The Open Hands of the Gospel

A RAU Pastor's Retreat
A RAU Pastor’s Retreat

Because of the generosity of so many faithful followers of Jesus, we and so many here in the West Nile of Uganda are seeing Jesus magnified! On behalf Reaching Africa’s Unreached I thank each of you who pray for and sacrificially give to this ministry!

As Kent Hughes states, “One of the effects of the gospel going deeper into our souls is that it frees our fingers to loosen their grasp on our goods. Generosity is one of the great evidences of truly being a Christian.”  and “There is no such thing as a Christian scrooge,” he says. “We may know some scrooges who claim to be Christians, but I don’t think you can claim to really know Christ and be a stingy person.” The gospel opens our soul — and with it, our hands.” Below is one of the best encouragements and exhortations I have read and  have listened to on the Biblical understanding of generosity. May it bring encouragement to you as well!

“The Open Hands of the Gospel”

by David Mathis

The Open Hands of the Gospel

He may have been a wee little man, but he was the kingpin of the Jericho tax cartel. He was a filthy rich little guy, this Zacchaeus.

But when he met Jesus, everything changed — not only his heart, but his hands. The same fingers that once reached to extort filthy lucre, now extended with generosity to the poor, and to pay back fourfold anyone he’d defrauded (Luke 19:8).

Sign of a New Soul

It’s only a few verses earlier in Luke’s Gospel that Jesus encountered another wealthy man, who we call “the rich young ruler.” His great possessions were the barrier to him following Jesus. Veteran pastor Kent Hughes, who served nearly thirty years at College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, says the contrast is unmistakable: How we handle our money has everything to do with how we orient on Jesus. The rich young ruler chose his wealth over Jesus, but for Zacchaeus, meeting the Messiah loosed his hold on his material possessions.

There’s a very intentional theology of generosity in the Gospel of Luke in particular, and the point, as Hughes captures it, is generosity is a sign of a regenerate soul.

“There is no such thing as a Christian scrooge,” he says. “We may know some scrooges who claim to be Christians, but I don’t think you can claim to really know Christ and be a stingy person.” The gospel opens our soul — and with it, our hands.

“Generosity is a sign of a regenerate soul.”

Is Tithing Enough?

Generosity is more than tithing, and more than just money. A stingy person can give ten percent, says Hughes. “Ten percent is good, but that’s not the point. The point is to be generous.” He points out that the total prescribed giving in the old covenant amounted to about 23%, not ten. Tithing isn’t necessarily a sign of grace. It can be very legalistic.

The issue is giving sacrificially. “Christians ought to give in such a way that there are things we forego in order to be generous — that vacation, that new car. Christianity encompasses all of our life.”

And so the regenerate are generous — not just with their finances, but with their time and possessions.

Why We Give

But for the Christian, the issue is not just that we give, but how. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). And giving gladly rests on the great why of Christian generosity: that Christ himself — our Savior, Lord, and greatest treasure — demonstrated the ultimate in generosity in coming to buy us back. “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). If Jesus is in us, then increasingly such an open-handed tendency will be in us as well.

One of the effects of the gospel going deeper into our souls is that it frees our fingers to loosen their grasp on our goods. Generosity is one of the great evidences of truly being a Christian.

“As the gospel goes deeper in our souls, it frees our fingers to loosen their grasp on our goods.”

In this new episode of Theology Refresh, Kent Hughes reminds us that not only it is Jesus himself who speaks most often, and warns us more severely, about the danger of greed, but he is also the one who so strongly appeals to our joy and says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

To access this 14-minute episode, subscribe to Theology Refresh in iTunes, download or listen at the resource page, or watch below.

 

 

 

 

 

Just the facts, ma’am!

Northwestern Uganda in the hot-dry season
Northwestern Uganda in the hot-dry season

A big hello from Afoji, Uganda, to all of our family and friends!

In receiving this letter, you will know that we arrived safely to Moyo and Afoji after a long, dusty, hot bus ride from Kampala.  It will certainly be a big blessing when the roads are nicely paved from Gulu up to Moyo.  It’s in the works, but will take a few years!

