Entering In Like Jesus

by Carol

“Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us.”  John 1:14

“When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.”

―Henri J.M. Nouwen, Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life

This quote poignantly describes one aspect of a good friendship.  What stands out is the idea of “sharing in” or “entering in to” someone’s pain as opposed to merely speaking to it from the outside.  While Mr. Nouwen is referring specifically to grief and suffering and how a true friend can come alongside another, I want to expand its application to a wider range of experiences – OURS!

Jacob and I and all those who are a daily part of RAU activities and interactions are blessed to experience people’s “entering in to” our lives in a myriad of ways.

Who has friends who will (through monthly gifts, heartfelt donations, fund raisers, exuberant responses to needs made known) share in and help bear the daily cost of keeping a vision alive and real? – We do!

Who has friends (on the other side of the world) who will prioritize their time, muscles, expertise and resources to ensure that we can continue our mission and have the resources we need? – We do!

Who has friends that will set their alarms so they can wake up and enter in to our concerns through vigilant prayer? Or who will Skype? Or write letters? Or immerse themselves in our experience even if only through our Face Book posts? – We do!

AND…who has friends who will travel around the world to very personally enter in to our experience? – We do!

Such is the tangible blessing we enjoyed in the visit of David Jones, Eric and Kara Williams to RAU from August 27^th to September 4^th.  (During some of this time we still had the pleasure of Ron Zeiner’s company, too!)  Let’s see…they endured long, cramped flights, bumpy, dusty roads, jet lag, a hike to far away villages, a daily diet of beans and rice and uncomfortable mattresses with morning back aches (except for Eric and Kara!).  On the other hand, we had more than our fair share of laughter, camaraderie, and games of Rummy and Spoons (which has been described by some Ugandans as a very violent game!).  It was a joy to have Nurse Sam, who was on holiday, back at RAU while our visitors were here.  He not only was a great help in doing some medical outreaches but it was so good to hear his voice and laughter echoing through the Guesthouse.  Eric said that they came mainly to encourage us…and encourage us, they did!

We were encouraged by their gifts of teaching – David did a great job of helping people see and appreciate the sovereign grace of God in adopting us as His children.  Eric reminded all of us of the personal nature of a relationship with the Lord: “taste and see that the Lord is good!” (with the help of a Hershey’s Kiss – you’ll need to ask him about that sometime).

We were encouraged by their Jesus-like hearts as they served the folks who were attending the retreat.  David, Eric and Kara —ALL showed their skill in dish washing in addition to the many other ways in which they served.

We were encouraged in their friendship. We learned that Eric is a great hammock hanger and occupier, as is David. David is a loving father (he helped his son to transition to college life…from afar!)  Kara is a gifted singer, guitar player and card shark as well as a Registered Nurse.  Ron is an encouraging friend and a great resource of knowledge for anyone with questions.

There is only one disappointing thing about their visit – it was TOO short!  Jacob and I both had feelings of emptiness and sadness in the wake of their departure, but are so grateful to reminisce about their “entering into” our lives and experience.  Thank you Ron, David, Eric and Kara for sharing in our lives and calling, even if for a short while! You were and are a blessing to us!

The loss of their company makes us appreciate even more the daily presence of our RAU family, Zorah and Emma and all who work with us to keep RAU moving forward in its mission.  We have been blessed with these young men who are intelligent, hard-working and skilled.  We consider it a privilege to invest our friendship, energy, resources and time into their lives and we are strengthened by their gifts.  They give us hope for godly, future leadership in this country and in the Church.

As we move forward, please be praying for upcoming events:

*This week we will welcome a group of leaders, men and women, from D.R. Congo for a 4-day retreat which will be our 17th.  Pray for them as they travel here and back.  Pray for Jacob, Pastor Bob Gad, Emma and Zorah who will be involved in leading this week’s retreat.

*A third meeting has been planned for Jacob with the Imams and Sheikhs from Yumbe on Saturday, September 19^th.  These men continue to desire and ask for meetings with Jacob to discuss the topic, “Who is Jesus?“.  The last two meetings were during the month of Ramadan when the Imams/Sheikhs were fasting.  This time, they will all enjoy a meal together, courtesy of RAU.

