“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.“
~~~C. S. Lewis
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
~~~1 Peter 1:13
If Christianity is of infinite importance than it is worthy of our utmost obedience. I am privileged to witness this truth being lived out by Jacob.
You might think that Jacob is working, but, really, he is playing on his toy!
After Preston and Laurel left we had no specific, immediate ministry event lined up, but!… it’s not as if there were nothing else to do. No, there was harvesting to be done. I asked Jacob why having land necessitates plowing and planting and harvesting. “Well,” he answered, “because it exemplifies hard work and productivity and it gives a good testimony within the community.” He also stated, “The ground needs to be ready to plant the second crop of the year andwith upcoming pastor’s retreat time is limited to harvest and get the soil tilled for planting.” So, around here, there is no “resting on our laurels.” (No pun intended, Laurel!) Much of last week and this has been spent (on Jacob’s part) in overseeing and participating in the harvesting of our 10 acres of soybeans. It looks to be a pretty productive crop, too. One hundred percent of the profits will be placed into the ministry of RAU.
Some of the local women who are happy for the income, doing the hard work of harvesting soy beans.It is tedious work, strenuous and tiring.The soy beans have to be beaten out of their pods. Tough work! We have thought of getting a machine, but then that would also cut people out of a job.At least, working together seems to add some enjoyment to this hard work. Lots of laughter is heard.
Jacob is respected for his getting out there in the middle of it all and working with everyone on the projects. Little by little, he is also teaching the men how to operate the machines. So far, he has trained a couple of men to use the lawn mower and weed-eater and during this harvest time was able to teach one of the men how to operate the tractor. Jacob has grown to respect these men, too, for their faithfulness and hard work.
Jacob showing Pastor Henery how to operate the tractor and the bucket.
Getting the hang of it.Yup! There he goes…he’s in business now!
In the middle of harvest time Jacob received word from Charles of another invitation by the Muslim leaders to share the infinitely good news of the Gospel in their own trading center within Yumbe District. It will happen on the 26th of July, this coming Sunday afternoon. We have been told by Muslims leaders that the preaching of this message brings peace when it is heard and that is why they want the message shared openly! It will be happening in a very busy marketplace from the rack of the Land Cruiser so, potentially, many people will be listening. The trading center is very near a large Mosque. Jacob loves to preach next to Mosques. Please be fervent in prayer during this time. According to the difference in time zones, it should be around the hours that people are getting ready to go to church (8-10 a.m.). Charles also received some feedback through a friend that one of the Imams that attended the past two dialogues in Yumbe really enjoyed the gatherings and he very much wants to continue interacting because he “learned a lot about Christianity that he had not previously known.“
Jacob and Charles perched on their favorite open air preaching spot.
Jacob continues to keep his eyes on the prize and to set his hope fully on the grace that will be given when Jesus Christ is revealed on THAT DAY! He is prepared for action and sober-minded. May the Lord use that readiness to bring great glory to Himself and joy for all peoples!
Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership!
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 the PayPal link. 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
“In friendship…we think we have chosen our peers. In reality a few years’ difference in the dates of our births, a few more miles between certain houses, the choice of one university instead of another…the accident of a topic being raised or not raised at a first meeting–any of these chances might have kept us apart. But, for a Christian, there are, strictly speaking, no chances. A secret master of ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,” can truly say to every group of Christian friends, “Ye have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another.” The friendship is not a reward for our discriminating and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each of us the beauties of others.”
―C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves
Meeting with the church in Oyo which is being shepherded by Sam, from Ayaa Baptist Church.
No other words could as adequately describe our relationship with Preston and Laurel Sink than the ones above. “Random” life events have thrust us together with this couple in serving Christ and Jacob and I couldn’t be happier! There is not one occasion in which we have been together where laughter and joy have not been the dominating mood – not even on treacherous and rocky roads or in being squeezed beyond the naturally intended capacity, hot and sweaty, into a vehicle, not in hiking up and down steep forested hills where venomous creatures hide beyond our sight or going an arduous day of hiking with little food and water. We can only express our gratefulness to the Lord for allowing such a providential friendship.
“Footing” to Oyo.
Once again, knowing we only had a short time with Preston and Laurel, we tried to fill up their stay here with as many ministry opportunities as possible. We picked them up in Arua last Thursday (July 2nd) and allowed them one day to get some rest and prepare for what was ahead. Ten days later, on July 12th we took them back to Arua for their flight back home on the 3rd.
On Saturday, July 4th, Jacob, Zorah and Preston traveled to Yumbe and met up with Charles and some other men from Pilgrim’s Church of Uganda (COU). At the same school in which Jacob first met with local- and national-level Imams and Sheikhs, they all met, once again, to dialogue about the true nature of Jesus. As expected, this dialogue was more specific and intense because it concerned the differentiating beliefs of both sides about who Jesus is.
There were some new attendees so more materials (reading glasses, Bibles, books and tracts) were passed out. Jacob also gave each one a full dose of Malaria treatment. Preston presented several kick balls and a pump to the school which had been graciously donated by one of his friends in Florida.
The meeting, about 4 hours long, ended amicably with yet more plans to meet again in the future. You can read in greater detail about this meeting here. Preston stated afterward that if he had done nothing else on this trip, this one meeting would have satisfied him because it was an unprecedented experience for him.
Though Jacob, Preston and Zorah returned to RAU, tired from a long day of interaction and driving, they were happy enough to celebrate America’s Independence Day in style. Compliments of Laurel (and Preston), we had RAU decorated in style with party favors and photo ops befitting the occasion. Our good friend and missionary, Denise Carlsen, joined us for the festivities, adding to our feast of beans, rice and pork muchomo, her wonderful pasta salad. The evening was topped off by some wonderful singing, colorful cupcakes and S’mores (desserts compliments of Preston and Laurel brought with them from Florida). Zorah, Lucy and our night guards were good sports in celebrating with us. As you can see, Zorah somehow managed to stay out of the picture taking, but we had a rare opportunity to find out that he is a brilliant, spur-of-the-moment rapper!
