Life in Uganda with The Woodsons

Merry Christmas to you!

2011-12-21T21:31:00.002+03:00

Merry Christmas to our family and friends! Please take a minute to view our Video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk1YCbEuEpw God Bless

2011-07-03T18:44:00.002+03:00

Hello friends and family,
It has been awhile since I last communicated. Part of the problem is that I have had a serious problem with dizziness for about two months. The dizziness would increase when I looked at computer screen so I was staying off the computer as much as possible. The good news is that things are much better now and I decided I needed to give an update on our ministry here.

In January we completed another phase of our building project. This phase included the restrooms, the kitchen and the foyer or reception area. We raised a building pledge in May of 2010 and it pushed us to about October when we received some help from a church in Singapore that enabled us to complete that phase. We raised another building pledge in April of this year, 2011 for the completion of our building. This last phase includes a multipurpose room that will be used primarily as a “house of prayer”, where we hope to hold prayer meetings 24/7 in the future. In the short term we will hold daily prayer meetings AM and PM and increase as we go along. We are pushing hard to complete this phase by September this year. So far we have managed to raise enough money to put up the roof. Keep praying for us, the completion of the building will be a great relief to myself – having been involved in this project for over ten years – I am tired of being both Pastor and foreman.

Then in February we had a great tragedy that struck one our Pastors here in Kampala. Pastor Kafus had been married for less than two years when his wife conceived their first son. During the pregnancy his wife had some complications that culminated during her delivery. After giving birth to a healthy baby boy, she herself was not able to sustain the pregnancy and she died three days after giving birth. As you can imagine the grief this brought to the husband, words cannot describe the pain all of us have felt concerning this tragedy. We traveled to a distant district about 5 hours away after church on a Sunday and buried the wife in her home village. Hundreds of people came from near and far to bury this young godly mother and wife.

In April I traveled to Nairobi, Kenya for a Teen Challenge Leadership Training with TC leaders from Africa and the States. It was during this conference that we got news that David Wilkerson had died in a tragic car accident. It was sobering news for many us at the conference. Some of the guest speakers from the States knew Bro. Wilkerson well and had ministered with him on many occasions. Personally, I had always looked at David Wilkerson as a mentor in many ways – through his preaching and teaching ministry he greatly affected my life. On the last day of the Teen Challenge Conference (Friday, April 29th) riots broke out in Uganda and spread throughout the nation. I was due to fly back in the evening with some brothers from the Pacific Northwest area Teen Challenges. But due to the situation we felt it better they travel back to the State. For me on the other hand I needed to get home to my family who were in Kampala at the time. My wife was supposed to pick me up at the airport – but I told her not to leave the house. I called one of our Pastors to go get my car and wait for me at the airport, but he got arrested along way. He was falsely accused as being one of the rioters. Some of you know Pastor Henry, he had ran into the rioters on the way to my home where he was forced to join them or get beat up and possibly killed. That is when the police came along and rounded them up – him included. By the time I arrived back in Uganda at about 7 PM that night the place looked like war-zone. Military and police were out in force while all kinds of debris and rocks were laying everywhere on the roads.

We recently held our elections at the end of February and for the most part they were peaceful. They were peaceful, but not without irregularities. The opposition claimed rigging and other unfair practices by the ruling party. One thing that was evident was that the ruling party had spent about 30x more than any of the opposition on their campaign. The city reminded me of communist rule where everywhere you turn you see the President’s picture either on a billboard, a poster, the TV, on T-Shirts – you hear his name being blasted loud speakers throughout the city and other forms of media. Though the President won the elections by something like 68% to 27% - it seems he does not have the popularity he assumes or claims he has. In the weeks following the President’s victory the opposition began flexing their muscles by holding political protests. They were intended to be peaceful and for the most part they were until the government began blocking them – which stirred up the riots. The government has successfully been able to squash the protests – but they have done it by militarizing the police and putting fear into the opposition or anyone who opposes them. Although there seems to be peace for now and things have settled down, you can now see that this country is no longer a free democracy. The government is quickly changing laws and passing measures that restrict anyone (especially the media) who speaks out against them.

As for our family, we are fine but I thought I would let Lorraine give you update on us. Hello – Lorraine here…..Well, let me talk about our newest addition Alyssa Davina. She is now 8 months old and she is truly a bundle of joy to the entire family. Joshua and Breanna just adore their little baby sister. Both of them would want to carry her, hug and kiss her lots. They would want to feed her with their food. In the morning, when Alyssa wakes up, they would want to pick her up from her crib. In the night, every now and then they would go into her room to watch her sleep. Alyssa eats very well. This is the best stage for any mother. At this point, she is not picky. She eats everything that I feed her. Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, soft mushy rice, porridge, carrots, peas, beans, bread, and whatever I give, she takes, no complains ☺ She is crawling now. Just like any other baby, she likes to explore everywhere. She would pick things up from the floor and puts them in her mouth. We have to be more watchful of her. Joshua and Breanna have their own little ways of making the baby laugh. She is very playful too. The sounds of the children’s laughter fills the home with such warmth and love. We are very thankful to the Lord for giving us 3 wonderful children.

Until next time, God bless you all you so much and thank you for your prayers and support, You’re a blessing!

Support Address:
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Make checks to Vista AG

Happy New Year

2011-01-15T17:01:00.004+03:00

Well we hope this New Year is off to a great start for you. Hopefully, I will be off to a better start of keeping this blog updated. Our family is doing quite well with our newest addition and the New Year looks promising.

We ended the year with a big disappointment. The church was broken into by thieves on Dec 26th in the evening (known as boxing day here in Uganda-which is always the day after Christmas). We had service on both Christmas day and the next day - being it was Sunday. The thieves came on Sunday night and stole both of the offerings - plus other monies that we were going to deposit on Monday - the total being almost $2500.00 USD. That's a lot for us in this part of the world. They came in by using a ladder to climb up and then cut the bars on one of the windows. Yes, we were very disappointed by this - especially when it looks like it was someone who knows the church well. But we have done our best to give the whole thing to the Lord and try not to let it get to us. It's His money and He can do a much better job of handling our church finances than we can by worrying about the whole situation.

We finished our ICPC International Church Planting Conference at the end of October. The conference brought delegates from around the world and focused on celebrating the fact that our denomination has planted close to 3,500 churches in the last 2 1/2 years. The conference was held in the National Stadium and lasted for 4 days. We worked like horses to pull this event off and by God's grace we finished up still alive!

Otherwise, here is a video I posted on Facebook. I recently took a staycation (a vacation when you stay home) and taught Josh to do video editing - something he is getting interested in. I know you will enjoy this.

Alyssa Davina Woodson

2010-10-06T15:45:00.004+03:00

Hey friends and family,

Announcing the arrival of the newest member of the Woodson clan. Born on Sept 21st - two days before Josh's birthday which on the 23rd.

Lorraine woke me up at about midnight and said she thought the baby was coming. We were not really planning on the baby coming at this time - so we were a but ill prepared. I woke the kids up and began trying to figure out everything that we needed, but time was against us so we dashed out the door as soon as we could. Before we left I called the Dr. and we arrived at the hospital about 15 minutes later. Josh said "Daddy, I never saw you drive so fast" well it's a good thing I did - because the baby was coming quickly. Once we were at the hospital I called the Dr. again and told him to hurry. The nurse said she was 9 cm dilated (10 cm and your at full dilation) the Dr. then says he wants to talk to my wife. I hold the phone to her ear and you will never believe what asks - are you ready for this............he says "When is the due date?" I kid you not. I figure this Dr. does not want to get out of bed. So it's me and the nurses. About 10-15 minutes on her second "push" we had a baby girl in our hands............and NO the Dr. never made it in time. He showed about 30 minutes later - looking like he was taking his wife out for dinner. Freshly ironed slacks and shirt - smelling like "Brut" cologne.....while I was the one who had blood all over their clothes (no joke). Anyway, enough drama - Alyssa was born about 1:25 am at Kololo Hospital in Kampala Uganda. Unlike her brother and sister - Alyssa was born with hair (Josh Breanna were both bald for some good YEARS, before they got their hair).

The family is ecstatic and the kids are really enjoying their new sister. We praise God for a normally delivery and a healthy strong mother and baby. God is good and has been faithful to us once again as all three of our children have been born without any complications. Lorraine has always had a lot of faith concerning the birth of our children and has been steadfast in her resolve to believe God for a quick delivery without complications.