*The container has reached Kenya and is on its way to Kampala to be reviewed by the URA (Ugandan Revenue Authority).  Please pray that it will not be delayed there and that no major tax will be imposed and that it will make its way safely here to RAU.  The resources within that container are central to the mission of RAU.

*Once again, we want to place the goal before you of erecting a two-classroom building which will be the start of a more formal Bible training school for key individuals in this area, especially in anticipation of (what we believe will be) a large influx of believers in the West Nile Region and the equally large need of having well-trained pastors to lead these new believers.  If you would like to give specifically towards this please indicate on your donation.  We have a turn-key bid of $25,000 from our builder.

Thank you for “entering in” through your monetary gifts, resources, prayers, love and friendship.  We are blessed!

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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

The Lord has opened a way for a third meeting with Yumbe Imams and Sheikhs. I rejoice that hearts have been touched for continual dialog on the topic of “Who Is Jesus?“. Our first two meetings were cordial with back and forth, intense but friendly discussion on the topic. I was kindly given the bulk of time to present the Bible’s view of Jesus and our call to trust in Him and follow him.  Along with medicines and reading glasses, they each received a First Edition New Testament in their Aringa language,an ESV Global Study Bible, the book Seeking Allah Finding Jesus:A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity,  Bible Stories in Arabic (until copies ran out), and gospel tracts/booklets in Arabic, Swahili, Aringa, and English as well as some personal handouts. We now have on hand at Reaching Africa’s Unreached just over 1,600 First Edition Aringa New Testaments for distribution in Yumbe District.

In this third meeting they will receive the outline below and some other copied materials. I also have Fouad Marsi’s booklets Is the Injeel Corrupted? and Adha in the Injeel for them. If all goes according to plan we should have 4-6 hours together  which will include a meal which RAU is paying for. Since our time together is a dialog and not a debate I plan on using my opening address to share/preach from Mark 2:1-12. In our first two meetings I was allowed to speak first for 50 minutes.

The outline below will no doubt be helpful once our back and forth dialog occurs. I have openly stated before that I am with them as a friend who loves them, wants them to know Jesus and follow Him. I want to win them, not just an argument. God, in His loving providence, has orchestrated these unprecedented gatherings for His glory and to bring other sheep into fold.

I am praying and believing for a great outpouring upon the Aringa tribe which currently is around 99% Muslim. Please pray with me that the Lord will open eyes and that 1000’s upon 1000’s will be worshipers of the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Who Is Jesus?

Compiled by Jacob Lee 

Thank you for your hospitality! As-salaamu Alaikum

Christians are friends to Muslims. They should respect one another.

• Surah 5:82“…you will find the nearest of them in affection to the believers (Muslims) those who say, “We are Christians.”
• Jesus commands LOVE “And he (Jesus) said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
• From the prophet Isaiah 1:18: “Come on now, let’s discuss this!” says the LORD. “Though your sins are bright red, they will become as white as snow. Though they are dark red, they will become as white as wool.”

Both Christians and Muslims should read & study the Bible/Gospel (Injeel).  The Quran urges Muslims to read about Isa (Jesus) in the Bible.

• Surah 10:94“So if you are in doubt, [O Muhammad], about that which We have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you. The truth has certainly come to you from your Lord, so never be among the doubters.”
• Surah 57:27 “…We sent after them Jesus son of Mary and bestowed on him The Gospel: and ordained in the hearts of those who follow him Compassion and Mercy…”
• Surah 2:136 “Say ye, We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and to the tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to all the prophets from their Lord.:…”
• Surah 5:46 “And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming that which came before him in the Torah; and We gave him the Gospel, in which was guidance and light and confirming that which preceded it of the Torah as guidance and instruction for the righteous.”  See also: Surahs 10:94 and 32:23.
• 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to show yourself approved a workman who is not ashamed who rightly handles (studies) the word of God.”
• The authority of the Bible is no where questioned in the Quran but positively emphasized. See Surah 3:3– “He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel.”

God who is all powerful will not allow his Word to be corrupted or changed. God forbid! He has power over all things! No person or government has the power to corrupt God’s Word.

