Pictures from Uganda

 Bweya Community Church Pastor Robert and family

 Bweya Community Church the day before the roof was completed

 Daniel, a 70-year-old Bweya Community Church member who was assigned to be the property protector to ensure squatters don't take over the property.

 Daniel's Son

 Neel working on the well at Mercy Orphanage in Bweya Village

 Bweya Community Church

 Jack and Hannah at Loving Hearts Babies Home

Path on land to Bweya Community Church with Lake Victoria in the background

Day Five

Our day began with a visit from "Abby."  He's one of our Ugandan friends who has helped us to relocate orphans who have been in undesirable situations.  Abby came to bring 2 of our little friends to the house for a visit.  The 2 boys are siblings of a child who was adopted as a result of an ekissa mission trip last year. The boys are handsome and healthy.  Abby's doing a great job caring for them and they're being very successful in school.

While Abby was with us, we had a meeting regarding the status of Mercy orphanage, as he used to work there and remains active in the lives of the children who reside there.  As I mentioned earlier, I can't get into details at this time on the blog; however, God is moving mightily and we are greatly encouraged about the future.

Jack's day started at 5:15 am as he and Pastor Peter traveled to Kampala for a meeting.   An organization called Partnership Worldwide had its regional director for business development here in Uganda for some unrelated meetings and Jack was able to get on his itinerary. The 2 of them met with this individual to explore the possibility of establishing a business, as a mission component to ARM'S economic development model, as well as researching their success stories, in an effort to duplicate them in Bweya. Jack feels this was a productive meeting and ekissa will follow up to explore the possibilities of a future relationship.

Around mid-day we went shopping at the market to purchase crafts, etc. to bring home AND we visited the "New York Pizza" restaurant.  The pizza was consumed as if we hadn't eaten in 5 days! Lethargy settled in as fast as a "New York minute" and we headed back to our compound, where the power as been out for the last 24 hours. (Welcome to Uganda!!!)

Our schedule has been rather constant so it's been nice to slow down to discuss & digest the things we've seen, experienced and done.  At the moment, I'm sitting in the middle of the dinning room table, due to the lizard that Jack & Neel failed to capture!!!!!! I had been sitting on the couch writing the blog when Jack hollered for me to jump up.  A 5 inch lizard was running up the wall behind my head!!!  Yes, I promptly jumped up and screamed "like a girl."  UGH!!! I HATE those things!  Let me just say, I am so thankful for a mosquito net to sleep under at night.

Well, it's time for dinner, so I'll close.  Sorry that yesterday's blog was posted late...(the power's been out).

Blessings,

Sarah 

Day Four

We all started our day feeling a little sluggish as we stayed up till after 1am talking "theology"...go figure!

Our friends Pato, Ben & Jason joined us for breakfast at our home.  After eating, I (Sarah) was given an African drum lessons well as an African dance lesson from Jason.  It was was a lot of fun but it left me with one question----How is it that it looks so effortless for the Africans?

After the dance and drum lessons, we all went to Gaba to drop off a few things at ARM and Wentz Medical Clinic.  From there we traveled a short distance to Loving Hearts Baby Home.  It "filled me up" to be there among 25 babies/ toddlers and to hold and feed a 7 day old baby!  This little one probably weighed 5 lbs.  Neel was a complete spazz at the baby home as he sat on the floor playing with a 9 month old named "Karen," while Jack played "grandfather" to a little one named "Hannah."  Hannah was a little slow to warm up to me but was all smiles for Jack.

One of the highlights of the day was our stop at Mercy Orphanage in Bweya.  As I stated in the previous blog, their well was broken.  This is 1 of the 3 wells that serve this village of 7000 people.  This water was/is vital!  They use it for cooking, drinking, bathing, etc., and the well hasn't functioned for the last 6 months.  When we arrived at mid-day to Mercy, the well repairman was there working on this 70-80 foot well.  Neel was awesome as he got in the midst of these young men, assisting them.  Once they took the pump apart and removed the steel pipe which the water runs up (much like a straw), they learned it had to be replaced.  The well had been used so much, that all of the pumping motion over time, had worn the pipes down.  By late afternoon, the pump had been repaired and the orphanage and surrounding neighbors had running water again! Hallelujah!!

After leaving Mercy, we went to the church. Driving down the "foot path" I looked out across the bushy fields at the newly constructed church.  There are times I am completely in awe and speechless of God's size and faithfulness. I cannot believe it's only been 14 months since the purchase of the land...and now the church stands strong.  We serve a mighty God.

