“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.

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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)

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.

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.

“Striving Side by Side for the Faith of the Gospel”

On July 26, 2014 By Jacob LeeIn Discipleship, Evangelism1 Comment

“…standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side

for the faith of the Gospel…”

Philippians 1:27

Social media has it pros and cons. Let me tell you about one of the “pros!”

Several months ago, Laurel Sink had posted on Facebook that she was wanting to live more radically for Christ. She had been reading David Platt’s book, “Radical” and it had challenged her. I wrote in the “comment” section, “Come over and help us!” I wrote it sort of flippantly because that kind of invitation rarely has any serious takers.

Guess what?!! Laurel and Preston Sink took us up on it! It has been a grand blessing and joy. Not only did they come loaded with goodies and ministry supplies from their church, Seagrove Baptist Church in Florida, as well as from family and friends, but they came ready to jump in to do whatever we had planned.

They arrived arrived in Kampala on July 17th. All of their 11 bags arrived safely, too! Sam and Pastor Bob Gad were at the airport to pick them up. To the credit of Bob’s Ugandan packing skills, they and their bags were able to fit in the car for the drive to Patrick and Vickie Bukenya’s home where Preston, Laurel and Sam spent the night. Sam took Preston and Laurel around Kampala the next day where they got to experience the joys and the trauma of Kampala traffic. From what we hear, Patrick took them on a harrowing ride to the bus station that evening to catch the night bus to Moyo. Jacob picked them up Saturday morning in Moyo and delivered them to RAU – our Shangrila!

10473446_10202468938020586_5601109579239995954_n — Preston and Laurel Sink’s arrival to RAU’s Shangrila! — with pineapple from Lowero.

No rest for the weary, though. Sunday morning, we made an early start to Yumbe District to a small village called, “Coro,” (pronounced “Choro.”) We picked up Ben (and his wife, Jackie and son, Jedidiah) and Charles at the Kerila junction and brought along the newly printed Aringa tract which Preston and Laurel were so gracious to stow away in their luggage and bring to us. The look on Charles’ face in seeing the tract for the first time is priceless. He was the one who translated John Piper’s tract, “Quest For Joy,” into Aringa for its printing.

10472693_10202478435098007_4735473110165204105_n — Charles reading the Aringa tract, “*Quest For Joy*“ by John Piper, for the first time in printed form!

[Ben and Charles have been great friends and brothers in the Lord and a tremendous help to RAU in organizing pastors for retreats at RAU and medical opportunities in the community. They have been key people in helping to unite the Christians in the Yumbe area.]

10559818_10202478453658471_228793477763259166_n — Ben and his son, Jedidiah

Preston, ever the energetic and happy “I’m-willing-to-do-whatever-needs-doing” person, partnered with Charles to deliver the good news in the form of Aringa tracts to some of the locals in Kerila…

10525683_10202478436098032_1870798449563840212_n — Preston handing out Aringa tracts in Kerila

and along the way….

10552628_10202478513859976_124866111921795574_n — Preston interacting with a man along the way to whom he had given an Aringa tract.

We experienced all kinds of excitement before we reached our destination. Unfortunately, much rain had fallen overnight and the roads were ALMOST impassible. Just looking at the roads induced stress. Actually driving through the muddy parts and nearly getting stuck had me holding on for dear life, head buried and eyes closed…in prayer…fervent prayer! It was too much excitement for me. I decided we needed to rename our group, “White Knuckle Missions!“

“White Knuckle Missions!” Video

Road to Choro — I opened my eyes long enough to see us heading toward this small tree on the side of the road.

10418412_10202478477059056_4858564399431737649_n — Surveying the possibilities and probabilities.

10290663_10202478462898702_407184011733857701_n — So much for washing the vehicle the previous day.

One of the joys of the journey was noticing the surprised and, often, frightened looks on the faces of the children (or adults!) at seeing white faces for, perhaps, the first time. One of the children was overheard saying to another smaller child, “Be careful, they will eat you!” It’s no wonder there was a look of terror! A few of the children overcame their fears to come and shake our hands.