• Surah 2:148 “…For Allah Hath power over all things…” See also: 15:9, 6:114-115, 18:27 and 10:64. The Qur’anic word “nazzal” used in 15:9 and 6:114 is the same word used in 5:44 for the Torah and Injeel.
• Jesus says in the Gospel “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. (Matthew 5:18).
• Astaghfur ‘Allah! May God forbid that his Word could ever be tarnished by mere man. God has sent the Bible/Injeel and to say it has been altered by man is not to believe in the power of God. No one is stronger than God Almighty/Allah.
• The Bible existed without corruption in Muhammad’s day. The Quran instructs a person to go the “scriptures” , “Torah”, “Gospel”—Surahs 10:94, 3:3, 32:23, 5:46, 2:136, 57:27.If the Bible was corrupted or spoiled the Qur’an would not have told people to go to it.
• There are NO Surahs in the Qur’an that state the Bible which was in the hands of the Christians at the time of Muhammad had been corrupted. In Surah 2:79 the Qu’ran does speak of evil men who “sell it for gain”.  The Qu’ran does not speak of altering it but refers to greedy sale of it. It is not about inserting material but the sale of it. In the previous Surah it says “illiterate men”. How could such men alter it? They could not.
• “TheDead Sea Scrolls are perhaps the greatest archaeological find of our time. Produced by Jewish monastic Essenes, the scrolls number about 800; 200 of which are of biblical material. In 1947, shepherds discovered them quite by accident in caves above the Wadi Qumran Valley, northwest of the Dead Sea. copies of Isaiah, written 1,000 years earlier than the previously oldest known copies have proven to be “word for word identical with our standard Hebrew Bible in more than 95 percent of the text. The five percent of variation consisted chiefly of obvious slips of the pen and variations in spelling.”
• “There are over 6,000 early manuscript copies or portions of the Greek New Testament in existence today. When we include the Latin Vulgate and other early versions, we have over 24,000 early copies or portions of the New Testament (twice that many when including quotes by early church fathers). Some of these date only twenty to thirty years from the original autographs. According to a former director of the British Museum, “The interval then between the dates of original composition and the earliest extant evidence becomes so small as to be in fact negligible, and the last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down to us substantially as they were written has now been removed. Both the authenticity and the general integrity of the books of the New Testament may be regarded as finally established.”” (Source: http://www.provethebible.net/T2-Integ/B-0801.htm )
• Conclusion: Evidence from both the Qur’an and existing Bible manuscripts which pre-date the Quran show that the Bible, both the Old and New Testament which we have today, is the same as what existed before Muhammad. God, Praise His Name, has faithfully preserved the Bible from corruption.
• Hebrews 1:1-3:“Long ago, at many times andin many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son (See articles on “Son of God”: “For My Muslim Friend” and “The Son of God in the Bible and Qu’ran” in this booklet), whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.  He (Jesus) is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he (Jesus) upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he( Jesus) sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high”

The Qur’an speaks of Jesus in 93 verses. TheQur’an always speaks in a positive way of Jesus and in some of the same ways the Bible speaks of him. A thing I like about Muhammad is that he  pointed people to Jesus.  The Qur’an and Bible both state Jesus:

• Is born of a virgin– Surah 19:20 & 21:91, Luke 1:27-35
• He is highly esteemed– Surah 3:45; Philippians 2:9
• Called the Word– Surah 3:39 & 4:171, John 1:1-2, Revelation 19:11
• Called the Messiah– Surah 3:45 & 4:171, John 1:41, 4:25-26
• He created life, healed the sick and raised the dead– Surah 5:113, John 21:25
• Considered to be a Prophet– Surah 19:30, John 4:19
• A Messenger– Surah 5:45, Sent-John 20:21
• Sign to Mankind not just Israel- Surah 19:34 & 21:91; Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8
• Is Without sin– Surah 19:19, John 8:45-46,Luke 1:32,35
• The Spirit of God (Ruhullah) – Surah 4:171, compare with Surah 58:22;Romans 8:9
• Jesus is now alive in heaven– Surah 4:158, Luke 24:50-53
• Jesus died and was raised up– [Jesus said,] “Peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I am raised up again alive.“ Surah 19:33. The same wording is used for the death of John the Baptist in Surah 19:15; “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31,9:31, Luke 9:22,23:37). Predicted by the Prophets: Psalms 22:1-8 & Isaiah 53
• Jesus will return to judge-Surah 4:159 & 43:61, Matthew 25:31-46, Acts 10:42, 2 Timothy 4:8
• He came with clear proofs– Surah 43:63; John 5:36
• The Bible and Quran verses above present Jesus as MORE than JUST a prophet. He is revealed as unique, special, and one of kind!

