Mission Video and More…..

On September 11, 2014September 12, 2014 By Jacob LeeIn Discipleship, Evangelism, Mercy Ministries, Missions

As mentioned in Carol’s last post, Preston and Laurel Sink spent two weeks of July with us in ministry. They were a real joy to us and many others. They boosted Carol’s and my spirits. They made a short video of their trip for their Church, Seagrove Baptist Church from Florida, highlighting some of the things they did. They graciously gave us permission to post it here on the RAU blog. I think you will enjoy it!

A big thank you to all who have been praying for Pastor Godfrey and the situation I alerted many of you about in a private email. Because of the situation I cannot give you details but know things are looking better. Please continue in your prayers! Thank you very much!

We had a great day in Obongi with seven young adults from 1st Presbyterian Church in Kampala on September 8th. I have had the blessing of knowing most them for a number of years, one of whom I met on my first trip to Africa in 2006. They were a great blessing to the 7 month old Obongi Town Church led by Pastor Godfrey. They brought clothes to give out and each of them shared a word of encouragement. I had the privilege of preaching and taught from The Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector. Our plan was to go tukalu to tukalu for evangelism after lunch but the heavy rains stopped us. Nevertheless, the Lord brought two people to us who were saved. One came because he was told in the town that this “group” could help him. He came in the middle of my message and afterwards approached us, wanting to know Christ. The other was a teenage girl who stopped by and with whom one of our youth spent a good hour talking; in the end she, too, was giving her life to the King of kings! When God is moving in a place no one can stop Him! On the way back we gained three more passengers who needed rides to Moyo, bringing the total in the Land Cruiser to 13. With all the rain we had to use the 4 wheel drive several times.

Each of the youth shared and led in some songs — Each of the youth shared and they all led in some songs

Distributing clothes brought from Kampala by the youth group

Pork and fish from the Nile were on the menu

Packed in and ready to head back to Moyo

On Tuesday, the 9th, we had a beautiful day sharing Christ on Metu Mountain in several villages. The seven youth from Kampala, Sam, Godfrey, members of Aya Baptist Church, and I branched out in teams from Aya Baptist Church which is pastored by Tobius. The Lord opened the hearts of 13 people to confess Christ and many others heard the gospel message. I had the opportunity to share the gospel in a school and later had the joy of seeing a very old man place his trust in Christ. We all returned to Aya Baptist to report, praise and eat! The camera was with me so I regrettably did not get any photos of the youth as they shared the good news of Jesus. Clothing was also given out to Aya Baptist members.We left, after some beautiful fellowship, determined to go at a later date to the other villages in the area without one church! There are numerous villages back in the hills. By God’s grace we must go to them with the gospel! What joy to work with young people and a church like Aya Baptist who love Jesus and put feet to that love. Preparations are continuing for the drilling of a well in Aya. It would serve Aya and surrounding villages. There are no bore holes in these hills.

This older man professed Christ after sharing the gospel with him.

I enjoyed sharing the gospel at this school. It brought back good memories of my times at Lifegate Christian School and Nixon-Smiley High School. Theere is open access to preaching the gospel in both government and private schools! — I enjoyed sharing the gospel at this school. It brought back good memories of my times at Lifegate Christian School and Nixon-Smiley High School. There is open access to preaching the gospel in both government and private schools!

We see everyone as in need of the gospel and seek to proclaim Jesus

Clothes from the youth were given out at Aya Baptist

Having some fun on the way back to RAU...hum..I wonder where Isma is at :-) ! — Having some fun on the way back to RAU…hmmm…I wonder where Isma is at 🙂 !

What a fine, fun, and Jesus loving youth group! — What a fine, fun, and Jesus-loving youth group!

On Wednesday the 10th, I, along with 15 others (all much younger than me,) spent much of the day in Yumbe in one-on-one witnessing. We broke up into 5 teams and fanned out throughout Yumbe town. We all had very engaging and spirited conversations in this District which is tagged by locals at around 95% Muslim. The Lord was faithful and opened the hearts (compare Acts 16:14) of eight who have joined the family of faith. Thank you to everyone who faithfully intercedes and supports our work!

Getting ready to head into Yumbe town with the gospel. Can you tell we have a lot fun with each other?

With John and Charles who are faithful followers of Jesus in Yumbe. They are excellent interpreters. We were met with many challenging questions from Muslims who would agree to talk with us.

Debriefing.....we all shared our stories — Debriefing…..we all shared our stories

Getting ready to head back to RAU and praising God for those who have come to know Him!