It was a dusty 13 hour bus trip from Kampala to Moyo
It was a dusty 13 hour bus trip from Kampala to Moyo

On the bus ride to Moyo Jacob’s laptop was stolen from his back pack which was right above our heads the whole time…and I never left the bus.  Jacob was distressed about it, initially.  The Lord has been, through this experience, teaching him about surrendering ALL to Jesus.  It is altogether too easy to become attached to earthly conveniences to the point that you begin to think you cannot live without some item or another…but…you can!

Since then, we have managed to find some ways to connect with the world.  We found some very astute computer “wizards” in Moyo, a couple of young men who really know what they are doing.  They were able to fix my old laptop, which had been rendered useless to us, but not, apparently, to someone who knows what they are doing.  A friend from church had given two mini laptops or e-books this last visit.  Our young computer experts here were able to get one going.  So…Jacob is back in business as one of the world’s great communicators! (This time, it’s me (Carol) writing as Jacob is on his way to Yumbe.

Not everything has arrived safely in Moyo, however!  We were hoping the container would be here by now, but, alas, it has not left Kampala.  Jacob just wrote the shipping company another letter to inquire into the matter.  We shall see!  It is one of our RAU jokes:  “Oh…I’ve got a ______! But it’s in the container!!”  Hmmm…will it actually make it here?

Our friend from Seguin, John Howarton, arrived on Thursday and will be here this week.  He and his wife, Angela, have a discipleship ministry in Israel during the summer months of the year.  They had developed relationships with some South Sudanese men who were initially refugees in Israel, but have since returned to South Sudan only to be caught up in the civil unrest there.  It has been wonderful to fellowship with him.  He is a Jesus-loving encourager!   Today (Monday) the guys are off to Yumbe to meet with Pastors Ben and Charles to strategize.

Kevin Turner and his friend, a theology professor, will be arriving February 8th.  While they are here we will host a four day retreat for pastors and leaders from Yumbe. Then the next week we will be in Yumbe itself for ministry.  Looking forward to that!

We were surprised to see very few signs of refugees here in the Moyo area.  Most of the refugees that are here are staying with relatives.  On our way up by bus, we passed large encampments of refugees who were being cared for by World Vision and, perhaps, other groups.  Apparently, the encampment we passed was for people from the Dinka tribe.  Most of the refugees are women and children, as the men have returned back to South Sudan, probably for participation in the war.  Apparently, in the Adjumani area, there are around 9 camps for Dinka tribe members, and around 7 in the Koboko region for people from the Nuer tribe (pronounced “new-eh”, as we recently found out from John Howarton.)

We have funds for refugee care which were given by folks back home and have decided to use the funds for medicines that will be available to the refugees that are here locally.  While refugees in this area may have a place to stay, they probably do not have the funds for medicines.  This will alleviate some of the burden on local families who are hosting them.

A refuge camp near Adjumani
A refuge camp near Adjumani

While Jacob was in town with Sam the other day and meeting with the local heads of police, there happened to be an official from South Sudan there.  Initially he spoke of a peace treaty that was being signed, but, almost under his breath, also muttered, “I am concerned that my country will divided into three.”  With the strong tribal loyalties that are present that is a sad but likely scenario.

Thanks for your prayers, your gifts, your encouraging letters and love.

As always, continue to pray about and consider the possibility of coming with a team to use your gifts and skills to strengthen pastors.  Women, you are welcome too!  There are many ministry opportunities for you!  Just give us a heads-up so we can find a spot on the calendar for you!

Blessings from Carol (and Jacob)

 

Web Site: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.com
Blog: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

——

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 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 me at JacobLeeRAU@gmail.com

Jesus says, “Yumbe is Mine!”

I pray you all had a good Thanksgiving and are continuing with a spirit of thanksgiving in your hearts expressed through your lips and actions. Carol and I are grateful for the innumerable blessings we have received over the years. Most of all, we are grateful for God’s grace and mercy demonstrated to us through Jesus Christ! I am also thankful for my many African friends and my sweet wife being here with me. Through these lovely people and by God’s grace the sting of missing family/loved ones is lessened on days like Thanksgiving.

Last time I wrote you about an upcoming meeting with pastors in Yumbe. Yesterday (the 29th), Pastor Abraham, Nurse Sam , Alfred and I left in the morning and  returned in the evening to RAU. We met with the only three evangelical pastors of this city of 35,000. There were also several pastors from the district with us, as well as a few church  workers. Yumbe district has around 500,000 people and very,very few Christians.