Bomb Blasts

2010-07-12T11:50:00.008+03:00

As we were watching the World Cup (my wife and I) we heard two loud "booms" that sounded quite close. I assumed they were fireworks - about an hour we received a text message that bombs had went off in two places in Kampala. One was at a nearby Rugby Club were people were gathered to watch the game. It is about a mile and half from our house (but no worries - far enough from us - we are OK). Sirens were heard throughout the night,as they tried to help those who still had a chance of survival - while many others were being whisked off to the mortuary. We are still reeling in the details (Today is July 12th the day after). But we are deeply saddened by these terrorist attacks (as they have have now been confirmed to be terrorists in Somalia). Pray for for the victims hanging on to their lives and and pray for the rest of us as Kampala has now become a target for these Somalia Terrorists. At this time 64 are confirmed dead.

A day in the life - Ugandan Style

2010-06-25T22:11:00.006+03:00

The only way travel. A great view and A/C.

Fresh bread delivered daily.

Top Rate Security

The Uganda Call

2010-05-11T13:14:00.007+03:00

We finished The Call last week. There much controversy surrounding the event due to the fact that their is a bill that is in our Ugandan Parliament right now concerning homosexual laws. We presently have no laws in place in our governmental system for homosexuals other than homosexuality being illegal.

The controversy comes in because of one particular part of the bill that states that a person who is infected with HIV AIDS that infects a minor under 18 - would be deserving of the death penalty. This is is already the existing the law for heterosexuals that commit this crime.

The church wants to see the bill's penalty lowered to from the death penalty to a prison (For both homosexuals and heterosexuals) sentence - but the homosexual agenda around the world is calling this bill - "kill the gays" bill and have made it into something that it is not.

Anyway, Lou Engle who is the Founder and leader of The Call has held prayer rallies in the US - most notable in San Diego to raise a trumpet call for prayer and fasting in favor of marriage between a a man and woman.

So the media stirred up lies about The Uganda Call as a rally to incite violence against gays.

Numerous media outlets were on hand for the event. I was personally interviewed by Al Gore's network called "Current TV".

Jesse Engle - Lou's son - joined his father on the trip along with Stuart Greaves from IHOP (who has lead the prayer at the International House of Prayer for the last 10 years for midnight to 6 AM session for six days a week). Stuart and Jesse both had a chance to minister in our church in separate sessions. Lou Engle also had a chance to visit our church and prayed over us. It was the same Sunday that our own Pastor Rick Seaward from Singapore preached in our church for the first time.

So it was quite an eventful Sunday

The Latest from the Woodson's

2010-03-31T19:58:00.001+03:00

Since our return from the States – God has been refreshing our church with a renewed freshness. Somewhere towards the end of February we gathered our leaders for a meeting – God came in a very special way that night and filled people with His Spirit. Some cried, others laughed with joy, many were healed – above all the fruit that came from that night was changed lives. Since that night we have seen an increase in every area of our church but most especially in the area of an increased hunger and thirst for God. We thank God for this season and do not take for grant it – only pray that it will continue.

At the end of March a Team from Teen Challenge representing the Pacific Northwest Region of the US came and begun a partnership with our local Teen Challenge Chapter here in Kampala. It has been something that we have prayed for and longed for – for many years. We have needed this boost for this ministry and are excited about this new partnership we have begun. The week the team came we went on local TV and Radio Stations as well as schools and youth groups to spread the message of God’s healing power to save and change lives from addictions.

Lou Engle who represents a Ministry called The Call is coming to Uganda and I am part of the team arranging for the event. This ministry focuses on repentance and reconciliation and targets young people. The date is scheduled for May 1^st this year. It’s not an easy task to bring churches and Pastors together – but we believe that this day will be a historic event in the life of this nation. Please pray along with us and stand with us as we plan for TheCall Uganda.

Our Family is well and we expect to have a new addition by October this year. Everyone is excited! Josh wants a baby brother and Breanna wants a baby sister. Whatever God has for us – we believe they will be a blessing to family and the nations of the earth.

Another day in the life..........

2010-01-29T21:55:00.003+03:00

I can't seem to keep up on life these days, at least my blog life - I just somehow forgot about it.

Well Happy New Year! Who knows when you will be reading this at least I am trying to get in a blog before Feb.

So much has been going on - I am not sure where to start. We have now been back in Uganda since Dec 29th ( about a month now) and things are going great - I can sense God doing a new thing in the coming year. It was really good to get away and get a fresh perspective on ministry and our spiritual lives. We often need such times to move on in life.

Uganda is changing so fast these days - buildings are going up everywhere and land prices have sky rocketed - we paid $30,000 USD for the land our church building is on about 8 yrs ago and today the same piece of land is worth somewhere between $250,000 and $300,000 USD (that is for a 1/2 acre). Food prices have also gone way up and it's getting hard for the average person here to get along in life with the basic necessities.

The other day someone jumped into our yard (over the wall) and stole our son Joshua's bike - it seems it was in broad daylight and then they stole the mirror on my car that was parked in front of the church. Oh well - another day in the life....

And so we press on - knowing that our destiny is before us- realizing that it's more necessary than ever before for us to find a place of daily prayer and still our hearts before the One who gives life meaning.

Praying and Hoping that this Year is more than you could ever expect. God Bless!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-13T00:49:00.002+03:00

Hello friends and family,

Another year has passed and Christmas is upon us once again. We hope this last year has been a great blessing to you and your family.

As for the Woodson’s, it has been a year of reflection and refueling as we have taken the last three months of 2009 and spent them in the States. Although we still have a few weeks left, the time has gone by very quickly and we will soon be headed back to Uganda.

We have traveled over 5000 miles starting out in California – traveling up the west coast to Vancouver then over to Montana, then down to Colorado Springs, up to Minnesota, back down Kansas City and then back to California. We visited the Redwood Forest, Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon as well as seeing many of our friends and family scattered throughout the many States we visited. All in all we have built many precious memories and have a lot to be thankful for. We thank all of you who put us up your homes and extended your hospitality to us, may the Lord bless you in return.

Although, there were many reasons why we took these three months leave from the field – one of the priorities was to spend some time at International House of Prayer in Kansas City. We took the month of November and spent that time really seeking the Lord for His purposes in our lives, concerning our future. We felt that after being in Uganda for over ten years now that we needed to take a step back and wait upon the Lord. Although we came with some preconceived ideas (you know us humans), God made it very clear from the onset - that this time would not be so much a time of impartation for “vision and plans for the future” but this would be a time for getting ministered to by the Lord - spending time in His presence and being refueled and refreshed. I would have to say that this has in fact happened and the Lord has been able to work in our hearts for His purposes.

During this time I have been doing a personal study on the life of Jacob and have learned some valuable lessons from his life that have spoken much to me during this season. One lesson I have been pondering over is found in Chapter 28. God shows up in Jacob’s life in a profound way and reveals himself to him with an “open heaven” – Jacob is so overwhelmed by the experience that he calls the place Beth-el meaning “the house of God”(Genesis 28:19). Yet not much change takes place in His personal life. This demonstrates clearly that one can have a genuinely electrifying emotional spiritual encounter without the effect of one’s character being changed. You see, it would not be for another 20 years that Jacob would wrestle with an angel and his name would be changed from Jacob to Israel (Genesis 32:28). At that point he would never walk the same again – he would walk with a limp, he would lean on God instead of his own strength. After wrestling with this angel, a short time later Jacob would return to that same place he called Beth-el, but now Jacob would call it El-Beth-el meaning “the God of the house” (Genesis 35:6,7) . The lesson for me is this: You can’t always know what God is doing in your life – but you can know who God is. You can learn His ways in every season you find yourself in. Instead of seeking God for direction – the Lord has beckoned me to simply seek Him. As I have done this – the Lord had been faithful to reveal His purposes to us.

As we return to Uganda in two weeks – there is a firing burning in our hearts to continue to serve Him in this great nation. We are ready to see all of God’s will fulfilled in our lives for such a time as this. We covet your prayers and know how much we need Him to do His work through us – we are vessels of His purposes.

God Bless all of you who have prayed for us. We thank God for all you have been able to do for us as He has enabled you. Merry Christmas and May next year be a fruitful year for you, your family and your church.