On the 11th we all went to the Moyo prison. The youth shared and sang and faithfully challenged the inmates to follow Christ. They also brought sugar, soap, and clothes for them, displaying Jesus’ love in a very tangible way. We were not allowed to take any pictures. The 12th will be spent in one on one witnessing here in Moyo District and then on the 13th they will all head back to Kampala. Each them of Jesus and I am confident they will be back with more of their fellow youth next time. When youth are challenged in the proper way I have found that they meet and exceed the challenge before them. This mission trip was not easy for them as they were stretched; the stretching was good for them and all of us at RAU!

From the 16th to the 19th we have pastors here for a teaching retreat from Koboko, Maracha, and D.R. Congo. Please be in prayer for this time of teaching and mutual encouragement in the faith. We now have some good contacts in these areas which help facilitate the bringing of these men here. The backbone of our calling are these retreats. With your prayers and support we are able to bring these men here, feed and house them, give them an ESV Global Study Bible and other solid, biblical literature, and teach on the fundamentals of the faith. This is our 9th pastor/church leaders retreat and we have hosted over 200 guests.Our good friend Kevin Turner with SWI will be with us from the 18th to the 25th. He will be able to teach at the last part of the retreat and will be a grand blessing to us and all he comes into contact with. I confidently say that because of his deep and abiding love for Jesus!

Please be in prayer for Africa as much of it is increasingly in the bull’s eye of Ebola. As you know, Ebola is rampant in West Africa. In the past, it has also been here in East Africa and in our immediate area. Please pray that its spread will stop and lives are saved. The following map gives the potential spread of it if it is not stopped. May the Sovereign God of the universe stop it in its path!

We head back to the sweet USA on October 2. It will be ten months since we have been back. We look forward to meeting the newest grandchild, number four, who is due just as we return. Both Carol and I are also looking forward to spending time with family, friends, and dear supporters! Most of our time will be in Texas; however, we will also be in Iowa for my parents 60th wedding anniversary celebration and in Tennessee with our middle son, Josiah.

With Love and Appreciation,

Jacob (Carol) Lee

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

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

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

Our “wish lists” may be found at Amazon (Click on the “Wish List” link and type in our name or email address)

The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our power to get it to those who do not have it. May the Lord grant each of us His followers the wherewithal to be obedient disciples! Jacob W. Lee

Tax deductible charitable donations may be made via PayPal. PayPal also has a way to make reoccurring monthly gifts. To do so please click their link below. PayPal deducts a small amount from each gift as a processing fee. All gifts given through PayPal are now tax 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 priesthood of all believers and its relevance to Africa today” by Conrad Mbewe

On September 4, 2014September 4, 2014 By Jacob LeeIn Discipleship

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

“The priesthood of all believers and its relevance to Africa today” is a very important and timely blog post by African pastor Conrad Mbewe. The messages and literature pastors receive from RAU also emphasizes this biblical truth.

—————

The priesthood of all believers and its relevance to Africa today

by Conrad Mbewe

In a previous blog post, I argued that the modern popular view of the pastor within Charismatic circles is simply another form of the traditional view of the village witchdoctor. It is full-blown African traditional religion that has returned dressed with a thin veneer of Bible verses made to say what the Holy Spirit never intended them to say when he first inspired the biblical writers to pen them.In this blog post, I am answering the question, “How can we bring down this popular unbiblical view and chase African traditional religion out of the church in Africa. How can we restore true Christianity to the African church?” It seems to me that this will only happen when we restore the New Testament teaching of the priesthood of all believers to the place it once held within Protestantism.The priesthood of all believers in history
“The priesthood of all believers” is a teaching that was particularly popularised by Martin Luther, the great reformer of the 16th century. Prior to the reformation in the church that he is known for, there was a very thick divide between the clergy (who were called “priests”) and the laity (the ordinary church members).

The priests were a specially trained and appointed group of people in the church who claimed to have special dealings with God. They alone could handle the Mass (an unbiblical form of the Lord’s Supper), baptism, weddings, and even prayers for the people of God. They mediated pardon too, and so God’s people came to them to confess their sins in order to receive God’s pardon. Through their mediation, the people of God could get their relatives who died outside Christ to cut short their period in purgatory (an unbiblical form of temporal hell).

In this way, the laity was totally dependent upon the priests in the church for everything…until Martin Luther came around. He showed that, according to the Bible, all Christians have equal access to God through prayer because all of them come to God through the mediatorial work of Christ. “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Through the death of Jesus Christ, he has paid for the sins of all his people and so God accepts them on the basis of Christ’s merit alone. Christians do not need a human mediator to receive any blessing from God—none whatsoever!

