By Carol Lee
Alu (1), Eri (2), Ina (3), Isu (4), Tou (5), Azia (6), Tudyeri (7), Aro (8), Dricalu [Dri-cha-lo] (9), Mudri (10)!!! (1-10 in the Ma’di language.)
“My soul, bless the LORD,
Psalm 103: 1-2
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
My soul, bless the LORD,
and do not forget all his benefits.“
One (Alu): How can we not start with the most basic of blessings? God is our Father and we are His children!!! He has provided us with life and breath and every good thing–most especially, the life-giving, atoning work of Christ, our Savior! Now, the Holy Spirit makes His home in us who have put our faith in Christ, teaching us, convicting us, comforting us and keeping us through life’s trials and triumphs. That God is sovereignly good means that even the hardest things are good things and He means to use all things for His glory and our good! Praise the Lord!
Two (Eri): Micaiah Joy was here and made her mark on this part of Uganda!!! Much like her namesake in the Old Testament (1 Kings 22: 8), she is a steadfast truth-teller; she is an encourager and radiates the warm and inviting light of Christ. Jacob and I, the whole RAU team, and all with whom she came into contact were blessed and refreshed in her company. Most days, she worked out in the gardens, raking, watering or weeding and even in the fields, digging–and getting a few blisters. Her diligence and courage to try new things brought much happiness to her co-workers. She soaked up every experience possible and spread joy, fun, and friendship around–much like the “ti ze” (cow manure) she helped to scatter over the fields! (Hahahaha!) Though Micaiah has returned to the States, she has left us with a sweet taste in our mouths and a reminder of the fragrant aroma we are to be to the world around us! We pray that, wherever the Lord takes her in the future, she will be used in the same way there as she was used here.
Three (Ina): The two empty containers have been set on their foundation, awaiting the 21,000 Bibles and books that are being shipped!!! Our sincere hope is that this literature will be like a goldmine, ready to be excavated by eager students of the Word through Spirit illumination–the word of truth and truth made accessible through books by Spirit-gifted teachers. Now that the containers are set in place, the plan is to build a roof over the both of them to provide protection from the elements. The space between the containers will be used as storage for the tractor and other items. You can find more details here: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/2024/01/30/bible-and-book-distribution-center/ Please pray with us for provision for this next stage of preparation and consider giving. Thank you!
Four (Isu): RAU is blessed to have key partnerships in its goal to distribute inspiring literature to leaders, pastors and future leaders!!! We thank God for ChristianBook International Outreach and Crossway for their part in bringing much needed resources to this region.
Five (Tou): Paul George, friend and RAU co-worker, made it safely to RAU!!! After a slightly longer than expected stay in the USA settling his mother comfortably after the death of his father he was able to return. Paul has a heart for evangelism and for ministry to suffering people. His plan is to move to a location near the hospital where he will be available for prayer, counsel and support for those struggling physically and spiritually. He is also involved in a vital spiritual ministry in the local prison. Please be praying for him in those various areas of service. His faithfulness in standing with us at RAU and coming alongside us on the ground is a gift.
Six (Azia): Jacob and I have always been so grateful for the team on the ground!!! Over the almost 11 years, though different ones have come and gone, we see the core team as having been distilled to a family of faithful, hard-working and beloved folks. It is a joy to work with them–each one has specific skill sets that are a blessing to the ministry.
Seven (Tudyeri): The Mango orchard is really shaping up!!! To this point, we have around 1000 grafted mangoes planted over the nearly 26-acres of RAU property. Lots of pruning and clearing have made a ready environment for reducing the fruit fly population and spread of other pests and diseases. The age of the mango trees ranges from 9 months to 11 years. Most trees begin significant production between years 3-5 and they can produce up to 100 or more years under ideal conditions! That is why we are advocating to as many as possible the planting of grafted mangoes in Moyo District. It is a great, long term plan for economic empowerment as, once the trees are established, they are a sure, longterm source of income-producing fruit. RAU’s hope is that, if enough grafted mango trees are planted in the district, a juicing plant (along with jobs and a ready market) might be drawn to this region. Jacob loves to say, “I preach grafted mango production second only to the Gospel“. Spiritual need will always come first, but physical needs also cannot be ignored. Grafted mangoes help support the ministry of RAU and can be a boost for the local economy.
Eight (Aro): A huge project has been underway which is nearing completion: the construction of two water channels to reduce erosion in certain areas of the land which slope downward in several directions. We have had a great crew working on the project. Additionally, Vetiver grass has been planted to keep the top soil rooted. These measures will help the mangoes to grow and produce well.
