Category: Uncategorized

Expanding Horizons

On By Jacob LeeIn Uncategorized

By Carol Lee


“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” 

~~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.~~

One of the many benefits of taking a Short Term Ministry (STM) trip is that, if you have never been abroad before, by virtue of traveling you are expanding your mind, your perspective, your experience, your knowledge, and your heart, beyond their normal encapsulated boundaries. This is especially important for Church leaders in America who answer for the life and health of their “flock” and the trajectory and completion of the Church’s mission.

In that light, it was a joy to receive 7 men (Jason, Wayne, Billy, Garrett, Austin, James and David) from churches in Mississippi under the guidance of a well-seasoned STM traveler and trip leader, David Williams. The purpose of their visit was to stir the churches in Lincoln County, MS to a more far-reaching vision and participation in the Great Commission by participating in on-going ministry in another country–Uganda, and RAU particularly. David had brought another team years back and wanted to ignite this team by revisiting RAU and this region of northwestern Uganda.

In typical fashion, Jacob devised a plan to squeeze every ounce of ministry, experience and energy out of them, starting on Day 1 after arrival. They spent the first three days in the Metu Mountains (north end–Gbari, Arapi, Duku, Oyo– and south end–Aya, Ijujo, Cinyi, Oku, Lea). I opted to stay home because, a) the Land Cruiser was going to be filled to the rim or brim and, b) it was just too hot and, c) it was really hot! Ha! In Duku, they were able to witness the blessing of replaced steel water pipes with stainless steel pipes for the borehole and taste water fresh from the underground. In each spot, each of the men shared a word of encouragement to the gathered believers. I will let the pictures tell more of their stories.

On the third day in the Metu Mountains, they met at the Gbari/Arapi to gather with the two other churches in the area (Duku and Oyo). Garrett, from what Jacob told me, preached a wonderful message and with a special emphasis on baptism–for the 22 people who were prepared for baptism and would receive that ordinance and confirmation of their willing, confessed faith afterward in the stream in the valley. Pastor Tobious had told us earlier that he would have someone go down to the stream to scare away the pythons and other snakes that take refuge in or near the water during the hottest part of the day…yikes! Thankfully, the baptisms happened without a hitch–or a hiss!

On Monday–EARLY–we all headed to Yumbe and then on to Lodenga. Yumbe is home to the Aringa tribe who are primarily Muslim. According to the Joshua Project the Aringa are 1.9% Christian. We have described previously the challenges the believers in Yumbe have faced, and particularly in Lodenga where threats were made that the church would be destroyed and their land usurped. Since we first visited Lodenga, the oppression has heightened but so has the show of support from other churches. RAU has now had several trainings there. Our brothers from Mississippi spent about 3 hours teaching from Greg Gilbert’s “What is the Gospel?“. Many resources were handed out–numerous books and an Africa Study Bible (ASB).

Afterward, a meal was shared together.

From the expansive mango tree, shade cover at the Lodenga church property, we proceeded over rugged roads and terrain to Aniti, a small village where Market Day was taking place. Permission was received by the Local Councilman 1 (LCI) for our group to join the market place for one on one conversations about Christ, handing out dual-language tracts (Aringa/English), to explain and proclaim the Gospel and then to show the Jesus Film in Aringa. There were many who joined us from the various churches and sang joyfully with dance. The audience for the Jesus film was large–and probably larger than we could fully see due to darkness. Because of the anticipated late finish of this time of ministry, we had made reservations at a hotel in Yumbe town, and we arrived there at around 11:15 pm. From some reports, there were a few who professed faith in Christ.

We found out later that there were several Muslims who had joined the teaching time earlier, seeking to scope out the message and activities. They went away with Christian literature and, sometime later, others came back requesting a Bible also. One Muslim woman was present who showed an interest but was chased away by her husband. However, she joined the group at the Market place. When she returned home, her husband “turned her over to her relatives” in protest of her interest in the Christian faith. Another woman put her faith in Jesus Christ and is now seeking counsel as to whether or not she should leave her husband. These are very real, painful and complex issues. Women, especially, have great interest in Jesus but fear reprisals from their families and community.

On Tuesday, after a good breakfast, we went to Charles’ home where we received from him interesting historical information about the Aringa tribe (of which he is a member), about his ministry in the area, and his experiences in working in an environment that is potentially and strongly opposed to the growth of the Christian church in the area. It was jab to our consciences to hear him talk about his trust in God’s sovereignty over his life–whether that signifies ultimate suffering or ongoing struggles. It reminded me of this quote by Henry Martyn: “I am immortal until God’s work for me to do is done.”

Wednesday was “debrief” day which ended with a nice meal together at a local restaurant. We remained on RAU campus and spent the morning sharing our thoughts and experiences of the time together. Jacob and I were immensely blessed by this “band of brothers“, their love for the Lord, for people and for the message of the Gospel to reconcile people to God through Jesus Christ. Their words of encouragement buoyed us greatly. We loved their commitment to not allowing apathy to stifle the spiritual energy and vision that was generated during their visit. Jacob and I pray that their goal of kindling a fire for a “more far-reaching vision and participation in the Great Commission” will not be a pipe dream but a fleshed-out reality when they return to their homes and churches.

