July Headlines

On July 14, 2026 By Jacob LeeIn Uncategorized

By Carol Lee

The view from the Gbari/Arapi Community Church. Photos below of the church building progress.

“You can make many plans,
but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” (Proverbs 19: 21)

We have had an unusual year of ministry at RAU (last October to present). As we wrote about in previous newsletters, renovation of homes took priority in prepping for future families to join us. We had two couples join us for short term stints (Andre and Emily Solomos and Wayne and Nancy Reigel) and, most thankfully, the Langworthy’s joined us full-time! What a blessing! This season of ministry has been a combination of the necessarily mundane, the encouraging growth in family, and outreach.

Here are some happenings since the last newsletter:

Continued distribution of Study Bibles (Africa Study Bible, Arabic Study Bibles (Van Dyke translation), ESV Global Study Bible, ESV Pew Outreach Bible, Arabic Bibles, and theological books to Pastors, Leaders and Congregants. Onette Zorah and Tiondi Patrick have been a tremendous help in overseeing that aspect of RAU’s ministry as there is a constant flow of these resources to leaders and students in Uganda, South Sudan and the Refugee Settlements within Uganda which is home to Sudanese from South Sudan and the Republic of (North) Sudan. We have also been sending them into South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan Nuba Mountain area. In addition to the resources that have been shipped here, we have the dual language booklets that we have had printed here in Uganda through Ekisinga Publishing in Jinja, Uganda–The Message of Hope–in English and Aringa.
Most of the photos below are from RAU partner, Joshua Abraham Rawi, a MBB (Muslim Background Believer) from Darfur Sudan who has been displaced into Uganda due to persecution and civil unrest. He is a living example of walking out 2 Timothy 2:2 which is RAU’s theme verse. His story and the beginning of our relationship with him in ministry is highlighted in ABWE’s Message Magazine entitled “The Man Whom Dreamed of Jesus”

The near completion of the Gbari/Arapi Community Church building–long awaited for 11 years!! All that is lacking is the paint and it will stand as (a building on a hill) a testament to God’s kind provision and the perseverance, prayer and kindness of donors. The plan is that this building will not only serve the local church, but also be a gathering place for teaching/discipleship for other churches in nearby villages. The church building is large and has the capacity to hold many. The tent in which the church was meeting (donated by RAU) is dilapidated and torn, no longer offering much relief from sun and rain so funding for the completion of the building came in a timely way.

In the village of Ijujo a church was planted by Aya Baptist Church in 2006. For a long time, they met under a mango tree. Then, RAU was able to help them with a basic structure with metal roofing. Now, we would like to help them complete a much larger structure which was built by a community leader so that church members, who normally fill up their current building, will have a more spacious and protective place to meet–and GROW. Common statistics state that once a church reaches 80% of its seating capacity, growth is greatly slowed. Perhaps that is more apropos to western culture, but it’s also a practical fact–growth requires space!

The Land Title for the property in Yumbe has been received, meaning that construction plans for a Yumbe RAU on the grand branch can now safely begin. This was not an easy process as, in that district, land titles are rarely granted to Christians, or the application process is typically met with much resistance and delay. We praise the Lord for his affirming hand in the granting of this document. It is our great desire to come alongside our dear brothers and sisters in Yumbe District to herald and display the kindness of God in Christ through His saving work and to foster strong and vibrant leadership in the Church. This is a high priority for us! Please pray and, if you able, help us establish this key ministry spot. We have some money already set aside for this ministry project. Read about the details here: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/new-proposed-rau-yumbe-on-the-ground-branch/

No doubt, most of you are aware of the Ebola epidemic which has been rampant in the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) for some months now. ReliefWeb on July 10th reports the following: “The seventeenth Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to evolve, with 1,792 confirmed cases, including 625 deaths and 295 recoveries, reported across 37 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu as of 8 July. The Government has also reported two confirmed cases in Kisangani, Tshopo Province. The outbreak is unfolding in an area marked by persistent insecurity and displacement due to armed clashes, limiting humanitarian access and complicating Ebola prevention, surveillance and response. Ituri remains the epicentre, accounting for 91 per cent of confirmed cases and nearly 86 per cent of deaths….In Uganda, the outbreak remains relatively contained, with 20 confirmed cases as of 9 July, including two deaths, 17 recoveries and one patient currently admitted for care.”