People started arriving at the church, by foot, around 5pm and we had a time of prayer for the church and the people of Bweya.  It was a new worship experience for Neel as everyone in the church walked around the church, lifting up their prayers up to God, out loud, at the same time!  The spirit was surely in that place.  I cannot imagine what worship will be like on Sunday as we dedicate this building to the Lord.  

Blessings,

Sarah

Day Three

We began our day with Mr. Robert, affectionately known as my Ugandan Grandfather.  I explained yesterday who he is to the ministry of ekissa and that he has been in poor health. As I told him, I simply wanted to “lay my eyes on him” and the team wanted to pray with him and for him.

We had an amazing time of prayer before touring his sustainable farm.  Neel went crazy over the ingenuity found in this relatively quiet, reserved Christian man.  He’s even learned to make bio-fuel from cow dung and urine!  We then went travel down the dry dirt road to Mr. Robert’s parent's home.  There we visited his father, offering our condolences and prayer for his dearly departed wife whom he married in 1937...do that math!!!  

After leaving Mr. Robert’s father, we walked through a beautiful garden to the family cemetery which adjoins the church property.  When we arrived at Bweya Community Church, they were putting the finishing touches on the roof.

Yesterday we learned that the water pump at Mercy Orphanage had been broken for months and the children have been walking to Lake Victoria for water.  Have you ever SEEN Lake Victoria?  I wouldn’t stick my big toe in it, let alone, drink it!  Pastor Robert has made arrangements with a local gentleman to begin repairing the well pump tomorrow as an act of “community service” by the church.  This particular well is 1 of 3 wells in the entire village of roughly 7000 villagers.  It being broken has major implications regarding water availability for the villagers.  We can never underestimate the value of this repair!

There is a young man, roughly 19 years of age, name "Ben."  Ben travels with our team every time we come to Uganda.  Unfortunately, he has been unable to attend school due to lack of funds and has no parents.  Ben and his situation have been weighing heavily on my mind since the day we met. 

My sense was that Ben was in great need of a good Christian mentor, willing to pour themselves into his life.  Knowing this, as well as the vast knowledge Mr. Robert has in entrepreneurial projects, together we engaged in conversation about his willingness to serve as Ben’s mentor. By the end of this conversation, a “micro-loan” opportunity had been sketched out, enabling Ben to develop a business plan around a piggery (Ugandan word for pig farm).  Pigs are a growing, profitable market here as one pays 50,000 shillings (a little more than $20) per piglet. Mr. Robert has agreed to mentor Ben through this process with the hopes of progressing to cows and chickens.  

I believe today was a turning point in Ben’s life.  He now has a goal and and someone to guide him through this goal. Until now, Ben has spent his time roaming the dry dusty roads daily with nothing to do, nowhere to go, no dreams and no hope.  I felt like a mother who had given birth!  I’ve known Ben has much potential but wasn’t sure how to help.  Please pray for Ben that his excitement and determination will last and that he will take much pride in this opportunity.  Until now, there has been a “hand out” mentality as he has watched his friends leave for college. I believe we had a “divine appointment” with the Lord today.  The Bible says, “Without a vision, the people perish.”  Ben now has a “vision” and I am excited and beyond grateful for him! He, too, is very excited and promised he will be a man who works hard with high integrity.  He just needed someone to believe in him, his abilities and someone to encourage him!  

While remaining at the land, another man named Moses came to visit.  Moses has served at the Mercy Children’s Home here in Bweya.  I began to inquire about the conditions of things at Mercy Home.  I cannot get into specifics in order to ensure the safety of others, but my heart is lighter as I am confident of God’s movement regarding this place.  

Mercy Orphanage is what God used to birth the ministry of ekissa. The prayer at that time was that God would redeem that place, and the lives of those affected by the injustices would also be redeemed.  I believe vulnerable children are the center of God’s heart and He will allow injustices towards them only for a short time before He intervenes.  We serve a just God...a faithful God...a “redeeming” God!!  

After a incredibly fruitful time at the church, the team traveled a short distance to the center of Bweya Village to Bweya Children’s Home.  ekissa, Pastor Robert and the director, another man named Moses, had begun conversations this past June about our working together for the purpose of child sponsorship for the 85 children residing there.  We wanted to continue dialogue about this possibility as well as request the opportunity to provide another 2-3 day medical clinic on their premises in June.  We look forward to see how God will grow our relationship with them.

