These Videos are a good history timeline of the events here in Moyo District. Each of them were taken here in Afoji just two kilometers from the South Sudan border. We remained here through this whole period of time. Kevin Turner, President of SWI, was with us and took most of the videos posted below. He and SWI are great partners in our efforts to spread the fame of King Jesus throughout the West Nile of Uganda.
This Ugandan TV report gives some background to the conflict
Afoji Church burned down. It is 500 yards from RAU.
Rushing off to the hospital with police mounted on the roof for security
RAU Mission Base Attacked in Northern Uganda
Rejoicing in the morning after being attacked in the night. Jacob and Kevin were greeted by the boys
Madi- Kuku Conflict
Moyo situation getting worse
On September 21st the leaders met and tensions began to decrease. No doubt the prayers of God’s people were used to reduce the violence. May we continue to intercede on behalf of both the Kuku and Madi tribes.
With tensions lessened there was time to have some fun and it is in this context the following videos were made.
Window #3 and another morning of calm
Breakfast at Reaching Africa’s Unreached
Thank you for all your prayers!
Security needs for protecting against future attacks
This village which borders RAU eastern side is almost empty
We all made it through the night safely. Thank you all for your prayers. God heard them!
The women and children spent the night inside the house while the men, who were guests, slept on the veranda. We had five of us (two guards, Kevin , Mindra, and I) outside watching and Carol and Sam were manning things from within. The sighting of a leopard around 2 AM with its baby and, perhaps, a third one, was a big surprise, to say the least. It was a beautiful beast…most of the time we saw just its eyes but there were a few times when we saw its body move…it appeared big and looked to be black. It did not leave even when we all had our lights trained on it. Most likely it had a meal there on our fence line. I have always been told by the locals that leopards (lions too) are no longer here. Perhaps because of there being fewer people here, the leopard took greater courage in leaving its normal habitat in the nearby hills. The village on our east, which was numbered at 242, now has 10 people in it! The Lord sending a leopard to be on our north border fence is a very interesting answer to the many prayers that have been prayed!
A dear friend also informed me yesterday that around 90 men with their bows and arrows had formed a neighborhood (Afoji) community watch force. Also, a few regular members of the Ugandan army were mixed within them with their weapons…just another means by which the Lord answered your prayers! The powerful spotlight which Kevin brought with him was also very effective. We received numerous reports by soldiers/police/others saying that seeing it from far off caused people to fear “this place”. No doubt intruders and those with bad intentions had fear placed in them as well. With the exchange of gun fire at RAU on Friday night, I am sure the word got out that this was not a place to target anymore. We have now had two peaceful nights. We also have been in contact with the American Embassy in Kampala. These are some of the ways the Lord answered your prayers! Thank you!
It is an honor to live and serve our majestic King along with my dear Carol and RAU co-workers Sam and Patrick in this area of His creation! It is so good of the Lord to send our dear friend, Kevin Turner, with StrategicWorld Impact ,to be with us in these very days of turmoil…what a blessing he is! He is another answer to the prayers of those who faithfully pray for my co-workers, Carol, me, the ministry of ReachingAfrica’s Unreached and the people of this region.
I don’t need to die on every hill, but because of that hill called Golgotha, I can freely surrender the life My King gave me, knowing He can raise it up again or bring me safely home to a “City Without Shadows”! Kevin Turner
There is nothing on this earth that can keep us from proclaiming the good news of Jesus here. We have been told that refusing to leave Afoji and choosing to stay and help is having a strong witness in the community. May Jesus be exalted through this weak flesh (John 3:3)! Carol and I will spend the rest of our days here if the Lord so wills.
Pray for both the Kukus and Ma’dis. Pray that the Lord would bring healing and peace! In the midst of this we are scheduled to fly back to the States for a short break soon. It will have been 10 months since we have been back or had even one break so please also pray that we can get things ready on this end for our visit to our beloved family, friends, and supporters. All the extra guests that have come here for refuge need a safe place until order is restored. We cannot just “kick them out”. We are already actively seeking to support their move and facilitate it if needed. Please pray for this as well. Thank you so very much!
Many people have been displaced
Today we are working on harvesting the maize between the Guesthouse and the Tukalus. The Tukalus are where pastors stay for retreats as well as very special friends, like Kevin. After the harvesting I should be able to shred the area with the tractor, thus clearing the view between the house and tukalus for our night watches. Also, I am pumping water with the generator (which is loud!) for the fourth day in row. With all the guests we have been using a lot water and, besides, the pump is pulling the water very slowly. Ideally, a solar submersible well pump would be best as we would not be dependent on generators which consume a lot fuel . In times like these, fuel is very hard to get. I try to keep a reserve and we have been using it. Solar pump systems run between $6000-$14,000 depending on the type/quality and how fast one wants to pump. We have to pull water up about 140 feet from the water source. We are hoping and praying that we can get a good solar pump system in.
Pumping Water
Kevin and I have a lot of little projects planned as well. He is such a servant and a fine representative of King Jesus! We did not think it wise to leave RAU at any time during this conflict.We have a lot of fun together while we work. I think even our loud laughter in the middle of night keeps intruders away! It is a challenge to switch into guard mode at times, especially with Kevin’s funny antics and stories. Thank you all for your precious prayers!