The results of the loss of this teaching today
These biblical truths are what Christians on the African continent today need to hear. Those who claim that we need to go to them to get a “breakthrough” or “deliverance” in whatever situation we are going through are impostors, cheats, and swindlers. There is no longer an altar in the front for you to go to in order to be prayed for. The brothers and sisters sitting next to you in church—indeed you as well—have the same access to God as those charlatans calling you to the front.

It is because we have lost this truth of the priesthood of all believers that we have now created a very sleek class of “men of God” in Evangelicalism. In the name of having special spiritual powers (which they call “anointing”), these guys are milking the church of its money and sexually abusing its women. They wear costly designer suits, drive the most expensive cars, and own property that even chief executives of our biggest business corporations only dream of. They do not even carry their own Bibles. Like chiefs, they have henchmen to do it for them.

Every weekend and during conferences, they invite us to go to them for spiritual breakthroughs and deliverance. As Johan Tetzel told the people in Luther’s day to buy indulgences by putting money into his tin box and once coins hit the bottom of the box the souls of their dead relatives would spring out of purgatory, today’s “Tetzels” claim that your socio-economic breakthrough will be bigger if you give them more money. Thus the poor are getting poorer as they give them their earnings, while they are getting stinking rich. This is daylight robbery!

The last two lines in this German poem read
“As soon as the coin in the coffer rings
The soul at once into heaven springs”

The one difference between the priests of the medieval era and today’s “men of God” is that the former often falsely promised a heaven after you die while the latter falsely promise you a heaven on earth while you still live. They invite you to their meetings in order for them to pray for you so that you get married or you get your loved one back who has run away with another man/woman. They say they will give you a breakthrough so that you get a job or a promotion at work. They claim that through their prayers you will get delivered from your persistent sickness or failure to conceive. They prey on the souls and wallets of men and women through the door of human greed. And thousands are falling for it.

We all have access to God through Christ
Yet the apostle Peter declared to all Christians, “You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellences of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:5,9). In other words, if you have been saved from sin, i.e. brought out of darkness and into Christ’s marvellous light, you are part of a royal priesthood that has direct access to God. You do not need someone else to act between you and God. No, you can go and talk to God yourself. Period!

Every Christian is a priest to God. He has access to God the Father through Jesus Christ. The only barrier that any Christian can have in terms of his access to God is his own sins. If you are living in sin the Lord will not hear you. We read this in Isaiah, “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies; your tongue mutters wickedness” (Isaiah 59:1-3).

In this matter, there is enough evidence in the media today that these “men of God” who are claiming the powers to bring breakthroughs and deliverances in our lives are as steeped in sin and iniquity as the Herods of the Bible. As their wives sue them to court for divorce, we are discovering that while they were laying their hands on the innocent and unwary—and making them pay for this service—their wives were often catching them with their pants down behind closed doors. In outrage these women are now saying, “Enough is enough!” and letting the skeletons fall out of the wardrobes. Alas, these “men of God” are as corrupt as the Roman Catholic priests were in Martin Luther’s day—if not worse!”

Some of the resources given to church leaders at RAU retreats

The Open Hands of the Gospel

On August 26, 2014August 26, 2014 By Jacob LeeIn Uncategorized

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

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

“The Open Hands of the Gospel”

by David Mathis

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

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

Sign of a New Soul

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

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

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

“Generosity is a sign of a regenerate soul.”

Is Tithing Enough?

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

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

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

Why We Give

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

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

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

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

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

Work of Faith, Labor of Love, Endurance of Hope (By Carol)

On August 25, 2014 By Jacob LeeIn Building Projects, Discipleship, Missions

“So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.“

Galatians 6:9

Jacob is in the middle of a very busy season. While he has been weary – physically – he has not grown weary in working to accomplish the tasks to which the Lord has called him. I am amazed that he rarely loses sight of the goal of that upward call in Christ. I have never seen someone as focused and onward-pressing as he is, not for the sake of working hard, but for the joy of reaching a worthy goal: the strengthening of the local churches through discipleship, the provision of rich resources and encouragement in the faith. His diligence reminds me of the encouragement of Paul to the Thessalonians: “because we recall in the presence of our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 1:3