We sent the team off early on Thursday morning as they needed to reach Entebbe with enough time to do a small bit of shopping for their families, get a meal and some rest, and make it to the airport for the flight home. All are now safely back in Mississippi.

Following quickly after the departure of our friends, on Friday we received Wayne and Nancy Reigel who came to stay with us on the RAU campus for a month–to encourage us and to participate in the many things which are happening here. Wayne and Nancy have been traveling to South Sudan and Uganda for many years now on STM trips and, providentially, we met them at the Arua airport a number of years ago and have become dear friends. Their love for the Lord and the peoples of this region runs deep. Already they have plunged into RAU daily life, learning grafting of mangoes and sitting in on interesting conversations such as the following.

Yesterday, we met with a young woman who has been diagnosed with a cancerous growth in her right eye. Peter, a teacher in a school nearby, is a believer who is advocating for her. We met to discuss her case, provide some money which was given specifically for her and to strategize on how to inspire community involvement and help. Such surgeries and treatments are expensive, partially because the patient and family member must travel far to a hospital where appropriate care can be found and sustain themselves while there. We emphasized urgency due to the diagnosis (to minimize encroaching damage to surrounding tissue). Please be in prayer for “Christine” as they seek to raise the remainder of funds needed and pray for healing with minimal complications.

Since Jacob’s last post, we have some good news concerning our fundraising efforts for the Africa Study Bible (ASB). Jacob had written that we still needed $18,247.19. BUT! during the writing of this newsletter, we received word from our USA office that $11,800 had come in. This leaves us with only a remaining $6,447.19!!!! Praise the Lord. And thank you, to those who are cheerfully generous in your giving (2 Corinthians 9: 6-10).

We are pleased to see signs of Rainy Season chasing away the dryness and heat and dust. Soon, it will be time for planting (for the community and RAU demo farm) and then harvesting mangoes will follow. We already have people vying for the mangoes, even before they are fully developed. It is a testament to the surrounding communities that there is, indeed, a good market for grafted mangoes and that it is a viable Ag investment. That is our sincere hope–that many would latch on to this vision for their own empowerment and for a wider community benefit.

Though there is a natural season for fruit, in Kingdom life and Gospel work the key is to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). There is no downtime. No lollygagging. It’s always the right time to plow, prepare, sow, water, weed and harvest in God’s field. We anticipate this as we meet with those who come unexpectedly or look at the many upcoming events on our calendar: March/April discipleship training in Yumbe District and the Hill Country Fellowship Team, the Rocky Point Baptist Team and the Forest Hill Presbyterian Team–in April, May and June!!

Jesus’ last words were about an expanding horizon of grace to the nations and reconciliation to God through His redeeming work as recorded in Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” May Christ’s vision be expanded in us, breaking us free from our encapsulated thinking and desires–whether we are at home or missionaries abroad!

Gratefully,

Jacob and Carol Lee

Donation Information:https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

Carol and I are grateful to be  Associate Missionaries with ABWE. 

Video Interview: “What does it mean to be an Associate Missionary with ABWE?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NIk9-mNdWk&t=12s

Update Via New Videos

On By Jacob LeeIn Uncategorized

March 5, 2025 Africa Study Bible Update

Great news from our end! I’m thrilled to share an update about our determined mission to deliver 23,040 Africa Study Bibles (ASB) to RAU. As may know, we’ve received our first shipment of 6,100 ASBs! The second shipment of 10,520 ASBs had a funding requirement of $82,685. Thanks to generous donations the remaining balance for this second of three shipments is down to $18,247.19! Praise the Lord for His provision! Let’s keep our hearts united in prayer, steadfast in belief, and joyfully anticipate the arrival of these Bibles by faith.Would you consider joining us in this noble endeavor to eliminate this balance completely? For more information about how to give please us here:

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

———————————-

A Update Via Videos: What Has Been Happening at Reaching Africa’s Unreached.

Before I share the videos, let me provide a quick update on our trip to Entebbe for Carol’s appointment with the heart specialist. We left on Monday, Feb. 24th; she had her appointment on the 25th, and we returned to RAU on the 26th.

Here is an update from Carol in her own words on her cardiology consult:

“Thanks to all of you for your prayers and concern and expressed love! I was able to see a cardiologist in a very nicely run private Catholic hospital in Entebbe. I was out of there in about 2 hours—a little less.

Basically, I have some “benign” ectopic beats (premature ventricular contractions) most often caused by excessive caffeine (which I don’t do) or lack of good sleep (likely a contributing factor) or other stresses like dehydration or electrolyte imbalances or…(likely contributing factors). An occasional one is typically not noticed, but I was having them so often that I was feeling symptomatic.

I had an ECG—EKG—done and it confirmed what my handy-dandy little ECG machine recorded. The doctor was not concerned and reported the ectopic beats as not worrisome, but put me on a small dose of beta-blocker for two months (as a measure for symptom management) after which I will be reviewed. If all is well or nothing else develops, he expects to leave me off of the medication.

It was a reassuring experience and outcome and great to know that I am in some very capable hands here in Uganda. It’s too bad we live so far away. On the other hand, this little get away has been a de-stressor and very enjoyable.”