Just being goofy!Preston and LaurelThe Ladies…and instigators…of the party!Lucy, looking fabulous!Preston and our friend, Denise.Messy S’mores
The Lord was kind to bring someone to my neck of the woods as goofy as I am! What fun!
Our 4th of July celebration was truly a blast, but we couldn’t carry on too late as we had a full week ahead of us. On Sunday morning, we headed to Ayaa where we spent a good part of the day with our friends from Ayaa Baptist Church. (Pastor Tobias has been the faithful leader of that church for many years and instrumental in the start of a number of new churches in surrounding areas.)
Young and old worshiping togetherMany, many young faces in the crowd!Receiving the blessingOne of my favorite shots of the day at Ayaa
An up and coming worship leader
After the service, sitting under the big treeAyaa Baptist Church’s trademark treePreston and Laurel playing with and watching the kids who received several kick balls donated by a friend of theirs in FloridaThe tree of Ayaa Baptist Church whose shade draws a company of people together.
We planned to spend 3 days in the Metu Mountain region, each day being an increasingly arduous and intense one. Sunday was the easy day. It was a joy to worship with Tobias’ church.
On Monday we headed to the Gbari/Arapi area after picking up Pastor Tobias and a few other men at Metu trading center. Upon arriving in Gbari, the first “business” of the day was to go to the land on top of a small hill in Arapi which has been purchased for the building of a church and a small home for Geoffrey and his wife and family through the donations of Amazing Grace Baptist Church Seguin Texas. The view from this location is spectacular – what a great place in which to worship our God!
From there we drove as far as the Land Cruiser could take us (where the path narrowed and ascended to the village of Oyo) and “footed” the rest of the way. In Oyo we spent some time checking out a tukalu which Sam, the one who is moving there to shepherd new believers, wanted to rent. Little did we know that this tukalu, which was reported to be “just a short way beyond” Oyo, would turn out to be a good little hike in itself!
As much as our bodies complained about the extra walking, it gave us a real picture of and feel for what it will cost these men from Ayaa Baptist to take the gospel to and disciple the believers in Oyo. These are the men for whom we brought “Gospel shoes” (some very sturdy hiking shoes) to make their trekking a little more comfortable.
Praying over a piece of land that could be purchased for Oyo Community Church, beginning with a grass-thatched lean-to and a tukalu for Pastor Sam. Currently, the new believers meet under a tree
After Jacob, Preston and Laurel shared some words of encouragement with the men, women and children who had gathered, we ate a meal together and then handed out de-worming tabs and malaria treatment for the children.
You can imagine the suffering of the people in these very remote areas who have little to no access to medical care – preventative or emergent. Please pray for these folks who are scattered across distant hills and valleys. Pray that they will experience the grace and mercy of Jesus through words of truth and deeds of grace. We can leave these hills and valleys, but this is where they live.
The hike back to the vehicle seemed shorter than the hike to the village (well, it was mostly down hill)! It was a happy sight to spot the Land Cruiser standing out amidst the tall grass.
Back in Gbari we met with the believers there – under the trees – for yet another meal which they had graciously prepared for us. After a short greeting and word of encouragement for those gathered we were off again to Metu trading center to drop off the ones we had picked up for the day.
Tuesday was set aside to visit the very remote village of Oku. Once again, we picked up Tobias, but this time at his church in Ayaa. It was an opportunity for Preston and Laurel to take some important pictures and videos which highlight the specific needs of Ayaa Baptist church for which they hope to raise interest and funds back home.
Jacob had warned us of the rugged terrain and the arduous nature of the hike down to and up from Oku. It was certainly as tough as he made it out to be, but it was a hike to remember! From Ayaa Baptist Church we drove to Ijujo where we picked up several more men, including Pastor Pasquino who shepherds the church at Ijujo as well as Chinye. We drove from there to Chinye, a drive which can be characterized as the poster child for “White Knuckle Missions,” my term of endearment for some of the scariest and most remote places Jacob has gone. Not only is there no real road, but the paths are treacherous and rocky with deep gullies where rain has washed away the soil. On more than one occasion I pleaded with Jacob to “stop here before we get into trouble.” His standard reply was, “You’ll be glad we drove as far as we are going to drive.“
The road was steeper and more treacherous than it appears in these pictures
Sometimes the road was just a path
We had no sooner SAFELY arrived at Chinye when someone from that village stated that he wanted to become a follower of Jesus. He had heard the Gospel on a previous visit and wanted to make a profession of faith. It was a joy and privilege for Pastor Pasquino to pray with him right then and there!
Pastor Pasquino praying with the gentleman who wanted to be a Jesus followerThis is Chinye. These people kept a beautiful compound and were innovative and industrious
Chicken coops…up high to keep them away from predators.
From the beautiful plateau of Chinye we began our descent into the valley – on foot. There were several villages there which had been visited before, but our final goal was to reach Oku. It was a challenging descent for our legs (especially for Preston, Laurel and me) – we had to have mountain-goat reactions to the rocky slopes. One misstep on loose rocks and we might have been tumbling down the deep valley to our right. At the same time, it was a breathtaking view and these “photographer eyes” of mine couldn’t help but stop every couple of yards to snap another photo. It’s a good thing no one was following too closely behind me or it might have meant a quick trip to the bottom for both of us with my sudden stops and starts to get the perfect shot!