10524317_10202478497619570_3443094800655016791_n — “Be careful! They will eat you!”

10543620_10202478663583719_2000810139174787656_n — “Mundu, mundu, mundu!” (White person – in Aringa)

At last we reached Coro (Choro) and were greeted by some sweet…and shy… faces.

102_4966 — In Front of Coro Pentecostal Church

10411066_10152203132913053_7682830586717481544_n — Photo op on top of a large bolder prior to the prayer service.

10551038_10202478572941453_8800819905644925363_n — Impromptu choir practice. We enjoyed the native instruments.

10550894_10202478617222560_5572656882822642461_n — Sam trying his hand at it!

10526011_10202478659143608_6425113079707087111_n — Jacob illustrating a point in his sermon about not merely acknowledging Jesus intellectually, but embracing Him in trust and in relationship.

102_5010 — Meet and Greet after prayers.

102_5004 — Group photo! Several area Pentecostal churches came together for prayers.

Preston and Laurel shared their testimonies and generally endeared themselves to all with whom they came in contact. Jacob preached. At the end of the service we also handed out de-worming medicine to the children and adults.

Before we headed back to Moyo/Afoji we went into Yumbe town to drop off Ben and Charles. Preston, Jacob, Charles and Ben made the most of it by handing out more Aringa tracts to folks on Main Street. Jacob had an interesting interaction with a couple of Imams, one from Pakistan. (Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia have a lot of influence in Yumbe.) One of the gentlemen he spoke with wanted Jacob to go to the Mosque to receive something the man had to give him. If we had had more time, Jacob would have done it, but we were in need of heading home before it turned dark.

102_5015 — Preston handing out tracts on Main Street in Yumbe.

10527579_10202478754185984_559100590863243780_n — Jacob handing out tracts to some women in a store.

10306557_10202478647383314_5567175514608417347_n — We all looked at each other with an *“oh no”* kind of a look as it began to rain heavily at the end of the prayer service, wondering if we would make it back home. Roads were bad enough on the way there!

In spite of the rain and the countless mud puddles and potholes, we made it back safely to RAU. Monday was a little more laid back, but still brought some ministry opportunities. Jacob and Preston “played” on the tractor a little.

10565150_10152201361858053_7814128102568903100_n — On the tractor

In the afternoon we went to Moyo town to get bathing soap which we took to hand out in Moyo Prison. Preston and Jacob shared briefly and had a very good response from the prisoners. There are a total of 73 inmates, including 4-5 women. They have incredible physical, emotional and spiritual needs. It opened up our eyes to their needs and has inspired us to want to be more involved in their lives.

Persistent rains throughout the night gave us pause to wonder if we would make it to Obongi the next day. Our concerns were for naught, though, as the roads were passable and, in fact, much nicer than the ones to Yumbe and we left a little later than planned to allow the roads to dry a bit.

102_5026 — At the top of a hill which descends to the Nile River.

Along the way to Obongi, Jacob enjoyed a little prank at Laurel’s and my expense, pretending to throw a green snake at us which turned out to be only a blade of grass. It yielded the squeals for which he was hoping. His glee is evident in this photo.

10345537_10202486975271506_8565109088178706909_n — Prankster!

We arrived to find that Pastor Godfrey and brother Bosco had not frittered away the time waiting for us, but were, themselves, encouraging the folks that had come. Without wasting any time we dove right into the activities that Godfrey had planned.

10570286_10202487053553463_7306134190425196437_n — Eager to learn

10478555_10202487055313507_4504323197480451263_n — Eager to teach!

Preston and Jacob both taught and Laurel gave her testimony and a word of encouragement. And we worshiped! We all were amazed by the exuberance and endurance with which they sang!

10561700_10202490145830768_8251206079454248133_n — “Jesus carries our burdens.”

It was incredible how many kids were joining in and we learned that Pastor Godfrey not only welcomes the little children, teaching, feeding and caring for them (like Jesus commanded) but also welcomes “misfits.” It was heartening to see that the town drunk and a mentally ill young man were not chased away, but were allowed to participate and were fed afterward. Godfrey and Bosco are doing a wonderful work in this very unreached area of Obongi.