One: Flying by Reaching Africa’s Unreached

On our return flight to Reaching Africa’s Unreached (RAU) from Kajjansi via MAF to Moyo’s grass strip (after Carol’s appointment), we were able to see RAU from above, a breathtaking view that reminded us of the mission we’re on. As we passed around RAU, I was reminded of the many who sacrificed in helping us get this piece of Ugandan bush, just a couple of kilometers from South Sudan. Clearing began in 2013 when Carol and I moved here. It has been transformed into a place to walk out 2 Timothy 2:2 through Bible training modules designed to equip church leaders. We have been enabled by God’s grace to establish a distribution center for Study Bibles, Bibles, and Christian literature, ensuring that the church leaders and churches have access to essential materials for spiritual growth. Additionally, through God and His loving people, we are using this transformed bush as a demonstration farm for churches and the community for economic empowerment, illustrating sustainable agricultural practices, especially in all aspects of grafted mangoes, and by providing hands-on training.

Two: “Readers are Leaders; Leaders are Readers”

We are overflowing with joy! A remarkable shipment of 196 boxes filled with various biblically sound Christian books arrived at Reaching Africa’s Unreached (RAU). Once again, we are grateful to our steadfast partner, Christianbook International Outreach, for their unwavering support in delivering doctrinally sound Christian literature to RAU. Our mission is rooted in 2 Timothy 2:2, as we strive to walk alongside our dear Ugandan and Sudanese brothers and sisters in Christ. Offering biblically sound Christian books and Study Bibles is just one of the incredible ways we embrace this calling! We humbly ask for your continued prayers for Reaching Africa’s Unreached. Thank you from the depths of our hearts!

“The printed page is a missionary that can go anywhere and do so at minimum cost. It enters closed lands and reaches all strata of society. It does not grow weary. It needs no furlough. It lives longer than any missionary. It never gets ill. It penetrates through the mind to the heart and conscience. It has and is producing results everywhere. It has often lain dormant yet retained its life and bloomed years later.” Missionary Samuel Marinus Zwemer ( 1867– 1952). 

Three: Economic Empowerment through Grafted Mangoes in NW Uganda

Take a walk with me through Reaching Africa’s Unreached Grafted Mango Orchard located in Uganda, just a couple of kilometers from the South Sudan border. The current MAJOR focus agriculturally of Reaching Africa’s Unreached in showing Christ’s love is to promote and teach how to grow and care for grafted mangoes, to serve as a means of economic empowerment for the church and community. We are dedicated to offering comprehensive training in grafting techniques, ensuring individuals and families have the necessary skills to cultivate these trees successfully. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of proper care for the mangoes throughout their growth cycle, utilizing RAU’s 25.5 acres as a demonstration site where hands-on learning and practical engagement can occur. This initiative not only aims to enhance agricultural knowledge but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among participants, reinforcing the values of stewardship and love for one another as we cultivate both the land and relationships.

Four: Tree Removal Part One and Two

Most missionary work often boils down to the relentless grind of “plodding” through mundane tasks to keep the wheels turning. One of my goals? Handing over a campus that’s not just functional but “well-oiloed” in terms of maintenance issues. Take the video above, for instance, as a prime exhibit of that tedious plodding. One of the beautiful truths which came out of the Reformation is that all work aiming for God’s glory is “spiritual“. These two video follows the one showcasing the reception of over 6,000+ Africa Study Bibles? Such sequencing is no mere coincidence :-). The application in the second video that comes to mind is: This is how the Body of Christ should work together to get the gospel out to the nations! Thank you to our many support us in ALL the work God has call us to do here along the Uganda/South Sudan border!

Five: Africa Study Bibles Arriving

Latest Update:

The long-awaited first installment of over 6,100 of the 23,040 Africa Study Bibles (ASB) has finally arrived, and we are joyful! Great news from our end! The second shipment of 10,520 ASBs had a funding requirement of $82,685. Thanks to generous donations the remaining balance for this second of three shipments is down to $23,880! Praise the Lord for His provision! Please keep praying as we anticipate the arrival of these Bibles by faith. Would you consider joining us in this noble endeavor to eliminate this balance completely?

Discover more about the ASB here: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/20040-africa-study-bibles-to-r-a-u/

Will you join us in prayer and consider how you can help us secure the additional funds for the second shipment of Africa Study Bibles? Information on how you can give is here:

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

Many more short videos which date back to 2013 may be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@jacoblee2082/videos

Points for prayer for upcoming events:

1). Prayer for Carol’s continual health–mine too please. We both are “feeling” our age.

2) Rejoicing for the funds that came in replace Duku’s borehole (water well) with new stainless steel pipes.

3) Pray for a team of seven Mississippi Baptist church leaders led by David Williams who will be with us March 6th to 13th for ministry. Both in the Metu Mountains and Yumbe district, they will be teaching on “What Is the Gospel?” using Greg Gilbert’s book as the outline.

4) Please pray for God to touch people’s hearts to give for the remaining $23,880 for the second of three shipments of 10,520 Africa Study Bibles (ASB). Please consider helping bring this second load of ASBs to RAU.

5) On March 14th, dear friends Wayne and Nancy Reigel, who are our agemates, will join us for about a month. Carol and I look forward to spending time with them in ministry and fellowship.

