Open Doors
In our last post one of the things Carol had asked for prayer for was another dialog with Imams and Sheikhs from Yumbe. It has happened and I rejoice that the Lord was in our midst making Himself known through the proclamation of His Word and deeds of love. The short report below of our time together is for you that you too might rejoice with us.
Thank you everyone who prayed for our day in Yumbe! It was a full and wonderful day. The Muslim leaders were very hospitable and good listeners. The Khards, Sheikhs, and Imams’ kindness is a testimony of good will between them and us.
I greatly enjoyed the company of my Finnish brothers, Ilkka and Perrti, who added extra “spice” to the conversation. They had come up from Kampala. Even though I have only known them for a short while our bond is very strong and centered upon our mutual love for Jesus and His mission. Perrti is a life long missionary in East Africa, following in his father’s footstep. Ilkka, a former European boxing champion, trusted Jesus alone for salvation in 1970 (I, at nearly 61 y.o., was the youngster among the three of us). Ilkka too has been serving as a missionary based out Kampala but is returning to his church in Finland which has a vibrant ministry among Muslims.
I centered in on the point that Jesus is God and Ilkka spoke well on the love of God. We both spoke an hour and 15 minutes uninterrupted. Charles did an excellent job of interpreting for Perrti and me. Perrti translated Ilkka’s Finnish to English and then Charles translated it into Aringa. Zorah was, once again, our expert photographer.
Each leader received a New Testament in Aringa and a parallel Arabic-English one. They also received John Piper’s 50 Reasons Jesus Died on the Cross in Arabic, gospel tracts in English and Arabic, and printed copies of my booklet “Christian-Muslim Dialog” . The number of Muslim leaders in attendance pushed close to 100.
Resources
This was my 9th dialog with Yumbe District Imams and Sheikhs over a span of 13 months. The Lord is continuing to deepen our friendship and sincere conversations centered on the person of Jesus. The Lord is doing a great work in Yumbe among these dear ones. Please continue to pray for the Aringa that they will behold the beauty of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and soon return…thank you!
Many thanks to all our financial supporters. Through your gifts we are able to be here and do the things mentioned in this newsletter along with other ministry which will echo to God’s glory throughout eternity. I would like to ask others to prayerfully consider giving to help us keep pushing forward.
However, it is our desire that any charitable gifts given to R.A.U. would not compromise what you are ALREADY giving to your local church or to foreign missions. To get the gospel to the unreached will take sacrificial giving on the part of all God’s people. May we all walk faithfully in the spirit of 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 so that our Lord God is worshiped by men and women from every tongue , tribe, people, and nation! Truly, the time is ripe for radical generosity!
In the Grip of our Loving and Sovereign Lord,
Jacob (Carol) Lee
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
The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our power to get it to those who do not have it. (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.
Cause for Rejoicing by Carol
It is a particular joy for me to write again by way of encouragement in answered requests and prayers. Everyone who sows a seed wants to see it germinate and grow into a fruitful plant!
“Those who shed tears as they plant will shout for joy when they reap the harvest.”
Psalm 126:5
- I am experiencing that great joy in letting you know that the money we requested for 17 year old Walter’s open heart surgery has come in! Praise the Lord! To God it is no harder to produce $12,000 than to produce $12, but to my meager faith it is much akin to the parting of the Red Sea!! (A mega thanks to those who gave!) The family is thrilled and relieved and is doing everything in their power to take the next steps toward traveling to India for the surgery. They had a family/community meeting on Sunday to gain support for tasks which need to be accomplished on this end. I will continue to update you on Walter’s progress. You would love Walter…he has a sweet and humble heart. I wonder what great thing the Lord has for him to do?!!
- The brother who was experiencing hateful treatment and threats from neighbors because of his association with Jacob is now doing well and has the good will and protection of the local police though he had to flee for the night. He is back home and able to carry on as usual. That situation has become peaceful.
- The situation which was discouraging to us with regard to attacks on our ministry and personally against Jacob remains, but, as in every circumstance which is allowed by the Lord, it is producing good things in us, namely, self-examination, humility, prayer, organization and getting our “ducks in a row,” improvement as an NGO as we become more informed on non-profit NGO operations, trust in the plans that the Lord has for us (as opposed to relying on ourselves or feeling that accomplishment of plans is in the sole power of us or others).
Last week, Jacob had an interesting experience here in Moyo. As you know, it is the month of Ramadan for the Muslims. Jacob was invited to share during a Muslim “open air” meeting. It was clearly intended as a set-up for ridicule of Christians. Here is a Face book post I made describing the experience:
“Well…these photos of Jacob’s experience at the Muslim open air “crusade” are from my perch and perspective…
It was an interesting event, to say the least. We found out that they brought in a “specialist” from Tanzania because they were concerned about the effect that the dialogues, which Jacob has been a part of, are having on the local population. (The Tanzanian is the one in the beautiful, blue garb taking a picture of Jacob speaking.) Thanks, Emma, for your translating skills.
