“Back in the Saddle Again”

Carol Lee

Oh my!  Our three-week break has come and gone!  It was a very pleasurable and surreal parenthesis in what has become the main theme of our life experience:  giving flesh and bones to the vision and mission of RAU in Northwestern Uganda.

It was pleasurable to be reunited with our precious, growing family.  Joshua and Becca are doing a wonderful job in nurturing and discipling Eliza and Ben and in using their gifts to strengthen their local church, Lifegate.  They have their hands full with a 2 1/2 year old and a one year old!  Josiah is still in Chattanooga, working as an internal auditor for TVA.  It is awesome to see his growth as a person – in compassion and wisdom and grace.  Anna and Kenny are loving their new role as the parents of Keira Lynn and are doing a great job of navigating the joys and difficulties of parenting a newborn.  (It was Jacob’s first time to see Keira…”Oh frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!, He chortled in his joy!” – The Jabberwocky, by Lewis Carroll) We spent over a week in Stephenville with them and were especially blessed to have Josiah with us for most of that time.  What a privilege to be “assigned” to this family to love, disciple, and nurture in the Lord!

It was a pleasure to be reunited with our spiritual family, Lifegate.  This is a relationship not to be taken lightly.  I was recently reading in Matthew 12:46-50 about the ones whom Jesus regarded as His brothers and mother:  “whoever does the will of my Father in heaven.”  While Jesus upheld biological ties, “honor your father and mother,” there were no more binding relationships to him in the earthly realm than His relationships with those that were obedient to the Father.  This is why we hold a high priority for maintaining strong bonds with the ones who have committed, along with us, to follow the Lord.  Our church family is important to us because, in a unique way, we are pursuing and worshiping and making known the Lord –  together.

It was a pleasure to connect with members of the Body of Christ at large – to see that the unity of the Spirit extends beyond our “church walls,”  and that seeing Jesus’ Kingdom come is a priority that binds us across denominational and organizational lines.  We are grateful for the MANY who want to keep the main thing the main thing:  making Christ known and seen and experienced in word and deed.  In this respect, we have been encouraged by the many brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we have been connected who are involved in ministry in Uganda through an organization or personal involvement, and to know we are serving side by side with the same purpose and mind.  We also thank all of you who are partnering with us in some way, either by prayer, finances and personal care…or all of the above!

On the lighter side, our taste buds have enjoyed pleasurable excursions, as is evident by our growing girths which, humorously enough have no “lighter side!”

And, oh, the pleasure of hot showers!

We enjoyed the pleasures of moving about where traffic lights and regulations make driving mostly predictable and where smooth roads allow you to “fly” across the miles.

We had the pleasure of straight forward transactions and set prices.

We enjoyed the pleasure of material abundance.

1 Timothy 6:17 says, “Command those who are rich in this world’s goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.” We certainly enjoyed the pleasure of things which we recognize as having been provided by the Lord and we do not complain!

However, there is something about lavish pleasure and comfort that is numbing.  We felt it.   And there is something about suffering and want that awakens the senses, especially spiritual.  Though we were not personally experiencing suffering and want we certainly were identifying with our friends who were. It was a strange tug of war between getting comfortable in our present enjoyments and remembering that not all of life everywhere else is as good as we have it.

There was this aspect of our experience that was surreal.  Concurrent to our coming to the States, civil war broke out in South Sudan.  How disheartening to know that this new country, which had only recently won independence through blood, sweat and tears, was turning on itself in a brutal civil war.

Knowing the facts, it was surreal to be so insulated from the harshness of them.  Hearing personal accounts from people in the midst of the conflict rendered the bubble of safety that is America (for the most part) an almost dream-like place.  Jacob and I both felt the uncomfortable tension of emotionally juggling two drastically different experiences; there was a sense of urgency to get back and be in a position to help, if possible and, at the same time, a deep desire to enjoy the cheer of family.

Over this last week, as I have reflected over the pleasurable and the surreal, I realized that our being over here in Uganda plays an important role beyond the day to day Kingdom work we do.  Just as hearing personal stories from the front lines kept us engaged and concerned in matters other than our own, so our being here to provide you real time stories and facts can serve you by stirring in you a fresh concern for the real needs and priorities of the rest of the world.  Hearing firsthand accounts of events makes it difficult to ignore or become numb to them.  It helps all of us by making us uncomfortable with remaining self- preoccupied, uncaring and inactive.  I have heard it said that issues don’t often affect us or change our attitudes until the issues become personal or hit us close to home and then we spring into action!