6) Please pray that we would soon be granted our Permanent Resident permits. We are able to apply for this status because of the length of time we have been living in Uganda. The application was made in December 2024, but this is a special process requiring a special committee to sit and review the application, and it’s taking longer than we expected. Currently, we are renewing tourist visas at our nearby border checkpoint with South Sudan every 3 months until we can receive the other permits.

And lastly, Carol and I are GREATLY rejoicing over our 10th grandchild, Silas Henri Lee, born on February 4th.

Praise the Lord!

What we do now in the Lord and for Him will have an eternal impact for His praise and honor; all else is fleeting!

May God’s blessing in and through Christ Jesus flow to you and your family throughout 2025! We are very thankful for your prayers, encouragement and sacrificial gifts which keep us pushing forward for the glory and fame of our King and Savior Jesus!

RAU Donation page information: 

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

Gratefully,

Jacob and Carol Lee

RAU Mission and Vision Statements:

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/about/

RAU Blog posts full of Carol’s pictures: 

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/

RAU Mercy Ministry Page:

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/agriculture-project/

RAU”s YouTube Video Page:

https://www.youtube.com/@jacoblee2082/videos

RAU Donation page information: 

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations

Carol and I are grateful to be  Associate Missionaries with ABWE. 

Video Interview: “What does it mean to be an Associate Missionary with ABWE?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NIk9-mNdWk&t=12s

New Year Beginnings at Reaching Africa’s Unreached

On By Jacob LeeIn Uncategorized

Life is not merely a fleeting vacation but an exhilarating short-term mission trip, filled with purpose and endless possibilities in and for Jesus!

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” 2 Timothy 2:2

We thank God for the ministry opportunities He has given us in early 2025. Let me start with the latest ministry events and go back to the beginning of the new year.

The long-awaited first installment of over 6,120 of the 23,040 Africa Study Bibles (ASB) has finally arrived, and our hearts are overflowing with joy! We give all praise to God for this remarkable milestone! To date, we’ve raised an astounding $200,000. Our generous supporters through Oasis International, the publisher, have blessed us with $50,000, and the incredible donors from ChristianBook International Outreach have matched that gift with another $50,000, while RAU, through its beloved donors, has stepped in with an extraordinary $100,000! Despite the shifts in pricing since we first sought the Lord’s guidance to ignite hearts for these essential study Bibles, our mission remains unwavering. We are looking to God and HIS people to raise an additional $127,000 needed to bring all 23,040 copies to RAU. Because of the large donations from Oasis and ChristianBook International Outreach, the total for RAU is $227,000 with $100,000 already raised. This means the price for one Africa Study Bible for RAU donors is an incredible $9.85 for an Africa Study Bible. This includes all the shipping by container and ground transport to RAU! The primary recipients of this ASB will be church leaders who are well versed in English. If God blesses us with more dollars than needed for the ASBs, we commit to use the excess funds for local language Bibles or “Following Jesus: African Journey through the Book of Luke”. Discover more about the ASB here.

Will you join us in prayer and consider how you can help us secure the additional funds??? Please feel free to pass this on to your friends and churches who may be interested in helping.

February 13,2025 Update

Great news from our end! I’m thrilled to share an update about our determined mission to deliver 23,040 Africa Study Bibles (ASB) to RAU. As may know, we’ve received our first shipment of 6,120 ASBs! The second shipment of 10,520 ASBs had a funding requirement of $82,685. Thanks to generous donations the remaining balance for this second of three shipments is down to $23,880! Praise the Lord for His provision! Let’s keep our hearts united in prayer, steadfast in belief, and joyfully anticipate the arrival of these Bibles by faith.
Would you consider joining us in this noble endeavor to eliminate this balance completely?

Donation Information–> https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

January 2024 and January 2025

On a related note, we are grateful to share that the 20,000 ESV paperback pew Bibles provided by Christianbook International Outreach (CIO) this past August have been successfully distributed. These precious Bibles have primarily reached students and church members who are proficient in English. As we’ve noted in previous newsletters, education in Uganda, from primary to university level, is conducted in English. Sadly, many in our community cannot afford a Bible, which highlights the incredible opportunity we have to share the Word of God. Furthermore, we are very grateful that CIO has committed to sending another 20,000 ESV paperback pew Bibles! What a wonderful blessing—thank you, CIO, and thank you, Jehovah!

Students with ESV Pew Bibles

All the French Bibles that Christianbook-International Outreach (CIO) generously sent us have finally arrived in the Northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for church leaders and members. We are incredibly grateful. This is one of the boxes below. It reveals the challenging journey these Bibles endured! They are now in the hands of our Congolese brother and friend, who trained alongside us at RAU and is currently serving in Northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We give thanks to God for Samuel Misengile, who truly embodies 2 Timothy 2:2 in the DRC, and we are thankful for the support from CIO!

French Bibles for the Democratic Republic of Congo

On January 27th, we welcomed Steve Chew and Claude Durepo from Valley Bible Church Pleasanton California through MAF. They started their journey back to California from RAU on January 31st. The 28th-30th were filled with ministry. Claude and Steve were an encouragement to Carol and me as well as to our Aringa and Ma’di brothers and sisters in Christ.