Josh shoots a gun and Breanna rides a horse in Montana

2009-12-12T01:19:00.002+03:00

We visited our friends the Gregory's in Montana and they converted us into cowboys.

Some shots from our recent road trip up the West Coast. California to Canada

2009-10-14T08:31:00.000+03:00

Kampala Riots

2009-09-14T14:15:00.008+03:00

Late last week (Sept 10,11th) Kampala was turned into a war zone as the police shut down the city due to riots. Business, schools and government offices were closed and the police arrested more than 550 people and 14 are have been confirmed dead. The violence erupted on Thursday and continued into Friday when the police clashed with supporters of the King of Banganda (which the largest tribe here in Uganda). The President was preventing the King from attending a youth festival in a certain district for fear of unrest. The King was not welcomed by the people living in that area and the government foreseen a problem. When the President told the King he could not visit the district where the youth event was being held – the king’s supporter’s started rioting.

The nation is becoming more and more discontent and the smallest thing can set it off. This should not have caused riots - it was just an excuse. Pray for us as we labor in this city - we covet them.

To God be the glory

2009-09-14T12:36:00.007+03:00

I spoke at Prime Time@The Pool on Saturday, Sept the 12th. This is the outreach I have spoken about in a previous blog. They have this event every week that reaches over two thousand students in a single meeting. They gave me the topic of pornography - which I was not to excited about - because this event is outside with a lot of distractions - including a lot heckling and shouting (while your preaching). In fact by the time the preacher stands up usually about 20% of the crowd leaves even before you get a word out. I thank the Lord for what He did this time. First, I brought our drama team with me from the church and they did a skit on "Samson". I had them come on first and this seem to keep the crowd around (very few left). I spoke about how our eyes lead us to sin many times and how pornography "eats" the soul. I ended with talking about how only a right view of God's love for us could give us the strength we need to overcome any addiction including pornography. In the end, over a thousand students stood up to commit themselves to ask God for His help with their addictions (I emphasized any sexual addiction). In addition about 7 or 8 people were saved. May God receive the glory

A Humble Request

2009-08-31T10:04:00.004+03:00

We are coming to States for an extended time this year. We are arriving on Sept 22nd and will be around until Dec 27th. We are in need of a vehicle - we will be doing a lot of traveling, including driving up the west coast and then down to Kansas City. If you have an extra vehicle you can loan us or know how we might be able to rent one for a reasonable price - can you please let us know. E-mail us at darrylwoodson@yahoo.com. Thanks.

Anything can work - as long as it runs!!

Kidos

2009-08-31T09:46:00.008+03:00

We have a freind who does some nice touch up on photoshop, this is her work of our kids. Enjoy!

Update

2009-08-27T15:36:00.004+03:00

Gosh time is just flying these days and I am way over due to get something out on our blog.

Let me just summarize the last month or so. Lorraine and I had to go to Singapore to meet up with our Church in Singapore last month. It was a good time for her to see her family and for me to work (they kept me busy). I think they call it a workshop - I worked, she shops. It was a very short trip, we actually left our kids in Uganda at some missionary friends - they seem to enjoy themselves. I think they missed us............................of course they did!

Upon arriving back I went up to our Bible School to teach "Principles of preaching" which I normally do every semester for ATCEM (Africa Theological Center For Evangelism and Missions). It's not easy to teach expository preaching methods to those who are from the village and don't have a good grasp of the English Language. I have to go slow and repeat myself many times - but in the end my goal to help make preachers out of them all and somehow God helps them and it's always amazing the see the results.

Then last week we had our Annual National Conference for Uganda Assemblies of God - This year we have had a miracle take place and have been able to plant over 1300 churches. We have some incredible testimonies that I hope to upload soon to this blog with more details. But in at least two villages we had similar testimonies - where our church planters went into situations where demon possessed mad men had been bound for tens of years and no one could do anything for them. Our Pastors went in and cast the devil out of these men and churches began right then and there because of God's miracle. It has really been an exciting year and it was an exciting conference to hear about all the testimonies that God has been doing. It has truly been a revival in church planting.

Couples' Dinner - Fireproofing Uganda

2009-07-11T16:33:00.003+03:00

Hello Lorraine here, Darryl asked me to step in this time and blog it up. So here we go!

On 14 June Sunday, we organised a couples' dinner at our church. Only those who were married could attend the dinner. The dinner was held in the smaller building. We gave the building a fresh coat of paint. It looked good. We set tables and chairs with table cloths and candles. We made announcements promoting this event for many Sundays in our services. The participants were encouraged to put on formal attires. Many women dressed up for the occassion. A few young women put on their wedding evening gowns. I actually wore my wedding gown.We started with African dinner. We had many single adults who volunteered to be waiters/ waitresses on that night. They ushered the participants to their seats and served them food and drinks. After dinner, we showed the movie "Fireproof". Many people were so blessed by the movie. The highlight of the event was reserved at the very end. We had all the husbands stand facing their wives. Holding their wives' hands, they repeated the "wedding vows" after my husband. Then, the wives repeated the wedding vow after me. To some women it was like they were getting married all over again. There was romance in the air. The participants left the dinner with smiles and a twinkle in their eyes.

Josh and Breanna passing out cookies

2009-06-11T16:40:00.004+03:00

Watch Josh as he's quick to know who got the cookies as he looks for those who have not yet received any. He seems to know what he's doing. For complete details follow this blog onto the next one.

Village Ministry

2009-06-11T12:15:00.009+03:00

We just got back from the village doing some ministry in a place called Kassese. Both Lorraine and I spoke in their conference and then I spoke in the evenings at the crusade that they held. We brought the kids and they ministered to the children by bringing them cookies, toys and clothes. Our children had baked cakes (well....Lorraine baked cakes) and they sold them at our church and then they took the proceeds brought cookies to take to the village.

It was really a great trip (except for the bought with food poisoning, see the blog below) that had some real impact. Upon our arrival in one of the sessions a young evangelist spoke before me. His gospel was corrupted by the “spirit of the age” in this nation (something like the prosperity gospel they have in States) claiming that if people would simply praise God they would receive cars and visas to foreign countries. The chairs were set around the place in way that contradicted the James 2. Pastors sat on cushioned couches while the poor sat on hard benches in the back. I was grieved. I prayed and ask the Lord for His grace so I could “set in order” the discrepancies. When I stood up the anointing was present, God was gracious and I was able to communicate what I felt was God’s heart. The word was strong and it came with power and conviction. I moved some of the poor people from their seats and had them trade with me and family and let them sit on the couches while we sat on the wooden benches. In the end the Pastors and the leaders got the message. The end result was joy. People were glad - as one Pastor put it “it was good to hear the real gospel”. Later Lorraine spoke on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the impact was also equally impacting upon their hearts. We humbly thank God for all he did.

Sick as a Dog

2009-06-11T12:00:00.002+03:00

Thanks for our prayers - our family has recovered from the whopping cough. Please keep us constant prayer in this area of divine protection from sickness. Last week we traveled to the village for some ministry and I got a serious dose of food poisoning. I have had this many times - it usually passes in about 12 hrs but this time it went on strong for over 24 hrs - it was horrendous - by far one the worst times of sickness in my life, not sure what I ate - but whatever it was - it was serious. On top of being sick I had to drive back to Kampala . Lorraine and the kids were with me, but being as sick as I was I would have got even sicker (nauseated) had I not driven. The amazing thing was that I just went by faith and drove and I got a lot better as I drove and then after a 5 hour drive - almost the moment I got home "Bam" it hit me again. Four days later and I am still weak. So we covet you prayers in this area!

Whooping Cough

2009-04-30T16:32:00.006+03:00

Please pray for our family, we have been hit with a virus called Whooping Cough. First Josh had it first and then he passed it on to his sister and now Lorraine has it. Josh is over the hard part - but please pray for our little girl - she at the hardest stage - where she chokes on her phlegm and finds it hard to breathe. It's hard on us especially Lorraine (as she is with her most of the time), every time Breanna gets an attack your heart sinks as she literally chokes and gasps (whooping) for air for about one minute. Lorraine has not had any sort of major whooping, just a continuous cough - please pray she doesn't get to that stage. And pray it doesn't get passed to yours truly. Otherwise things are OK for now. I will give an update soon on things around here.