The start of our descent into the valleyJacob, Pastor Pasquino and ZorahKeeping up the smiles even though it was tough terrainDeep cliff to the side of the pathBeautiful vistas
Pastor Tobias, guiding Preston and Laurel down the hillOne slip on a loose rock could mean a quick trip to the bottom of the hill
Once at the bottom we still had a ways to go to reach Oku and we passed through several clusters of tukalus before arriving there. The path was narrow and the grass was close and tall. It was not lost on us that these paths had perfect hiding places for snakes and other critters. To keep on walking meant subduing fears of the potential dangers. Somehow, on the way back, I was “leading the pack” and I did see a snake a few feet ahead of me. I couldn’t get my camera out fast enough. It slithered very quickly into the grass, but it also reinforced the very real nature of our fears.
Reaching the bottom of the hillCrossing one of many streamsNarrow, grassy pathsBamboo forrest
One of the paths…trying to keep our imaginations in check!
Reaching Oku was a solemn ending to our hike. We had found that, that day, a couple had lost their infant child to the very treatable malaria or some other illness. They weren’t even sure from which illness because they live too far away from a clinic. As we walked into Oku we could see them building a rough, simple and small casket. The hole had already been dug in the ground near the parent’s tukalu. Jacob used this opportunity to share their sadness and urge them to find hope in the Savior, Jesus, and to think about the brevity and uncertainty of life as the backdrop against which hope in Jesus appears most beautiful. Several raised their hands indicating a desire to be Jesus followers.
Praying with some Jesus-followers
Preston and Laurel, once again, had the opportunity to hand out some kick balls to the children in the village which brought broad smiles. And, of course, we didn’t leave without handing out de-worming tabs and malaria treatment.
Being hot, tired, thirsty and hungry were prompters to gratefulness for the men who have made a commitment and priority to trek to these remote places to ensure that professions of faith are not mere tallies of numbers, but souls in need of care.
Members of Oku
“They are precious in His sight.”
As I stated previously, Jacob was not exaggerating the difficult task of climbing back up the mountain. The men with whom we had come and who seemed to be able to climb the steep paths without producing a sweat or labored breathing, were gracious to us – slowing their pace to make sure we were not left behind or unable to manage a particularly steep and rocky pass, carrying our packs and encouraging us. We stopped frequently to catch our breath which seemed harder to find than strength in our legs.
Jacob stayed with me and helped to keep my feet from falteringChinyeMy first sighting of Chinye…at the top of the hill
I have never been happier to see the top of a tukalu than on that day, indicating that we had reached the top of the climb and would, from there on out, rely on a machine to carry us the rest of the way up the mountain. The Land Cruiser did incredibly well, proving itself to be a “tank” as it met and mastered the challenge of the steep, rocky climb. There were some pretty desperate prayers and white knuckles as we “empathized” with the strain on the vehicle – but “old Bessie” held up!
A ravine which had to be loaded with stones before the Land Cruiser went across
Steeper than it appears to be
The “road”
Wednesday, July 8, was unanimously declared a day of rest! We nursed aching muscles, caught up on laundry and enjoyed some friendly (?) card games. Thursday ended up being a “down day” too, as there were some things that needed to be done here at RAU. (Photographic evidence withheld to protect the weary.)
Friday, July 10th, we headed to Obongi to visit Godfrey, Bosco, Aliga and our brothers and sisters at Obongi Town Church. It was also Jacob’s and my 34th wedding anniversary – what a way to celebrate!
Aliga, a member of Obongi Town Church; he has become a voracious readerPastor GodfreyPastor BoscoZorah, Jacob’s right-hand AND left-hand man; a real blessing in RAU’s ministry
The first thing we did was to visit the piece of land that was exchanged for the previous one which had given us much trouble. This piece was agreed upon by everyone and will, by God’s grace, provide a peaceful way forward. It is almost 3 times larger and will allow for more development in time.
Heading out to the piece of propertyDiscussing details
Preston praying over the land
Back at the church we enjoyed some energetic songs of worship, led by a local policeman (OC = Officer in Charge) who worships with Godfrey. He is from the Alur tribe but has been stationed in Obongi. It was joy to hear yet another unfamiliar chain of meaningful sounds which is called language and to hear it in song – and accompanied by dance! Words of encouragement were shared. Preston and Laurel (as usual) found their way into the children’s hearts with pictures and games.
Singing with gusto
Laurel loving on the kids
Preston getting in on the game of “Which hand is it in?” Trying to be tricky
Please pray for Godfrey and Obongi Town Church as it shines its light in a dark place. Pray that a branch of the Hall of Tyrannus could go up soon so that the church of Obongi can have a place in which to worship and grow.
Prize-winning smile and one of the sweetest faces ever!
Kids will be kids…no matter what…no matter where!This young man was an excellent caretaker of his little sister(?)
On Saturday, the 11th, Preston and Laurel’s last full day, Zakeo, one of the men who works with us here at RAU, took the two of them to his church to meet with their children’s choir. They also went to Afoji market where they talked to some of the people gathered there.
As I sit here LOOKING BACK on our time with Preston and Laurel it is with such mixed emotions. We took them to Arua on Sunday to catch a connecting flight to Entebbe for their trip home. Laughing, working and playing and praying together make up the flavor of our memories. Being back here at the Guesthouse without them leaves us feeling rather sad, missing the laughter and the comradery of a common Savior, a common love and common goals. Preston and Laurel, we are rich for having experienced life together with you! Thank you for making it a priority during your summer off from school to spend some of it with us! Thank you, Seagrove Baptist Church, for sending them and for supporting us with resources (the Sinks as well as the things you sent along with them)!
Preston and Laurel and the gang
Looking forward to a busy season ahead is keeping us from wallowing in the “slough of despond” and also reminds us that we are rich, indeed, with many friends whose beauties we also enjoy and appreciate. At the beginning of August we will, once again, welcome Ron Zeiner to spend 3 weeks with us. During this time we will have 2 Leadership Retreats at RAU and some opportunities for ministry in between.
In September, if the Lord graciously allows it, we will also welcome back David Jones, Eric Williams and his wife!