The Bible also speaks of Jesus in the followings ways:

• the Creator– John 1:3,10
• the Word became flesh -John 1:14
• Son of Man- Mark 2:10, 10:45 compared to Daniel 7:13-14 where the “Son of Man” is worshiped and given everlasting dominion.
• God With Us, Immanuel– Matthew 1:23
• The Christ the Son of the living God- Matthew 16:13, Luke 1:35. Note: The “Son of God” is used 42 times in the New Testament/Injeel. (See articles on “Son of God”: “For My Muslim Friend” and “The Son of God in the Bible and Qu’ran” in this booklet).
• Called the “I AM” – John 8:59 (compare Exodus 3:14, God in the burning bush says His Name is “I AM”) I AM statements: 1) John 6:48- I am that bread of life.
  2) John 8:12- Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followed me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
  3) John 10:9- I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
  4) John 10:11- I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
  5) John 11:25 -Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he was dead, yet shall he live.
  6) John 14:6 -Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
  7) -John 15:1- I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman
• being worshiped– Luke 24:52
• called my Lord and my God– John 20:26-28
• one who forgives sin- Mark 2:1-12, 9:2, Matthew 26:28, Luke 7:48
• Chief Cornerstone: Ephesians 2:20
• Firstborn over all creation: Colossians 1:15
• Head of the Church:Ephesians 1:22,4:15,5:23
• King of kings and Lord of lords:1 Timothy 6:15, Revelations 19:16
• Light of the World: John 8:12
• Prince of peace:Isaiah 9:6
• Son of man:Mark 2:10 compare with Daniel 7:13-14
• Son of David: Matthew 1:1,9:27, 15:22
• Alpha and Omega (Beginning and End):Revelation 1:8,22:13
• Lord of All:Acts 10:36
• True God:1 John 5:20
• Author and Perfecter of our Faith:Hebrews 12:2
• Bridegroom:Matthew 9:5
• Deliverer:Romans 11:26
• Lamb of God:John 1:29
• Mediator:1 Timothy 2:5
• Rock:1 Corinthians 10:4
• Resurrection and Life:John 11:25
• Savior:Matthew 1:21, Luke 2:11
• Philippians 2:6-11 confirm the following facts:

1) Jesus was God while on the earth and at the same time took on human  flesh

2) Jesus was the only person who ever lived on earth uniting the divine and human nature in a perfect way (See also-Romans 1:3-4)

3) Jesus, being the only sinless human, was able to offer Himself as a perfect sacrifice, dying on the cross for the sins of all those who believe and accept Him.

4) This was the mission of Jesus and He was perfectly obedient to it.

5) Jesus receives the highest Name ever; all people will have to bow to Him and accept His authority.

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*Conversation between a Muslim and Christian concerning the Christian claim that Jesus is God:

“*Muslim: Jesus cannot be God; no human person can be God!

*Christian: Is there anything impossible for God?

*Muslim: No, God can do anything!

*Christian: If God would decide today to walk in a human body in front of your home and at the same time still control the whole universe would you be able to prevent God to do it?

*Muslim: No, nobody can hinder God to do what He pleases!

*Christian: Well, God decided in history to appear in a human body form on earth—and that person is called Jesus! How can you dare to say, this is not possible for God?”

(From: Ask Your Muslim Friend by Andreas Maurer)

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As a follower of Jesus my hope is in Jesus to overcome death.

 

Jesus said: “I am the Resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”

(John 11:25)

 

*What is your hope and assurance of heaven?

*My old bones are at rest and I am peace with God!  My faith and confidence are in Jesus’ merit, His forgiveness and resurrection.

*I do not have confidence in my good works to bring me to heaven.

*I trust in Jesus who loves me, washed me clean from my sins through His sacrificial death. His cleansing blood has removed my shame before God Almighty and brought me into the presence of a Holy, righteous and just God.

*Judgment Day is coming for us all.