Preaching to the chicken's

2009-04-29T15:23:00.000+03:00

The other Sunday, I went to one our churches to preach. I got lost for over an hour trying to find the place. But when I finally found it I thought I might still be lost. I am glad to say that 5 chickens got saved......saved from the knife that is....

The week that was.

2009-03-28T13:42:00.007+03:00

Well I not am sure what a normal week is for anyone one, but since I don't have any major news I thought I could just recap our week.

The picture above is something we often come up against while traveling down the road. It slows down your journey to say the least.

We have been at the hospital checking up on a church member who contracted tetanus. He got cut by something that was rusty and since he had not had the vaccination he contracted the disease. Normally a person dies with in about 24 hrs, but God had mercy on him and he survived. He swelled up like balloon all over his entire body and could not really talk for about two weeks. For over ten days he had very little sleep because something that would resemble a person being shocked with electricity kept disturbing him - but in reality it was something that was giving him a stabbing feeling in his heart. In such a state you could wonder if he could make it, but he did. If you don't have your tetanus shot - go get it today! No one should got through such an experience when a vaccination is available. I can not adequately describe the pain this young man went through and the way he looked - all I can tell you is that it was not good at all.

I had loaned my small iPod to a pastor at our church. He walked out his office for a short time and when he came back someone had stolen it. The thing that always gets me about these things is that it seems like most of the theft we experience is at the church. Of course we spend a lot time there, but it always makes my head spin. In our men's breakfast this morning we had a discussion about the corruption here in our nation and in the church at large. The conclusion was, since most children do not grow up with a sense of right and wrong in the home it's very hard for them to make the right decision later on in life. If that's true (and I believe it is) make sure your children grow up in home where right and wrong is discerned....otherwise your nation may someday end in the state we are in - where your own church becomes a "den of thieves".

On a more positive note, we had a great testimony in our Sunday service the week before last. Human sacrifice has been on the rise here in the last few months as witchdoctors have been targeting not just children (as they usually do) but older children and adults also. Human sacrifice is not something that went away in the stone age - it is still practice here. People do not give themselves willing they are tricked and or kidnapped and then brought to a witchdoctor to be beheaded and whatever else they do. This church member got up and told this story about how he had been targeted as human sacrifice. They had tricked him into believing a story that was false to get him to the shrine where the killing was going to take place. He openly admitted he was not "prayed up" for the whole experience - but said that in surprise to him when they brought him to the witchdoctor a mysterious wind followed him into the shrine. In the shrine they had a fire that was burning and the wind he brought in with him blew the fire out. The witchdoctor began to feel very uncomfortable with this wind that followed this young man into the shrine. They began to investigate and found out found that they had the wrong guy. So they sent him away. His point was "God is with us -even when we are not prayed up". I will leave you with that thought, and recommend you still pray but remember that even if you don't - God is still with you!

Jailed!

2009-02-23T15:41:00.003+03:00

Being a muzungu (white person) in Uganda I have encountered all types of corruption from different sources at different levels. I have never paid a bribe and never will. Many times I have been pulled over by the police with the threat of taking me to the court (as a way of getting bribe from me). I would let the police into my car and offer to drive to court together with them. After a few hundred metres driving down the road (by this time the police would have figured out I am not giving him any bribe), he would give me a warning and get out of my car. This has happened more times than I can count. But this recent incident has to be at the top of the list.

On February 13th, I was travelling back from our Bible School in a town called Jinja when I reached some sugar fields at a place called Lugazi. Ahead of me I could see many cars stopped along with the police. The police man flagged me down and flashed a speed gun that showed that I was travelling 85 kph (about 53 mph). I thought I was going slower, because I spotted the cars and police at the side of road in far distance and I had slowed down along ways back to see what was happening as I approached the police. In any case when the police stopped me – he simply told me I was going to court. I followed him to the Lugazi Police station where I was written a court order. When I asked what was happening I was told I was speeding and I was going to court. I then asked the officer if it was not customary procedure for me to get a written citation for speeding. He told me that it was for the offender to request for such a citation. When I asked for a citation he told me it was not possible because I was going 85 kph (about 53 mph) and the speed limit was 50 kph (about 31 mph)keep in mind this is a highway. I was then taken to the Lugazi court and thrown into Jail. At this point I have not been explained by anyone what is happening or been told my rights. When I asked one police woman what the procedure was she responded “We too are big people – you just do as we say” as if I was a big person because I wanted to know what was happening to me. There were two others with me who were also being charged for speeding, one for 85 kph also (interesting huh, makes me wonder if their gun was stuck) the other for going 61 khp. While in the jail, fellow prisoners welcomed me by searching my pockets to see if I had any money or anything that might interest them. By now I am feeling like a common criminal. After about 1½ to 2 hours I appeared in court. We were told by the police to plead guilty or we would stay in prison until our court date. When I appeared in court I was mocked and shamed – the judge seemed to be happy humiliating me. For what? Because I was a criminal that needed to be treated like one. I was fined 450,000 shillings (about $225.00 USD, which for this country is outrageous). The other two that were with me were fined 300,000 and 400,000 (the man who was also doing 85 kph paid 50,000 less than me). By the time I was released at about 4:45 PM (almost four hours later) there were three others who were also being charged for speeding - all had to pay 400,000. There was one other person who had no driving permit/licence and was having to pay 600,000. When I left all but one person had paid, in total that was 2,950,000 million shillings (about $1500.00 USD). This was collected from the drivers pulled in by the police in the afternoon session. Who knows how much money they collected from other drivers in the morning session? Who was the money paid to? To the makeshift court collection office next to the jail. In Uganda because of the corruption, all such monies are to be paid at the bank, and then you take the receipts to the court or police. But not this time. From the moment I was pulled over till the moment I left the jail, I was barely given a chance to say anything or even ask questions, I was to pay or I was to stay in prison. Since my fine was paid at 4:45 PM and it had to be paid before 5:00 PM the word was going around that the muzungu is going to dig the next morning and they were all having a good laugh. I have no problem paying for a speeding citation; in fact I would gladly pay under the due process of the law. One man in jail told me he was embarrassed for the treatment I was being subjected to and said that maybe they should make considerations for foreigners. I don’t agree, everyone should be treated the same, they should be treated with respect and be given the proper due process of the law. Unfortunately this time justice would not prevail. Pray for us and our protection in such situations. Trust me it’s no joke.

The Serious Side of Life

2009-01-26T14:52:00.011+03:00

Godfrey is still standing strong despite losing both his wife and baby in less than three weeks.

Hello friends,

I just returned from visiting the family of a young boy from our Sunday school who died yesterday . He was only about 12 yrs old. He drowned in a small lake by the side of the road that had formed by rain water. Apparently he thought he would go swimming in the pond. Because the water was quite cold, his legs cramped up and he drowned. His friends had motioned to some grown-ups to come and rescue him, but apparently they didn't take the children seriously - God knows if they would have been able to save the boy. Even now as I write this blog, I am reminded of another church member who recently lost both his wife and young baby in a span of less than three weeks. They had been married less than two years, when tragedy struck. The wife was having problems in her pregnancy and eventually the child died. After the pre-mature delivery the wife remained at the hospital under the Dr.'s care. She seemed to be getting better and then a day later she was pronounced dead.

One of the things that constantly goes through my head while living in Uganda is how often people die of things that are rarely taken serious. Many of these deaths could be avoided, if their was a sense of seriousness that surrounded them (Bystanders, Dr's, Policemen). Many of the schools that transport children to and fro or on field trips are just flat bed trucks with a bar around the back end. They pile them in and make them stand up and hold on to one another to balance. I have literally seen small pick-ups with what looks to be about 25 or so students. But here is the ironic thing, the driver drives like he is in race (with no regard for those in the back). But the real ironic thing is this - the students are happily singing and caring on with no regard for the danger. What are they singing?....well.....something like this (I am not making this up) "Driver, Driver keep driving faster and if we crash, at least we will be in the hospital together". Huh............. hard to figure out isn't it.

I am in no way saying that in the two cases above that (both the young boy and the wife and her baby) the people around them did not care enough or do enough to avoid the tragedy before it took place. But, I often get this underling feeling that seems to be within the culture, that says "Life is tough and you never know when your going to die - so don't take life too serious because if you do, you will be disappointed". And so we end up with a sense hopelessness here - that most people in the first world never live with. Sometimes it hard.....Pray for us as we pray for you.

Hold on to today and live it as if it was your last and when you make it through, thank Him for another one!

