RAU is located just north of Moyo on the Ugandan side of the border with South Sudan
Happy New Year praying Friends and Family! May the Lord’s blessings, guidance, and provision be with you throughout 2016!
Thank you to all who have prayed for Carol’s and my health. We both have recovered. However, I do really sense that my many bouts of malaria are taking a toll on me physically so your continual prayers are appreciated for ongoing health and strength to carry on with the beautiful calling the Lord has given to us…and YOU…our prayer and financial supporters.
This newsletter will be short, the goal being to provide praise reports as well as the needs before us.
Praise Report since our last newsletter:
* Healing from malaria for both Carol and me and the UTI for Carol.
* Being able to reconnect with family and many friends.
* Funds given for completion of a second well in the nearby remote region of the Metu Mountains where we are proclaiming the gospel.
*Funds given or promised for re-sponsorship of a second year of education for 9 children from the West Nile in quality schools.
*Opportunities to speak in a number of churches in Texas
* Funds given to bring back literature in Arabic, including Bibles, for our work with Muslims.
*Continuing to be able to encourage church leaders through teaching, Study Bibles and Biblical literature (2 Timothy 2:2).
*Continuing open doors to proclaim the gospel to the unreached Aringa tribe and opportunities to strengthen/encourage Aringa believers.
* Continuing opportunities to empower our local Moyo area through agricultural training and agricultural resources.
Needs before Us:
*Prayers as Carol and I travel and speak in churches to share the vision of R.A.U.
* Funding for on going operational expenses, (e.g. 4 day retreats for church leaders at RAU, ministry outreach for discipleship, evangelism and church planting, Land Cruiser fuel and upkeep, etc.)
* Reading glasses and over the counter medicines (e,g., pain, flu/cough and allergy medications)
* Implementation of a three-month, intensive Bible School : Building of two Classrooms=$25,000 and $10,000 for start up costs.
There are only a few days left in our t-shirt/ hoodies fundraiser. Different styles of t-shirts and hoodies are available. All profits go to Reaching Africa’s Unreached. Thank you!
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and loving sacrificial support. We are sowing and watering together and God is giving the increase!.
“What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”
For those who have asked,small packages and letters may safely be sent to:
Jacob & Carol Lee, PO. 55, Moyo Uganda, East Africa
Tax deductible charitable donations may be made via PayPal. PayPal also has a way to make reoccurring monthly gifts. To do so please click their link below. PayPal deducts a small amount from each gift as a processing fee. All gifts given through PayPal are now tax deductibleas Reaching Africa’s Unreached has 501 c3 tax exempt status as a charitable organization. If you wish to write a check you may write it out to R.A.U. and mail it to Lifegate Missions, 395 Lifegate Ln., Seguin Texas 78155.
Looking Back With Thankfulness, Looking Forward With Hope
By Carol Lee
Christmas 2015 with our family in Seguin, TX
Jacob and I hope your Christmas Season was blessed and joyfully celebrated! In spite of illness, the Lord gave us a gracious window of health in which to enjoy a special time with all of our children and grandchildren. What a blessing! We pray that this New Year will hold many God-orchestrated adventures of grace and growth.
We arrived in the States a little weary and bedraggled after starting our journey…both of us…with a bout of Plasmodium falciparum malaria (and a UTI to top it off, for me!) And, just when we thought we were healing, Jacob came down with another bout of malaria to lay him low! It was his 8th time. Fortunately we brought medications back with us. What a great opportunity to put into practice
2 Corinthians 12: 9-10:
“But he said to me,“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
We are mending a little more slowly than we would like, but we ARE on the mend.
Looking back over the last few years we wanted to remind you of all the Lord has done and has allowed us ALL to participate in through financial partnership, prayer and hands-on involvement.
*19 four-day retreats held at RAU (since its beginning) comprised of foundational teachings as well as, now, agricultural training. The average attendance is 20 church leaders per retreat. Our theme verses are 2 Timothy 2:2 and Acts 19:9b-10. Due to the completion of Lydia’s House, we have been able to include women church leaders in the retreats.
Retreat number 19. A group of church leaders from Northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo
*Evangelism in the neighboring Yumbe Aringa tribe which is 99% Muslim; working hand-in-hand with the few Aringa believers. Goal: to plant Christ-exalting churches among the Aringa.*Church-planting/discipleship in remote areas of the nearby Metu Mountain range and Obongi sub-county.Discipleship training in local churches and conference settings. This one was in Koboko.*Medical aid to children and adults in dire need.*Clean water to remote areas through a bore hole.