July was packed full of ministry in the District of Yumbe with the added joy of hosting Preston and Laurel Sink. Jacob preached every Sunday. In the first two weeks of August he held back-to-back Pastor Retreats. The third week of August was jam-packed with travel to and from and shopping in Kampala (which is a feat in itself). Here is an excerpt from his Facebook post highlighting his activities in Kampala:

“Here are a few of the things which were accomplished: Successful eye appointment 8 year Anzoa who had corrective eye surgery for congenital cataracts; used disk harrow bought, broken down and sent to RAU on the bus (it is now hooked to the tractor at RAU); roof rack modified for the Land Cruiser (L.C.) to better suit open air preaching in markets. Now speakers can be placed on the roof rack at the same time we are preaching from it; new tires were put on the L.C. because of tires placed in the container from a Texas brother, front end work, new battery,and a winch for the front of the L.C. The last three items were possible because of the generosity of Seagrove Baptist Church (Preston and Laurel’s sending church); bags of rice,sugar,cooking gas etc. were purchased.”

Jacob has experienced the full stress of the driving. Now, he is back home and overseeing 4 different work crews (several agricultural ventures, campus-improvement projects and the ever present mechanical repairs.)

In these coming two weeks he hopes to make it a priority to study and prepare for upcoming retreats and outreaches. Please pray that the dust of urgent activity settles and that grace and steadfastness enable this priority to become reality.

If I didn’t know Jacob’s heart, witness his joy and hear his often repeated words, “this is why we are here,” I might have reason for concern – this might just be the diary of a workaholic mad man. Instead, I have increasing admiration for a man who sees “that Day” approaching and who is doing his utmost to live in the light of “that Day.” (Hebrews 10:25)

Here are some pictorial highlights of the past few weeks (for Jacob) …

unnamed (13) — The second of two Baptist Pastors’ Retreats for Men from the Moyo area

unnamed (11) — Jacob teaching while Tobious interprets

unnamed (6) — Attentive and intentional note-takers

unnamed — Making the most of every opportunity

102_5487 — The congregation of Kokobo COU (Church of Uganda)

Being welcomed to Kokobo COU by some of the members with jubilant singing.

unnamed (25) — Come and worship, people!

Nurse Sam doing something he loves…teaching the children songs of praise and encouraging them to teach others.

unnamed (21) — Reading “Quest for Joy” in Aringa.

unnamed (33) — The joy of receiving the gift of sight through reading glasses – provided by Laurel and Preston

A promising sign at the onset of their journey to Kampala!

102_5537 — Souping up the rack for open air preaching

102_5510 — Buying a farm implement…harrow

102_5560 — Waiting to board the ferry at the Nile River

…and, on the lighter side…for me (Carol). I am thrilled to be able to capture and share snapshots of the beauty of God’s creation in Uganda, specifically, the West Nile region. Also, while Jacob was away, I took the opportunity to finish some baby blankets, one for our newest grandchild and the other for the soon-to-be-born child of a local friend.

Sunrise – one of my favorite views from our home

Jacob and I want to thank each of you who are interested in what RAU is doing, who pray for us, give toward the work so that we all love “not in word or tongue, but in action and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)

In just over one month Jacob and I will be back in the States to enjoy some happily anticipated reunions with family and friends. It will be a much needed time of refreshment and renewing, especially for Jacob. We hope to see many of you while we are there.

Here are some of the items on our ministry wish-list:

***80,000 tracts printed in Aringa, Ma’di and English – $5,ooo (these tracts have been a very effective way of sharing – people are eager to receive and read them and they get passed around)

***Copy machine for Pastors’ Retreats (resource packets for each pastor) – $1,000

***Future Pastors’ Retreats and Evangelism/teaching outreaches

***Solar powered submersible well pump – it would save on fuel costs of running the generator to pump water – $5,000

***Build a branch Hall of Tyrannus and meeting place for Obongi Church plant (plot has been purchased in Obongi through a donation from a Texas couple); there are no church structures in this town of 20,000. We received much opposition from a prominent Muslim official. Following proper channels we pushed back hard and he has relented, at least for the time being.

***Vehicle to use while we are visiting Stateside in October and part of November.

Carol (and Jacob)

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

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

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

Our “wish lists” may be found at Amazon (Click on the “Wish List” link and type in our name or email address)

Paths, Playing,Preaching,Praises, People and Pursuit of Happiness in Christ

On August 10, 2014August 14, 2014 By Jacob LeeIn Missions, News and Status Updates

Northward out of Moyo Town towards Afoji; trees planted along the road by Comboni Missionaries many years ago.