An American doctor with Samaritans Purse has contracted Ebola. Not long ago a French doctor did as well. It has now become the fastest growing outbreak of Ebola in the continent of Africa. Please pray!

Thankfully, our Moyo/Yumbe (Map below #’s 9&10) area has had no reports of Ebola, though there are potential entry sites to our west (DRC) and north (South Sudan which is two kilometers from us). Sadly, it has affected our plans to travel as initially intended (July 3rd) due to KLM shutting down flights into and out of Entebbe, Uganda. There are other airlines still flying so exiting is not impossible. However, at this time, we are holding our travel plans loosely. Please continue to pray for the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Pray that the Sovereign Lord would prohibit this disease from killing, stealing and destroying more precious lives in these regions.

The Ebola outbreak also affected some of the ministry plans we had for the rest of this year, including receiving a team from Forest Hill Presbyterian church for leadership trainings in Moyo, Yumbe and the nearby Refugee Settlements. We were also looking forward to hosting Hope Smiles Dental Group with an even larger team of dentists and assistants in November. That has been pushed back until March of 2027. Due to travel restrictions and guidelines for quarantine in some cases, other ministry plans have been temporarily postponed to later: a financial literacy course with Todd Skipper and Vic Doucet from Canada and leadership training with Peter Nance. Benjamin Emery and teaching team of 7-8 with North Broadway Church are looking to push their coming. Lord willing, we hopefully will be able to move them all to later dates which work for them and us.

Recently, I read a proverb which states, “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness
and then are angry at the LORD.” (Proverbs 19:3) We are not ruled by fear, but we also do not want to be foolish. We take responsibility (as much as is in our power) for wise actions that protect us and others from suffering unnecessarily. Jacob often likes to say: “We hope and pray for the best and at the same time plan for the worst”.

Please continue in prayer for us and our RAU Team in the following ways:

Safety for our team on the ground–here in Moyo and Kampala–during the Ebola outbreak; the halt of further spread of the disease and comfort for those who have suffered because of it
Continued growth of the team (spiritually, relationally, and in number); 5 new positions have been added to the ABWE website as serving opportunities with RAU. Pray for the Lord of the harvest to thrust forth laborers into the harvest fields (Matthew 9:38).
Growth of the Church in Uganda, South Sudan, and the Republic of Sudan in depth of knowledge and experience of the grace of the Lord; pray for strong leadership, grounded in and preaching the whole counsel of God.
Continued wisdom and grace in distribution of Study Bibles into leaders hands, Outreach Bibles, local language Bibles and Christ centered books.
Discipleship efforts in local churches.
Monthly financial support and financial support for projects mentioned above

Thank you for all the ways in which you participate in the ministry of RAU! Prayer — Giving — Encouragement — On the ground participation! The Lord uses it all to build His Church!

RAU Opportunities to Serve

Take a moment to investigate the substantial long-term opportunities available to serve with RAU/ABWE presented on this page. Our thoughts and prayers are devoted to those who feel a calling to serve at RAU for the long term. The needs are considerable, and the number of willing hands to assist is limited… Matthew 9:38.

RAU long term Opportunities: https://abwe.org/serve/browse-opportunities/country-uganda/

With so much gratefulness for all of you who partner with us in their financial support, prayer, encouragement and physical presence,

Love, from Jacob and Carol Lee

Mission and Vision Statements: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/about/

Our Mission is to reach Africa’s unreached, once-reached, and mis-reached people groups with the glorious Gospel of Jesus by planting Christ exalting churches in their midst. Furthermore, we will endeavor to strengthen local churches and their leaders through careful exposition of the Scriptures in the in the primary (first tier) doctrines of the Christian faith that they may be strengthened to plant churches in nearby villages with no church and unreached peoples in their geographical regions.