Praise God! The second container has left for Uganda from Lifegate, our home church, where it was parked and loaded with the precious resources of Bibles, books, fencing materials and other things. Please pray for its safe arrival here with minimal interruption of its journey at the URA (Ugandan Revenue Authorities).
Container being loadedMany helpers?
Please pray for the various projects that are in one stage or another:
*The Gbari/Arapi church building – construction has started with a toilet and bathing station which can be used during the building process.
*Obongi Town Church/Land acquisition – we have signed on a swap of land which is larger and in a decent location. Please pray that all the paperwork will be done properly and without loopholes so that building on the land can start.
*Bible School – we have talked before about the growing need for a short, intensive training for new potential pastors. $25,000 is needed to build several classrooms on RAU land.
*Upcoming leadership retreats at RAU
*Further meetings with Yumbe Imams and Sheikhs as well as the many evangelistic efforts we are continually involved in.
*The Land Cruiser – while we were in Arua we found some brake problems which required parts and repairs. Thankfully, it happened in Arua where a good mechanic and parts were available. Repairs and maintenance are an on-going need.
Major brake work in Arua – replacement of shoes and drums.
Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership!
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 the PayPal link. 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
We had a good meeting on July 4th with leading Imams and Sheikhs from Yumbe and Northern Uganda. I cannot think of any better way we could have celebrated the 4th of July than to proclaim freedom for the captives and rescue from darkness to light!
Two weeks ago we had our first meeting. First and foremost, I want to thank you, all who prayed for this God-ordained gathering. For it to happen once was unprecedented and for it to happen a second time was evidence of God’s sovereign grace. More get together’s are also on the docket.
We were together for around four intense hours. The setting was to be a back and forth dialog rather than a debate and, for the most part, that was followed. We (Preston Sink from Florida, Zora, Charles, and a couple of young men from Pilgrim Church) were treated respectfully and hospitably. We, in turn, sought to exhibit the love of Christ in our words and actions.
Preston’s heart is as big as he is. His warm friendly spirit was much enjoyed by everyone!
In the beginning, we again gave out reading glasses for those who didn’t come the first time. Others brought the reading eyeglass numbers for family to whom we also gave reading glasses. Each man also received one complete treatment for malaria. Resources such as the New Testaments in Aringa, ESV Global Study Bibles,the book, Seeking Allah Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Jesus, Bible Stories in Arabic and various tracts in Arabic, Swahili, Aringa, and English were given to those who did not receive copies the first time.
One malaria treatment was given to each Imam and Sheikh
An Imam using his new reading glasses to go over the material given him before our meeting start. This Imam was right at 7 foot tall and was over all butcheries, making sure all slaughtering was done in accordance with Islamic standards.
I began with some introductory points to set the stage for the discussions. Then Preston, along with some Imams and Sheikhs who were not with us the first time, introduced themselves. It was such a joy to have Preston with us. His love for Jesus and his joy in Him shone brightly.
Introductory points to set the stage for the discussions.
The Khard (leader of the leaders) gave me the bulk of the time to speak; my primary aim was to proclaim the Jesus of the Bible. Then one of them spent time speaking on who Muslims believe Jesus to be and gave a rebuttal to the points I had made. By then they had to go to their prayers. It is Ramadan.
When they returned, Preston and I shared briefly with them. They, in turn, had several who spoke briefly again. We all left on friendly terms and wanting to meet again. A number of them stated again that this type of dialog has never happened there before. Charles did a wonderful job of interpreting and being a part of organizing the meeting with the Khard.
Who is Jesus?
“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:11
The Muslims turn on “Who Is Jesus?”
Helping find a verse in the Qur’an
Then Preston shared briefly and well from Matthew 16:13-17 and I also shared briefly on the point that Jesus was indeed a prophet and much more… both in the Qur’an and the Bible Jesus is called the “Word”, both state He was sinless, both say He was born of a virgin, both state He is alive in heaven and coming back to judge the earth….. Jesus is the “I AM“ in Exodus 3:14. I then urged them to follow Jesus of the Bible!
Final comments from one of the leading Muslim “evangelists” in Northern Uganda.
I firmly believe in the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16)! You could see them in deep thought while hearing the clear message of gospel for second time and the new comers for the first time. Each of them have the Bible and Aringa New Testament in their hands along with a book which gives a clear testimony of God’s gracious, saving work in the life a once-devout Muslim. Pray that the the Lord will open their hearts and give them eyes to see just like He has done for you and me!
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 the PayPal link. 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
Our visit with Preston and Laurel on our last trip to the States. We had a blast!
Jacob and I are warming up our muscles – physically AND spiritually – for a flurry of happy ministry activity. (Really and truly…I am doing exercises – safely- to try and strengthen this old body for the rigors of the Metu Mountains.)
At Aya Baptist Church – from Preston and Laurel Sink’s last visit
First, Preston and Laurel Sink are on their way and we will be picking them up shortly! We love this couple and their desire to serve and love the people of the West Nile Region. They are from Seagrove Baptist Church in Florida. How blessed we were on our last visit to the States to finally meet, in person, our beautiful family in Christ from Seagrove Baptist who have been amazing partners of Christ’s work in this region. We have quite an itinerary prepared for Preston and Laurel in the triangle zone of our ministry efforts – Metu Mountains, Obongi and Yumbe. May the Lord strengthen us all for the plans he has laid on our hearts and may the Lord bring Preston and Laurel safely here and return them safely to their home in Florida. (They will be with us for close to two weeks.)
In Yumbe in an unprecedented and cordial meeting between Muslim Imams and Sheikhs and Christians.