Steve and Claude from Valley Bible Church

Monday, the 27th, we gave them a tour of the RAU campus and demo farm, shared about RAU’s primary vision and mission, and had refreshing fellowship over a meal that Carol had cooked. We first met Steve and Claude in 2022 when we visited Valley Bible Church (VBC), so it was great to catch up. Both Steve and Claude are on the VBC mission committee and came with the expressed purpose of seeing on the ground what RAU is doing, and then going back to VBC to give a report on how they can pray for RAU and us, and explore possible ways of support. Carol and I are so very grateful for cross-cultural, mission-minded churches like VBC!

With some of the Lodenga Church of Uganda members on a very hot Wednesday

We had an impactful day in Yumbe on Wednesday the 28th, actively ministering in a rural church located in Lodenga, Yumbe District, alongside our Aringa brothers and sisters in Christ. The church is notably surrounded by fervent Muslims. Several elder members recounted the remarkable story of how their church was founded during the era of Idi Amin, who originated from the nearby district. They candidly shared the many struggles and persecution they have faced over the years. Interestingly, prior to our arrival, the local Muslims had learned about our visit and convened a meeting right at the boundary of the church. I approached them with Charles, Carol, Steve, and Claude, greeting them in a warm local manner, engaging in conversation, and distributed our dual language gospel tracts. Carol has a special ability to connect with the women and she did with these women!

After a short and friendly exchange, two Muslim Clerics from foreign countries arrived as we were ending conversations to head back to our own meeting. There was a tangible difference in mood. Carol extended her hand to greet them, as is the common practice among all Aringa (even with Aringa Muslim men), but the greeting was not received. Instead, the foreigners used this opportunity to explain that men should only greet men and women greet only women. It was almost as if “the Pharisees” had arrived.

An earlier date at a Muslim friend’s home in Yumbe town.

We then returned to the Lodenga church for our meeting, where Steve and Claude offered heartfelt words of encouragement. I had the privilege of sharing insights from 1 Peter 3:13-18, all while the loudspeakers from our Muslim neighbors sounded in our ears. Afterward, we enjoyed a lovely meal with our church family. Following the meal, we made our way to the home of our dear friend and co-worker, Onduga Charles, an Aringa, who generously shared more about the rich history of the Aringa church—its growth, the challenges they’ve faced, and the inspiring vision he and RAU have for its future. Together, we are united in prayer and purpose, striving to lift the Aringa out of the “unreached category” through dedicated gospel proclamation and the walking out of 2 Timothy 2:2 more and more on the ground, long-term in Yumbe District! This is my new nickname for Charles, my Aringa Macedonian man.

Upon returning home from Yumbe, my Macedonia man, shared a stirring report he received from one of the church elders of Lodenga! He shared how, after our departure, the two foreign “Muslim clerics” approached the church after encircling the church while reciting incantations. With brashness, they demanded that church leaders and the Christians there to convert to Islam, threatening to do everything in their power to extinguish the church’s presence if they did not! The church elder has reported this to the Yumbe police. After fervent prayer and counsel with Charles and the courageous elders of Lodenga, we “concluded” (see Acts 16:10) to return to Lodenga in the upcoming weekend. The Spirit has stirred the hearts of five other local churches to unite with us! We will delve into Scripture, exploring what the Word says to those enduring persecution and suffering for their faith and also study Jesus story of the unforgiving servant. As evening falls, I will preach from the roof of my Land Cruiser, my beloved pulpit, in a nearby football (soccer) field! When it is dark, we’ll share the Jesus film in Aringa, spreading the light of Jesus through the book of Luke. Then, on Sunday morning, we will lift our voices in jubilant worship with the six churches and hear the Word proclaimed. I will be bringing Bibles and Christian literature to strengthen the churches. Please fervently pray for us during this pivotal time, for what Satan has intended for evil, God has transformed into a powerful gathering of His church in praise and worship!

With news from home on the 29th, I woke up to this: my brother and sister found my second youngest brother Jeff dead at his home. He seemed to have died while taking a nap…beside him was an open Bible. I have now lost my two of my three brothers and mom while living in Uganda. I am grateful that all three were believers. I take great comfort in that.

Later in the morning on the 29th, we entered the northern section of the nearby remote area of the Metu Mountains with Steve and Claude, along with Pastor Henry and Tiondi, who are RAU co-workers. After meeting and picking up our Metu Mountain coordinator, Pastor Tobious, we visited three church plants. These churches were planted in conjunction with Aya Baptist Church from 2016-2017. Then, on the 30th, we visited four separate churches in the southern section of the Metu Mountains. Both days involved walking beyond where the Land Cruiser could go. The 30th had us going into the pristine Oku/Lea valley. The climb back up the hills is very, very steep and rugged. It is getting harder and harder for these 69-plus-year-old legs to make that walk–“but God” continues to give the strength. These hills really put the Land Cruiser to the test as well. Without it, it would be difficult to get to these locations.

Video of the Land Crusier on a Metu Mountain road: https://www.facebook.com/steve.chew.33/videos/1110044827468776

Pray for the Land Crusier to keep us going with the gospel. You gifts help us keep this gospel machine going!

