Northward out of Moyo Town towards Afoji; trees planted along the road by Comboni Missionaries many years ago.
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do:forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.“
Philippians 3:13-14
July has been so packed with paths, playing, preaching, praises, people and the lively pursuit of happiness in Christ that Preston and Laurel Sink’s travel adventures have not even been half told since my last post. If they wanted to experience the full gamut, they could not have come at a better time. Even prior to any knowledge of their coming we had filled the calendar full for July and they got here just in time to take it on…with their cheerful game face.
PATHS
We took so many different roads while they were here, some smoother than others, some more like paths than roads, some either dusty or muddy, all…bumpy! We were made to appreciate the Land Cruiser more with each trip. Initially, the 4-wheel drive was not working, but after seeing the potential disasters of navigating without it, we pushed to see it fixed. On the last day of ministry with Preston and Laurel to Aya Baptist Church on Metu Mountain, we could not have made it up the steep inclines without 4-wheel drive.
The road to Pakayu Yumbe DistrictA little trepidation as we turned off the main roadIt kept getting narrower……and narrower!Heading back to Afoji through Moyo TownScenic route on return home from YumbeRoad to ObongiClose to Aya on top of Metu MountainOn the way to Metu Mountain
The jarring discomfort of the rides was offset by the beauty we were able to take in. Uganda is surely the “Pearl of Africa!”
We shared the roads with many others…a herd of cows……and goats…
…and students on their way home for lunch.Lovely rocky hills…remind me so much of the area in which I grew up in India.Midway to Aya…taking in the beautiful view of the Nile River BasinNile River backdrop…from left to right…Tobious (pastor, host and guide up the mountain), Preston, Laurel and Jacob, “the Chief”, Mindra, Lucy and Sam.Yours truly…Triumphant protector at a roadside “pit stop!”Real wildlife sighting…baboons! Difficult to capture by camera. They were skittish, unlike the baboons we see on the way from Kampala, near Murchison Falls, who see us as intruders on their roads.Holding their own up a steep inclineBreathtaking, pristine beauty!From inside Pakayu church Yumbe District
Aya Baptist Church and Welcome Centers and the picturesque tree where they used to meet before a building was erected.The doors are small, especially for someone like Preston.“The Tree”
PLAYING
I have to say that it was reviving to us to have Preston and Laurel here even for the sake of friendship and recreation. Thankful for a few “down days,” it was so nice to hang around and hang out without an agenda to follow.
Sam finally found an equally enthusiastic Frisbee playing partner. By the end they were down right “competitious!” —Don’t tell me that’s not a word! I will refrain from disclosing the winner…it might get me in BIG trouble!“Someone” exulting in a big win!Sam’s endeavor…he bought 3 palm trees to plant in honor of the Sinks’ visit which now leads us to a friendly game of “whose palm tree will grow the biggest and fastest!” Laurel promises to sneakily send Sam some “Miracle Grow!”Okay, okay! This was more work than play as we filled 60 retreat resource bags for upcoming retreats, but you know what they say, “Many hands make light work.” And… “Time goes by so much faster when you’re having fun!”ESV Global Study Bibles and numerous books (donated by The Gospel Coalition) – all precious commodities for pastors in these parts!Laurel was the Pied Piper…always drawing a crowd of children around her with that warm and brilliant smile and sincere heart of welcome.See! What did I tell you?!
Photo ops while we wait.
Raucous laughter doeth good like a medicine!Learning new customs…trying new foods…that was FUN, right Laurel?…Preston?The lovely custom of hand washing.Hanging out after a visit to Zaccheo’s village.Did you notice the rain water on the veranda? They had to make a run for it!ReadingResting!
PREACHING
Pakayu church; Jacob preaching on the “Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.”Response to the message…desire to forgive wrongs done them.Jacob’s favorite perch and passion…preaching at outdoor markets!Onduga Charles, interpreting.Preston…saying it with love and enthusiasm!Praying for those who responded.Member of the community and of Pakayu Church handing out Aringa tracts in a nearby market area.Joseph engaging in conversationJacob sharing a tract and some words with passersby.
Perusing the tract whilst playing a friendly game of cards.
Preston listening to and praying for the needs of two young men.Before or after Preston gives the two guys a giant bear hug!Jacob teaching a session at the Obongi Town Church where Godfrey pastors.Preston took a turn at it, too.Jacob happy to sit out and let the young one have his turn.
PRAISING
No matter where we have worshiped, it has always been a jubilant experience. Here in Africa, expressive, vigorous Praise cuts across all ages and denominations. As you can tell, I also have a particular love for the ethnic instruments – their beauty, simplicity and sound.
PEOPLE
Here are some of the beautiful faces we met along this incredible journey!
One of the founding members of Pakayu Church. She could break into a beautiful smile in a second!Two women – selling their wares – who were gracious to allow me to take their photo.A contented child. Mama really wanted me to take his photo.People gathered on market day near Koboko…hearing the good news.Pakayu church membersPakayu children…lots of them!Pakayu ChurchPakayu “Call to Worship” DrumGodfrey exhibiting his BOILED Nile River drinking water…Listening in…
Young Muslim girls…sweet faces.Young girl in front of Aya Baptist ChurchTobious’ daughterGroup photo…Aya BaptistBeautiful gifts…handmadeTobious’ familyThe really cool guys of the group.Appreciating the gift! – a cane with a hidden knife.Hand carved Rooster for Preston and Laurel. The official bird of Moyo/Ma’di culture.