^“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do:forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.“

Philippians 3:13-14

July has been so packed with paths, playing, preaching, praises, people and the lively pursuit of happiness in Christ that Preston and Laurel Sink’s travel adventures have not even been half told since my last post. If they wanted to experience the full gamut, they could not have come at a better time. Even prior to any knowledge of their coming we had filled the calendar full for July and they got here just in time to take it on…with their cheerful game face.

PATHS

We took so many different roads while they were here, some smoother than others, some more like paths than roads, some either dusty or muddy, all…bumpy! We were made to appreciate the Land Cruiser more with each trip. Initially, the 4-wheel drive was not working, but after seeing the potential disasters of navigating without it, we pushed to see it fixed. On the last day of ministry with Preston and Laurel to Aya Baptist Church on Metu Mountain, we could not have made it up the steep inclines without 4-wheel drive.

The road to Pakayu Yumbe District
A little trepidation as we turned off the main road
It kept getting narrower…
…and narrower!
Heading back to Afoji through Moyo Town
Scenic route on return home from Yumbe
Road to Obongi
Close to Aya on top of Metu Mountain
On the way to Metu Mountain

The jarring discomfort of the rides was offset by the beauty we were able to take in. Uganda is surely the “Pearl of Africa!”

We shared the roads with many others…a herd of cows…
…and goats…

…and students on their way home for lunch.
Lovely rocky hills…remind me so much of the area in which I grew up in India.
Midway to Aya…taking in the beautiful view of the Nile River Basin
Nile River backdrop…from left to right…Tobious (pastor, host and guide up the mountain), Preston, Laurel and Jacob, “the Chief”, Mindra, Lucy and Sam.
Yours truly…
Triumphant protector at a roadside “pit stop!”
Real wildlife sighting…baboons! Difficult to capture by camera. They were skittish, unlike the baboons we see on the way from Kampala, near Murchison Falls, who see us as intruders on their roads.
Holding their own up a steep incline
Breathtaking, pristine beauty!
From inside Pakayu church Yumbe District

Aya Baptist Church and Welcome Centers and the picturesque tree where they used to meet before a building was erected.
The doors are small, especially for someone like Preston.
“The Tree”

PLAYING

I have to say that it was reviving to us to have Preston and Laurel here even for the sake of friendship and recreation. Thankful for a few “down days,” it was so nice to hang around and hang out without an agenda to follow.

Sam finally found an equally enthusiastic Frisbee playing partner. By the end they were down right “competitious!” —Don’t tell me that’s not a word! I will refrain from disclosing the winner…it might get me in BIG trouble!
“Someone” exulting in a big win!
Sam’s endeavor…he bought 3 palm trees to plant in honor of the Sinks’ visit which now leads us to a friendly game of “whose palm tree will grow the biggest and fastest!” Laurel promises to sneakily send Sam some “Miracle Grow!”
Okay, okay! This was more work than play as we filled 60 retreat resource bags for upcoming retreats, but you know what they say, “Many hands make light work.” And… “Time goes by so much faster when you’re having fun!”
ESV Global Study Bibles and numerous books (donated by The Gospel Coalition) – all precious commodities for pastors in these parts!
Laurel was the Pied Piper…always drawing a crowd of children around her with that warm and brilliant smile and sincere heart of welcome.
See! What did I tell you?!

Photo ops while we wait.

Raucous laughter doeth good like a medicine!
Learning new customs…trying new foods…that was FUN, right Laurel?…Preston?
The lovely custom of hand washing.
Hanging out after a visit to Zaccheo’s village.
Did you notice the rain water on the veranda? They had to make a run for it!
Reading
Resting!

PREACHING

Pakayu church; Jacob preaching on the “Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.”
Response to the message…desire to forgive wrongs done them.
Jacob’s favorite perch and passion…preaching at outdoor markets!
Onduga Charles, interpreting.
Preston…saying it with love and enthusiasm!
Praying for those who responded.
Member of the community and of Pakayu Church handing out Aringa tracts in a nearby market area.
Joseph engaging in conversation
Jacob sharing a tract and some words with passersby.

Perusing the tract whilst playing a friendly game of cards.

Preston listening to and praying for the needs of two young men.
Before or after Preston gives the two guys a giant bear hug!
Jacob teaching a session at the Obongi Town Church where Godfrey pastors.
Preston took a turn at it, too.
Jacob happy to sit out and let the young one have his turn.

PRAISING

No matter where we have worshiped, it has always been a jubilant experience. Here in Africa, expressive, vigorous Praise cuts across all ages and denominations. As you can tell, I also have a particular love for the ethnic instruments – their beauty, simplicity and sound.