We heard, later, that the Muslims convened a special meeting on Sunday to address the impact which Jacob has had as he shares in a respectful and thoughtful way.
The crowd was especially entertained and lively, repeatedly shouting, “Allahu Akbar!” as the Tanzanian effectively mimicked and “caricaturized” some showboating Christian preachers. Little did the crowd know that we could agree on much of their assessments of “preachers” who want to put on a show and make more of miracles than the One who can perform them or who make much of the gift, more so than the Giver.
I was proud of Jacob in his ability to remain calm, kind and respectful when the strong current around him was rough and volatile.
I wish that, as Christians, we could do better at respecting the image of God in others. How much more would others respect and be open to what we have to say if love and respect actually were apparent in our actions, attitudes and words?! After all, what condition were we in when Christ, in love, stepped away from glory to become like us, to live righteously on our behalf and die lovingly for us, His enemies?
“In a servant leadership culture we learn by choice or example that if we want to be great, we have to serve others respectfully.”
― Vern Dosch, Wired Differently
As I stood in the crowd, a Muslim gentleman approached me and shook my hand. He was obviously embarrassed at the tone of some of the speakers and he made every effort to welcome me and show respect. He was not proud of the way in which words were spoken.
People on every side of a given issue, conflict or idea can see that the way FORWARD is paid in the currency of respectfulness.”
Moyo Muslim Open Air Pictures
Jacob had a very different experience a few days later as he traveled to Arua through Yumbe. While in Yumbe he met with Charles and the Khard (in his office) where there were gathered for a meeting about 20 Sheikhs and Imams. It was a friendly bantering back and forth about fasting and other things. Jacob dropped off some more Christian literature which the Khard keeps in his office for handing out.
We are looking so forward to seeing Ron Zeiner in a week. It will be the beginning of another busy and fruitful ministry season.
Our Agricultural Extension Ministry continues to do well. Everything on the compound is growing beautifully and it looks like a lush paradise. We have had several groups come by “just to look.”
The radio program is having lasting influence in many communities within hearing of the radio signal. Last Friday, Emma moderated a group Veterinarians on his show as they discussed the care of and diseases related to livestock (cattle, goats and pigs). Included on the panel was Dr. Thomas Graham, CEO of Veterinarians Without Borders (who is hosting several teams here in the Moyo area), Dr. Unzimai Vincent-District Veterinary Officer-Representative-Moyo, Dr. Oba Peter and Dr. Apanga Michael -NARO- Animal Scientists and Dr. Unzimai Vincent-District Veterinary Officer-Representative-Moyo. It is a privilege to join forces with all those who want to provide capacity building and income generating activities in this West Nile/Ma’di region.
Ministry is not confined to church and church affairs. As the motto of Covenant College, Jacob’s Graduate School alma mater, declares, “In all things, Christ pre-eminent,” the love and truth of God should extend into every aspect of life and experience and make their imprint on every endeavor.
Just confirmed today, Jacob will be joining our new friends from Finland, Pertti Soderland and Ilka Salminen, as they, together, will meet with 50 (+/-) Imams and Sheiks in Yumbe this coming Saturday. Ilka has had some very profitable and ongoing dialogues with Muslims who live in Finland. Jacob will bring them some more resources and all three will have time to share. Of course, the Imams will also have time to speak, making it a true dialog.
Please check out this wonderful story from The Gospel Coalition about a good friend Omar: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/50-reasons-why-jesus-came-to-die-10-years-of-gods-stunning-work
I am going to venture out this weekend! My friend, Helen, from the UK, who lives in Adjumani, has invited me to come and visit her there. I will travel there tomorrow (Friday) and then we will come back here to RAU where we will spend the rest of the weekend. Yippee! Looking forward to it in a big way!!
Continue to keep the following events of the next month and a half on your prayer radar:
- Ron Zeiner’s visit along with the 2 retreats which will be held during that time (and other ministry opportunities)
- Visit of Delmar Hager (and friends) to RAU for a retreat (We have partnered since the beginning with Delmar to deliver his fully loaded Kindles into the hands of church leaders.
- Our safety in travels, health and energy, and Godwardness and reliance on the Spirit’s power in all things.
Thank you for caring about what we’re doing. Thank you for praying. (We pray for you all often as well!) Thank you for giving. You are a blessing to us all over on this side of the ocean. As the ministry grows, our needs – for prayer and financial support – grow as well. Please continue to consider even a small monthly gift to help offset operational expenses. Thanks so much!