Each person shared their hearts, praises,difficulties and hopes for their people to be reached with the glorious gospel.  Pressures against Christians in this district are constant and strong. I was humbled by the brothers and sisters great faith in Jesus in the midst of difficulties. What an honor to work shoulder to shoulder together with them for the glory of Jesus! You who partner with us are also linked to them!

I was told this was the first gathering for pastors from different denominations (Baptist, Pentecostal, Anglican, Calvary Chapel, Independent and Lifegate. [Lifegate is my home church which has sent us out. Lifegate is a member of Sovereign Grace Ministries ]) We gathered together with the expressed purpose of working together to see Yumbe town and District full of praise and worship of Jesus. Upon arriving home I had the following message from one of the attending pastors in my email: “Praise Jesus, dear father in the Lord! I hope you reached well. I praise God for finally remembering Yumbe people through RAU. I am praying with you for His will be done. Thank you. ______ from ______ Church. God bless you greatly.”  I had opportunity to share with them the vision and mission of Reaching Africa’s Unreached and how we can work together with them to reach Yumbe with message of redemption found only in Christ Jesus. I also told them about many people praying for them and the spread of gospel in Yumbe. They all were greatly encouraged!

Yumbe gathering November 29th
Yumbe gathering November 29th

Pastor Abraham’s older brother, Ponziano, wrote me an encouraging word along with a brief history of Yumbe. This is what he wrote, “That place Yumbe has been a stronghold of Islam in northern Uganda since from the time of Emin Pasha Relief Expedition of 1886 to 1889. It also became the backbone of Idi Amin’s regime because Amin, being a Moslem himself, trusted in the loyalty of people from Yumbe because of their religion and made many of them commanders in his army and gave them high ranking government positions, including the vice presidency. It came to be that young people from Yumbe despised higher education which they felt was not necessary to advance in the military and in the government of Amin. When the tides changed, the people of Yumbe had double the tragedy from the aftermaths of Amin’s atrocities: they not only suffered revenge from the rest of Uganda as did all of West Nile, but they also were the least educated of all the West Nile tribes and therefore most ill-prepared to re-integrate back into the fabric of civic participation at the national level. Evidence of this may still be apparent on the ground. Yumbe is therefore a virgin land for the gospel because neither the Catholic Church nor the Protestant Church who partitioned colonial Uganda between themselves ever established shop in Yumbe. So you guys are where Apostle Paul boasted of being – going where no one else has been to preach the gospel before, so that he would not be working on the foundations laid by someone else. So take pride in this privilege the Lord has accorded to you, taking care to lay a strong foundation with the workmanship of the Holy Spirit who has opened this door to you because of His great mercy and love for the people of Yumbe. And may God be with you and confirm His work with bountiful harvest of souls!”

I awoke early this morning with an extra energy in my step, I am physically tired but refreshed in my heart to see what the Lord is doing in Yumbe! I am grateful for you my friends…your prayers and support…thank you!  Romans 15:20 was indelibly printed upon my heart in 1977 by Leonard Ravenhill when he quoted it to me in his office. It brings great joy to my heart to hear Ponziano quote it in relation to Yumbe!

In February we will have a special retreat here at RAU for pastors/church leaders dedicated to Yumbe leaders and those called to minister in this Muslim district. Kevin Turner, who was just with us, will be bringing a team at that time to help us in the retreat as well as our outreach to Yumbe and Moyo Districts.

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There will be many future trips to Yumbe for discipleship and evangelism in the years ahead. I rejoice in that!

Jesus says, “Yumbe is mine”! We all say “Amen”. Can I get an “Amen” from you?!!

Godfrey has spent the whole week in Obongi discipling the new believers there. Please continue to pray for him and the new RAU church plant in Obongi town. Thank you for your prayers for our outreach to both Yumbe and Obongi. Please continue in your prayers and giving which enable us to do what we are doing.

Godfrey studying at RAU
Godfrey studying at RAU

There is no new news on the container. Thomas, our faithful brother who has been working with us, has been sitting in offices  days and keeps being told to come back the next day. We are in the process of asking the political leaders in Moyo, with whom God has given us favor, to be giving additional pressure for it to be released to us. Please keep praying for its release. We need it to arrive before we return to the USA for Christmas. Please also pray for its release and the $3000+ for clearing fees.