Second, this coming Saturday, on the 4th of July, Jacob will be heading to Yumbe for a second meeting with the Sheikhs and Imams with whom he met previously. He hopes to continue a friendly dialogue with them. Please be praying for that meeting. The goal is to win people and not an argument. Pray that Christ’s love for them would be the overarching message and that it would be displayed to them in Jacob’s life and in the lives of those who live and work there. Also, pray over the outline which is below and which he will be using during his part of the dialog. Jacob’s topic is “Who Is Jesus?” answering a specific question which they, themselves, asked of Jacob the last time they met.
With Godfrey from Obongi Town Church on main street in Obongi
Third, the land issue in Obongi is taking some positive moves forward as negotiations have happened for a different piece of land nearby the other one, but which is more agreeable to some who were opposed to the first plot of land being sold and developed. Thank you to everyone who prayed! Please continue to pray because it’s not a “done deal” yet! The tentative agreement with all the appropriate signatures is being reviewed and discussed today.
Clue: Ron Zeiner – in the Library – with a book!
Fourthly, not long after the Sinks return to the States, our dear friend, Ron Zeiner, will be returning (for the 3rd time) to help us in ministry. During his stay we will have 2 Leadership retreats and some outreaches to outlying areas. One of the retreat groups will be from the D.R. of Congo. Now that Lydia’s House is completed we will also be able to host women along with the men. This was previously not possible because the facilities were not conducive to mixed groups.
In anticipation of this flurry of activity Jacob has been very busy getting things ready on the campus. His brain has a file somewhere which keeps a running “to-do” list of projects. As you can see from the photos, it is a very effective list and the results could not be more beautiful!
I have been doing a few “nurse-y” things in addition to being the Photographer/bookkeeper/manager and Jacob’s chief encourager. I am restricted from doing hands-on nursing care, but I am seeing how important a part education plays in helping people understand the cause and therefore the cure and prevention of many common problems. Just today, I met with a beautiful woman who had just lost her husband, a pastor, and who was suffering from severe back pain which was induced by the heavy lifting she had to do while her husband was ill. Praying for her, caring for her personally and spending time teaching her about the things that worsen AND help back problems seemed to her more of a benefit than I had imagined. It was a mutually encouraging encounter.
Women – burden-bearers
I also,as you can see, am overcoming my own resistance to a beautiful cultural practice which displays the humility of Christ. As is evidenced by the smiles in the photo, it was a highly entertaining moment.
The Garden Manager
Once again, Jacob and I are immensely thankful to the Lord for this calling and for your partnering with us! We are all tangled up in this together! Thank you for loving, giving, praying and sending – and, in some cases, going! Please let us know how we can work in a time for you to personally “come and see!”
Carol (Jacob) Lee
——————————
Who is Jesus? What True Followers of Jesus Believe and Preach
By Jacob Lee
Below are my notes for my Yumbe Sheiks and Imam Friends for our upcoming meeting. One of your questions to me when we last met was “Who Is Jesus?”
Thank you for your hospitality! Salaam Alekum!
Mark 4:35-41 “And they (the disciples) were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?” (Verse 41). This same story can also be found in Luke 8:22-27.
*This account of Jesus calming the sea sets the context for the following three gospel stories in Mark 5 (Also found in Luke 8:26-56)
1. Demon possessed man-Mark 5:1-20
2. Woman with the flow of blood- Mark 5:25-34
3. Raising Jairus daughter from the dead- Mark 5:21-24 & 5:35-43
A very important principle when one reads and studies the Bible is “context”. One cannot understand or interpret the Bible if one does not follow this fundamental principle. Bible Verses and Bible stories fit and work together like the different parts of our bodies fit and work together.
I. Today I would like us to look at the common themes God is teaching in the three gospel stories found in Mark 5
A. Theme 1 – Jesus is at the center of each of these stories
B. Theme 2 – The hopeless situation of the people and how Jesus is the answer out of utter hopelessness
C. Let us read together Mark 5
II. Look at individual accounts
A. Demon possessed man
*Man with many demons (“legion” = 6,000 Roman soldiers)
*Long time without clothes
*Lived among the tombs – wanted to be in the place of death
*He would be bound with chains but would break them to go into desert
*Slave – demons “drove” him
*Crying out, cutting himself with stones
*Outcast in society; separated from family and friends; abandoned
*John 10:10 – “The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come to give abundant life.”
*Unclean – physically and spiritually – lived among pigs and death; demons “unclean spirits”
*Picture of torment, despair
*Truly without hope
B. Jairus
*Religious leader and respected in Jesus’ day and time – “ruler of the synagogue”; comparable to a Pastor or Imam
*Desperate – “little daughter” dying
*Imploring – fell at Jesus’ feet; begging for help; knew about Jesus’ healings
*Loved his daughter – clearly seen
*Feeling of hopeless – he knew death was near
*Death comes to us all, but especially painful to see a child die (“little girl”)
*Death is the result of sin in the world and no one is able to stop it
*It is the ultimate display of our helplessness
*We are unable to contain or control death – I will die…you will die!
*On the way to Jairus’ house we meet the third person in the story – another picture of hopelessness
C. Woman with the flow of blood
*we are told she suffered for 12 years without relief–12 YEARS. (The same age of Jairus’ daughter)
*spent all her money on doctors (doctors’ abilities are limited, even in America)
* “Unclean” – in Jesus’ day such a flow of blood made a person unclean; such a person was unable to attend prayers and was NOT suppose to associate with others in public
*Separated and in a situation of great shame for her and her family
*Hopeless
D. We can all relate to each story: evil, uncleanness, and death
1. Evil spirits – they are here to kill, steal and destroy and to torment us all
*What has been destroyed in your life? How have you been stolen from? How has death come into your life?
*Jesus says, “BUT, I have come to give life and life more abundantly.” (John 10:10b)
2. Death
*How many burials have you been in the last year? Six months? Weeks?
*The Old Testament prophets talk of life as a “puff of smoke” or like a flower which is here today and gone tomorrow
*Death will grab and squeeze you! And ME!!!