*Educational sponsorships for Primary and Secondary students.Preaching on a local radio stations.*Widespread dissemination of literary resources to Christian leaders and Muslims who are willing to receive them.*Transformation through development in the Afoji Border area, not only of the physical locale, but in the lives of those who work with us at RAU and those who live in the region who have benefited from resources and medicines.
The Lord has opened so many doors of opportunity! And there are more that are opening. This instills great hope in us as we look towards what the Lord will do! However, the open doors come with the need for some planning and development! As we anticipate the move of God among the Aringa and see the growing number of small church plants in the Metu Mountains and Obongi, we are made aware of a huge need to prepare men who can step into the role of shepherd as new churches are planted. We want to be ready for the great white fields of harvest! This is what our goal is moving forward:
We have on-going, yearly needs so that we can continue and finish the work that has been started!
As we look to 2016:
*We need more monthly financial partners to help us as we budget for daily operating costs of ministry. Even a small, monthly donation of $15-30 is extremely helpful. (Daily operating costs , retreat expenses, Land Cruiser upkeep and fuel, copying and distribution of Muslim apologetic booklets and foreign language Bibles etc.).
*We still have several children who need private Christian school sponsorships for the school year at $900/child for the whole year. This includes room and board. There are many more children to sponsor if there are donors. School fees, including in government schools, are the hardest for people to come up with as cash flow is always a problem for most families in our West Nile region. They may have food to eat from their gardens but not enough cash to pay for their child’s school fees. Kids often drop out of school for this reason or they may have to wait until school fees can be collected before returning. In addition, the local government school classroom size ranges from 100-200 students per teacher making it very difficult for children to receive a quality education.
A few of our visitors in 2015
*Funds to continue the construction of two church structures in the Metu Mountains
Please take a look at a link to one of our fundraisers!
Most of all, we want you all to know the depth of our gratitude for your working alongside of us through the years and, in particular, this past year. What a blessing and an encouragement to be fellow workers with the Lord in the West Nile region of Uganda and beyond to Southwestern South Sudan and the Northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Jacob’s theme verse as we travel to churches this furlough is 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 which speaks of the common goal and unity of those who plant and water. This is includes you – all of you who pray and give to the work of RAU or any other Christ-exalting ministry. What you do on this side fuels everything that happens “over there!”
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”
2 Corinthians 9:8-12
Grace and peace to you all through our Lord Jesus Christ!
For those who have asked,small packages and letters may safely be sent to:
Jacob & Carol Lee, PO. 55, Moyo Uganda, East Africa
Tax deductible charitable donations may be made via PayPal. PayPal also has a way to make reoccurring monthly gifts. To do so please click their link below. PayPal deducts a small amount from each gift as a processing fee. All gifts given through PayPal are now tax deductibleas Reaching Africa’s Unreached has 501 c3 tax exempt status as a charitable organization. If you wish to write a check you may write it out to R.A.U. and mail it to Lifegate Missions, 395 Lifegate Ln., Seguin Texas 78155.
Here is way you can help support the ministry of RAU. Different style t-shirts and hoodies are available. All profits go to Reaching Africa’s Unreached. Thank you!
Please feel free to pass this on to your friends.
This short video gives a brief overview of the ministry of Reaching Africa’s Unreached in 2015. Carol, the R.A.U. staff and I (Jacob) thank all our faithful intercessors and financial partners. You are God’s means in working through us to spread HIS glory and fame throughout the West Nile (Northwestern) of Uganda and the neighboring countries of South Sudan and D.R. Congo. May God bless you and continue to use you! Thank you!
“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.”
The hard work of getting the tractor “un-stuck” after the hard work of shredding.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6: 9-10
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Which one of us cannot relate to the reality of weariness – even in the pursuit of something holy and good? We all have, at some time, grown weary, lost focus, felt discouragement, fallen off the trail or felt like giving up completely.
As Jacob and I and the RAU team near the end of a very busy season, we have each, in some way, felt the dead weight of weariness, so I hope that this newsletter serves as a cheering voice from the sidelines, from among “the great cloud of witnesses,” to us (and to all who are running with us) to not lose heart or grow weary, but to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and to keep our focus on the joy that lies ahead.
Leaders from D.R. Congo, the 19th Retreat at RAU since 2013
Just last week, we completed our 19th Leaders’ Retreat with a group from the D.R. Congo, who came from deeper within than the previous Congolese group. Several of them work with the Mbuti Pygmies.
The Mbuti Pygmy Tribe in Northeastern Democratic Republic of CongoThe Mbuti Pygmies are coming to Christ through the faithful witness of Congolese believers.
