OK! I have stirred up enough envy and covetousness!
Ministry
On to ministry! Jacob immediately started circulating to all the local churches to encourage them and let them know about RAU’s ministry plans.
Visiting a churchVisiting a local churchMeeting our Anglican brothers and sistersAnother local churchHeading home after prayers.
This church is made of bamboo walls and a tin roof and is shaded by a large mango tree.
It was at the church in the above picture that I got this beautiful shot of Jacob and the pastor’s sons. Jacob never stops being a grandpa! And kids seem to love him, too.
An Unexpected Journey
I had the privilege of accompanying Gabbie to California for heart surgery, after which I had the joy of being reunited with our family in Texas (Sadly, minus Josiah; he could not leave work so suddenly) and of meeting our newest grand baby, Keira Danley.
Unexpected JourneyCuddling the newest grand baby, KeiraKenny doing an amazing job as a first time dad!Auntie Becca!BenjaminElizaDaddy, Mommy and Keira
I felt bad for Jacob missing out on this. He was a trooper for letting me go. It’s a good thing he was kept busy getting things ready for upcoming ministry. I did my best to send videos and pictures to keep him in the loop as much as possible.
Ministry
It wasn’t too long before RAU was able to launch its envisioned task–Pastors’ retreats and training. It was a blessing to have, as our first guest speaker, our dear friend, Ron Zeiner. Soon after, we welcomed the “Tennessee Trio”, David Jones, Michael Lambert and Eric Williams. Only a week and a half later we had the pleasure of meeting a good friend of Jacob, Kevin Turner (SWI) and his team member, Ron Day.
Leaving for Obongi; Ron and JacobVery first retreat with Ron ZeinerThe Tennessee Trio, Eric, Michael and DavidKevin Turner and Ron Day with SWI
As you can see from this last photo, we were not always serious. Each team that visited us brought with them the life of Christ displayed in a beautiful and peculiar way. Without any doubt, each one that came gave us a view of the servant-heart of Christ, not only in word, but deed as well. It was a joy to get to know them all! We are blessed!
Some of our favorite memories are the “getting-to-know-them” moments.
In Moyo town, walking around with the guys from TennesseeWhen we first started referring to the front porch as “The Internet Cafe” because that’s where the strongest signal was.Michael Lambert…hanging out!At the Ugandan/South Sudan border with the “Tennessee Trio”. Seated: David, Jacob,Officer in Charge of Afoji Border Crossing, Michael, Eric.Standing: Carol, Immigration OfficerA wild and crazy guy! Kevin Turner. Can you say, “mamba!”Interesting photo op…”how beautiful are the feet…” with Ron DayFavorite refreshment!Friends
Christmas Holidays
Christmas with our grandchildrenShowing Eliza how ladies carry babies on their backs in Africa
Josiah and Keira
Reconnecting and receiving grace through prayer from our home Church, Lifegate.
Unavoidably and Royally Detained
On our way back to Uganda after the holidays, we met with some delays, but it certainly turned out in our favor! We missed our flight from Amsterdam to Entebbe and so Delta Airlines put us up in a very, very nice hotel and gave us a meal voucher for supper and breakfast. That was a royal treat!
Back in the Saddle Again
Our friend, John Howarton; we were blessed to celebrate him on his birthday…with chocolate no-bakes!
Yumbe Pastors’ Retreat
Enjoying the bag of resources: Bible, books and other materialsHeartfelt worship
The cooks: Lucy and her sister, GraceGoody bags!
Yumbe Outreach
We (Carol and Sam) spent many hours in Kerwa clinic demonstrating Christ’s love through nursing care and dispensing medicines RAU had purchased with donations from faithful giversNurse SamJacob preaching in the marketOpen Air Preaching in Yumbe
Obongi Discipleship and Baptisms
Our beloved Godfrey, pastor of the fledgling and flourishing church in Obonge.Students of the WordBaptisms in the Nile River
Adjumani Pastors’ Retreat
Studying God’s Word together2 Timothy 2:2…A band of brothersJacob with Vuamaiku Abraham interpretingDavid KabaalePatrick BukenyaFresh mango pineapple juice made with blender
Muzungu!