*What is our hope/confidence after death????????
*On Judgment Day do you know if your sins will be paid off? Pardoned?
3. Uncleanness: all sin makes us filthy/unclean before a HOLY God.
*Outward filth is only a representative of inward filth
*We have ways to clean the body, BUT what can cleanse the heart and remove the inward shame? What proceeds from one’s mouth reveals the contents of one’s heart. This is the corruption that makes one defiled/unclean in God’s sight – SEE: Matthew 12: 34-35)
*Jesus says that what flows out of the mouth is what makes us unclean
*Matthew 15:11 “And he (Jesus) called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” Jesus answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.”And he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” (See also: Mark 7:14-23)
*Every single American, African. Person in the world is in a state of hopelessness and is defiled by sin.
*We ALL need divine rescuing and deliverance from: evil oppression; from uncleanness; from death. We cannot rescue, deliver, and cleanses our inward heart ourselves. We ourselves cannot remove of our shame before a holy God and live honorably before a HOLY God.
III. Jesus is at the center of each of these stories
A. The demon-possessed man (with many or “legion” demons)
*Demons fear and recognize Jesus’ authority and power
*The demons recognize who Jesus is
*Just earlier – the boat was in a raging sea; Jesus says, “Peace! Be still!”
*This man had a legion (a great number) of demons
*No man of God or prophet today or in history has ever done what Jesus had done! What Jesus did was beyond human giftedness.
*Demons say to Jesus through the man (vs. 28) “What have you to do with us, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you do not torment me.”
*Jesus gave the demons permission to leave; this demonstrates Jesus’ power and authority
*What is the result of Jesus’ power? Jesus power is motivated by LOVE.
-It brings deliverance and healing
-The man sits at Jesus’ feet; showing submission to Jesus’ Lordship
-The man was clothed and in his right mind healed of mental disturbance/cleansed/washed; and clothed.
-The people see and FEAR – they do not understand such power motivated by love; they want Jesus to leave (fear and shame keep people from experiencing Jesus’ love)
-delivered man wants to stay with Jesus (a true follower of Jesus always wants to be with Him)
-Jesus sends him on a mission: “Declare how much GOD has done for you!”
-The delivered man obeys immediately and goes about “declaring how much Jesus has done for him.”
-One who follows Jesus obeys what Jesus has commanded: “Go into the entire world and TELL!” (Mathew 28:18-20) These were Jesus’ last words before He bodily ascended into heaven where He is alive today in heaven praying for those He has called to Himself!
B. Jesus and the woman with the flow of blood
*Crowd – people were pushing in all around Jesus, touching Him
*Jesus sensed a different “touch” – a touch made in faith in Jesus’ power
*Jesus KNOWS someone touched him in “faith” and the woman KNOWS she has been healed.
*The woman was in a hopeless situation, unclean and no options left
*She acts in faith – she believes that Jesus is greater than human doctors
*Faith is like an electric wire which connects us to the Power Source
*Both, Jesus and the woman, knew – Jesus knows each person and his need; He knows YOUR need today; He responds in love to those who look to Him in faith
*Jesus does the same to those today who look to Him alone for salvation, deliverance, healing, hope, and a personal relationship with God.
*Jesus is the answer to your hopeless need (it’s no greater than the woman’s)
*Jesus heals her, cleanses her…he will do the same for you! He has for me!
*Our need is deeper than a physical healing and cleansing. We all need inner healing and cleansing. This only Jesus can give!
<What can cleanse the filth in our hearts (our thoughts and attitudes) and release us from our separation/shame before a Holy God????
<Scriptures teach us that a blood sacrifice of an innocent, pure, without defect being was needed to cleanse
-Garden of Eden – God made garments from slain animals
-Cain and Abel – made offerings but only Abel’s blood sacrifice was accepted
-Abraham and Moses – both were told to offer blood sacrifices. David and prophets made blood sacrifices.
-Jesus was announced by John the Baptist (Yahya) as, “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of world.”
-We all need the cleansing power of Jesus’ pure sacrificial blood to cleanse us of our guilt and shame and separation from God
-Those who trust in and follow Jesus receive cleansing from sin and shame
C. Jairus’ 12 year old daughter
-Jesus arrives (messenger gives word) “daughter has died”
-Jesus’ response, “Do not fear, only believe and she will be well.”
-He enters the home; crowd laughs when Jesus says, “She is sleeping.” The crowd knew she was dead
-But Jesus knew He would impart life back into her – something only God can do
* As followers of Jesus our 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 wiped my shame away 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!
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 the PayPal link. 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
“You also must help us by prayer, SO THAT many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. (Emphasis Mine)”
2 Corinthians 1:11
I write with a heart that is full of joy “giv[ing] thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” I know many were praying and even set their alarms so that they would be sure to be interceding while we were in our Yumbe meeting….thank you!! Zora, Mindra, and I left RAU at 8 AM Saturday morning (June 19th) for Yumbe and arrived at Pilgrim Church at 9:45 to meet Charles. We then proceeded to a Muslim-run secondary school where we met by Brother Barnabas and Yaphad. Charles said the school is their “model Muslim school” in Yumbe. We waited under a tree for awhile and then were able to move all our things into a large classroom. By 11 AM most all the Imams and Sheikhs were with us.
There were 24 Muslim men at the meeting all of which were either Imams or Sheikhs. They, as well the school officials, were all very cordial and hospitable. We met in a large science classroom. Charles and Barnabas both interpreted for me. They all knew English but in varying levels of understanding.