Happy New Year from the Woodson's

2009-01-01T23:37:00.006+03:00

We pray that this blog finds you blessed and ready for a New Year. As a church we are going through the book of Joshua - from the first Sunday of the year. Our theme is "Step over the line in the year Two Zero Zero Nine". I am sure their are some things that we all need to step over this year to get to where we are going. Whatever that is for you; be it a difficulty at home, at work or school we hope you cross over (from your own strength) into His grace to get you through it. We pray that His Spirit is strong and steady throughout this coming year. The Year of our Lord! God Bless you and your family in 2009!

Read on as this blog continues below..........

A December of pictures.

2009-01-01T22:37:00.012+03:00

Hope you had a great Christmas. As I has mentioned in my last blog, my mother was here from the States, we had great time with her. In the three weeks she was here she took over 1000 pictures!!! Here are a few of shots of what our December looked like here in Uganda. Be blessed!
We had a Christmas Production at the church entitled "Miracle Child". It was a story about three mothers (Hannah, Elizabeth and Mary) and the birth of their children. In the audience was a manager of a Local TV station, who so impressed with the production that he offered to broadcast it for free on his station.

We also had something called "Talent Time" were we had all our G12 groups (cell groups) perform some skits. Lorraine brought her girls out dressed as "Kung Foo" artists and show that they were not to be "messed with"

Our annual Christmas Carnival drew well over a 1000 people, probably closer to 2000. In an event that we get our members to bring in donations of food and clothing to give away to those who are very poor (living on less than a $1.00 a day). The people come and receive free; haircuts, shoe shine, eye bow cutting, nail polishing plus the food and clothes. We also have games where they win prizes such as gift certificates to local super markets and much more. People came as early as 8:30 AM to line up (we do not begin until 2 PM).

This girl had her face painted at the children's carnival that runs simultaneously about a 50 yards from the church at another location.

This picture was taken on Christmas day. The choir worked extremely hard to present some incredible items that blessed the congregation immensely.

Lastly we took my mother up to see the animals in one of the Game Parks. We were blessed to have found this lion who had just killed a African buffalo. We were able to get quite close and no one became dessert!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-03T20:27:00.004+03:00

Christmas in Uganda is always great. We have no snow and we have no Santa's, but we have Jesus and it's not against the law to put a manger scene up in the city. Most people look forward to this time of year to be in church on Christmas Day and then with friends or family in the afternoon. The whole world does not revolve around what you will "get" or "shopping" or many of the other things that take away from the real significance of this season. Most people think about giving a person a card, sending them a message on their phone or just saying a kind word as a gift. It's mostly about encouraging a person in whatever way you can. If you do give a gift - it's not so much what you got - but more on the fact that you got anything at all. We will often go through our house and find whatever simple gift we can to bless some of our church members, it could be shirt (a 2nd hand one), a pen or watch (not new). The people will enjoy just the fact that someone was thinking about them - more than the gift. I thought I might share these few words with you in hopes of you having a simple Christmas and not getting too busy as tough as I am sure that will be. However it turns out, please do have a wonderful one. We we will be blessed to my Mother here for about three weeks, until the 26th. We will also be having our annual Christmas carnival at the church. Otherwise - enjoy your December!

Uganda goes to East Timor

2008-11-05T12:47:00.004+03:00

This is our missionary in East Timor, Pastor Brain Korton. We sent him there in January of this year. We raised the money needed locally in Kampala for his airfare and have been sending him money for his upkeep. I had a chance to visit him last month (East Timor is about a 3 hour plane trip from Singapore)and He has done a great job! He learned the local language in just three months. He is from the Acholi tribe in Uganda and only God knows how - his local Acholi language is similar to the Tatum (a combination of Portuguese and Bahsa Indonesia) language that the local people speak. There are missionaries that have been there in East Timor for over two years and they have to yet to learn the local language as well as he can speak it. He has also been given great favor by the local people and has been able to construct a 5 bedroom house for the team that we are sending early next year. He has also been the given the money to build an orphanage in the town in where is. He has many testimonies that I hope to share in future posts. Otherwise, Uganda has arrived in East Timor and God is doing tremendous things.

Here is short clip of him speaking with the local people.

Prime Time at the Pool

2008-09-25T17:27:00.005+03:00

Prime Time at the Pool is an evangelistic outreach that takes place at Uganda’s largest University. Usually about once a year they ask me to come and speak for them. The crowd consists of both Christians and non-believers. There are usually about two thousand or so young people that crowd around the pool every Saturday night. Every year they have a week long series of meetings that I spoke at this year. It’s not an easy crowd to preach to – being that it is outside and much of the crowd is a bunch of unsaved rowdy university students. Many come only for the music, so by the time the preacher comes there is a lot jeering and hollering. But, I really thank the Lord for the students who were bold enough to step out in front of their friends and make a decision to follow Christ. It turned out to be a good evening.

"To each his own"

2008-09-24T12:53:00.000+03:00

That's right! Want to gain some weight? Especially around the hips? I don't think you will find this advert many other places in the world, but here in Uganda people actually want to make their hips bigger. I remember once when a couple was getting married in our church. The girl was tall and slender. Her relatives didn't approve of her getting married so thin. What did they do? They told her cousin to "fatten her up". I am telling the truth!!! Needless to say these days the girl has met the expectations of her family and is now nice and uhhhh (what's the word to be politically correct?) big.

Teen Challenge Uganda

2008-09-13T15:36:00.003+03:00

A few weeks ago we had tremendous time with two brothers from Teen Challenge in the States, Bernie Gillot and Mike Zello. They came here to Uganda to help us transition our Recovery Home into an official Teen Challenge. Though we still have few things to iron out – it looks like we will be called Teen Challenge Uganda in a few months. We are looking forward to the relationship we have begun and are believing God for greater things in the future in helping us reach the hurting in our city.

We visited High Schools, slums, churches as well as did numerous Television interviews for a great time of impact. Bernie is an accomplished singer/song writer who raps, plays the guitar and keyboard – almost all at the same time. Mike Zello the Africa Director for Teen Challenge who has one of the most powerful testimonies I have ever heard. We thank the Lord for sending them to us at this time.

New Church Web Site and CD

2008-08-18T14:51:00.014+03:00

We have a new church website that you can log into at http://www.vccntinda.org/.

We have also published our first 5 song CD entitled "Forevermore". You can download the songs for free from the website. We wrote and produced all the songs ourselves. They are birthed out of our love and devotion to the loveliness and beauty of Jesus. Listen and let us know what your think.

Doing the hard things

2008-07-17T09:45:00.008+03:00

My wife and I recently decided to stop in and check out this "Health Club" as it is called. It's quite close to our church and home and so we thought it might be a convenient place for us to "work out". We stepped inside and looked around and then we were taken on tour. We first went to the left which led us into a room where there was a lounge and you could watch television get a facial or a massage. Then we were shown the Sauna and the Steam rooms. Then we were led around the corner to outdoor lounging area and then our final destination was a fully stocked bar (not a juice bar - but a fully stocked alcoholic bar). At that point our tour guide informed us that our tour was over. We asked "and where are the weights and the aerobic machines, you know the treadmills, bikes and fitness equipment?” The lady said "Oh, they are coming" well I lived here long enough to know that this was probably not the case by the way she answered us. She told us they were going to be put in upstairs, but I have since noticed a sign advertising for a hair saloon in that place.

If we are not careful our Christian walk can be like this. Our Christian experience can be reduced to: church attendance, cell group, tithe and a daily devotional. It becomes a Christian club with very little discipline involved. We are saved, yes - but are we "working out" our salvation with fear and trembling as the word tells us in Philippians 2:12 .

I recently bumped into a website called "do hard things" it is a website put up by two of Josh Harris (the writer of "Why I kissed dating goodbye") brothers. The website is for young people and it challenges them to do something with their lives and not settle for being an iPod professional. They are convinced that many young people (and their parents) have bought into a lie – which says - life is about them and their comfort. They have written a book by the same title that I have not read but I am intrigued by the subject. Some people would say that we are doing “a hard thing” by living in Uganda. But I know the reality of what my life is challenged by and what has simply become “everyday life”. A few days ago, in our family devotion time I challenged our 5 year old son to take a cold shower. Why? He asked. I told him because someday you may go to the village where they don’t have hot water and because you’re not used to cold water you will complain and end up seeming “rude”. He understood the logic and agreed it would be helpful to take the cold shower once in a while. Maybe your thinking that I am tough…he is only five. Let me assure you ….it’s only water and it’s really not that cold.