It was always a treat to see some other white faces who speak American English…
Amanda Samrani, with Wings of Healing in South Sudan; pictured here with her director, Duane Jones.
Brad and Kim Campbell and two of Kim’s daughters who were in Juba when war broke out and had to flee for their lives with the orphans for whom they were caring.
Incredible Edibles?!!!
Tasty mole…or so they say!The queen of the termite mound. Good cooked or raw…Where’s the Phenergan?!Grasshopper!Rat!Fried white ants…or termites!
And then there was fox! Sorry, no picture.
Oh dear! Just thinking of eating any of these makes my stomach turn.
A Special Joy
As I mentioned earlier in the post, I received a very nice camera as a gift and it has been a very special joy to grow in my artistry with it. The following are some of my favorite pictures: of faces and places and flora and fauna. It is a very small representation of the vast quantities of photos taken and a very difficult task to pick only a few. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I did hunting them down or in being at the right place at the right time with the right equipment! My favorites are of the beautiful faces and, especially the women, who work incredibly hard, not only in the field, but the home.
Baby sitterCollecting and carrying firewood.The woman on the left is pregnant.Nursing motherWeeding cassava by day, collecting wood to go home and cook…by night.I loved their hysterical laughter at being photographed!
A favorite of mine–mothers and babies
Relaxing after a hard day’s work.Jacob with Josiah, Abraham’s son.On the way back from prayers in Moyo…on a boda boda.
Comrades in Christ!My favorite modelOne of watchman John’s many crafts.John, watchman and general handyman
Favorite sunsets
Creative Ventures
I have also enjoyed another avenue of creativity and am so grateful to have some time and the inspiration to do it. I have done some painting in the past, but am doing it now with a little more regularity. It has been recreational as well as a means to raise funds for a special project–that of helping a friend here through medical school.
Beginnings
Papaya paintingRAU tukalooMangoes
Five small commissioned paintings for a friend for Christmas gifts.
Here are three paintings which have sold in fund-raising efforts. There is also one in the works.
This artistry is by no means my primary purpose here, but it has been an enjoyable and anticipated hobby. It is an opportunity to express the image of God in creating as well as a means of communicating to you in a special way our experiences.
Thanks for your interest, love, support and 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 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!
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.
One of the Refugee camps near Adjumani. Adjumani is just across the Nile River from us.
Through the donations of several people RAU was able to purchase over 9,000 pounds of dried cassava for South Sudanese in the refugee camps near Adjumani. Because we were able to purchase the cassava here locally we eliminated a lot of transport costs and in turn could actually buy more food!
The cassava will be ground and mixed with sorghum. At this time there are around 100,000 in these camps. We are working closely with the OPM (Ugandan Office of the Prime Minister) and the United Nations (UN). Justin, a brother in Christ, who works in the camps has taken care of these important and necessary details.
These people need outside help to survive
The OPM and the UN will be the ones who actually distribute the the cassava. We will be allowed to be there when it is distributed to document that it is indeed reaching the people. Justin is currently working on an interdenominational church structure where refugees will be able to meet for worship. With Justin, we now have a place and the contacts where RAU can begin discipleship training and evangelism in the camps. Also, as more funds come in for food aid, we will be able to show the love of Christ by giving food to those who have no means themselves to obtain it. When we are in the camps I will post another report along with pictures.
Justin is coordinating efforts in the camps
Please pray with us that we can be a good ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of these South Sudanese refugee camps. Pray for South Sudan as there is still no peace!
Please also pray that we can obtain a vehicle that will make it much easier for our outreaches in these camps as well as for discipleship training in Yumbe and Obongi.
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Off to Adjumani
Please consider helping us so that we can be a part of sharing the gospel in the camps, discipling believers, and feeding the hungry. Thank you!
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!
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 