Over 1,100 Global Study Bibles and 3,500 christian books for distribution to pastors and others are on their way ..PTL!
Over 1,100 Global Study Bibles and 3,500 christian books for distribution to pastors and others are in the RAU container which is still being held in Kampala. Pray that is makes its 2 day trip north to us SOON!

There is a tremendous amount of water which comes off the Guesthouse roof which is lost. Water is a very precious resource to us, especially throughout the dry season. The dry season runs from December to March. I have received a bid to harvest this roof water. To dig an 80,000 liter in-ground tank, purchase strong gutters and a pipe system to bring the water to tank, with labor, is $9,000. This would be a secondary source to our well and could  gravity feed  the tukalu guest living quarters and be used for irrigation. It also could be pumped into our above ground tank for the Guesthouse if it is needed. When we have had groups here we have often run out of water and then are dependent on a generator. Fuel is much more expensive here than in the America and it is often difficult to get. I believe this water harvest system to be a wise investment and would be a helpful tool for many years to come.

Lots of water runs off this roof!
Lots of water runs off this roof!

We leave Entebbe for  Texas on December 17 to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. We sold our vehicles when we made our move to Africa. If anyone from the Seguin area has a vehicle we may use to get around in while Texas please let me know. Thank you!

Your prayers and support are as equally important as us physically being here. Only together can we advance the faith of Jesus where He is not known!

Thank you all for your faithful prayers and support.

  Jacob(for the both of us)

Web Site: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.com
Blog: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

——

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!  Jacob 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 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 me at JacobLeeRAU@gmail.com

Memories, Ministry, Malaria

Sunset at RAU
Sunset at RAU

Memories, Ministry, and Malaria

by Carol Lee

I hope this letter finds you well and hoping, not in the things of this world, but in things that cannot rust or be stolen and that have eternal value.  I also hope that, though long, this letter will excite you and not bore you. There is so much to tell!

Many times in the past, when days were flying by and life seemed hectic, I had often found myself thinking, “Stop the world and let me off!”  This is NOT the way I feel now, though the days are flying by and there are many things on the RAU daily agenda.  I am immensely blessed in being allowed to live this adventure we have been called to.  I am much more keenly aware that life is ministry and that it is about reaching out to include as many others as we can while we “hold on to [and hold out] the word of life.”

 “So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, for the One bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of His good pleasure – is God.  Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world by [emphasis mine] holding on to [in other translations: “holding out”]the word of life….”

Philippians 2: 12-16 (New English Translation)

I am being challenged more and more in the attitudes of my heart to do what these verses are exhorting – working out what God has worked in so that there is no hypocrisy, maintaining an awe and reverence for the One who is working in me so I don’t begin to think I deserve what only comes by grace, doing everything without grumbling or arguing because it is unthinkable that those who have received so much could be ungrateful or argumentative, and holding on to the word of life, because we are nothing without Christ, who is our life.  And, how can we hold out the word of life if we, ourselves, are not holding onto the word of life?   If these characteristics are not continually growing in us we cannot shine as lights in the darkness because we ourselves are in darkness.

I was bemoaning to Lucy (our cook) the other day, after receiving unexpected visitors and people with needs, and telling her that my heart is so unlike Jesus’ and that I need God’s help to be more open and willing to share what I have and not to grumble about those He sends my way.  I see others who have so much less than I do being so much more gracious and hospitable.  It is built into the culture here.  Even if I don’t want to hurt someone in my helping by just handing out money as if it’s the answer, [When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor by Corbett and Fikkert], I can at least be like Peter and John who said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I do have I give you.” (Acts 3:6)  I can pray for them, I can offer tea and sincere concern, I can offer a job which will allow them to earn money and, sometimes, we can also give money if it is appropriate.  But my own heart needs to be filled with light and ready to shine in the darkness!

I am sorry that it has taken me coming to a foreign mission field to see this more clearly.  In America, it was all too easy to hide myself in work and home and busyness.

So here I am…in Northwestern Uganda…learning to love a new way of looking at the world – at those around me.  I am truly thankful!  But please don’t think that you have to leave where you are to live this out!