*Place your trust in Jesus for your salvation.

*Ask Him to reveal Himself to you – He will!

*Put your trust in Jesus alone for salvation.

*I love you.

*I will continue to pray for you!

Thank you for your hospitality! As-salaamu Alaikum

Jacob Lee

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For those who have asked, small packages and letters may safely be sent to:

Jacob & Carol Lee, PO. 55, Moyo Uganda, East Africa

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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

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Some African bush musings….While the gospel never changes and the need to proclaim the Word remains the same, I am continually challenged to think about the most effective and strategic ways to get the gospel to people who, for generations, have had little to no gospel witness. Phrases like “we have never done it this way” or “that is not the way the missionaries did it before” are not helpful. Sure there is much to learn and wisdom to glean, but, more and more, I am learning that one must not be harnessed to another’s methodological yoke even if it was helpful for them.

The remote villages of the Metu Mountains, the Nile River plain of Obongi, and Muslim dominated area of Yumbe all require the same gospel brought to them in innovative proclamation methods different from each other and much different than in America. Just because the gospel has not impacted them significantly does not mean it cannot.

My mind often spins (hopefully in sync with the Spirit) about strategies to reach and disciple those in our immediate area, specifically the MOST untouched with the gospel. I continue to find the Lord is always way ahead of me in preparing the way to take the “thoughts” into implementation to the heart of battle and into the trenches. This is when the real steps of faith begin. I believe the Lord has great plans for the Metu Mountains, Obongi, and Yumbe and I want to be a part of it!

What a joy and honor to be a fellow worker with God (2 Cor. 6:1) and with so many faithful followers of Jesus!

And this gospel of the kingdom
will be proclaimed
throughout the whole world
as a testimony to all nations,
and then the end will come.
—Matthew 24:14

New Testament scholar George Eldon Ladd, writing in the 1950s, comments:

The subject of this chapter is, When will the Kingdom come? I am not setting any dates. I do not know when the end will come.

And yet I do know this: When the Church has finished its task of evangelizing the world, Christ will come again. The Word of God says it.

Why did He not come in A.D. 1oo? Because the Church had not evangelized the world.

Why did He not return in a.d. 1000? Because the Church had not finished its task of world-wide evangelization.

Is He coming soon? He is—if we, God’s people, are obedient to the command of the Lord to take the Gospel into all the world.

. . .  “How are we to know when the mission is completed? How close are we to the accomplishment of the task? Which countries have been evangelized and which have not? How close are we to the end? Does this not lead to date-setting?”

I answer, I do not know. God alone knows the definition of terms. I cannot precisely define who “all the nations” are. Only God knows exactly the meaning of “evangelize.” He alone, who has told us that this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations, will know when that objective has been accomplished.

But I do not need to know. I know only one thing: Christ has not yet returned; therefore the task is not yet done. When it is done, Christ will come. Our responsibility is not to insist on defining the terms of our task; our responsibility is to complete it. So long as Christ does not return, our work is undone. Let us get busy and complete our mission.

. . .  Here is the motive of our mission: the final victory awaits the completion of our task. “And then the end will come.” There is no other verse in the Word of God which says, “And then the end will come.”

When is Christ coming again? When the Church has finished its task.

When will This Age end? When the world has been evangelized.

“What will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?” (Matt. 24: 3). “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations; and then, and then, the end will come.” When? Then; when the Church has fulfilled its divinely appointed mission.

Do you love the Lord’s appearing? Then you will bend every effort to take the Gospel into all the world. It troubles me in the light of the clear teaching of God’s Word, in the light of our Lord’s explicit definition of our task in the Great Commission (Matt. 28: 18-20) that we take it so lightly. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This is the Good News of the Kingdom. . . .  All authority is His. “Go ye therefore.” Wherefore? Because all authority, all power is His, and because He is waiting until we have finished our task. His is the Kingdom; He reigns in heaven, and He manifests His reign on earth in and through His Church. When we have accomplished our mission, He will return and establish His Kingdom in glory. To us it is given not only to wait for but also to hasten the coming of the day of God (II Pet. 3:12). This is the mission of the Gospel of the Kingdom, and this is our mission.