The Congolese leaders arrived weary from traveling a very long distance, some having even walked miles to get to where the taxi would pick them up. I saw the importance for this “retreat” of making sure they started off with medications that would relieve symptoms of the hardships they experienced in coming. It’s hard to focus on learning when the body is crying out for relief!
Congolese leaders on their first day receiving their resource bag which include resources from the recently arrived container.
Once again, our aim is to equip and encourage and so each one gratefully received a resource bag in addition to the teachings that were presented. Pastor David Kabaale, from Kampala, along with Jacob and Emma, were the featured speakers and all did a wonderful job of teaching as well as inspiring. I have started, during testimony time on the last day, to do a short teaching about recognizing those (whether it be in the church or in an organization) whose ministry may be hidden (like the roots of a plant…or the part of the iceberg which is under water). This is a springboard to acknowledge the work of those at the retreat who may not have a visible role of ministry. Everything – the resources, teaching/training, service and care – make the retreat a “retreat” that strengthens and encourages those who attend. You who partner with us in your prayers and with your gifts are the unsung heroes of RAU!
A final song of praise and a prayer for safety and blessing
At the very end, when testimonies of God’s grace are given an opportunity to be shared, it is a reminder to us that information has not only been received but, in some measure, put into practice. After Jacob’s teaching on the “Parable of the Unforgiving Servant,” one gentleman got up and called his wife up to the front, apologizing to her and asking forgiveness for a wrong committed relating to the retreat. That is obedience! Such obedience helps us (as RAU) to keep our eyes on the prize when we know that our efforts have resulted in their benefit and joy.
John and Vikki Wright, with YWAM, Arua, and their children and friend, John
I particularly enjoyed Saturday and Sunday when John and Vikki Wright (with YWAM, Arua) and their 3 kids (as well as a friend) came for the weekend to enjoy some unique hiking adventures. It was John’s birthday on Sunday and his particular wish was to see a rare species of Cycad which was discovered by a local gentleman, Alule Herbert. Herbert was our guide on a hike through the area where this Palm tree grows natively and exclusively.
Alule Herbert, environmental specialist and discoverer of rare Cycad species
The following day, we all climbed up (ugh!) to the top of Otze Hill, where THE MOST spectacular view of the Nile River Basin can be seen for miles on either side! I am sorry to say that I and my cardiovascularly untrained body were nigh unto the last to make it to the top! But! Oh. Man! Was it ever worth it! Seriously, I need to do that more often!
Nile River Basin not far from RAU
This week, thankfully, has been one of those stick-close-to-home weeks where housekeeping tasks can be caught up on!
Monday, we had an awesome time of fellowship with Emma and a friend of his with whom he will be leading a Bible Study on Sunday nights. It brought great joy to share the Word of God and it inspired hope for the next generation of the Church.
Jacob has been working on the perimeter fence with the men. He loves opportunities to use the tractor as, for him, that is a relaxing and enjoyable pastime and he enjoys passing on his expertise to those who are willing to learn.
On the 18th, Jacob and Emma headed to Aya with Water Harvest International folks who, once again, surveyed for the drilling of a well. Over a year ago, money was donated for a bore hole and a community meeting took place, but the Ma’di/Kuku conflict brought the drilling to a halt. We are getting back on track with that plan.
Geological survey at Aya Baptist
Sometime this week Jacob will meet with local Afoji/Moyo Muslim leaders who approached him about meeting and having a Muslim – Christian dialogue after Jacob gave them Bibles and other resources. Please be in prayer for that meeting.
This has been an exciting season of open doors for Jacob in relation to sharing the truth of the Gospel in a friendly environment with Muslims of the region. Please be praying for a harvest and softened hearts and safety. Jacob has had the joyful privilege of sharing in the harvest. Be in fervent prayer for one man in particular as he grows in Christ and works out – with fear and trembling – the salvation which has been worked into his heart. He has a family for whose safety he is concerned. With open doors also comes opposition (See 1 Cor. 16:9). Jacob has a new page up at the the RAU website entitled Who Is Jesus? A Christian-Muslim Dialog and I encourage you to take a look at it.
This week we have a contractor here (who has built almost everything at RAU) to build a roof over the containers under which will be a workshop/storage area.
One week from this coming Saturday, the Youth Group from First Presbyterian Church, Kampala, will be here for about a week to be in ministry in Yumbe and Metu. They have been preparing themselves for loving and informed interaction with Muslims in Yumbe as well as mercy ministry in the Metu Mountain regions. We look forward to encouraging and giving the next generation of the Church opportunities to grow in knowledge and obedience and experience and to be encouraged by their zeal and desire to serve.