In Christ,
Carol (Jacob) Lee
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
The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our power to get it to those who do not have it. (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.
Counting It All Joy
Sorry it has taken us too long to communicate with you. This has, indeed, been a busy and intense season -physically, mentally, and spirtually
The physical aspect of our work — the renovations and expansions for upcoming retreats and for the place we call “home” — has finally been concluded. Oh my! It was a stressful time! All the builders are gone and now we are in the process of reorganizing and preparing for 3 retreats between now and the time we return to the States for fundraising and reconnecting at the end of August. Though everything looks so nice and we are enjoying its benefits, the destruction and rebuilding process has taken its toll! Praise God, it is now in “past tense!“
The main purpose for renovations has been to create an infrastructure which will continue its usefulness many years into the future. The four tukalus which house church leaders and others for retreats were more temporary in nature (with grass-thatched roofs which leaked and “rained down” bugs and dust). The roofs have now been raised and vented for coolness and metal sheets have replaced the grass. Larger windows were added for airflow. The outsides have been updated to have the characteristic “RAU” appearance with red metal roofs and decorative stone around the outside. Also, the tukalus have now been equipped with solar power so that they will have lights and electricity for charging phones and such. A new and improved pit latrine with drainage has been added.
Our room and one of the guest rooms have been expanded to make them more comfortable for the long haul…we were a bit cramped in ours which served as a bedroom, office and living space. In all these expansions we have been looking at sustainability for future growth and continuation of the ministry, especially as others will be called to work alongside us or receive “the baton” of ministry.
The other guestroom was finished – just in the nick of time – for Preston and Laurel Sink’s visit. Preston and Laurel have become dear friends and partners in our ministry here in the West Nile/Ma’di region. Their presence and company cheers and encourages us and they are always eager to bring along ministry items. They are always ready for “whatever” we plan!
Preston and Laurel Sink from Florida
While they were here we enjoyed a two-day conference at Aya Baptist Church, organized by Pastor Ojji Tobious. Preston, Laurel, Zorah, Samuel and I all shared from the scriptures. (Jacob stayed behind to oversee the building projects.) There was a lot of worship and dancing. We are encouraged by the steadfastness of these believers, some of whom walked many, many miles to get to the retreat/conference held at Aya Baptist Church. Thank you, Pastor Tobious, for your tireless efforts to strengthen the churches in your area and under your care!
During the week, while Preston and Laurel were here, we took bodas (motorcycle taxis) and went around to local schools distributing soccer balls which had been donated by friends of the Sinks. The schools were especially happy to see the balls as soccer (football) season approaches.
On the last day of the Sink’s visit, we went to Kuru and met with around 100 men, many of whom were Imams and Sheikhs. Emma gave some teaching on soy bean production and included a manual in the literature they received. There has never been a time when the Agricultural information has not been received with extreme enthusiasm and gratefulness, wherever it is taught.
These meetings are an opportunity not only to give people empowering information but also to express love in action. We always take the opportunity to hand out reading glasses to all who have need. Also, at the time of our visit, the Yumbe area had been experiencing some drought. As a show of love for the people of Kuru, also God’s image-bearers, we brought along 200 kgs of soy beans which were grown on RAU land to be distributed to those who had signed up for the Ag in-service. Half way through the day, the Lord graciously caused a heavy rain to fall. Since then, rain has been falling more regularly in the area.
Last Friday, we hosted 100 or so farmers through the Moyo District Farmers’ Association here at RAU’s demonstration plot. It was a full and busy day. Jacob shared some spiritual words of encouragement. Emma shared a lot of information with them and then took them by groups around to the various crops for hands-on instruction, especially in soy bean production. They all were keenly interested and asked many questions and took notes. I added a little to the day by giving a demonstration on identifying the readiness of watermelon for harvest. We had several watermelon which were cut up and then distributed to each farmer to taste. Many had never tasted watermelon before. They were scrambling to get some seeds when it was over. Several of them bought a watermelon for a greatly reduced price just so they could have more seeds to plant.
RAU,
Apiku Emmanuel (Emma), is having an encouragingly good impact on the community by way of inspiring them and providing timely information on crop production and livestock management. The radio Ag call-in show, which Jacob was inspired to start, has been one of the best venues for helping the greatest number of people possible. For this coming Friday’s radio show, Emma will interrupt his normal plan of crop production to focus on livestock management, inviting some visiting guests with Veterinarians Without Borders to join him so that their expertise can benefit the community as well. We are so grateful for this door of opportunity which has opened up so that wherever the radio program can be heard (and it is a very large area, indeed) people are receiving a high level of Ag Extension service free of charge to them. Many see this service as being a way out of their poverty and a way of development for the community.