One of the biggest blessings of being here has been meeting awesome people as they come with their gifting and their love and desire to partner with us in what the Lord is doing in this part of the world.  First, there was our longtime beloved friend, Ron Zeiner.   Last week, it was our beloved “Tennessee Trio,” and this week it is beloved friends and brothers in Christ, Kevin Turner and Ron Day.  Jacob already knew them; I knew of them, “but now my eyes have seen them!”  And, oh! What a revelation it has been!

Kevin, Jacob, and Ron on their way to Yumbe
Kevin, Jacob, and Ron on their way to Yumbe
Great times of fellowship in the Hall of Tyrannus
Great times of fellowship in the Hall of Tyrannus

Meeting Kevin Turner for the first time is like standing in front of a gushing fire hydrant – intense!  But what a refreshing, intense blast it has been getting to know him!  His love for Jesus is intense.  His passion to make Christ known is intense.   His love for people and ability to show compassion is intense.  His knowledge about anything and everything is intense.  And…his silly antics…are totally and intensely hilarious.  We all have laughed so hard that I am sure our veins are coursing with pure endorphins.  Though, initially, some looked at him with wide-eyed wonder, they are seeing and appreciating his genuine love for Jesus and for them.  They are enjoying looking at the world and their own life in Christ through his eyes.  They are being encouraged in their faith, prayed for and cared for.  Thank you, Kevin, for your friendship and partnership and generosity!  Thank you for sharing with us what the Lord so uniquely and beautifully has done in and through you.

On the morning Kevin and Ron left three mambas were found 200 yards from the Guesthouse. Before they were killed Kevin gave us all a first hand lesson on them.
On the morning Kevin and Ron left three mambas were found 200 yards from the Guesthouse. Before they were killed Kevin gave us all a first hand lesson on them.

We are immensely blessed by Ron Day and his gift of film making.  God called him as a youngster to have an impact by capturing artistically and beautifully the works that the Lord is doing around the world through His people.  Ron’s hope and desire is that through well made films, people will hear the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, be moved and want to invest themselves in missions…and maybe even MOVE!  He has been generous with his time and resources and has been busy capturing on film the various places and activities in which RAU has been involved and getting glimpses of life and landscape so that all who see his film will feel they are right there with us.  We look forward to seeing the finished product!  Thank you, Ron, for serving Christ and us in this way!

Kevin and Ron arrived on Tuesday evening, November 12, ferried by Patrick Bukenya in his vehicle from Kampala.  They took the long and scenic route via Arua and were able to get some great footage along the way of some of the wild life…and no, I am not talking about Kevin!  While Sam and Kevin joined together in “harassing” the monkeys and calling their relatives names (“Your mother’s a monkey!” and, “You give birth to monkeys!”), Sam was praying that Kevin would not try the same shenanigans on the bull elephants that they stopped to film.

Having arrived late on Tuesday evening, we “allowed” them one recoup day – Wednesday.

On Thursday, Abraham took the crew to Metu Mountain for open air preaching in the market.  It had been raining and the roads were a mess. Immediately after preaching, Jacob began to feel sick with what was most certainly a bout of malaria.  The joy of being stopped by a husband and wife on the way back who wanted to respond to the message that was preached was more than enough to overcome the misery of malaria.  Back in Moyo, Jacob had his blood tested but, because the one who would read the test was not there, he started on Coartem immediately and went to bed.  The next morning the blood test  came back ‘negative’, but Nurse Sam says that was because he took it too early. All the symptoms that hung on for four days definitely pointed to malaria (which Jacob defines as “flu to the 10th power“.)

On Friday, Abraham, Jacob, Ron, Kevin,Alfred, and Sam took a day trip to Yumbe. (Yumbe is a city of 35,000 with less than 100 evangelical believers in it.) Though Jacob was ill with malaria, he felt he simply could not miss the landmark meeting with the few pastors of the city for strategizing effective ways of reaching out to unbelievers and also for the strengthening of the believers.  Jacob remarked afterwards that he couldn’t have planned it any better if it were his to plan.  He was thrilled with how the meeting went and was impressed by Pastor Ben (one of the three evangelical pastors in Yumbe), who has truly been a light shining in the darkness in his life of servanthood and integrity in the community.  Pastor Ben wrote Jacob an email which expressed his deep gratitude and the joy and encouragement he felt in having others come alongside in support.  He stated that the few believers there had felt very discouraged in their outreach to a difficult place, but the encouragement of partners was immeasurable.   The Lord knows our needs and He is building His church!  It is wonderful to be a part of that work.

