AND THE HONEYMOON FADES...

Friday Night Church officially opened it’s doors on March the 1^st.  The band and staff worked tirelessly for 2 solid months and the worked really showed.  God took care of all the things we couldn’t, and then some.  Over 300 men, women and children were in attendance…thank you God for your provision!  Most of you reading this here in Uganda and abroad, had a huge impact.  I want to express my thanks and gratitude for your faithfulness and willingness to pray for FNC, and also for providing your time, talents and financial gifts towards God’s work here in Uganda.   But this wasn’t just a one-time event, it a beginning to something that God is continuing to mold.  And not only is He molding this ministry, he is in fact molding each one of us for His glory.

Emma, Annie and Lucy are doing so well…their new home schooling venture continues to be a success.  I know lot’s of people were praying that God would provide a safe and fulfilling environment for the girls’ studies, just so you know, your prayers didn’t fall on deaf ears.  In fact, other students and parents have caught wind of our program and plan on joining us soon!  Who knows what God has up his sleeve…

Wendy had her first Joy Club International volunteer meeting this past Wednesday and twelve people attended!   We were both overwhelmed with the response and dedication towards a ministry that hasn’t even begun.  Thanks to Cornerstone Christian Church, our first months of curriculum are covered, BUT, we are in need of supplies and snacks for the children.  Now, I know that many are wanting to send supplies, and for that we are grateful, but please take in mind the shipping costs.  Most of the times, we have found that the shipping costs are as much or more than the items that are being sent.  That said, some items are hard to come by here in Uganda, for example construction paper…I know, sounds silly that a simple product would be so challenging to get your hands on.  To help those that would want to donate to JCI, Wendy is putting together a list and a budget for the items and snacks that we will need.  Wendy or myself will post the list, and how you can donate, here on the blog and on facebook.   I don’t expect this to be a perfect solution, but every little bit helps! 

 So we’ve been in Africa now for a little over 5 months…it seems we learn something and/or meet someone new everyday.   But the honeymoon is quickly fading, and the “real work” of ministry is now upon us.  For anyone who has ever embarked on a new journey or started something a fresh, I’m sure my words are not foreign.  For me, I’m glad the newness is wearing off and the challenges are piling up.  Let me assure you the challenges though they are hard, allow me to stop and pause and ask God for His wisdom…this has been a good lesson and discipline for me.  The church is full of personalities that sometimes don’t see eye to eye, some one say “Welcome to ministry”.  But, instead of ignoring it, let’s talk about it, not running but walking hand in hand through life’s most difficult challenges.  I’ve never felt more alive in my life serving God’s people here in Uganda.   Thank you for those that are helping us stay here, your gifts continue to provide for so much!