Christians were not made to be bench warmers, but to be loving, active and obedient “doers of the word.”    Isaiah 58 6-8 states, “No, this is the kind of fast [devotion] I want. I want you to remove the sinful chains, to tear away the ropes of  the burdensome yoke, to set free the oppressed, and to break every burdensome yoke.  I want you to share your food with the hungry and to provide shelter for the homeless, oppressed people.  When you see someone naked, clothe him!  Don’t turn your back on your own flesh and blood.  Then your light will shine like the sunrise; your restoration will quickly arrive; your godly behavior will go before you, and the Lord’s splendor will be your rear guard.”  Hebrews 10:24 exhorts us with this:  “And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works.”

So please accept the uncomfortable prod of this exhortation as a means of grace and growth!

As we head back up to Moyo and RAU tomorrow morning, these are the priorities and needs that are set before us:

            1.  Safe travel by bus to Moyo.

            2.  Safe delivery of the container which is officially released, but not yet on the road to Moyo.

            3.   Assessing the needs of refugees in the area and using, with wisdom, the resources that some of you sent with us for meeting their needs.  Pray for wisdom and compassion.

            4.  Upcoming Yumbe pastors’ retreat at RAU (in February) and the American Team (Kevin Turner, founder of SWI and others) who will be serving them.

            5.  Ongoing opportunities to serve pastors in the area through teaching and resources.

            6.  Developing plans for outreach and pastoral training in Yumbe and Obongi.

            7.  Church planting efforts and raising up of young men to pastor fledgling churches.

            8.  The possibility of a young man, Z___  coming for a 3 month internship to serve and learn in any way he can (probably in May).

Thanks again for your prayers, encouraging words and financial support, without which we could not do what we are doing.

Thank you all for your faithful prayers and support!

  Carol (for the both of us)

Web Site: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

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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

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 deductible as Reaching Africa’s Unreached has 501 c3 tax exempt status as a charitable organization.  If you wish to write a check you may write it out to R.A.U. and mail it to Lifegate Missions, 395 Lifegate Ln., Seguin Texas 78155.

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

It is time for Carol and me to return to our home in Africa. We leave for Austin in the morning and arrive in Entebbe Tuesday evening. We have greatly enjoyed our three weeks with family and friends. The grandchildren have grown so much since we last saw them. Our going back is bitter sweet; on the one hand, it is hard to leave loved ones  and at the same time we are compelled to return to people and the land where we are called to be. Having your faithful prayers and support gives us great encouragement as we know the Lord has called us on this journey with a faithful band of brethren who love Jesus. Thank you!

Carol and I are very grateful for our Lifegate Church family who has sent us out. This morning was our last Sunday with them until we return for another visit in October. I believe the master key to cross cultural missions is gospel-centered, Jesus loving missionaries being sent out under the authority of gospel-centered, Jesus loving churches and being prayed for/financially supported by gospel-centered, Jesus loving people. Jesus’ mission (John 20:21) WILL NOT fail, His church WILL be built!

“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Romans 10:14-15

As you know we  are located in Northwestern Uganda, one mile off the South Sudan border. Along with our evangelism, pastoral training, and church planting we will have a divine opportunity to minister Christ’s love to South Sudanese refugees fleeing the the fighting in South Sudan. At RAU we desire to show compassion and love to all who are suffering, most especially by proclaiming the gospel to those who who will suffer eternally if they do not trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

I have read reports that a 1,000 refuge’s a day are crossing the South Sudan border into Uganda fleeing the terror in their homeland. This is all happening now in dry season when food supplies are already low. In the dark times the light and love of Jesus shines most brightly. This  link is a few days old but it will help you understand the situation we are walking into: Video: “South Sudan refugees flee to Uganda” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25689089#threeG

Please pray for peace to reign in South Sudan and for all of us at RAU to walk in the wisdom and the love of the Lord. Currently I have $1100 which has been given directly for relief work for the refuge’s. In consultation with my RAU co-workers we will work to buy food and medicines further south and ship them to RAU for distribution to refugees in need. Most are fleeing with little or no personal possessions. My preference would be to direct the aid first and foremost to children and mothers. If you want to give for this Sam, Patrick, Abraham, and I will personally see that it gets to those who need it and not into the pockets of those who may want to take advantage of the situation.

The last word I have received on the container is good. It looks like they are willing to drop the charges for taxes on it to $6,500. This is way down from the original $25,000 +- they were asking. I have wired the money for its release.Please keep praying as I have not yet had confirmation of its released. After it is set free it still has an arduous two day overland journey to RAU. I am hoping to be there for its unloading. The 1999 Land Cruiser still has not arrived in Kampala. Please keep praying for its delivery or, if necessary, the recovery of our money. We prefer to have the vehicle!