Yumbe meeting
Yumbe meeting
Jesus has many which are His in Yumbe
Jesus has many which are His in Yumbe

On Saturday, Jacob stayed home while Ron and Kevin, Abraham and Sam took another trip.  The plan was for Ron and Kevin to experience a small village church, to do some preaching and to encourage the believers.  Ron, again, had opportunity to capture these experiences on film. On Sunday, Abraham picked up and delivered Kevin and Ron to the churches in which they would be preaching.  (Jacob and I stayed home.)  Kevin was a trooper in that, though suffering with a skull-splitting headache, he could not be held back from preaching…for two and a half hours!  “For the joy set before him…”  Ron had the joy of praying with a young teenage boy who wanted to receive Christ in response to his message.

Sunday night, Abraham, again, took Ron and Kevin to the open air meeting in the Moyo market.  It was a difficult evening, to say the least. First, Kevin, still with splitting headache, preached, stopped briefly to go behind the vehicle to vomit (pain-related nausea) and then preached some more!  Amazing.  Second, the crowd was less than attentive – they were there for buying and selling.  It was, however, an encouragement that several came forward to confess their need of a Savior.  One man, in particular, came forward resolutely, stating, “I really need to be delivered.  I need the Savior.”  Only on the other side of time will we know the full fruit of this effort…”the foolishness of preaching.”

 

It’s Monday now.  Jacob is feeling a bit better and has decided to go with the team to Obongi.  We had talked to him the night before about taking one more day to rest, but  he was resolute in declaring, “How can I ask people to be willing to suffer in delivering the gospel, when I am not willing to do so myself?!”  It’s Kevin’s turn to rest so he can be relieved of his massive headache and hypertension.  Ron is on task with his camera in tow.  Abraham’s vehicle has new shocks which he installed this morning.  And they’re off!  Once again, this is a strategic visit – to encourage and strengthen the few believers who are in Obongi and to strategize.  Godfrey, whom Jacob is helping to prepare to pastor there, has been in Obongi all weekend. A number of people were added to the church in Obongi during the evening open air preaching.  We look forward to enjoying the fruit of this effort.

Road to Obongi
Road to Obongi

It won’t be long and this team visit will also be a past tense experience.  One of the most difficult things in having people come to and go from RAU, as I mentioned before, is the “going” part.  There is a huge vacuum there that pulls us into a bit of a funk.  We are impacted by our visitors in what they give while here, but, also, by what is missing when they leave!

One sweet salve for this wound is that in  one month from now we will be back in Seguin and Texas to enjoy some sweet reunions with family and friends for Christmas.  It will be refreshment that will re-energize us to return in January and to refresh others as we ourselves have been refreshed!

Some things to pray about:

1.  We are still waiting for the container to be released so it can make its way up here.    Pray for safe transport here.

2.  We still do not know the exact location of the Land Cruiser.  The last we had heard, it had not yet left Japan.  Please pray that it, also, would make it to us safely.

3. Wisdom and funding for  church plants/evangelism in Muslim dominated Obongi and Yumbe. Discipleship of young men to be shepherds there.

4. Future pastor retreats at RAU and  more housing for the pastors when they are here.

Some praises:

1.  We had had some difficulty with the water pump and were worried that there might be a problem with it.  Praise the Lord, it turned out to only be a “switch” problem. Our generator is in Kampala for repairs so right now we are borrowing Abraham’s to pump water.

2.  Most of the building is done and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel  There will always be something that needs fixin’ or building, but we are happy, for the time being, to be done with the greatest portion of it.

Thank you all for your faithful prayers and support.

Carol (for the both of us)

Web Site: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.com
Blog: www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

——

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! 

Jacob 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 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

Sunrise at RAU
Sunrise at RAU

Everything is yours Lord!

A dear friend and sister in the Lord pointed Carol and me to this beautiful song on YouTube. All the pictures and words have greatly touched my heart in a very special way. It brings great joy to my heart at the great privilege which has been given to Carol and me by our Lord and King!. 

We are moving ahead with joy!!