Do you need to take a cold shower? I know I do, otherwise I too - will complain and seem rude when I challenged with small and minor things.

Passion Uganda

2008-06-30T16:03:00.003+03:00

The Passion Youth Movement came to Uganda at the end of May for two days of outreach ministry to University students. They had about 25,000 students attend the meetings. Worship leaders Chris Tomlin (Best known for his song -How great is our God) and Matt Redman (Blessed be your name/Heart of Worship) were here along with the speakers Louie Giglio and Francis Chan. It was a great event for our city and for the students - the message was clear "God has great things for Kampala as we yield ourselves to Him - He alone is to be exhalted"

Chicken anyone?

2008-06-30T15:29:00.003+03:00

I know it's kinda hard to see what is wraped around this scooter but these are actually chickens. I have tried to count them and it seems there are around 15 of them. They are not dead but alive and clucking. You might be asking why would someone be transporting chickens in such a manner? You see it's cheaper this way. The cost of hiring this boda boda man (that is what they call these guys who drive scooters for hire) is about 1/4 the price of hiring a truck to do the job.
Some may call this cruelty to animals - but when your headed to the slaughter house, even driving in a limo won't do you a lot of good.

Reversing roles

2008-06-29T16:26:00.000+03:00

We live in world where more and more people are changing roles. In some families the head of the home is no longer the husband it’s the wife - who wears the pants. In some work places it’s the employees that tell the boss what to do. In some homes it’s the children that tell the parents what to do. And believe it or not - some people today are the ones directing God around and telling Him what to do. It reminds me of a time where I reversed roles with a policeman here. I was traveling back home with a church member and forgot to put on my seat belt. The police man pulled me over and explained to me my "offense" upon when he asked for a bribe. I refused and then he asked me if "I wanted to get right of get left?" I told him I didn't understand what he was saying. He then tells me that we will need to go to the police station to sort the matter out (I know this game they play and he did not want to go the station it was his way threatening me). So he gets in the car (that's the way we do it here, they usually don't have a car [this guy in picture above is the exception]- so they get into yours and you drive them and yourself to the station) but now I can smell alcohol on his breath (and now understand why he would ask such a stupid question as whether I wanted to get right or get left). He says lets go to the station and I say "sounds like a great idea because you not only tried to bribe me but your obviously drunk and I am sure your boss would like to know these things". He quickly changes his mind and wants out of the car – I refuse – At that point – we reverse roles. I am now taking the police man to the police station. I tell him I am taking him to the police station to turn him in. He then tells me several times that I am abducting him. We proceed to the police station and explain the situation to the Officer In Charge and tell him what happened. Of course at this point the police don’t know what to do. I have now become the prosecutor – they are dumbfounded and want me to drop the whole thing – which I don’t feel comfortable about. In the midst of the whole – the drunk and disorderly police man some how sneaks out and runs away like scared cat. By the time I realize what has happened – he is gone and so I decide to drop the whole thing and go home. Yes, a humorous but true story. As funny as it may sound I wonder how many times we also trade roles with God and begin to tell how we would like Him to fit into our plans. I really don't want to be a police man, I have enough things going on as Pastor. In Uganda we may not be able to trust the police - but we can trust God. He is not going to let us down - he doesn't need us to do His job for Him. Let's let Him be God and let's let us be us.

Prayer Requests

2008-06-04T12:32:00.004+03:00

It's always good to pray for each other. Pray for us as we pray for you.

1) Uganda is much more violent and hostile than it once was. Though we don't feel threatened or at risk - pray for God's protection over us.

2) The nation has seen food prices almost double in the last six months. Pray for Uganda and for the people. Pray that God will strengthen their hearts during this time of testing.

3) We are also feeling the effects of the current economic situation. Keep us also in your prayers.

4) Pray for God's wisdom as we minster in a nation and on a continent that is sometimes hard to understand in terms of spirituality. People are open to listen, but discipling (commitment) is a huge challenge here.

5) Pray for us as parents. Raising children as MK's (missionary kids) needs great wisdom and insight.

Thank you so much for praying. It means a lot to us.

God bless you. The Woodsons

Give Him praise!

2008-05-23T14:54:00.006+03:00

This guy is imagining he has a microphone. You think I am making a joke - but I am not - he is singing into his hand, leading in praise songs.

The lesson here is - "If your voice is loud enough - no one knows the difference" or is it "make a joyful noise unto the Lord".... - I will take the latter.

So sing unto the Lord - even if you don't have a mic - the idea is to sing praise to God.

Go ahead just try it. Hold your fist up to your mouth and sing. That's it "Holy Holy Holy - God of power and might....."

Whatever is going on in your life today - praise Him in the midst of it and may He be gloried.

God bless you!!!

Pray for us!

2008-05-07T13:02:00.003+03:00

I pulled this out of our local paper here in Kampala. As I am sure you know by now that we are headed into a world wide financial crisis. Experts tell us that it is going to hit us the hardest in the Third World. People living in the first world usually have a "cushion" on their income so when recession comes they still have some room before it affects them in places like "not eating as much" because the economy is not good. But for the average person around the World that is exactly what is happening. One Indian man in Uttar Pradesh (India) said this "We had to stop eating lunch. And we had to completely stop drinking milk,". Here in Uganda things are not too bad.....yet, but food prices are rising so fast - I am concerned for the future. Rice has gone up about 40% in the last six weeks. Every week the prices seem to be going up on everything. Our meat is being (especially fish) exported all over the world to China, Europe and other African countries, plus surging gas prices and the construction boom around the world (India and China) is making life more difficult for us here.

We are praying and meditating on the promises of God. Last week I preached on the subject of God hiding a blessing for us in this time of economic testing. I used the illustration of Joesph being hidden in Egypt during the time of famine. Joesph had access to all the food in the land. But His family did know he was a alive. When they went to Egypt looking for food - they found a man (Joseph) that said he could help them - but he wanted to see their younger brother (Benjamin). Benjamin had not gone with his brothers to Egypt for their father (Jacob) feared he might lose him, as was the case with his son Joseph. So when his sons returned home to their father and said the man in Egypt want to see Benjamin - Jacob cried.

"You're taking everything I've got! Joseph's gone, Simeon's gone, and now you want to take Benjamin. If you have your way, I'll be left with nothing." Genesis 42:36 (MSG).

But if Jacob did not release Benjamin he would never see Jacob. The bible says - Jacobs whole life was bound up in his son.

And now when I come to your servant my father, and the boy is not with us, since his life is bound up in his life, it shall be, when he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Genesis 44:30,31

Joesph was still alive - but as long as Jacob held on to Benjamin he would never know God's provision. He had to let go.

God had hidden Joseph until the famine. It was God’s plan to reveal him in the time of the famine – because God knew that is when they would need him the most.

What we have done on our end, is to encourage our people to give and be generous during this time. We are taking up special offerings to provide food for those who will need it in the coming months.

As I close I feel impressed to encourage you with this: Don't hold on to your "Benjamin" - God has had Joseph hidden for a reason, and I believe He is saying "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord,…. Jeremiah 29:13,14

- God will not do your part (the seeking) as you can not hurry Him to do His part. His timing is perfect. Let go of Benjamin and let God reveal Joseph.

God Bless you.

Check this kid out!

2008-04-14T15:31:00.003+03:00

Is blogging like boasting? Well you know how parents can be about their children. Boastful!

Check out Josh on his drums. I think you will be impressed for a 5 yr old.

Stay blessed we love you!

A blog from a old man

2008-04-02T10:24:00.009+03:00

This thing was walking around in our house one morning. We caught it and decided to eat it, but before we ate it we snapped this picture. It tasted like chicken. Well..... not really. Actually we took our kids to a crocodile farm where they let you "pet" the crocs (for a small fee). Don't be fooled by his size- this little guy was tough! and just getting him out of his holding tank was not easy for the croc keeper. After I handed this “little snapper” back over to his owner I had small cuts on my hands from his sharp skin. In Uganda they breed these crocs for their skin and then sell off the tail for eating. I have eaten crocodile tail in both Uganda and the States (Cajun cooking on the US side), quite good! A meal you would not want to pass up.