George Eldon Ladd, The Gospel of the Kingdom: Scriptural Studies in the Kingdom of God (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1959), ch. 9, “When Will the Kingdom Come?”

There is not day that passes that both Carol and I don’t think about all the friends we have supporting and praying for us. It is not just a platitude to say “we could not be here or do the things we are doing without you”. Thank you for all your prayers and support! Certainly, the Great Commission is not a calling for a few in the church. It is calling and mandate for all followers of Jesus. We each are to play the role the Lord has given us and it is together that we best spread the fame of our King, Lord and Savior. May we be driven with a Pauline passion and eagerness for our Savior which compels us to preach the gospel to all.  We are under a joyful “obligation” to proclaim the same gospel which has saved and set us free (Romans 1:14-16). It is a privilege to link arms with you, to lift Jesus up among groups of people where there are very few worshipers of our Lord.

May we have  “….a vision that sees every market woman, every religious teacher, every child in Qur’anic school, every old man sitting in the village square playing dominoes having a chance to hear Jesus calling to them. And to hear not just from the mouths of foreigners, who garble their words and use strange ideas that don’t quite connect, but to hear from their brothers and sisters, their mothers and fathers, from their neighbor who has been set free from an evil spirit. A vision that sees new believers unable to keep the good news to themselves, uncowed by threats of beatings or prison, of losing their jobs or being thrown out of their homes. A vision that dares us to do more, and dares us to pray for the impossible!” (Amy *****) Let us press on together for such worshipers!

Here are some updates since our last newsletter. We are continuing to enjoy Pastor Ron Zeiner’s time with us. I first met Ron in 1978 and he has been a great friend in the many years since then. The 50 church leaders we hosted here at the past two RAU retreats and others who were served in various outreaches have been greatly blessed through his teaching. Sadly for us he is leaving us for Texas on the 30^th. He promises to come back again!

Our first three weeks with Apiku Emmanuel (Emma) is going very well. Words cannot describe how grateful these leaders are for his agricultural expertise and hands on instruction nor how grateful we are to be benefiting from and getting to know him. We are partnering with M.A.R.S. (Missionary Agriculture Resource Services) which is founded by Doug Neel. Emma’s primary goal is teach church leaders to be more effective in their gardens and, in turn, having the leaders instruct their congregations.  Gardens are the main means for most all in the West Nile to provide for their families. The goal of RAU and MARS is to equip the church so that they can be more effective in spreading the fame of King Jesus.

Sunday, the 16^th, we all traveled to Obongi to be with Pastor Godfrey and Obongi Town Church. Instead of meeting in our rented location everyone picked up their chairs and we went to the main street of the town where we had our worship service. The vast majority of those that live in Obongi are Muslims. At first, the congregation was a bit timid in their worship because of onlookers but after a great exhortation from Godfrey their worship became very passionate. Godfrey said, “The town people have nicknamed me ‘Ecu opini ni’ (Praise the Lord). Let us not fear to praise the Lord!” With many Muslims joining us, Ron preached from Genesis 12:1-3 and I followed up with Mark 2:1-12. After the service we gave out the booklet Adha in the Injeel which is in both English and Arabic to the Muslims in the crowd. Among them was the head Imam and Sheikh of Obongi. I was able to visit with both them as well. Each successive conversation I have had with them I sense greater openness to the gospel. Pray for them, all the Muslims in Obongi, Pastor Godfrey, and Obongi Town Church.

Many times, Carol stays here at Reaching Africa’s Unreached while I go out for ministry, but not this last Tuesday and Wednesday. I had to stay to resolve issues with our well and Carol went with the RAU team (Ron Zeiner, Zorah, Sam, and Joseph) to Aya for conference organized by Pastor Tobias where believers have been added in the Metu Mountains new village church plants. Carol had been pouring over the scriptures for weeks in preparation, primarily targeting the women. The reports I received are that all were blessed and received great encouragement from her as well Ron and Emma who also taught. I have received urgent invitations for Carol to come back again to teach! What a joy, honor, and pleasure to be united to such a woman of God…thank you Jesus!