Donation Information: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

PayPal Link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=WAR99DL4JFWXQ&ssrt=1769233689403

RAU YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@jacoblee2082/videos

Update Via New Videos

On February 28, 2025March 17, 2025 By Jacob LeeIn Uncategorized

March 5, 2025 Africa Study Bible Update

Great news from our end! I’m thrilled to share an update about our determined mission to deliver 23,040 Africa Study Bibles (ASB) to RAU. As may know, we’ve received our first shipment of 6,100 ASBs! The second shipment of 10,520 ASBs had a funding requirement of $82,685. Thanks to generous donations the remaining balance for this second of three shipments is down to $18,247.19! Praise the Lord for His provision! Let’s keep our hearts united in prayer, steadfast in belief, and joyfully anticipate the arrival of these Bibles by faith.Would you consider joining us in this noble endeavor to eliminate this balance completely? For more information about how to give please us here:

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

———————————-

A Update Via Videos: What Has Been Happening at Reaching Africa’s Unreached.

Before I share the videos, let me provide a quick update on our trip to Entebbe for Carol’s appointment with the heart specialist. We left on Monday, Feb. 24th; she had her appointment on the 25th, and we returned to RAU on the 26th.

Here is an update from Carol in her own words on her cardiology consult:

“Thanks to all of you for your prayers and concern and expressed love! I was able to see a cardiologist in a very nicely run private Catholic hospital in Entebbe. I was out of there in about 2 hours—a little less.

Basically, I have some “benign” ectopic beats (premature ventricular contractions) most often caused by excessive caffeine (which I don’t do) or lack of good sleep (likely a contributing factor) or other stresses like dehydration or electrolyte imbalances or…(likely contributing factors). An occasional one is typically not noticed, but I was having them so often that I was feeling symptomatic.

I had an ECG—EKG—done and it confirmed what my handy-dandy little ECG machine recorded. The doctor was not concerned and reported the ectopic beats as not worrisome, but put me on a small dose of beta-blocker for two months (as a measure for symptom management) after which I will be reviewed. If all is well or nothing else develops, he expects to leave me off of the medication.

It was a reassuring experience and outcome and great to know that I am in some very capable hands here in Uganda. It’s too bad we live so far away. On the other hand, this little get away has been a de-stressor and very enjoyable.”

One: Flying by Reaching Africa’s Unreached

On our return flight to Reaching Africa’s Unreached (RAU) from Kajjansi via MAF to Moyo’s grass strip (after Carol’s appointment), we were able to see RAU from above, a breathtaking view that reminded us of the mission we’re on. As we passed around RAU, I was reminded of the many who sacrificed in helping us get this piece of Ugandan bush, just a couple of kilometers from South Sudan. Clearing began in 2013 when Carol and I moved here. It has been transformed into a place to walk out 2 Timothy 2:2 through Bible training modules designed to equip church leaders. We have been enabled by God’s grace to establish a distribution center for Study Bibles, Bibles, and Christian literature, ensuring that the church leaders and churches have access to essential materials for spiritual growth. Additionally, through God and His loving people, we are using this transformed bush as a demonstration farm for churches and the community for economic empowerment, illustrating sustainable agricultural practices, especially in all aspects of grafted mangoes, and by providing hands-on training.

Two: “Readers are Leaders; Leaders are Readers”

We are overflowing with joy! A remarkable shipment of 196 boxes filled with various biblically sound Christian books arrived at Reaching Africa’s Unreached (RAU). Once again, we are grateful to our steadfast partner, Christianbook International Outreach, for their unwavering support in delivering doctrinally sound Christian literature to RAU. Our mission is rooted in 2 Timothy 2:2, as we strive to walk alongside our dear Ugandan and Sudanese brothers and sisters in Christ. Offering biblically sound Christian books and Study Bibles is just one of the incredible ways we embrace this calling! We humbly ask for your continued prayers for Reaching Africa’s Unreached. Thank you from the depths of our hearts!

“The printed page is a missionary that can go anywhere and do so at minimum cost. It enters closed lands and reaches all strata of society. It does not grow weary. It needs no furlough. It lives longer than any missionary. It never gets ill. It penetrates through the mind to the heart and conscience. It has and is producing results everywhere. It has often lain dormant yet retained its life and bloomed years later.” Missionary Samuel Marinus Zwemer ( 1867– 1952).

