Final evening

This evening the Team Members of Next Generation Ministries and their wives and children came to the Compound for our final evening. You can read more specifics about them on the Next Generation Ministries website, which is listed on the left side of our Blog. Pam and Grace prepared a traditional American meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, cold sodas, and the American favorite in Uganda….fresh sliced pineapple. We gathered around in the courtyard visiting and getting to know one another. Then Malcolm got out the guitar and he and Lilly led us in singing. They taught us some Ugandan choruses and Pastor Jimmy showed us a traditional Ugandan dance. Little Sarah and one of her friends also did a Ugandan dance for us. Lilly has the most beautiful clear voice…and when she sings, the Holy Spirit is evident in her. We had prayer and enjoyed the wonderful meal, stopping momentarily to Skype in to the Fairview Mennonite Brethren Church for a live broadcast, and then continued with our delicious meal. Then Paul presented the NIV Study Bibles to the Team Members. They were so happy and excited to receive them. They all wanted the boxes they came in and you could tell they plan to take very good care of them and they are very valuable Paul asked each of them to share with us their vision. They are all so passionate for Christ and for building up the people in their Nation. The love they have for the people and for one another is evident. Following prayer, Paul asked them to each feel free to share anything God had laid on their hearts for us. Several had some scripture and words of encouragement for some specific people. Malcolm told us that this is a new season for Team Uganda 09 and that we are going to be working as a Team as God leads us. This relationship as a Team will grow stronger between us and with God. He encouraged us to continue to work together, even as we go back to America and that new ideas would be coming to us as individuals and as a Team. He said, “God is going to load you with things to do. He is going to equip you to do the things He wants you to do. God is pleased by your coming here. He drew you away from the hustle and bustle of America. Don’t let it break when you get back.”

We closed the evening with final farewells to all of the Team Members except of course, Abdu and Betty. Paul asked us to all come back out into the courtyard and shared with us that Betty has not been feeling well, and had really been wanting some Matoki. They had tried to get some for her this afternoon but it wasn’t ready yet, and she was really having a craving. And then they made the exciting announcement that there will be a new baby in the family in October! We are all so excited for Abdu and Betty and their family.

The municipal water supply was restored while we were having our evening together and we were all extremely happy! The thought of having to get on that plane without a shower for 3 days was not very appealing…but once again, God provides. Only in Uganda do we welcome a cold shower!

24 hours and we’ll be leaving our beloved Uganda. Please pray for our safety and continued good health on the trip home.