Steve and Claude offered words of encouragement and shared insights from the Bible in each Metu Mountain church we visited. I also shared short messages from the Word of God in each church. One of RAU’s core convictions is that we are here to work alongside local churches in our evangelism, church planting, and discipleship, never in isolation from them.

We have witnessed numerous new births and baptisms. Despite being asked on many occasions, I abstain from performing baptisms. I firmly believe that this public confession of faith should take place within the context of the local church’s vibrant life. However, I do have the privilege of preaching at water banks, which is a significant opportunity.

Shortly after the Lord birthed the Cinyi Community Church deep in the remote Metu Mountains 9 years ago, I went to see where the Cinyi community members were getting their water. It was important as there were so many health issues, especially among the children. When I saw where they were getting the water, I even wondered why there were not more illnesses.

Original water source for Cinyi

Soon thereafter, the Lord opened a way for us to find water and drill a well. Since then, they have had clean water, and they have maintained the borehole. The health of the community changed drastically, and the door was opened more for Gospel proclamation. However, when I visited the church in December 2024, the elders informed me that the pipes were pulled, and many holes were found. They were told it was because of the iron in the water. The many times I drank from it, I could taste it but did not think much of it. So they were back at the hole collecting water…

Praise God for the loving donors who gave to RAU. Stainless steel pipes have now been installed and Cinyi church and community started enjoying clean water on News Years Day! Steve and Claude were able to drink from it! By God’s grace through his loving people RAU has put in 25 boreholes( water wells) in places lacking clean water.

Carol has been working very hard with Caesar translating ABWE’s Good Soil “Story of Hope” into Ma’di. “The Message of Hope” has already been translated into Aringa. Madi and Aringa are the two main language groups we work with. There are many other language groups that we work with, but Ma’di and Aringa are the ones we work with the most. Please pray for her and Caesar.

I had the opportunity in January to teach at two youth conferences. One was in Yumbe town at Pilgrim Church with Aringa youth, and the other in a smaller church in our nearby Fodia with Ma’di youth. In Yumbe, I had the morning and afternoon in one of their five days. In Fodia, I had one session two days later. Each attendee in both conferences received an ESV Pew Bible and The Epic Story of the Bible by Greg Gilbert. In addition, in Yumbe, they received Good Soil/ABWE Message of Hope in Aringa and English, and dual language Aringa-English tracts. What a joy to be with these young Aringa and Ma’di who are on fire for Jesus!

Through your heartfelt prayers, generous gifts, and unwavering monthly support, we wholeheartedly pledge to be faithful stewards of your incredible generosity. We especially appreciate every bit of increased monthly support! My (Jacob’s) transformative first journey to our current home took place in March 2007, and Carol’s and my permanent relocation in July 2013 marked the beginning of our journey as cross-cultural gospel workers. As long-term, on-the-ground missionaries, we have witnessed the Lord open countless doors, revealing the numerous possibilities for spreading love and hope.

A special note: A friend and pastor is requesting we sell one of our RAU older bodas (motorcycles) to him. We can replace the one we sell with a new boda for around $1,200. We use a boda to acquire things locally instead of taking the Land Cruiser. If anyone would like to give towards this we would be grateful.

Special Prayer Request: We are in the process of obtaining a 10-work permit or, if God wills, a permanent residence status. The latter is what we are hoping for. We can make this kind of application because of the number of years we have been working in Uganda.

A final note. Most missionary work often boils down to the relentless grind of “plodding” through mundane tasks to keep the wheels turning. One of Carol’s and my goals? Handing over a campus that’s not just functional but smoothly functioning in terms of maintenance issues. Take this video, for instance, a prime exhibit of that tedious plodding. One of the beautiful truths which came out of the Reformation is that all work done for God’s glory is “spiritual”.
Isn’t it interesting that this video follows the one showcasing the reception of over 6,000+ Africa Study Bibles and other ministry endeavors? Such sequencing is no mere coincidence.

Thank you to our supporters for coming alongside us !

What we do now in the Lord and for Him will have an eternal impact for His praise and honor; all else is fleeting!

May God’s blessing in and through Christ Jesus flow to you and your family throughout 2025! We are very thankful for your prayers, encouragement and sacrificial gifts which keep us pushing forward for the glory and fame of our King and Savior Jesus!

RAU Donation page information: 

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

Gratefully,

Jacob and Carol Lee

RAU Mission and Vision Statements:

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/about/

RAU Blog posts full of Carol’s pictures: 

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/

RAU Mercy Ministry Page:

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/agriculture-project/

RAU”s YouTube Video Page:

https://www.youtube.com/@jacoblee2082/videos

RAU Donation page information: 

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations

Carol and I are grateful to be  Associate Missionaries with ABWE. 

Video Interview: “What does it mean to be an Associate Missionary with ABWE?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NIk9-mNdWk&t=12s

May God’s Blessings Flow to You in 2025

On By Jacob LeeIn Uncategorized

I know that you likely receive many requests for donations at this time of year, as do I. If you are considering making an end-of-year gift, I would be deeply grateful if you would prayerfully consider Reaching Africa’s Unreached (RAU).