 2013 Mission Report

As in years past the Lord has abundantly blessed Reaching Africa’s Unreached (RAU). All of us at RAU are grateful for God’s sustaining grace and for all who are standing with us with their prayers, encouraging words and gifts. It is an honor to press forward with Jesus’ mission in Northwestern Uganda, Southwestern South Sudan, and Northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The RAU vision and mission remain the same.

In January, 2011, land was purchased and in August of the same year building work on the RAU Guesthouse/Hall of Tyrannus began. Building in the bush of Africa, many miles from building supplies, has certainly been a challenge. However the Lord has been gracious in provision, wisdom and patience. We praise His holy Name! We have worked hard and have endeavored to spend every dollar/shilling wisely. The ultimate goal of the physical building is to facilitate the vision and mission of RAU in its geographical area for generations to come.

In July, Carol and I moved into the unfinished shell of the Guesthouse and helped in the ongoing  work of making the facilities ministry-ready. In August we had our dedication of the Guesthouse/Hall of Tyrannus attended by officials, pastors, and the general public.  It was an all day affair!  Pictures and videos of the dedication may be found here. Building work continued through December. The water tower was completed, 4 tukalus (able to sleep 17, and with a latrine/bathing station for visiting pastors) were completed, beds (to sleep 29) were built (along with other inside furnishings), an outdoor charcoal kitchen (able to cook for 40+ people and with small attached living quarters for the cook) was finished, 17 acres of brush was cleared and is being made ready for planting soybeans (to bring funds in for the ministry), and a solar electrical system was installed.

RAU now has a place to: host pastors for teaching retreats, the ability to host visiting short term mission teams, a facility to mentor church planters, and to be a launching pad for bringing the gospel to nearby unreached areas. May we be faithful in the charge given to us.

In late October we had the first Pastors’ Retreat with 31 pastors from various denominations in the Moyo area. Long time friend, Ron Zeiner, from Texas, was our guest teacher. In February, a retreat is planned for Yumbe pastors.

Pastors in the region have little or no Biblical training. It is RAU’s expressed desire to help meet that need so that the local churches of the region can be strengthened and become multiplying churches. By God’s grace we will have many RAU pastor’s retreats each year.

RAU also hosted two other American teams who had a great interest in its vision for pastors and who wanted to investigate the possibilities of working with RAU to support and propel the mission forward.  We appreciate the bond and partnership with our Tennessee friends, David Jones, Michael Lambert and Eric Williams, as well as with the SWI team of Kevin Turner and Ron Day.

A great joy of mine has been the opportunity to mentor young men in hopes of launching them out to pastor newly planted churches. One such man, Godfrey, has been sent to pastor RAU’s first church plant in Obongi town. Obongi has a population of 25,000 and had no evangelical churches in it. Now there is a growing church there with many new believers who have been recently baptized.

The RAU container reached Kampala in the middle of November and has been held there by the Ugandan revenue authorities.  The reason it is being held centers around a NGO which was abusing its tax exempt status; because of this the Ugandan government is looking at all other tax exempt NGO’s very, very closely!  RAU’s tax exemption was  granted to us last January  but the exposed fraud has increased the scrutiny on all tax exempt NGO’s. With one signature the container could be on its way to RAU. This container is loaded with ministry supplies and 1100 ESV Global Study Bibles/over 3500 Christ exalting Christian books for pastors. Pray, my friends, for its release!

The latest news on the ’1999 Land Cruiser which we purchased from Japan in September is that it is due to arrive in January, according to the broker.  He  continually has pushed the timeline back.  Our getting around has been limited, but we have managed by using boda-bodas,taxi’s,buses and for trips to Obongi and Yumbe the goodness of Abraham in transporting us with his vehicle.  The Land Cruiser will be a great asset to RAU’s ministry. Please remember this in your prayers!

As mentioned earlier, RAU is hosting a pastor’s retreat in February for Yumbe pastors. According to evangelical pastors from Yumbe, the city has less than 1%  evangelical Christians in it and is 2 hours from RAU. To help effectively reach Yumbe with the gospel there needs to be ongoing and active evangelism and discipleship. With a  Hall of Tyrannus: Yumbe Branch, RAU could have an accessible resource and teaching center for discipleship.

The year has ended with turmoil in South Sudan. There has been a coup attempt and, as I write, ongoing fighting in the country which could erupt into a civil war. RAU is I mile from the South Sudan border and around 50 miles from the capitol city of Juba. At this point we do not how this will affect the ministry of RAU. There is a possibility of large numbers of refugees coming our way. May the God of peace bring peace to South Sudan for the sake of the Gospel.

Thank you all for your faithful prayers and support!