Now that the renovations have finished and we prepare for some specific ministry events we ask you, our beloved supporters, to pray, prioritize and give towards the operational expenses of this ministry. (Recent activities and ministry have nearly depleted our funds.) Everything we have accomplished is through your generosity and partnership. Everything we hope to continue to do is through the same means. Please keep us on your “ministry radar” so that what has been started can also be completed! Thanks so very much!
Please be in prayer for the following concerns:
- a brother in a nearby area who came close to being beaten/killed because of his association with Jacob
- spiritual, physical and emotional protection and encouragement as Jacob and I and those working with us experience the unpleasant brunt of an attempt to discredit and bring us down personally and as an NGO by someone much akin to Sanballat in the book of Nehemiah (chapter 4), and Alexander, the Coppersmith in the book of 2 Timothy (4:14)
- upcoming retreats (2) and teaching ministry of Ron Zeiner who will be here for about 3 weeks during the month of July
- upcoming ministry in August of Delmar Hager and his team for a time of intense teaching (Delmar is our awesome brother who has provided the many Kindles which have been loaded with wonderful books and then distributed to local church leaders)
- a young 17 year old boy (Walter) who developed heart valve disease after rheumatic fever and who is in desperate need of open heart surgery for valve replacement. Such a surgery is not only not available in Uganda, but it is well outside the affordability of the parents. Without surgery (and the doctors have suggested that the heart will suffer further damage if repair is not done by September) this young boy will not see many years. The family has already lost their oldest child to a tragic death. Their son’s situation is sorrow upon sorrow. The boy would be taken to India (I have been communicating with a representative from the hospital there and I have the medical records to verify this as a legitimate case) for surgery and recovery. With the help of a subsidy, the total cost of travel, room and board, surgery and recovery is $12,000. This amount is outside the scope of RAU’s budget and plans, but the Lord has touched our hearts to ask for help with this situation. We would like to receive the full amount by August 7th so that we can get the money to the parents before we leave for our USA visit. We are asking those of you to give who would be able to do so without diminishing your support of our regular ministries. Donations could be made through PayPal on our website: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/ or by writing a check to RAU (with a notation for Walter) and mailing it to Lifegate Missions, 395 Lifegate Lane, Seguin, TX, 78155. All gifts are tax deductible.
Thanks so much, dear family and friends, for standing with us in support and prayer and encouragement. We are blessed to be linking arms and efforts with you.
Love in Christ,
Carol (and Jacob) Lee
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
The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our power to get it to those who do not have it. (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.
A Blessed Day with Imams and Sheikhs
Thank you who prayed for our time with Muslim leaders on Saturday, the 11th. Only heaven can measure the impact of your prayers and our time with devout Muslims.
We had a blessed day with Muslim leaders in nearby Kuru Yumbe District. It was a full day! All the Sheikhs and Imams, as well as others in attendance, received us well and treated us hospitably. We met in an office building near Kuru’s main Mosque. This is my second meeting with Kuru Sheikhs and Imams. Our friendship has been growing as they have come to trust me. I am confident that the Lord has many who are His in Kuru (compare: Acts 18:9). We will continue to proclaim the glorious gospel there as long as the Lord enables us.
Once we were settled, I shared a brief word of encouragement after Preston and Laurel, Carol, Mindra, Emma and Charles introduced themselves. Sadly, Preston and Laurel Sink, from Florida, had to leave midday. It was very hard to see them go as we had such sweet fellowship with and encouragement from them.
Carol spending a break outside with the children
Those in attendance received reading glasses, Bibles in three languages (Arabic, Aringa, and English), Christian-Muslim apologetic materials, and a agricultural lesson from Emma! During his teaching we received a heavy down pour of rain so much so that we had to wait for it to get quiet as we were under a tin roof. When it stopped raining Emma asked me in front of everyone who sent the rain (keep in mind they are in the midst of a drought). I said loudly and confidently “Isa”! The response was mixed :-).
Emma
Emma also shared how to prepare the soybeans which we had brought for eating. We left them with the responsibility to divide the 200 kilograms of the RAU grown soybeans.
Lastly, Carol and I were given some time for closing comments. We both emphasized that we love them. I went on and told them it is my prayer that Isa would reveal Himself to them through His Word and through dreams and visions.
We hope to get another newsletter out soon highlighting all of our activities with Preston and Laurel Sink the 10 days they were with us.
In Jesus Sovereign and Loving Grip,
Jacob (Carol) Lee
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
The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our power to get it to those who do not have it. (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.
Reaching Africa's Unreached 