Our solar-powered, submersible water pump quit working at the end of our last retreat. I had hoped it was just a switch problem but it turned to be the submersible pump. A technician came to help and we had to have one sent up from Kampala. It has been an unexpected major expense. Having a steady and good supply of water is important, especially in light of the Leader Retreats and other visitors we frequently host. We ended up fetching water via jerry cans from a government bore hole nearby. Having running water and electricity in this remote bush, all via solar, is a great blessing not only to those we serve but also to us. We were able to pull the old pump and install the new one. Saturday afternoon we, once again, had running water via our gravity flow tanks. Sadly, it caused us to miss ministry Friday and Saturday in the Metu Mountains.

On Wednesday Carol, Ron, Zorah and I will travel to Arua to pick up David Jones, and Eric and Kara Williams.  They will arrive Thursday morning and then we will return to RAU by late afternoon. There should be awaiting us at RAU 1,680 Aringa New Testaments! Through the generous gifts of God’s people we were able to purchase these first edition NT’s (Less than 1% of the Aringa are born again).

“The Word of God is like a Lion. You don`t have to defend a Lion. All you have to do is let the Lion loose, and the Lion will defend itself.”

Charles Spurgeon

On Saturday we will all go to Gbari, Arapi, Duku, and Oyo in the Metu Mountains for ministry. Works continues on the building of the Gbari/Arapi Community Church sponsored by Amazing Grace Baptist Church Seguin Texas. Sunday morning Zora will escort Ron back to Kampala for his flight back home on Monday. The rest of us will travel to Obongi to worship with Obongi Town Church. Then, on Monday through Thursday we will have a group of Moyo church leaders here for a retreat. David and Eric will help with the teaching while Kara will be in step with Carol. Carol is especially thrilled about Kara being here! Then on Friday, the 4^th, we take the threesome back to Arua for their flight back to Tennessee.

Lord willing, the RAU container will arrive at Mombasa by August 31^st and begin its overland journey to us.  Be in special prayers that the Ugandan Revenue Authority will be kind and send it our way without delay. Please be in prayer for the containers safe arrival to RAU.

I am continuing be burdened to establish a Bible School to be a part of training faithful shepherds for the new churches being planted. I envision many new churches being planted not only in Metu Mountains, but in Obongi sub-county, and among the Yumbe Aringa’s. Please pray and believe God with us for the construction of two classrooms. We have a bid for $25,000 to complete them. We are especially thankful for you who are our monthly givers. Through PayPal it is easy to give reoccurring monthly donations of any size. Through these gifts we are able to press on with the ministry the Lord has given us….thank you!

Let me close with something near my heart. As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ we must never abdicate our responsibilities to our King with such words/thinking: “My purpose in meeting you is not any sort of conversion. I respect you and your beliefs. You’re not going to change, and I’m not going to change.” (A pastor speaking to an Imam in a small American town). The following statement better reflects the believers commission–“I respect you as a person made in the image of God. I respect your right to hold to any faith that you choose. I would never coerce you or force my religious beliefs upon you, as such a practice would detract from the truth that you, like me, are made in the image of God. And yet, as a follower of Jesus Christ, I am commanded to share the gospel. When the time comes for me to seek to persuade you to follow Jesus, it is not out of a heart of oppression or desire for control, but out of love and concern. Since I truly believe the gospel offers hope for all humanity, I cannot keep it to myself. The gospel is too precious and you are too valuable for me to keep silent.” (Article with quotes here)

In the last months I have had opportunity to walk out the last quote with over 30 Imams/Sheikhs. While the popular belief is that the first quote is less offensive and more appropriate, I believe the opposite to be true. I have sought to winsomely urge these Imams and Sheikhs (many of them on several occasions) to place their faith in Christ alone. In my desire to understand them I have been studying the Qur’an, Islamic beliefs, and their culture. They respect me for the belief/conviction which has brought me to them. They not only have listened (I did a lot of listening, too) but took Aringa New Testaments and Christian literature to read and they continue to invite me for more discussions. I have not seen any say “yes” to the Jesus of the Bible but I am patient, knowing the Lord’s Word will not return void! In the mean time I cry out to the Lord to open their eyes, as He did mine, so that they too say with Apostle Thomas and all true worshipers of Jesus, “MY LORD AND MY GOD” Please be in prayer that I will boldly proclaim the “mystery of the gospel.”

Love and Prayers,

Jacob (Carol) Lee

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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

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