Today was another full day but again, extremely beneficial for all.  With each time we come to Uganda, our relationships blossom more and more.  For this, we are thankful! God is doing a great work here in Uganda and in the lives of those who dare to journey with us. Neel continues to comment on his growing understanding of the importance of relationships here.  I have a close friend who once said, “You know God’s calling you to come, when you no longer have to ask permission...” .  She was referring to traveling on a mission trip to Uganda. Many say they want to come, but their spouses don’t want them to.  Is God calling you???

“Thank you”, to all who have supported the ministry of ekissa.  No show of support is too small.

Standing in awe of how big our God is,

Sarah 

Day Two

Wow!  What a day it's been.  We've been busy moving about today, reconnecting with old friends and meeting new friends.  I cannot believe how much work and the endless hours Pastor Robert has already invested into the people of Bweya by getting to know them, reaching out to them in service and sharing the Gospel.  He is reaching out to what many North Americans would deem as "beyond the least of these".  I met several gentlemen today who Pastor Robert has reached out to and through building relationships with them, has put them to work with the construction of the church. I've learned and seen in action, the story of the "widow's mite" here in Bweya Village.  The people here are simple and they don't have much. However, they understand and practice the art and biblical mandate of "giving."  They may not have the financial resources, but they sacrificially give what they have.  Example: "Joy," a widow with a very young child, has no money to offer but she gives back to the Lord through making sure the grounds are clean at the church.  A young man, "Daniel," doesn't have ANYTHING but since he lives near the church property, he looks after it to make sure no one takes it over.  Here in Uganda, if you are not on your land or if it is not fenced, individuals will move in and take over your land.  So, he gives to the Lord by serving to protect our physical investment of 3 acres and a church building. We, North Americans, could learn so very much from the Ugandan people about giving. We need to consider looking at "giving" from a different perspective. How about instead of asking, "How much will I give?" ask yourself, "How much will I keep?"  It all belongs to the Lord anyway!

Our day began with a visit to our sister church, Gaba Community Church, as well as visiting the office of ARM (Africa Renewal Ministry), another indigenous partner of ekissa.  After that, we were invited to Pastor Peter's home (the founder/senior pastor of Gaba Community Church and the founder/president of ARM). It was good to see him again. It was a time of catching up and sharing of a few economic development ideas for the people of Bweya. 

Having seen the physical building of Bweya Community Church yesterday, we learned it lacked a small portion of the roof being completed.  So, the team decided this was an area where we monetarily needed to financially bless the church.  We headed to the "roofing" store where we purchased the remaining supplies to complete the roof.  Within an hour there was a team of 5 guys scaling up handmade ladders and swinging from rafters made from eucalyptus trees to nail the galvanized tin on the roof. It was really quite interesting to watch them work.  I'm all about some heights but geezzz, I'm sure glad the Lord didn't ask me to shimmy up that ladder!

Upon our arrival we learned that Mr. Robert, the Ugandan man ekissa purchased the 3 acres from, has recently lost his mother who was in her 90s.  Shortly after her passing, Robert's 104 year old, blind father fell which resulted in a broken leg. THEN, Mr. Robert himself suffered a heart attack. This greatly grieved my heart as Mr. Robert is like my Ugandan Grandfather. He is in his mid 70s and is a strong, hardworking, yet gentle man who has a heart for the Lord.  He has so much to offer the people of Bweya and they have so much to learn from him.  Please pray for this dear sweet supporter of ekissa. We tried to visit him today but he had gone to the international hospital to see a heart specialist.  We hope to see him tomorrow as we desperately want to pray over this man.

It's been fun to experience this day with Neel, as this is is first EVER mission trip and his first time to Africa.  I've enjoyed getting to know him and he has a great appreciation and respect for the people of Uganda.  I'm continually amazed at the things he says.  Neel has a practical, business, creative mind which is greatly needed here.  He hasn't come with his "western mind" but is taking time to learn from the Ugandan way and then coming up with ideas which could enhance life here in Bweya.  There is no mistaking that God has sent him here, and I don't think this will be his last trip!  One of the most profound things he shared this evening around the dinner table was, "I now understand the importance of coming and 'being' here.  It's more important to be present than the activities we might do." I could only smile at his comment.  If only others could understand this concept.  Jesus' ministry was simple and it was about relationships - the only way to make progress with "strange people in a strange land" (referenced in the book of Ruth--meaning a different people group), is through building relationships.  Neel also is experiencing that we as North Americans need to realize while we have resources to assist the Ugandans, we have a lot to learn from them.  There is a real opportunity for a genuine "exchange" of knowledge. Way to go Neel...and yeah God!