Our time with the Youth Group will be the last formal ministry event before Jacob and I return to the States for a break.
Both of us are yearning to be reunited with our children and grandchildren and all of our loved ones and friends in the United States. Our hope, though, is not to “get away” from ministry, but to be refreshed and strengthened to continue in the ministry – to find renewed strength and vision and partnership so that the prize on which we fix our eyes can be realized and our joy in it can be full.
Please be in prayer for the upcoming events and plans and consider participating financially to see that they happen:
*There are 3 ministry events in Yumbe district, starting this Sunday (Sunday – Wednesday – Sunday). The program will involve one on one evangelism, open air preaching, and showing of the “Jesus” film in Aringa: Kei – Sunday; Yumbe Taxi Park – Wednesday; Kuru – Sunday. Remember that this area is largely Muslim in population. There have been repercussions to Jacob’s involvement in the Muslim – Christian dialogue as emissaries have been sent from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Tanzania to strengthen Muslims in their beliefs against the influence of his teaching centering on “Who Is Jesus?”.
*There has been a harvest and we continue to expect an even greater harvest as the seed of the Word is sown. Pray for those that have trusted and will trust Christ. Yumbe is not an area where becoming a Christian is easy and without consequence.
*Knowing that a greater harvest is on the way, we feel it all the more important to have a Bible school at RAU where pastors can be raised up to care for the “sheep of other folds” as Jesus talked about. We cannot “birth” people into the Kingdom and then not provide for their nurture.
*We want Jacob to be able to focus on the evangelism and discipleship outreaches to Yumbe and Koboko Districts where very few have been reached with the Gospel. We ask for more partners to give on a monthly basis to see that this, the retreats and other ministry venues can continue. The cost of doing this is mainly in diesel for traveling and vehicle upkeep , printing out resources in English, Arabic and Kiswahili to be given to Muslims as well as church leaders in training, transporting leaders, and numerous other small expenses, all of which add up.
*As we are able we try to help, especially children, with treatment for various physical ailments which most often can be relieved through medications or surgeries. One of the young girls who is being sponsored at First Presbyterian’s Christian Primary School recently was diagnosed with a serious skin disease. We have provided funding for that. Such needs come up fairly frequently, so to have your generous support is very helpful.
*Jacob has been given the opportunity to preach on the radio station TBS (Trans-Nile Broadcasting Station) every other Wednesday Evening from 7-8 pm. It has a wide listening audience. Pray for listening ears and soft hearts and for effective communication.
*Right now, we have 8 children from the West Nile Region who were sponsored for this last school year to attend First Presbyterian Church’s Primary school in Kampala. The children have blossomed, are learning English very well and improving their grades. This education will open up significant doors to the children and their families in the future. Consider giving towards the next year’s tuition and fees. It costs $900 per student for the whole year and this includes all fees,lodging and requirements. The total for the eight children is $7200. If more funding were available there are many other children we would like to put in the program.
As we exhort ourselves to “not grow weary” in doing good, we ask you to not grow weary in hearing about our plans and need for financial support or in giving to the work of the Lord in the West Nile Region. Just like the Macedonians, give yourself, first, to the Lord where you will find an abundance of joy which overflows to those in need. (2 Cor. 8: 1-5) We pray for us ALL to have a war-time mentality when it comes to serving and giving so we can make the most of time and resources…because the days are evil and time is short.
Please pray about giving towards these projects and about becoming a monthly financial partner. It is helpful to have many small, monthly gifts in addition to special one-time gifts so that budgeting can be more effective.
For those who have asked, small packages and letters may safely be sent to:
Jacob & Carol Lee, PO. 55, Moyo Uganda, East Africa
Our “wish lists” may be found at Amazon (Click on the “Wish List” link and type in our name or email address)
The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our power to get it to those who do not have it. May the Lord grant each of us His followers the wherewithal to be obedient disciples! Jacob W. Lee
Tax deductible charitable donations may be made via PayPal. PayPal also has a way to make reoccurring monthly gifts. To do so please click their link below. PayPal deducts a small amount from each gift as a processing fee. All gifts given through PayPal are now tax deductibleas Reaching Africa’s Unreached has 501 c3 tax exempt status as a charitable organization. If you wish to write a check you may write it out to R.A.U. and mail it to Lifegate Missions, 395 Lifegate Ln., Seguin Texas 78155
Reaching Africa's Unreached 