Can't Be Stopped

As we are packing up and preparing for the long journey back to Georgia, we wanted to share a few more photos and thank you again for all of your prayers and support.  God has done a mighty work this week, and saying goodbye is always bittersweet.  It is so hard to leave when relationships are just beginning to form and develop, but we know that the Gospel is alive and shining so bright, even in the darkest of places.  His will and His plan will be carried out here, no matter if we are together or apart.  His love just can't be stopped!

One Beautiful Step

Today I watched Baby Addy, the daughter of Shedrack and Mary, take some of her first steps, the smallest of movements, such a short distance, with some laughter and some fear, trusting her daddy as he called her to come.  And we’ve witnessed this in so many other ways here in Uganda—men, women, and children who have experienced unimaginable challenges and pain, but still hear the call of their Heavenly Father, and have chosen to take one small step at a time in the direction of His love.  Those who were once just beginning to walk in faith are now running, and the Lord is adding to their numbers daily those who are being saved, only just by taking that first beautiful step.

Never Too Late

Sharing the love of Jesus Christ is central to everything we desire to do while we are here in Uganda.  Our team has already had many opportunities to go into the community and lead Bible studies in local homes.  Today a small group of our team members were evangelizing in the village around the farmland.  After speaking with individuals outside a home, they were invited to go inside and pray for an elderly woman who had been ill for many years.  She was lying on a mat on the floor of small dark room.  The team gathered around her, shared the Gospel message briefly, and in an instant, this woman prayed to receive Jesus as her Savior.  We share so often about the children and young people of the village coming to faith in Jesus, but the angels of heaven are rejoicing tonight for this one precious soul, who reminds us that it is never to late to be saved.  It's never too late to accept His amazing gift of grace!

We didn't have an opportunity to take her picture, but I hope you'll enjoy praying over these...



 

Blessed

Today our team split into 2 groups, one traveling to the mountain region around Mbale to visit with many pastors in the area and the other going to the school to host a sports camp and fellowship with the children.  Both groups encountered and had the opportunity to encourage some powerful servants of God.  We met with pastors and families devoted to ministry in remote areas where resources are scarce but faithfulness and Christian love are abundant.  We watched in amazement as young people, who were only children when we first met 3 years ago, led the way in ministering to their peers through games, songs, stories, and lots and lots of laughter, even welcoming new faces from Namabasa (the community around the school).   God is doing a mighty work all around us through these great people of faith.  We came to bless them, and as always, we have been blessed.

 

Pure Delight

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Ebenezer Baptist Church,

On behalf of the members of First Baptist Church back home in Newnan, as well as the ones who are here now bearing witness, we give thanks in prayer for you with joy because of our partnership through the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He has brought us together in a mighty way, and we delight in the opportunity to bring Him honor and glory as we serve with one another.  We delight to worship with you today, for the powerful time of songs, testimonies, prayer, and preaching.  We give thanks for the building construction that is nearing completion of its first phase.  We thank God for His timing--in that the building was not yet complete for today's worship service, we have instead been able to witness the work being done, which was our desire all along.  We are so grateful that you bear witness to God's faithfulness by your stewardship in the construction of this church building.  It is truly an honor and a joy to serve with you, to pray for you, and just to be with you.  We are encouraged by your faith, strengthened by the hope you profess, and touched by your love.  Indeed we are delighted.

With Love and All Glory to God,

Your family of First Baptist Church Newnan

 

Chosen

It was a full day for our team in Uganda--full schedule and full hearts!  We have experienced the awesome power of God's love, and we are witnessing Him transform lives both in Namatala and also on the farmland of Namabasa, the location of the brand new Ebenezer Christian School.  Today we had a morning youth rally and in the afternoon we visited homes for Bible study and sharing the Gospel.  We also dedicated the school, greeted the teachers and administrators, and even celebrated Frank's birthday with cake and candles!  As always, our moments with the children touched our hearts, especially visiting with Joel.  If you've followed Mission Mbale for any amount of time, you have probably heard Joel's incredible story.  When I hugged him today, I thought he would never let go (and I really didn't mind that).  But I did let go to run and find Warren, brought him to Joel, and when he scooped Joel up in his arms, I saw it.  On the back of his shirt was written one word:  Chosen.

Yes, Joel, you are chosen.  Just like every man, woman, and child in this beautiful village, and everyone reading this blog.  You are chosen by God and your life is a miracle of His great love.  He loves you, He died and rose from the dead for you, and no matter what you do or what happens to you, you can trust His choice--He chose you.

We are all chosen.  And all He wants is for us to choose Him, too.

   

Most Welcome

You will not find a more joyful welcome this side of Heaven than right here at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Mbale, Uganda.  A little rain and mud could not dampen the spirits of those who received us today.  “You are most welcome!” they say as we squeal together, hugging and kissing hello.  It is the best kind of family reunion.  Honestly, I’ve never felt more welcome anywhere else. 

That welcoming, that greeting, that joy is a gift from the Lord.  He is our perfect creator and sustainer, and He goes before us every step, preparing the way.  We can trust Him completely with the future because He is already there.  The people of Ebenezer live in the abundance of this truth, and it lovingly overflows into the slum village of Namatala and into the hearts of everyone they greet.  There is no doubt:  We are most welcome.

 



 

PS:  Welcome to the Mission Mbale blog!  We hope you'll follow along by checking our posts while we're in Uganda--and continue to follow our updates on the latest ministry news!  I'll do my best to post here everyday--Lord and internet willing--and I thank you for praying for our team!

Sherri