There are a few needs which have surfaced and I would like everyone to pray about their possible involvement.  The church needs chairs.  We had considered building the benches but for the sake of practicality, it makes more sense to actually buy plastic chairs.  We have these same chairs in the US.  I have seen them in white and dark green.  They are a simple plastic chair with arms that can be stacked. These chairs are $10 a piece and the church needs between 50-100.  We are talking about $500-$1000.  This may seem like a lot but if 10 people gave $100 this could be accomplished. At the moment there are about 5 short benches and about 10 of these plastic chairs I referenced.  Everyone else must come and sit on the ground...not the floor...the ground!  There is no cement floor, it is truly the earth.  Ask yourself if you would be willing to go to church and stand for the entire service...I wouldn't want to.

Another need is financial assistance with a new sound system. We're talking about $200-$300. The church is a good size and when it rains it's very loud on a tin roof.  No one can hear their neighbor, let alone hear the pastor.

We also need about $500 to build a small hut home on the 3 acres for the land overseer of the church.  This man is in great need and he's caring for his youngest son as a single parent. He has lived a very rough life and not treated his body well in the past, but now an important, active participant of Bweya Community Church.

These are some immediate financial needs you could pray about.  If you have interest in assisting with alleviating these needs, please contact ekissa at 336.971.4855

One last thing I wanted to share...for the mission team that traveled this past June 2011, I want you to know, I have seen the fruits of your labor from our house to house visits!  A great number of the people now attending the church are coming as a result of your visit!  This information was shared to me from Pastor Robert.  Never underestimate the time you spent walking through the village, shaking hands, asking for prayer requests and simply showing them the love of Christ by praying with them. Several of them were Muslim as well! So thank you for being willing to come to Bweya Village, Uganda and giving of yourself!  I believe this is how Jesus would "do church"...outside of the "walls" and outside of the box! 

May God continue to richly bless you in order that you can richly bless others in His name. 

Please continue to read our blog at www.ekissa.blogspot.com  and pass it around to others who may be interested in what we're doing.

In constant need of His grace,

Sarah

Day One

Jack, Neel and I (Sarah) have arrived safely in Uganda.  The air is quite thick with humidity as well as the typical smell of burning, as Ugandans are always burning wood or coal. We have settled into our ranch-style home for the week, which is about a 5 minute drive from Gaba (or a 20 minute walk, so I'm told).  Florence cooked one of her usual fabulous dinners and the house is now quiet as we have each retreated to our rooms for the evening.  We're all pretty tired and praying God restores our bodies with some much needed rest tonight!

On our way to our home from the airport, we were able to swing down the beaten path to Bweya.  By the time we arrived, church was over and everyone had vacated the premises...except for "Joy".  She was there, walking around the property and appeared to be picking up trash. Today had actually been the first day the congregation worshiped in the new church facility!  I can't believe we missed it by only 3 hours!---and the church...on my dear!  All I can say is God is faithful to do immeasurably more than we can ever hope or imagine!  The church is huge; much larger than I had expected and it only lacks a few pieces of tin on the roof to be completed, which we plan on doing tomorrow!  

As I walked around this building and the land upon which it sits, I couldn't help but quietly reminisce about the day Mr. Robert (the previous landowner) showed us this 3 acre tract of land.  I remember being extremely nervous about being able to meet the financial obligation it would take to purchase this land...and now in less than 2 years, God supplied not only the financial resources to purchase the land but has now provided a physical church. When God wants to do something, consider it done---with or without us!

I love seeing God raise up people like Pastor Robert to be a leader!  He's so little in stature that it kind of reminds me of David and Goliath. This man who stands 5 foot 3 inches, on a "tall day", is being used by God to radically impact a village where witchdoctors and Muslims are extremely predominant.  Pastor Robert shared with me this afternoon that many people are coming to the church as they have heard there was a big church being built and they have heard the name of Pastor Robert Lugoolobi.  He said when they see him, they say "YOU are pastor Robert?  WOW!"

As we arrived at our home for the week, we were greeted with many warm faces and kind smiles by friends who popped in.  It's always good to be back in Uganda!

Thank you for your prayers as we begin our 7 day adventure here in Uganda. 

Blessings,

Sarah

February 2012 Trip

ekissa's first mission trip of 2012 is from February 18-28. During this trip, the mission team will focus on assisting Bweya Community Church Pastor Robert Lugoloobi, as well as building relationships with the church members and villagers in Bweya. Please pray for them as they minister to the people of Bweya Village. They will keep us updated on their travels through this blog, so continue to visit this page for more trip details!