The very first thing we did was to give reading glasses to those that needed them (about 90% did) using the Aringa New Testament’s to test for the right strength. The Aringa New Testament celebrates its first year this month. Three of the men were national Islamic leaders, a number were northern Ugandan regional leaders Some of the Imams were also “evangelists“. Most Muslims in Uganda consider Yumbe to be the center of Islam in Uganda. I believe it is fair to say that one would have to go to (North) Sudan to find as highly a concentrated number of Muslims as are found in Yumbe. These Muslim leaders all gladly received Aringa New Testament’s, ESV Global Study Bibles, Seeking Allah Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi and gospel tracts in English, Aringa, Arabic and Swahili. Throughout the meeting they pledged read the literature!
After we all introduced ourselves I was given time to give my testimony and proclaim the gospel without compromise along with a passionate call to trust in Jesus. An outline of my message is at the bottom of this post. A number of them shared as well, asked questions, made challenges, and gave comments from the Qur’an. We are looking to meet again maybe next Saturday. Numerous ones commented that this type of meeting has never happened in Yumbe… a white Christian meeting with them together in their own setting. Truly, this type of gathering could not happen except it be sovereignly designed. Brother Charles was key instrument of the Lord in organizing it. Oh, how I love the sovereignty of God! God is BOTH “sovereign” and “loving“. Muslims fully believe the former but do not fully understand God’s sovereignty and love as co-existing. Keep praying for these men that they would see the beauty of Jesus!
Positive change has been occurring in Yumbe, especially in the last couple years. In a previous personal note to some of you I shared that Yumbe Town has a population of over 35,000. Our brothers from Yumbe town tell me there are under 200 Aringa who are born again in the town which makes them .6% of the population. In the rural areas (in small geographical pockets) there are more Christians but according to believers in Yumbe the number is far lower than government estimates. Whereas most of Uganda has many evangelicals, Yumbe District, along with neighboring Koboko and Obongi Sub-County is very different in this regard. These areas certainly fit the description of a harvest field with very very few followers of Christ.
Also as mentioned in previous newsletters, Yumbe Muslims are very ardent in their beliefs. We have had three separate groups of church leaders here at RAU for retreats and they have told me many of their personal stories of persecution. I have deep love and respect for Yumbe believers! It is an honor to count them as friends.
Since our arrival here in July 2013 we have had many opportunities to be in Yumbe churches throughout the country side as well as in Pilgrim Anglican Church in Yumbe town. The Lord has also opened the door for open air preaching in and outside the town along with one-on-one evangelism in the town and rural markets. We are grateful for the Ugandan constitution which recognizes freedom of religion. This gives us and others an open door to preach in Yumbe. I long for and sense that the Lord is going to bring many to faith in these districts. You, along with us, have the privilege to be a part God’s sovereign work!
Let me affirm again, for our mutual encouragement, that God is on the move in the Muslim world and I am excited about it. Since the beginning of Islam there have been 82 movements of Muslims to Christ with its shared history with Christianity. The first of these did not occur until 13 centuries into the Muslim-Christian encounter. Of these 82 movements, 69 (84%) have taken place since 2000. ( page 230 in A Wind In the House of Islam: How God is Drawing Muslims Around the World to faith in Jesus Christ ).
We sense the Lord doing the same thing in Yumbe and Obongi! The excellent book we have been giving to Muslim seekers is Seeking Allah,Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity. We brought about 30 back with us from the States. We now are almost out. The Lord is using it to open eyes and save. It has also been a great help to me in understanding the Muslim worldview and it was a delight to read about the power of God’s Spirit at work. If anyone is so led you could buy copies at Amazon and have them shipped to Lifegate-RAU (395 Lifegate Ln., Seguin TX. 78155). They would then be packed in the RAU container which is leaving Seguin for us on July 10th.
Please allow me to touch on a different but related topic. The Lord has put it on our hearts to establish an Interdenominational Bible School here at RAU which is adapted to our cultural setting. Since January of 2016 we have been a part of 7 new church plants and we see God pouring out His Spirit, establishing many more in unreached places, (e.g. Yumbe and Obongi.) The problem is that there is no place/opportunity in our region for local ones who are called to lead to get basic biblical training. Also the pastors who are here have had little to no biblically training as well. The Bible School would work hand in hand with our retreats and outreaches; RAU’s 17 acres has the perfect setting.
This how you can pray with us going forward. We are going to begin saving money little by little for two classrooms (turn key bid is at $25,000). We currently have 29 beds for students and a good library (books I have been collecting/reading since I was saved as well ones which have been given). The classrooms would help make the RAU facilities acceptable to the Ugandan gov’t so that we can give country wide acceptable certificates which is just another means of helping in the establishing new churches and strengthening current ones in our West Nile region. Please pray for us in this and be open to the Lord in helping us construct these classrooms.
Thank you for your encouragement, prayers, and support!
Jacob (Carol) Lee
—————————————————————————-
Below is the outline I used with the Yumbe Imams and Sheikhs
Jacob William Lee Introduction: In September I will be 60 years old. I am married to Carol Ann for 34 years and have three grown children with two married. We have four beautiful grandchildren back in Texas USA. I grew up on an Iowa farm and worked as a builder in my 20’s. I went to University in my 30’s and received a Bachelor’s Degree. In my 40’s I received a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. I was a teacher and headmaster for many years as well a pastor in our local church in Texas.
When I was 20 years old I became a true follower of Jesus. Jesus took away my shame and debt of sin through His sacrificial blood. Jesus has delivered me from the power of evil and has given me abundant life. I was raised in a religious home. I used to try to be a good person, so I could please God. However, I was never quite good enough. One night, after having read our Holy Book, the Bible, to help me fall asleep, I had an experience of God’s forgiveness of my sins and I knew God wanted me to have a relationship with Him and live for His glory. Even at that time I had a feeling that God wanted me to tell others about Him who have never heard about His forgiveness. I was overwhelmed because I knew God is holy and I was not. It was a joyful experience to know that a Holy God would want me to be in a relationship with HIM.