WorshipersTobious’ wife with her gift to me…the Ma’di woman’s apron.Young boy, standing around, let me take his photo.A view from the Welcome Center at Aya Baptist.Woman and child
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS IN CHRIST
Thank you, Preston and Laurel Sink, and Seagrove Baptist Church, for investing your time, money, passion and interest in RAU. You’ll never know just how much good you did us all here!
These last few weeks have been such a blessing and a joy. It is good to recount them, especially on days when other such joys as family and friends and far away places lure our attention and affection. Thankfully, there is always “the next thing” which provides present grace to help us remain in the present instead of wistfully longing for past or future pleasures.
This last week we hosted our 8th Pastors’ Retreat here at RAU. We had 24 Pastors and church leaders, both Baptist and Pentecostal, from the Moyo area. It is always four days, jam-packed with activity from morning until late at night, the conclusion of which brings us the joyful satisfaction that we have fleshed out the vision and mission of RAU – to come alongside pastors and church leaders with teaching and resources and encouragement so that they don’t feel alone in their struggles and effort.
Pastors enjoying their ESV Global Study BiblesGroup photoLunch breakJacob teaching a sessionThe mission!Pastor Bob GadSome cycled a distance to come.
Catching a ride to town.
We look forward to the 2nd retreat coming up on Tuesday. On average, depending on the distance and transport fee, it costs around $50 to host a pastor for the 4 days they are here. This excludes cost of the resources which they are given. We are amazed at this when we consider how much it would cost to do the same in the States and we believe it is a good return for the investment! Thank you to all who give generously and regularly so that such ministry can happen!
After this next retreat, we will slow down for a couple of weeks and then follow with two more weeks of activity – one more Pastors’ Retreat and then the Youth Group from First Presbyterian Church of Uganda from Kampala will come to do ministry in the area. Not too long after that we will be heading back to Texas to be reunited with family and friends.
NEEDS
Laurel posing with the poster discussing Guinea Worm infestation and treatment at the Health Clinic in Aya
One area of great need was brought to our attention when we visited Aya Baptist Church this last Sunday. We were taken to the local Health Clinic and received a report from the nurse describing their work and some of their needs. The most glaring lack is running water. THERE IS NO BORE HOLE ATOP THE MOUNTAIN! During rainy season, the people collect rain water and during the dry season they must fetch water from a stream. The nurse stated how difficult it was, as you can imagine, to use good technique in cleaning instruments and sanitizing between patients. They have a large rainwater runoff collector. However, during the dry season, patients and family members must bring water with them. Jacob is going to be contacting Water Harvest International about the possibility of drilling a bore hole in Aya to help the whole community, and specifically, Aya Baptist Church members. If you feel a tug on your heart to help in this particular need, it would be greatly appreciated and you can specify your donation to be given towards it.
We are truly grateful for the joyful, generous and prayerful support we receive from so many of you who follow what we are doing. 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 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.
This is the third group from Yumbe which makes a of total of seven pastor’s retreats under our belt . It is such an honor to be part of what the Lord is doing in this region of the world. Thank you for all your prayers and support!
Below are videos of ministry in Yumbe District as well as testimonials from pastors who with us this last week.
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.
Yesterday we attended the dedication service (June 24, 2014) of the first translation and publication of the Aringa New Testament! It was a beautiful day of celebration! What a joy to be a part of this history making day for the Aringa people and the Kingdom of God! We look forward to be a part of placing this New Testament in the hands and hearts of the Aringa people. If you too would like to take part in this, each Aringa New Testament costs around $3 depending on the going exchange rate. We are also rejoicing that we have 20,000 Quest For Joy tracts in Aringa ready to make their journey here from Texas. Pray with us that Yumbe District which has very few Christians will be filled to over flowing with worshipers of Jesus!
This little house represents the goal of placing a New Testament in each Aringa home
John 3:16
Charles Onduga was on the translation team and also part of the team which translated the Quest For Joy tract into Aringa.
We were able to assist 2 month old “Mildred Forgive” (and her mother and grandmother) to go to Mbale for treatment for hydrocephalus. We were told, on this end, that the surgery would be free and our part would consist of transport and upkeep costs. However, when the three arrived in Mbale, they were told the surgery would cost around one million shillings or, roughly, $400. This is in addition to what we have already paid for travel and living expenses. If your heart is moved to help towards the surgery costs we would be most grateful, as would the family of little Mildred. This little girl has no hope of a good outcome without the treatment. She has been sickly and weak from birth, unable to suckle effectively and sufficiently. They may have to delay surgery until her physical and nutritional condition are compatible with surgery.
2 month old Mildred with hydrocephalus
Pray for Mildred
The 26th-28th we will be hosting 22 pastors/church leaders from the Moyo area. This will be our sixth retreat. Please pray for our gathering together that each leader may be refreshed and strengthened through the teaching of God’s Word. May the Lord be exalted! Please pray for us!
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 