Continuing in 2025, we remain committed, by God’s grace, to our core mission: training faithful Ugandan and Sudanese church leaders at RAU’s Hall of Tyrannus, who will then teach others in their local churches. We will continue to equip church leaders with resources like the AFRICA STUDY BIBLE and other biblically sound books, and, by God’s grace, we will continue to provide pew bibles to church members, students, and new believers.

We will also, by God’s grace, continue our evangelism and church planting in partnership with local churches, reaching out to least-reached areas like the Metu Mountains and unreached people groups (like the nearby Aringa), and Sudanese in the refugee resettlement camps and in South Sudan.

Additionally, we hope to partner with Jinja Ugandan, “Hope Smiles”, to establish a larger dental clinic in 2025, provide grafted mango empowerment, and bring clean water to rural areas that are difficult to access and often overlooked.

Through your prayers, end-of-year gifts, and monthly support, we pledge to be faithful stewards of your generosity. My (Jacob’s) first trip to where we live now was in March 2007. Carol’s and my permanent move was July 2013. As long-term, on-the-ground missionaries, we have seen the Lord open many doors.

What we do now in the Lord and for Him will have an eternal impact for His praise and honor; all else is fleeting!

May God’s blessing in and through Christ Jesus flow to you and your family in 2025! We are very thankful for your prayers, encouragement and sacrificial gifts which keep us pushing forward for the glory and fame of our King and Savior Jesus!

RAU Donation page information: 

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

Gratefully,

Jacob and Carol Lee

Video “23,040 Africa Study Bibles”: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhom_YM3mmo

RAU Mission and Vision Statements:

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/about/

RAU Blog posts full of Carol’s pictures: 

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/

RAU Mercy Ministry Page:

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/agriculture-project/

RAU”s YouTube Video Page:

https://www.youtube.com/@jacoblee2082/videos

RAU Donation page information: 

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

Carol and I are grateful to be  Associate Missionaries with ABWE. 

Video Interview: “What does it mean to be an Associate Missionary with ABWE?”:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NIk9-mNdWk&t=12s

​PS: My 2024 book of the year recommendation:

The True Light Has Come

On By Jacob LeeIn Uncategorized1 Comment

by Carol Lee

There is nothing so brilliant as a star sparkling in a dark sky; the facets of a diamond are accentuated on the backdrop of a black velvet cloth; and the grace and beauty of Christ shine most brilliantly in a dark, sin-filled world. Jesus is the True Light who came into our dark world and dwelt among us. There is no darkness that can defeat His light (John 1). Is there any better response than that of the Wise Men or the shepherds who “rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2: 10) or investigated “this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known” (Luke 2:15)? Second only to seeing it for ourselves is helping others to see it, too!

That was the blessing that Jacob, Pastor Henry, Tiondi and I had in Yumbe over the weekend along with our friend and co-worker, Onduga Charles– to encourage and equip the believers who are making every effort to shine like stars in the universe as they hold fast to the word of life “in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation“(Philippians 2:15) , and to earnestly plead, “come and see,” among those who have yet to be delivered “from the domain of darkness and transferred…to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1: 13-14)

On Saturday, we spent the day with the youth and congregants from the Zinzo church (Church of Uganda), and, through several facilitators, taught and exhorted them to know and understand and believe the Gospel more fervently for themselves, to trust that, through the Gospel (good news), God is mightily at work to save people out of darkness, and the Word is God is living and active and more powerful than any other source of information.

It’s a good thing we weren’t on the 3rd floor like Paul and no open windows! : )

Jacob taught on “One God, One Mediator“, who is Christ Jesus, helping the listeners to be more sure and grounded in what the Gospel is and what it accomplishes in our lives. I also taught on the “The Gospel that Saves Us and Keeps Us“: what it is and how it is fleshed out, bearing fruit in our lives that brings glory to God and speaks loudly to those who have yet to believe. Brother Jackson, who taught directly in Aringa, spoke about the differences between the Qur’an and the Bible and how knowing the power of God’s word can help embolden people in their witness to Muslim neighbors.

Jacob explaining “propitiation“–Jesus absorbing God’s wrath on our behalf!

In the evening, we transported the sound equipment to a local market place in Wolo where we hoped to draw a crowd and then announce to them some really great news: how they can be made clean before a Holy God–apart from “good deeds” which can never be enough to wipe out our bad record. I did my favorite thing, which was to mingle among the women, greet them in Aringa and use the little of the language I know to make a loving connection with them and hopefully break down barriers. The youth and other believers did what they love–singing Gospel songs and dancing with unbelievable energy. That is also a common language–everyone loves to dance; it was fun to be in the crowd engaging AND dancing with everyone. Jacob and Charles did what they love the most–preaching from on top of the Land Cruiser. Jacob’s message (with Charles interpreting in his passionate and animated way) was from John 10 where Jesus declares He is the Door! He preached from notes pasted on to his Bible–until the light became night and then he preached from his memory and heart! while Jacob was preaching, there were many from the team who were interceding. Our deepest prayer is that “eyes and hearts were opened” to see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Back to Zinzo Church; setting up the screen for the Jesus Film (notice the supervisory role)

Once again, we packed things up and headed back to the Zinzo Church where (after much struggle) we were able to set up the screen and projector for the “Jesus film“. It was a part of the ALL NIGHT youth conference and their hope that Muslim neighbors in the area would be drawn to see and hear the story of Jesus Christ portrayed in the movie–to have their hearts opened to believe what they saw and heard.