(** See note above) God is in heaven and is holy, but we on earth are unholy. Through our religion, we try to please God with our good works, but it is never quite good enough. We climb, and then fall. Climb, then fall. It is frustrating, isn’t it?
Most religions are alike, aren’t they?
We are all trying to please God, to get our sins forgiven. We are all sinners aren’t we? Even good people sin. Sinning is easy, but paying off our sin debt to God is much more difficult, isn’t it? Our sin brings shame and inner uncleanness before a holy God, doesn’t it?
In your Muslim religion what are you doing: to pay off your sin debt? To remove your shame from sin and inner uncleanness? To please God?
1). Are your sins forgiven yet?
2). Is all your shame before God now gone? Is your inner man been made clean?
3). When will your sins be forgiven, your shame be gone, and your inner man be made clean?
4). On Judgment Day, do you know for certain that your sins will be forgiven or that you will be without shame of sin and your inner man completely clean?
What I believe is different. I know my sins are completely forgiven, my shame before God has been taken away and my inner man has been made perfectly clean. This is not because I am a good person, even though I do try to be good. My sins are forgiven because God Himself has paid for my sin. The outcome of this forgiveness is that my shame before a holy God is gone and I have been cleansed within from the filth of sin through Jesus’ sacrificial blood. Satan’s power over me has been broken in my life by Jesus. I have been set free through Jesus.
Part One: Jesus
Jesus, the Word of God, was in Heaven with God from the beginning. He was born into this world through the Virgin Mary. Both the Bible and the Qur’an teach this. Jesus never sinned, even though He was tempted in every way imaginable. Jesus overcame the desires of His flesh. He never married; never killed anyone; never gathered riches for Himself. Jesus once fasted 40 days and 40 nights while being tempted by the devil, yet He never sinned.
Jesus performed great miracles. He cast out demons; healed the sick and blind; Jesus even raised the dead.
It is interesting that, though Jesus was not yet old, He began prophesying about His death. To his followers He said, “I must die, but I will rise again.” Do you know why Jesus said, “I must die?”
Part Two: Why did Jesus have to die?
The answer is found in the Taurat (the first 5 books of the Bible). The Taurat tells us about the first persons God created, Adam and Eve. God put them in a perfect paradise, called the Garden of Eden. They were given great freedom to eat fruit from any tree in the garden except for the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God warned them that if they ate of that fruit they would die.
A covering for sin
One day, Satan visited Eve in the form of a serpent and tempted her to eat the fruit that God had forbidden. She ate the fruit, and gave it to Adam, who also ate it. Immediately, they were afraid, so they hid from God. But because God knows everything, He found them and punished Adam and Eve for their disobedience.
God’s Punishment
As punishment for their disobedience, God cast Adam and Eve out of the garden paradise, and eventually they did die. God’s desire had been for them to live forever, but because of their sins, they lost paradise and died.
It is interesting that the Taurat says Adam and Eve committed just one sin and it resulted in their judgment and death. Adam and Eve seemed like good people, probably better than us. Perhaps they had already done hundreds of good works. They hadn’t killed anyone, committed adultery, or stolen anything. But they disobeyed just once and it resulted in death. Sometimes we think that if our good deeds outweigh our bad deeds that our sins will be forgiven, but that is not what the Bible says.
Promised Savior and New Clothes
Yet God still loved Adam and Eve. So He made a way for their sins to be forgiven. After pronouncing His judgment on Adam and Eve, God also judged the serpent (Satan) who had deceived them. God promised that from the woman’s descendent a Savior would come who would crush Satan’s head, although Satan would also injure Him. Over the centuries that followed, many prophets of God foretold the coming of a Savior who would take away the sins of the world.
Then God did something very interesting. He changed Adam and Eve’s clothes. God replaced the clothes made of leaves that Adam and Eve had made with new clothes made from animal skins. Of course, to make these clothes, an animal had to die. The death of an innocent animal was the price that God paid to cover the sins of Adam and Eve. Because He loved Adam and Eve, God Himself offered the first sacrifice for the forgiveness of their sins. The Bible teaches us that apart from the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22.) Since that first sacrifice all of our forefathers have offered sacrifices to have their sins forgiven: Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and others.
Part Three: “That is why Jesus had to die!”
And then Jesus came, born of a virgin, the descendent of a woman. Jesus lived a sinless life, and performed great miracles. At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, a prophet named John looked to Jesus and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.”
That is interesting, isn’t it? Jesus was called “the Lamb of God.” Why? Because a lamb is an animal used for sacrifice. Do you remember my question: “Do you know why Jesus said, “I must die”? That is why Jesus said, “I must die.”
Jesus came to be God’s sacrifice to pay for our sins, remove our shame from sin, and give us inner cleansing from the filth of sin. This is why He surrendered Himself to the Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers to be crucified. He was God’s sacrifice for your sins and mine.
As He was dying, Jesus cried out, “It is finished,” meaning that our sin debt had now been paid for. Then Jesus bowed His head and died. But on the third day Jesus rose from the dead, just as He had promised. For the next 40 days, Jesus appeared to more than 500 of His followers and then was taken up into heaven. We know that one day Jesus will return to earth as Judge over all mankind.
Conclusion
“That is why I know my sins are forgiven.” The Bible tells us that if we surrender our life to Jesus as Lord and believe that He has paid for our sins through His sacrifice and that God has raised Him from the dead, our sins will be forgiven. And that is why I know my sins are forgiven.
It makes sense, doesn’t it, that we cannot pay off our own sins but that God made a way for our sins to be forgiven through Jesus’ sacrifice”?
Do you believe that Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins and was raised from the dead?
The Bible says in Romans 10: 9-10 says “ifyou confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord andbelieve in your heartthat God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
The way people usually surrender themselves to Jesus is through prayer. Prayer is speaking to God what is in your heart. Romans 10:9-10 is a good guide for a prayer of surrender.
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 the PayPal link. 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 