PEOPLE

Here are some of the beautiful faces we met along this incredible journey!

One of the founding members of Pakayu Church. She could break into a beautiful smile in a second!
Two women – selling their wares – who were gracious to allow me to take their photo.
A contented child. Mama really wanted me to take his photo.
People gathered on market day near Koboko…hearing the good news.
Pakayu church members
Pakayu children…lots of them!
Pakayu Church
Pakayu “Call to Worship” Drum
Godfrey exhibiting his BOILED Nile River drinking water…
Listening in…

Young Muslim girls…sweet faces.
Young girl in front of Aya Baptist Church
Tobious’ daughter
Group photo…Aya Baptist
Beautiful gifts…handmade
Tobious’ family
The really cool guys of the group.
Appreciating the gift! – a cane with a hidden knife.
Hand carved Rooster for Preston and Laurel. The official bird of Moyo/Ma’di culture.

Worshipers
Tobious’ wife with her gift to me…the Ma’di woman’s apron.
Young boy, standing around, let me take his photo.
A view from the Welcome Center at Aya Baptist.
Woman and child

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS IN CHRIST

Thank you, Preston and Laurel Sink, and Seagrove Baptist Church, for investing your time, money, passion and interest in RAU. You’ll never know just how much good you did us all here!

These last few weeks have been such a blessing and a joy. It is good to recount them, especially on days when other such joys as family and friends and far away places lure our attention and affection. Thankfully, there is always “the next thing” which provides present grace to help us remain in the present instead of wistfully longing for past or future pleasures.

This last week we hosted our 8th Pastors’ Retreat here at RAU. We had 24 Pastors and church leaders, both Baptist and Pentecostal, from the Moyo area. It is always four days, jam-packed with activity from morning until late at night, the conclusion of which brings us the joyful satisfaction that we have fleshed out the vision and mission of RAU – to come alongside pastors and church leaders with teaching and resources and encouragement so that they don’t feel alone in their struggles and effort.

Pastors enjoying their ESV Global Study Bibles
Group photo
Lunch break
Jacob teaching a session
The mission!
Pastor Bob Gad
Some cycled a distance to come.

Catching a ride to town.

We look forward to the 2nd retreat coming up on Tuesday. On average, depending on the distance and transport fee, it costs around $50 to host a pastor for the 4 days they are here. This excludes cost of the resources which they are given. We are amazed at this when we consider how much it would cost to do the same in the States and we believe it is a good return for the investment! Thank you to all who give generously and regularly so that such ministry can happen!

After this next retreat, we will slow down for a couple of weeks and then follow with two more weeks of activity – one more Pastors’ Retreat and then the Youth Group from First Presbyterian Church of Uganda from Kampala will come to do ministry in the area. Not too long after that we will be heading back to Texas to be reunited with family and friends.

NEEDS

Laurel posing with the poster discussing Guinea Worm infestation and treatment at the Health Clinic in Aya

One area of great need was brought to our attention when we visited Aya Baptist Church this last Sunday. We were taken to the local Health Clinic and received a report from the nurse describing their work and some of their needs. The most glaring lack is running water. THERE IS NO BORE HOLE ATOP THE MOUNTAIN! During rainy season, the people collect rain water and during the dry season they must fetch water from a stream. The nurse stated how difficult it was, as you can imagine, to use good technique in cleaning instruments and sanitizing between patients. They have a large rainwater runoff collector. However, during the dry season, patients and family members must bring water with them. Jacob is going to be contacting Water Harvest International about the possibility of drilling a bore hole in Aya to help the whole community, and specifically, Aya Baptist Church members. If you feel a tug on your heart to help in this particular need, it would be greatly appreciated and you can specify your donation to be given towards it.

We are truly grateful for the joyful, generous and prayerful support we receive from so many of you who follow what we are doing. THANK YOU!!!

Hoping you have enjoyed this pictoral post,

Carol (and Jacob)

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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachingAfricasUnreached

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

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

Our “wish lists” may be found at Amazon (Click on the “Wish List” link and type in our name or email address)

The greatest evil is having the gospel and not doing everything within our power to get it to those who do not have it. May the Lord grant each of us His followers the wherewithal to be obedient disciples! Jacob W. Lee

Tax deductible charitable donations may be made via PayPal. PayPal also has a way to make reoccurring monthly gifts. To do so please click their link below. PayPal deducts a small amount from each gift as a processing fee. All gifts given through PayPal are now tax 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.