Nine (Dricalu): We are grateful for teams that come and help us with the modular trainings which characterize our 2 Timothy 2:2 vision of training faithful leaders who will be able to teach others!!! This next week, we are receiving an ABWE team which is returning to teach Roots of Faith: New Testament Survey. Last year, they completed the Roots of Faith: Old Testament Survey and, from the feedback and simply watching the participation, it was an effective course. We are especially happy to be receiving Aaron Langworthy, one of our prospective ABWE/RAU missionaries. Our hope is that this on-the-ground visit will add jet fuel to their fundraising efforts and bring them here in full-time ministry quickly. Pray for the Pryce family who is also seeking to join us long term.
Ten (Mudri): Jacob and I thank God so, so much for you all who pray for us, give to the ministry, write notes of encouragement, come and work with us, host us when we are Stateside, hug our necks, feed us and so much more!!! The ministry of RAU is an outworking of the vision and mission of local churches and our raison d’etre is to come alongside what God is doing in local churches on this side–encouraging and equipping leaders of churches in the West Nile of Uganda, South Sudan and in the Republic of Sudan. We have often said that, as a ministry, we are simply a pipeline of blessings that come from your hands and heart and are delivered to the ones we are here to serve.
Please continue to pray for the following needs and upcoming events:
- The Langworthy’s and Pryce’s are working towards meeting their budget goals which will give them a “green light” to make the move to RAU. Please pray that churches and individuals will see the vision and get on board with support. This is a vital part of encouraging Jacob and me, of broadening the effective work of RAU and of continuing the work even after Jacob and I are gone!
- Pray for a successful Leadership retreat (ABWE Good Soil Roots of Faith: New Testament) this upcoming week, for safety in everyone’s travels–teachers and students alike, for an optimal learning environment, for endurance, for cooler weather, and for health and wellbeing of all.
- In April, we will host a team from a new supporting church in Burnet, Texas–Hill Country Fellowship. The lead pastor, Scott Frerking, is an acquaintance and friend from many decades ago who Jacob and I knew him when he was a young lad of 8 or 9. It is such a privilege to see him taking a spiritual lead and, along with Missions Pastor, Jeremy Cotton, nurture a very missions-minded church. This is a “come and see” visit for these two men and for the rest of the team that is joining them!
- In May, we will receive one of the authors of “Helping Without Hurting in Africa“, Jonny Kabiswa Kyazze and his team, for the 2nd half of their course. This is such an impactful teaching and our prayer is that the mindset they propose will be readily received and implemented for the long-term blessing of the countries from which the students come.
- At the end of May, the Hope Smiles Dental team from Jinja, Uganda, will be back for a 2nd week-long dental clinic. Last November they were an immense blessing to our region which is in great need of their services. Please consider giving towards future dental outreaches. The cost is $5,000 for a week long clinic. This covers payment for their services, travel, medicines, transportation to bring people from the remote places of the Metu Mountains and Yumbe and housing/feeding the team while they are here.
- Please pray and consider giving towards the roofing over the two new containers. And pray that RAU could wisely and effectively distribute the resources to those who will most benefit from them. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09V2ooYNuNE&t=5s
- Pray for the Demo Farm operations–that this place would be a place of learning and inspiration that would improve the economic conditions in the generations to come in this region of Uganda as well as other countries from which farmers come to improve their practices.
With love, gratefulness and prayers,
Jacob and Carol Lee
What we do now in the Lord and for Him will echo throughout eternity for His praise and honor….all else is dust in the wind!
www.ReachingAfricasUnreached.org
RAU is in a partnership with ABWE: www.ABWE.org
“It is our conviction that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16) and we have been entrusted to proclaim it passionately and rightly. Our dependence is upon the Holy Spirit for the power to preach, teach, live and endure all things for the sake of the elect. (1 Timothy 2:10). As Christians, we are called to lay down our lives so that the Gospel will be preached to all. As ones who are confident in God’s sovereignty and passionate for His glory we seek to reach the many that have never heard of the Savior and His work of reconciliation. We understand that this work cannot be accomplished in our own strength but only through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. The means He uses in His people are cross-centered living, sacrificial and loving service, Bible-soaked preaching/teaching, fervent intercessory prayer, and Christ-likeness.” (From Reaching Africa’s Unreached Mission & Vision Statement)
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Mission & Vision Statements: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/about/
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Reaching Africa's Unreached 