Passion Uganda

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?

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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.