We had our final "dress" rehearsal last night, and honestly felt like we were having the real service. People from the community began to just show up. Alfred, our security guard, told me people wanted to come in and that he had been holding them back. I quickly told him to PLEASE let them come, and come they did! Children of all ages, parents, college age, and even some of our elderly came out to see what all the noise was about. God was good, we had not one complaint...but that's what happens when you get outside your walls and begin to know your community first. You see, since we entered our base camp we have been developing bonds with our immediate neighbors. One gentleman by the name of William has been one to love on our team in a fatherly or grandfatherly sort of way. His cousin is our land lord, so I was introduced to William right away. William is an amazing person, and loves the Lord. He and I share with one another at least once week on Williams small but pleasant veranda. His home sits just to the west of our gate, so I see him and we greet each other just about everyday. William is somewhere around 70 years and struggles with Parkinson's. His hands shake violently, but his warm smile and heart never falter. William owns most of the land around us, he is a proud Ugandan, in a good sense of course. We plan to travel to his village in May...one of his daughters is getting married and he wants me to attend. I was honored and will for sure be with William in May, Lord willing. Did I mention there were children that entered our base camp last night?
God planted Friday Night Church in the midst of more than 500 children...seriously, you wouldn't believe how many kids from ages 1 to 12 years surround our base camp in just a 50 yard radius! Now there are some things in life you should definitely pray over before acting on, and then there are others. If you have a neighbor in need, or about 500 of them, and you can help meet that need, then you'd better act. Some of us need to open our eyes, get off our knees and look around. Friday Night Church has introduced and is soon to announce to our community a new ministry that will specifically target children. This ministry will meet on Wednesdays after school for two hours here at the FNC Base Camp. God has given us plenty of space, and we intend to use it all as much as we can. The name of this ministry will be called Joy Club International or JCI for short. The name and idea of Joy Club originated several years from our good friend and mentor Pat Henry. Pat saw the need in her hometown of Mt Sterling, IL and acted upon it. Joy Club still remains as one of the the most influential children's ministries in the area. So with Pat's blessing, via facebook and email, we have decided to use the name (adding the I for international) and basic concepts, while adapting it to Uganda. And if last nights turn out was any indication of how many kids will show up, we are in serious need of even more space and volunteers! But I know God will certainly provide...
So that's about it for now...the girls are doing so well, they are adapting to this amazing place. Wendy couldn't be happier, but her plate has gotten more full these past several weeks. JCI is her ministry, we do it together, but I know she is the one leading out on this one, and I'm grateful for that! PLEASE keep our family in your daily prayers, for our continued good health and steadfastness. Blessings...
