THE BLESSINGS OF MAY

The month of May has been a whirlwind, so much I completely forgot Mothers day.  I walked in the kitchen after a short flight back from Nairobi, Kenya where the FNC band had it’s first ever “mission trip” to a foreign land, and my little Annie bluntly said, “Dad, did you remember it was Mothers day?”  I can’t remember a time where I had completely forgotten about such a holiday.  Now in the past, Wendy (and the girls) have on occasion diagnosed me with selected memory, but this time, I have to confess, was different.  In the states, there is no such calendar needed to tell you what holiday is coming next.  Just turn on your TV or go shopping and right away you are prepared for the up coming events, but not so much here in Uganda.  Can I tell you, I saw not one commercial or advertisement that even hinted Mothers day.  Needless to say, I now have an old-fashioned calendar hanging beside me in my office.  

  

Before we traveled to Nairobi, FNC and UCF combined held a worship event in the brand new UCF auditorium; it was definitely a night to remember.  More than 1200 students and family members were in attendance, with many coming forward for prayer.  Some of the songs sung that evening were, 10,000 reasons (Matt Redman), How He Loves (John Mark McMillan), and I Will Follow (Chris Tomlin). 

The Fireplace (FNC’s monthly Friday night worship event) held it’s third service as well, during the month of May.   The focus of the evening was “Forgiveness”.  In prior services, we went for the sky, hiring and borrowing other sound equipment, lighting etc.  But this time, we wanted to see what would happened if we just stripped it all down, simplifying all aspects, and seeing what God would do with what WE had and not what we didn’t have… After the evening was complete, people didn’t want to leave. Not because they wanted to hear one more song, and not because they wanted to just hang out.  I believe people were actually touched by God that night.  The stories of forgiveness that were told the following week as we debriefed as a staff were amazing.  God did His work and dwelled among us that evening. 

JCI (Joy Club International) continues to be a success with the children and families that surround our FNC campus here in Kampala.  Last week we had a new record of over 180 children, and with volunteers included in the count, the number well exceeded 200.  Each week, after the children have gone home, we quickly circle the wagons and discuss the highs and the lows of the evening.  The one comment that continues to repeat itself is, “How can we do more for these kids?”  Such an encouraging question from the volunteers, when you as a leader just hope your volunteers will just show up!  But showing up or sticking around isn’t a concern here.   In our last meeting, Wendy and I pleaded for the volunteers to be patient with us, that their ideas of medical assistance, school supplies, a bag of rice to send home, etc. are all things we need to address, and in time we will do so, Lord willing and providing.  The needs here are overwhelming.  Most of you, including me, reading this will go to sleep tonight with your bellies full, a roof over your head and your bodies clean.  Most of these children will not, this is not a “tug at your heart strings sort of plea” it is simply reality here in our little community.  If you want to help, then do it.  Take action.  Go to our DONATION PAGE, and make a contribution, or send a check to our PO BOX in the states.  Or even better, send Wendy or I an email or FACEBOOK message telling us you want to support the Joy Club Int. ministry.  No donation is too small and the impact your money makes is real.  And if your one of those givers (like me) that would like to be specific with your gift, I can assure you that 100% of your dollars will go directly to your specification. 

Prayer Requests:

1.  That God continues to bless FNC with provision...We are in need of several more monthly supporters.  This mission is growing, and with growth comes extra expense.  Please prayerfully consider becoming a monthly partner. 

2.   That God provides more volunteers for JCI or Joy Club Int. 

3.  That the leadership of FNC continues to look to God for our next step.

4.  Continued good health for the Gilliland family.