Otherwise, just short blog and update on our life. Things are going quite well for us. Josh is now about 5 1/2 years old and is being home schooled by a fantastic teacher (Lorraine). We started him in the 1st grade, which began in March, he is young for the 1st grade but he is keeping up. His main interest is playing his drums - I hope to upload you a video sample in the next few weeks of him playing. Breanna is now about 2 1/2 years old and she is quite the adventurous one (except for the water) she climbs hills and jumps off steps to keep up with her brother, her main interest is picking out her own clothes - "I never knew women were born with this clothes thing". For Lorraine, she is extremely busy with trying to balance; Home schooling and ministry and being a housewife. Not easy, but she enjoys the time she has with the kids and opportunity to be a home with them and "me". As for me (Darryl) I am finding that life is quite satisfying at 42 (April 8th is my B-day) and feel as though God has been so good to me. I find tremendous fulfillment in living wholehearted for God at this age. It’s… well….Let me blog and blah for minute. It's interesting these days for me to look around the world as I travel and log in (Internet) and keep up on what people seem to be "into" these days. Christians seem to be wondering as much as anyone else - as to what will make them happy. Everybody seems so focused on being happy. Whether it's here in Uganda, in US or Asia - people to want to be happy. That seems to be the main issue in their life. Personally, I find even trying to answer that question a bit peculiar because it tends to make a person inward thinking rather than looking out to the needs of others. But since we all want to be happy (myself included) it’s best to look at how Jesus answered the question. In Matthew 5 Jesus described to us what makes a person happy (most translations use the word blessed rather than happy but the Greek word is really translated happy) by telling us in the Beatitudes. These thoughts are so far different than today’s current mindset. For example: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake or blessed are the poor in the spirit. These are totally contrary to the current trend in a post modern world – where most are consumed with themselves. Even some (as we see so often in this part of the world) who “carve out a niche for themselves” in helping others are only doing it for some kind recognition.

These days I am finding that God is helping me to find more contentment in the small things than in the big things of life. The big things seem to steal my attention from the “one thing” (Ps 27:4, Luke 10:42) that’s necessary, while the small things seem to keep it (my heart) focused and alive. One of the areas that God is helping to look at the small thing is in my work or ministry (as some call it). In the past few months (as much as I can) – I leave my office at the church (from doing the “big things”) and go out just walk the neighborhood, talk to the people and pray for them. When I first began to do this I was amazed that I didn't know (I shouldn't be - I never visited them before) “my neighbors” around the church they didn’t know me - these people were living right next to the church. I thought this is not right. I am definitely missing something here. Here, I have been so focused on these “big things” (that I feel I am supposed to do) and I am missing out on touching the needs and the people around me. I decided to change. There has been so many positive things that have happened both in my heart and in the neighborhood since I began. But let me share one that is “fresh”. There has been a Muslim lady I have been going to visit as much as I can. She has eye problems and finds it hard to see. She has not been able to read because of the pain she experiences when trying to do so. For months I have been praying for her and asking her to come to church. Well this past Sunday she came. On that Sunday we had someone scheduled to give a testimony, but when she saw her opportunity she came running to give her testimony also. I was not overseeing the service – I was seated. When I seen her I did not recognize her – she was all dressed up (wherever I visited her she was in clothes that many would call rags) in her Sunday best. She came and gave a testimony about how her eyes are much better (she can now read for a short period and the pain had stopped) and that God was great! She is still not saved (not that I know of -but she is talking like she is) but we can pray – her name is Rashida.

Now here is my point – first I am so glad I have been going out and visiting this lady. Secondly, on Sunday when she came up to the stage the person who was overseeing the service looked at me to see if was OK for here to give a testimony. Since I did not recognize her – my thoughts were “is this lady going to get up and take a long time to testify and take up my time (for the “big” thing) to preach”. Well…..I let her testify and well……I think you can see where I am going with this....

I like being 42 – not because I am 42 – but because God has helped see the futility of giving my life to the big things (thinking that is where my life exists) and missing out on the small things of life that God has given to us to bring fulfillment according to the Beatitudes. One thing I have learned at 42 is that as I do the small things – God will do the big things. The small things (the obscure, the unseen and unnoticed) will bring the everyday fulfillment we all need – and if a big thing comes through – that’s a bonus and if it doesn’t, that’s OK . I realize that my life is not found in the things that I need to "make me feel better” but my life in the small things I try to do daily FOR HIM!!!

Happy Resurrection to you!

2008-03-20T13:04:00.007+03:00

I can promise you one thing! In Uganda - we have the best tasting pineapple in the world (yes better than Hawaii). If you don't believe me - I think you better come and try one.

The interesting thing about pineapple is that many people don't know they grew. As you can see it grows like a plant, out of the ground - just one at a time.

Before I seen a pineapple growing - I never knew how they grew. But then again, I never really thought about it.

The bible gives an interesting analogy here as to how Christ "grew" before he went to the cross.

Isaiah tells us that Jesus came as "....a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground...."(Isa 53:2).

If your not familiar with Isaiah 53 - The prophet goes on and describes (as well as prophecies) the death of Christ and how He suffered for us.

This verse "(Isa 53:2) describes Jesus as a tender plant - meaning He was a servant. The Good News Bible says it this way "It was the will of the LORD that his servant grow like a plant taking root in dry ground...."

It would do us (I know it would do me) good to be reminded that Jesus grew as a servant - that we might take on the same attitude. Serving means going the way of the cross for us all. But if we look for ways to serve one another - we can expect a resurrection.

Philippians 2:5-11
For let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him, and has given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of heavenly ones, and of earthly ones, and of ones under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

God bless you as "we" serve our King!

Sri Lanka Missions Trip

2008-03-07T07:35:00.007+03:00

This week I am in Sri Lanka (Darryl). I was invited to be one of the speakers at a missions conference called "Arise Asia". It has been a tremendous conference with delegates from all over Asia and the world (many from India and Nepal). One of the testimonies I heard is worth repeating and sharing with you.

His name is Ps. Augustine Jebakumar from a place called Beher in India. Augustine left his home and traveled about 36 hours on a train to a place in India where neither knew one person or spoke the language. He arrived only having felt God calling him to the place, but not knowing what he would do or say. He began ministering to anyone who would listen. Today the Lord has helped them to care for 25,000 children in their schools and 1500 orphans. They also have over 1,0000 churches that they over see. They spend 45% of there general church budget on mission work. But waht really got to me about this man's life was his sacrifice to preach the gospel.

Once, when he was out on the mission field preaching far from his hometown his father died. It was 6 days before the news got to him that his father was dead and it took him 7 days to get back home, before he could be with his grieving mother and family (13 days later). On a second a occasion, again while he was out preaching his son died - this time it was 3 days to get him the news and then anthor 3 days for him to get back home to be with his grieving wife (6 days later). Because he was not around - his own wife with two others had to dig the grave for their son.

He spoke with a broken heart about these deaths - rightly so - but he said that the choice to either stay home or "GO" and preach the gospel was a decision he was compelled to make. Their are people today around the world that are living out their faith in ways that God may or may not require of us -but I encourage you to live fearlessly in the face of whatever your facing - knowing that what He has called you to He is faithful to get you through it.

A Trip to Remember - Ntungamo

2008-02-29T20:58:00.005+03:00

Last week we travelled to a village called Ntungamo. It was about a

5 hour drive from Kampala. I had been asked my one of my “spiritual sons” if I would travel to the city where he recently had moved to plant a church. I accepted and told him that if he wanted me to I would go into the village and do some ministry there. For sometime now I have been feeling like I wanted to take our family into the village so they could experience some real village ministry. We have been to the village on several occasions for ministry, funerals and sometimes just to meet some friend’s relatives. But this would be the first time we would take the kids. We left it up to our host as to where we would stay (whether we would stay in the village or drive back to the nearest town). We arrived in the afternoon and by the time we got to the village church – our daughter Breanna was having a fever with Diarrhoea– she was sick before we left Kampala – but she did not have fever. We ministered in the church in the evening and ate some real village food. We then headed out into the night and deeper into the village to spend the night. Getting to the church was not too bad – but getting to the house where we would stay the night was another story. The road turned into what looked more like a walking path than a road – a few times we had to get out of the car to see where they road went - to see if we could make it. We travelled down an incline and arrived at a stream that looked a quite deep (especially at night). With Breanna still having a fever and us heading deeper into the village – it looked like we were in for a real adventure. We crossed the stream and finally ended up at the house we would stay the night at. By this time it seemed that most of the village children had followed us (not many cars would travel into the village this far – so they wanted to see what this was all about). We entered the house and met our hosts – a humble dwelling with only two beds – they gave us their two beds and they slept on the ground (no mattress). During the night Lorraine got bit by bed bugs – they got her real good - biting her over 100 times. Even today the bites are still all over her body (pray for her -as she has had trouble sleeping for two weeks now do to scratching in the night). We made it through the night but Breanna’s fever was still high. We kept giving her adult tablets of Ibprophen- because that’s all we had. After another day of ministry - in the afternoon we headed back to one of the major towns called Mbarara where we spent the night. The next day being Sunday we ministered in the town church– Breanna’s fever began to reduce and we saw her Diarrhoea dry up. Praise God! That is the short version of the story but we are glad we went and God is always faithful and we are better for having gone through the adventure.