Three: Economic Empowerment through Grafted Mangoes in NW Uganda

Take a walk with me through Reaching Africa’s Unreached Grafted Mango Orchard located in Uganda, just a couple of kilometers from the South Sudan border. The current MAJOR focus agriculturally of Reaching Africa’s Unreached in showing Christ’s love is to promote and teach how to grow and care for grafted mangoes, to serve as a means of economic empowerment for the church and community. We are dedicated to offering comprehensive training in grafting techniques, ensuring individuals and families have the necessary skills to cultivate these trees successfully. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of proper care for the mangoes throughout their growth cycle, utilizing RAU’s 25.5 acres as a demonstration site where hands-on learning and practical engagement can occur. This initiative not only aims to enhance agricultural knowledge but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among participants, reinforcing the values of stewardship and love for one another as we cultivate both the land and relationships.

Four: Tree Removal Part One and Two

Most missionary work often boils down to the relentless grind of “plodding” through mundane tasks to keep the wheels turning. One of my goals? Handing over a campus that’s not just functional but “well-oiloed” in terms of maintenance issues. Take the video above, for instance, as a prime exhibit of that tedious plodding. One of the beautiful truths which came out of the Reformation is that all work aiming for God’s glory is “spiritual“. These two video follows the one showcasing the reception of over 6,000+ Africa Study Bibles? Such sequencing is no mere coincidence :-). The application in the second video that comes to mind is: This is how the Body of Christ should work together to get the gospel out to the nations! Thank you to our many support us in ALL the work God has call us to do here along the Uganda/South Sudan border!

Five: Africa Study Bibles Arriving

Latest Update:

The long-awaited first installment of over 6,100 of the 23,040 Africa Study Bibles (ASB) has finally arrived, and we are joyful! Great news from our end! The second shipment of 10,520 ASBs had a funding requirement of $82,685. Thanks to generous donations the remaining balance for this second of three shipments is down to $23,880! Praise the Lord for His provision! Please keep praying as we anticipate the arrival of these Bibles by faith. Would you consider joining us in this noble endeavor to eliminate this balance completely?

Discover more about the ASB here: https://reachingafricasunreached.org/20040-africa-study-bibles-to-r-a-u/

Will you join us in prayer and consider how you can help us secure the additional funds for the second shipment of Africa Study Bibles? Information on how you can give is here:

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

Many more short videos which date back to 2013 may be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@jacoblee2082/videos

Points for prayer for upcoming events:

1). Prayer for Carol’s continual health–mine too please. We both are “feeling” our age.

2) Rejoicing for the funds that came in replace Duku’s borehole (water well) with new stainless steel pipes.

3) Pray for a team of seven Mississippi Baptist church leaders led by David Williams who will be with us March 6th to 13th for ministry. Both in the Metu Mountains and Yumbe district, they will be teaching on “What Is the Gospel?” using Greg Gilbert’s book as the outline.

4) Please pray for God to touch people’s hearts to give for the remaining $23,880 for the second of three shipments of 10,520 Africa Study Bibles (ASB). Please consider helping bring this second load of ASBs to RAU.

5) On March 14th, dear friends Wayne and Nancy Reigel, who are our agemates, will join us for about a month. Carol and I look forward to spending time with them in ministry and fellowship.

6) Please pray that we would soon be granted our Permanent Resident permits. We are able to apply for this status because of the length of time we have been living in Uganda. The application was made in December 2024, but this is a special process requiring a special committee to sit and review the application, and it’s taking longer than we expected. Currently, we are renewing tourist visas at our nearby border checkpoint with South Sudan every 3 months until we can receive the other permits.

And lastly, Carol and I are GREATLY rejoicing over our 10th grandchild, Silas Henri Lee, born on February 4th.

Praise the Lord!

What we do now in the Lord and for Him will have an eternal impact for His praise and honor; all else is fleeting!

May God’s blessing in and through Christ Jesus flow to you and your family throughout 2025! We are very thankful for your prayers, encouragement and sacrificial gifts which keep us pushing forward for the glory and fame of our King and Savior Jesus!

RAU Donation page information:

https://reachingafricasunreached.org/donations/

Gratefully,

Jacob and Carol Lee