Amazing!

These are two of the most precious and God fearing men in Uganda, and they are coming to the United States this summer! It is an absolute miracle of God. While I was in Africa in March, I had accompanied Paul and Pam Hunter, Abdu, and Robert to the US Embassy in Kampala. Abdu and Robert were attempting for the 4th and 5th time to be granted a Visa to travel to the U.S. Each time they had be denied, and this time was no exception. We all went back to Jinja that day with heavy hearts but we knew that God was up to something bigger than we could visibly see with our eyes. Read here. It has been reported that less than 10% of applicants for visas to American are granted in Uganda. However, we serve a God who is bigger than statistics and who engages on our behalf to direct our steps and orchestrate His purposes.

Paul wrote in his email update today that, a US senator, who had no personal connection with the Hunter's or Next Generation Ministries, had recently contacted the consular in the Kampala Embassy to personally vouch for Abdu and Robert. The consular then contacted Abdu and requested that he and Robert meet him on July 1st for another interview. Several weeks ago, Abdu and Robert had already filed another application and scheduled an online interview for July 1st! After a few questions in their interview yesterday (July 1st Uganda time), both Abdu and Robert were each granted a Visa to the United States!

"Father, Your ways are higher than our ways! Thank you for bringing glory to Your name in this situation, thank You for Your faithfulness even when we can't see or understand what You are doing. When we lay everything down at Your feet, You are truly free to engage on our behalf and work miracles beyond what we could ask or think. Father, thank you for Abdu and Robert and for their precious families. May Your grace be upon them as they prepare for yet another adventure in their walk with You."

Jinja Christian Center and Group Photo

Baptisms

This morning we visited the Source of the Nile for baptisms. The Nile River is one of two rivers in the world that flow north and it originates from a spring in Lake Victoria. Syd, Jade, and Savannah were all baptized. This trip to Africa has really impacted their life and God has touched them in a deep way. Jade is 14 and Savannah is 15, and it has been such a joy to get to know them better and to encourage them in their growing walk with the Lord. It was a significant day for them and I am thankful that I was a witness. Paul wrote an update and gave me permission to post it here also.

Paul wrote:

Have you noticed that important steps tend to be public things? Not all important transitions, for many are unseen events of the heart, but milestones like dedications, graduations, weddings, ribbon cuttings, retirements, etc.
Early this morning, 8 of us made our way to the Source of the River Nile. This is a government park that commemorates the discovery of the source of the Nile River out of Lake Victoria. Six of us paid 5,000 shillings while the Ugandans paid 1,000 shillings. White people have to struggle for economic equality here. But, that’s another story!
We were there at the Source while tourist posed for photos, orphans played drums and danced, vendors tempted people with African made crafts, and river guides pleaded for passengers to board their water craft and travel up river to the “actual” source of the Nile. We were there in the midst of all this public activity at the request of Savannah, Jayde (pronounced jade), and her mother Syd (short for Sydney). All three wanted to be baptized and the Source is where people in Jinja go for public baptism.
Richard, one of the pastors of Jinja Christian Center, was a part of our group along with Abdu, who has become very dear to all three of these ladies. Pam, Jenny, and I were along to witness, encourage, and take photos of this spiritual historic and significant event.
The ladies sat on a ledge facing the Nile and Richard gave a thoroughly biblical teaching on baptism. Each of us, not just the baptism candidates, but each of us was given something from the Lord as Richard blessed with God’s Word.
The three ladies shared why they wanted to be baptized. Syd had been baptized immediately after becoming born again 15 years ago, but it was more a religious ritual than a real exchange. She is now aware that baptism is a fervent symbol of leaving everything behind, and completely following Christ as the source of life. Her daughter, Jayde, was baptized as an infant and had no idea what was happening to her. This was a personal commitment for her. Through a waterfall of tears, Savannah poured out her heart to all of us and the Lord. She wants to be completely and passionately committed to Christ.
Each testimony was moving. God’s presence was felt by all of us in the peace of all the commercial activity. We were experiencing a spiritual reality of intimacy between these ladies and the Lord.
Richard, with help from Abdu, moved to the water and quietly and reverently committed each person into the water, signifying that they were leaving everything behind and moving forward for the glory of God. Tears were shed, hearts were moved, hugs were given and received, praise was offered, and towels were handed out by Pam to soak up the water from the Nile River.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for setting the pattern for us! Thank you for doing the will of your Father. May each of these precious souls who discovered You in a different way here in Africa, do what they were designed to do in the power of Your Holy Spirit.

Ants for Dinner....NOT!!!

The other day in the market we came across a seasonal item - fried ants. Syd and I talked about trying one - ONLY ONE - and Grace obliged us (Thankyou Grace). She brought home a whole bag this afternoon and fried them up. Yikes, they didn't look too bad at the market - small enough to pop one in the mouth, receive a star for my "Things I Have Eaten in Other Countries and Wish I Hadn't" badge, and then be done with it. However, they plumped right up in the skillet, grew legs, and filled the kitchen, uh, no, actually the whole house with a funky dead fried ant smell. Grace ate two in the kitchen, Syd ate a mouthful, Alfred ate a bowlful, and Terrese ate two or three handfuls, and I ate - NONE! Pam walked in and we told her that Grace brought ants home - Pam wasn't very happy and asked that they not be placed on the dinner table. Thank you Pam! However, when I was doing dishes tonight I ran across a bowlful of........I screamed, asked what was in the bowl (knowing full well what they were) and promtly washed them down the sink. Someone didn't eat their ANT LEGS!!!!

The Hunters

This is the dear couple I will be staying with while in Uganda.
Check out their website at Next Generation Ministries. This site will give you a good feel for Uganda and their ministry in that nation. It also has maps, FAQ's, and even music. Enjoy!