We arrived back at our hotel at around 1:30 a.m. Exhausted! Dusty! Hungry! Thankfully, the hotel still had staff on hand to cook a small snack for us. The next morning, I awoke with a little bit of panic. It was already 7:30 a.m. and we were supposed to be ready by 8 a.m. to go to our next destination, Lodenga, for Sunday prayers!! That is one of the few times that I woke up earlier than Jacob–needless to say, he was worn to a frazzle. We hurried to get dressed and eat breakfast–which we would not have had to do as our hosts served us a “Hobbit’s Second Breakfast“.

At Lodenga we were given the privilege of hearing the story of the church’s beginnings and how difficult it has been for them (in the past and present) to stand firm in their faith amidst opposition, persecution, and the strategies of members of the Islamic faith to aggressively take over schools and churches in that region. It burgeoned great respect in our hearts for these faithful people. As with every church we have visited in Yumbe District, the older generation fears for the faith of the younger one as there is an active tactic to undermine the faith of the youth and convert them to the Islamic religion through earthly means, whether it be with money or marriage to their sons or other such drawing cards. The struggles are real and the desperation of the current believers is palpable. Their cry is for others to come along side of them and to “strengthen what remains“.

While Christians persevere in their efforts, Muslims from Arabia and Pakistan and other Islamic countries are pouring money into the region, building Mosques, supporting Muslim businesses, and paying bride prices for Christian girls to be married into Muslim families. Christians, already outnumbered, are under great pressure to rise to this challenge. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” At times, we can doubt the power of Jesus’ light. The darkness seems oppressive and overpowering. BUT GOD! is at work and we are convinced that His light will reach to every ordained corner of the world.

Lord!! Let the light of Your love shine brightly in these dark corners of the world. Fill your people with the light of your truth and grace. Let Your light overcome the darkness. Open eyes, open hearts so that those held captive by lies (that we can come into Your presence without a Mediator) may see your grace and beauty and believe in You and believe in what You have done for them.

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1: 9-17

“O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light.“

“O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace.” 

Jacob and I wish you a very blessed Christmas celebration with Jesus Christ, Himself, at the very center of it all! He is the Light of the World and through Him–by His light–WE are the light of the world. May our lives, individually and corporately, reflect the light of the Son so that darkness will be dispelled.

Would you please pray about and consider partnering with RAU financially so that we can continue to be an answer to Jesus’ appeal to “pray for the Lord of the Harvest to thrust forth laborers”? As Jacob says often, day time is here when we must work and a time is coming when no one will be able to do the work of sowing, weeding and harvesting. WORK WITH US in this eternally consequential present moment! Thank you so much to those of you who are already doing so. As the Body of Christ we are interconnected in physical and spiritual ways. We will only see the work God has done in and through us in the ages to come!

As we approach the final month of 2024, we invite you to partner with Reaching Africa’s Unreached (RAU) in our mission and vision. However, I must emphasize that supporting RAU should not divert your giving from your local church or other Christ-exalting mission work.

Please join in with us in our quest to bring over 20,000+ Africa Study Bibles here to RAU. They would be resources primarily to church leaders.

Read more about the Africa Study Bible here: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/20040-africa-study-bibles-to-r-a-u/

Above all, we request your prayers. Please pray that we will be good stewards, filled with God’s wisdom as we serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your consideration and partnership!

www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

“What we do now in the Lord and for Him will echo throughout eternity for His praise and honor….all else is dust in the wind!” (Jacob Lee)

All donations are tax deductible!

PayPal Monthly and/or one time giving link:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=WAR99DL4JFWXQ&ssrt=1702909444355

“It is our conviction that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16) and we have been entrusted to proclaim it passionately and rightly. Our dependence is upon the Holy Spirit for the power to preach, teach, live and endure all things for the sake of the elect. (1 Timothy 2:10). As Christians, we are called to lay down our lives so that the Gospel will be preached to all. As ones who are confident in God’s sovereignty and passionate for His glory we seek to reach the many that have never heard of the Savior and His work of reconciliation. We understand that this work cannot be accomplished in our own strength but only through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. The means He uses in His people are cross-centered living, sacrificial and loving service, Bible-soaked preaching/teaching, fervent intercessory prayer, and Christ-likeness.” (From Reaching Africa’s Unreached Mission & Vision Statement)

Checks also may be written out to “RAU” and sent to our secretary Beth and she will deposit them into RAU’s account : Lifegate-RAU, 395 Lifegate Ln., Seguin, TX. 78155

Mission & Vision Statements: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/about/

Mercy Ministries: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/agriculture-project/

Blog Posts: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

RAU’s YouTube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRmHafoBSemE7jS8kEHCG6Q/videos

RAU Donation Page : https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/ 

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RAU is in partnership with ABWE

Our ABWE Personal Donation Page: https://give.abwe.org/worker/2125

Our RAU/ABWE Uganda Ministry Operations/Projects Page: https://give.abwe.org/projects/rau-uganda-short-term-teams

Carol and I are grateful to be  Associate Missionaries with ABWE. Video Interview: What does it mean to be an Associate Missionary with ABWE?