Please check our the video clip in the blog prior to this one.

Dancin' - Village Style

2008-02-25T09:45:00.003+03:00

Last week we were in the village doing some ministry. This clip is from a presentation some the believers did in the conference we were ministering in. I think you will find this clip quite interesting. Enjoy!

I will add another blog giving the details of our trip. It was quite a journey!!

Thinking from the Heart

2008-02-20T15:20:00.003+03:00

Last week, I was out catching bugs with kids on my day off. A man selling “trinkets” (from china) came walking along. He was carrying his “portable store” on his back, he told me he had walked about 10 miles, which would quite a distance since his “store” weighed about 20-25 pounds. Anyway, the only thing I could find that interested me to buy was “clothes pins”, he was selling for about $1.25 – I bought two packs. He was also trying to get me to buy a small baby doll for Breanna – but she didn’t need another doll – even if it was quite cheap. After talking with him for a few minutes as we were going our separate ways – he gave the doll to Breanna. I wanted to give it back so he could sell it and get some money – after all even the clothes pins I was buying was to just help him out (didn’t really need them). But this is how the people are here – I can’t totally explain it – but one thing is that people think differently here. They think from their heart. Maybe , just maybe - this could explain why things are so often mismanaged here. And maybe that is why people in the first world miss out on some of the more quality things in life that we enjoy here – like relationships. Ever try to manage a friendship? Just the wording of that sounds awful – managing a friendship – managing a marriage? Yet that is what we often try to do with our life – we try manage it – control it. We want to control how things go by managing them. Well let me encourage us all to learn a lesson from the Ugandans – love with your heart not with your head – you my not get as much done – but you may slow down enough to not miss out on the more important things in life.

2008-02-04T07:43:00.001+03:00

Doreen has a great story of courage and faith that I felt was worth sharing with you. Doreen joined our church about 2 years ago with her husband. At the time she began attending she was having a good paying job that was a blessing to her and her family. But there was a problem she had acquired it under false pretences. In the course of attending the church she heard a message about “burning her bridges” and pushing ahead into all that God had for her. She knew she could not burn her bridges because the job she had she obtained with a “fake” diploma. It was a good job, but it was not right for her to keep it under those circumstances and she knew it. She had never had a proper education and she was too old and settled to really go back school - but she knew she needed to do the right thing. She decided to quit her job without telling anyone why. She waited a long time before God finally opened the door for new job. But recently God did bless her with a miracle job that was defiantly the hand of God opening a door for her.

What can we do?

2008-02-04T07:30:00.000+03:00

This last week was rather difficult as we had a member of our congregation died – his name was John Sentonyga. I personally took this a bit hard as I was visiting him regularly in the hospital. His family for the most part abandoned him. So as a church we took on the responsibility. We paid for medical costs and formed a team of people to be at his bedside at all times. He was a young man in his thirties, he had worked for the church at one time as the janitor. He was one of the leaders of both our prayer and hospital ministry. Ironically he was the one who visited most regularly the hospitals in our area as an outreach ministry of our church. He died of either meningitis or a fungus on the brain, we were also told he was HIV positive.

Death in Uganda is common and in many cases it could have been avoided. From reckless driving to disease to war and famine many people lose their lives much too early. In the case of the John, at the time of his death the Dr’s were not even treating him. He was to go for a CT scan the following day of his death, but on the day of his death he was simply lying on his bed vomiting and losing his mind. Whatever the cause was, it seemed that the Dr’s had given up and were not communicating anything to us. It was a sad situation that grieved my heart wondering if there was something else we could be doing. But the Dr’s had been so causal and calm - they gave impression that the sickness was going to be a long term type of situation.

“Time waits for no one” and death knocks on everyone’s door. Of course John was at God’s mercy. But these days the question I am asking is “How do I fit into the plan of God in a person’s life?” What I am to do as person not a pastor. My answer lies in my conscious effort to get my eyes off myself and onto others. In the stress and business of life God gives us pleasures to enjoy – most of the time we look for them in the form of entertainment. Not many of us look at the Beattitudes for an answer as how to be happy or have pleasure - But Jesus said:

Matthew 5: 4 “Blessed are those who mourn - For they shall be comforted”.

Another way I might say this verse is. “Happy are those who mourn for others – for they get their eyes off themselves and enter a deep pleasure few ever find”. I have discovered that some of the comfort found in mourning for others is in pushing hard to simply “Suck it up” and get your attention off your own problems. When I do this – I feel as if I am actually getting a hold of life instead life getting a hold of me. It’s rather simple “God in you is bigger than all that life is throwing me” – I tend to believe this when I am actually lining up my life with the truth of the verse and I send a message back to myself “God’s word is true and it does work when I obey it and apply it”. I have been finding great strength in applying the Beatitudes in my life – though it is difficult – my baby steps are helping me to run the race with perseverance in a nation that many times is easy to despair in.

I hope I have made sense and I hope your passion in life is found in helping others and not helping yourself or might find yourself being swallowed by temporary issues that were meant to bless you instead destroy you.

Our Annual Christmas Carnival

2008-01-17T06:15:00.000+03:00

Every year we have a huge Carnival at the church during Christmas time -where we collect clothes, food and other house hold items to give away to the community. The images your looking are some of the clothes we gave away and also the line for people to receive the free items. This year was bigger than ever and we gave away more than 5,000 items including beds, bicycles, furniture, rice, beans, shoes and so much more. We also offer free services like nail polish, shoe polish, hair cuts, car wash and even eye brow trimming. In addition we also have all sorts of games the people can play to win prizes. We run two Carnivals at the same time, an adult and a children's. All the items we collect are given by the community and the church members. It's a great time to see people giving back to the community in a culture that too often expects things the other way around.

The Price of Fuel

2008-01-13T13:41:00.000+03:00

If you don't know it - our neighbor Kenya has been in political crisis. The President claimed victory and took over the office while it would seem he was not the winner or at least it was so close that they would have needed to do a recount. Anyway because most of the fuel trucks come through Kenya into Uganda the price of gasoline shot up to about $11.69 a gallon (that is what we paid) average price - but some paid up to almost $23.000 a gallon, regular price here is about $6.00 a gallon. So you see that your blessed to pay $3.00 or $4.00 a gallon. But the real problem was getting fuel or finding it. As fuel trucks enter the gas or petrol stations - police would be on stand by. The station could sell 2,500 gallons in 5 hrs and then when it was gone - the station did not receive fuel again for another 3 days. For us we had only one car that had fuel, so we limited our movements . It gave me a fresh perspective on what may happen in the future throughout the world and how it can affect us. Most of us don't think in this type of terms - "What would you do if you had no fuel to get to work?" "How much of your life is dependent on gasoline?" something to think about.....................and ponder. It has helped us to see that God is our source and He does take care of us, but no one is exempt from the situations that effect the world. Our faith is in Him and His provision and not a government or bank account. It's good a feeling to know that He is our source. Thankfully the situation is getting better and at the moment our tanks our full and so are our hearts. God bless you

Welcome to another day of life!!

2008-01-11T14:13:00.000+03:00

Well here it is.... uhhhh.....can't say you have been waiting for this or have you have you. Anyway...hopefully this blog may help us keep in touch. The question is..... will I ever write anything.... or will this be just idea I had. Well Anyway, We are hoping we can begin to keep you a little more up to date on our lives and what's happening here in Uganda. Sooooooo. let me post a real blog.