September 21
Looking northward at South Sudan with Kevin Turner. The second ridge is South Sudan.
Thank you friends and family! We had a quiet night. Five of us were up all night outside and Sam and Carol kept watch inside. We had a number of women and children sleeping within. We had the young men sleep outside on the veranda. I had my trusty spear, made by father in-law in India many years ago, and a panga, plus a few other items I can’t mention in an email. I am sure Kevin’s VERY powerful spotlight had a great psychological effect. Praise God, our guards were well armed. Most importantly, (and I am certain) the Lord heard our prayers and put a wall of protection around us. The Lord bless you all! The struggle is not over so please continue in your prayers for all in our area, especially for those who are suffering loss.
This is a Facebook post Carol wrote yesterday after a safe but frightening passage through the morning of the 20th:
“We are blessed, having been able to stay in our home through this nightmarish situation. My heart goes out to all those who have lost property and peace or have lost loved ones or have been injured or terrorized (and this on both sides of the conflict.) So many people have fled with very little, leaving their homes and possessions at risk for looting or burning. Who knows when they will have anything that feels like a good normal?
Last night we watched as tukalus around us were burned to the ground. We did have two different groups enter the compound, one group with gunfire that was directed at our house. I am thankful for return gunfire which deterred the encroachers without killing.
We are hoping that the “big whigs” who are supposedly meeting in Moyo Town today will figure out how to bring some semblance of law and order into this escalating “eye for an arm for two legs for a life” mentality which leaves no one the winner and everyone the loser.
The common grace of a society based upon law and justice cannot be taken for granted and is not easy to establish where staking your claim on Power Mountain is the way of life.
The following pictures, (on Facebook) which normally bring me such pleasure on a daily basis, have a new and slightly more sinister beauty in being the directions from which the encroachers came last night and where we saw the devastating orange glow of tukalus burning to the ground and from where anguished screams were heard.”
Direction of attack on RAU
Video: RAU Mission Compound Comes Under Attack Sept. 20th
are trying to find safer places for the women and children to stay. It would be better for them to be out of Afoji which is being specifically targeted along with surrounding Moyo and Metu areas.
We are gearing up for another night. There is a story circulating that the Kukus are being armed with fire power to launch a more effective tribal retaliation here in Uganda. In light of that, we are trying to find safer places for the women and children to stay. It would be better for them to be out of Afoji which is being specifically targeted along with surrounding Moyo and Metu areas.
Thank you for your continual intercession and support!
One of the mothers and babies we are keeping here at night
September 20
Prayer Update:I am getting ready to be out all night with other security personal. We have a large group of mostly women and small children inside. We must be extra diligent as we learned some disturbing things in our briefing. Please in special prayer…Carol will get post our from inside Lord will and Kevin Turner has his mobile and will make reports from the field. …we take our refuge in the Lord; He is our strong tower. Blessings to my friends!
A dear brother put this video together. May it spur you on in your prayers!
“Thank you for your prayers! We (Reaching Africa’s Unreached, here at Afoji border) are praying and making preparations. As the saying goes, “We are hoping for the best but planning for the worst.” Things appear to be getting more unstable…roads are being blocked and there are pockets of conflict, and numerous reports of SPLA causing harm. In this type of situation there is also a lot of false information which gets spread. We do have good and well thought out contingency plans in place. Kevin Turner with Strategic World Impact has been a godsend for us in this. His ministry specifically targets war torn areas and he hosts Disaster Assistance Response Training (DART) one of which I attended. We not only have ourselves to look out for but may have a number of women and children also to care for (three of which are pregnant)…please keep praying!
Thank you for your faithful intercession, encouragement, and support!
The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our power to get it to those who do not have it. May the Lord grant each of us His followers the wherewithal to be obedient disciples! Jacob Lee
Many,many people are fleeing their homes on the road by RAU
No harm was done here at Reaching Africa’s Unreached but one of our faithful workers and friend, Zakeo, who is a native Ma’di had two of the places he rents out in the Afoji market burned down.
Outside Zakeo’s place
Please pray for peace to reign here and for the authorities, most of whom I know, who have a very complicated situation before them. Pray that the violence will not spread. Our part is to minister the hope, love, and lasting peace that can only come through the Lord Jesus Christ!
Rev Tom and Sam inside the Afoji Anglican Church
Our good friend and co-laborer in Christ, Kevin Turner with Strategic World Impact is arriving on Thursday and will be with us a week. He has ministered around the world in this type of situation. His trip was not specifically planned because of this event but the Lord worked it out for him to be here. He and SWI are a grand blessing!
Currently, there is an eerie quiet here at RAU. In Moyo town itself there is rioting and great unrest. We have unconfirmed reports of a village nearby where around 100 homes were burned in retaliation for things done to South Sudanese here. There is now a steady flow of people with their belongs going by RAU to South Sudan. They are primarily leaving out of fear. However, there are rumors also floating that they are leaving to clear the way for the SPLA to come this way from South Sudan. Please be in serious prayer!
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.
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.
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.
Reaching Africa's Unreached 