Video:Words of Encouragement from Pastor Bosco

10577203_10202487131715417_2060261355735057765_n — A young Muslim boy listening intently.

10556427_10202487289239355_8234069671596016306_n — Young boy working to overcome his fear of Preston in order to feel the hair on his arm. Most people here do not have a lot of body hair.

10552510_10202487131035400_4394547985280974248_n — Joining in the music

10533982_10202487130395384_1258254923600956567_n — Lots of kids from the neighborhood…just hanging around.

10502429_10202487025032750_1840269062197652260_n — Preston and Laurel with the kids

10491085_10202487024152728_6469326885827666105_n — I love the look on the little boy’s face!

10574431_10202490540600637_3574846448337888954_n — Joining in on a good meal…beans and chapathi. A young, mentally ill man receives courtesy and care at Godfrey’s church.

Part of our visit to Obongi was spent in finding a plan of action to move forward on land that was legally purchased in Obongi for a branch Hall of Tyrannus, but blocked by a local federal leader who is a Muslim and doesn’t want any Christian group to have a stake in the land within the town.

10532549_10202490148430833_6925123296818808848_n — On the way to the property to discuss a plan of action.

10550853_10202490518800092_8912497910870249134_n — Returning from a meeting at the bank and the police department.

Before we headed home we stopped at a store to get a refreshing, cold soda for the road. As tracts were being handed out, people would actually come to the window and ask for one. Laurel and I were both agreeing that we would never see anything like that in America! It’s a great opportunity as it is rare for people here to have something written in their own language.

10356227_10202490519280104_2583070040769748885_n — Stopped at a store to get a soda for the ride home. Handed out tracts.

10443518_10202490519640113_3612163432356579183_n — Reading a tract in his own language,Madi

We have been back home for several days. Our plans have been waylaid by the need for us to get our 4-wheel drive fixed on the Land Cruiser. The more it rains…and, boy, has it been raining…the more we need to have it! There is no “Auto Zone” here so we actually had to send the mechanic to Kampala to buy the part. He is here right now trying to get our vehicle in working order.

In the meantime, Preston and Laurel were escorted (by foot) to the village of Zaccheo, one of the men who works with us. They received a warm welcome and shared with and talked to them. Yesterday, Jacob and Preston went two separate ways to hand out tracts and share the gospel with people in the community.

While we wait for the vehicle to be fixed we have enjoyed simple and fun times together. We feel like one big, happy family!

Our time with Laurel and Preston has been blessed and joyful and we will be sad to see them leave. Occasionally, a few words slip from their lips that give us great hope: “Next time…” Yes! We certainly hope there is a “next time!”

10395166_10202500618892588_1300209217700973641_n — Jacob has Joseph, our friend from Maracha, and Preston working on…something!

10505420_10202500619292598_4265437848704466384_n — Obviously VERY difficult work!

10353031_10202500612332424_2353534808372178430_n — Preston brought some pepperoni and Ritz crackers. Together, they are the closest thing to pizza we have had in a long time!

10532953_10202500612852437_937052698062894945_n — No crumb shall go to waste!

10556483_10202500613812461_3110468672291470777_n — Jacob has enjoyed Preston’s company…and his pepperoni… so much!

The mechanic has arrived with the vehicle part and is putting it in place as I write. If all goes well, we hope to head back to Yumbe Sunday for more ministry. Next week we plan to continue visiting churches and doing outreach in various areas of Yumbe District and Obongi. A week from this Sunday we will travel to Ayaa Baptist Church on Metu Mountain. Definitely going to need 4-wheel drive for that one!

That following Monday, Preston and Laurel will head back to the States. That same week will usher in one of two back-to-back pastors’ retreats. We will have two in August and then two in September. At the end of September we will head to Kampala to catch a flight for our much anticipated visit to the States.

Keep us in prayer as we still have a lot of “mudding” to do! During rainy season the roads can be rougher than usual. Pray for our plans, that all that the Lord has for us will be accomplished.

Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Carol (Jacob)

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

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

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

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