STORY

God, I'm not sure what you have in store for this place, Your plans are just that, YOUR PLANS.  Kids are playing all around, you can hear their innocent little voices, one is now crying out to momma.  A rooster crows near by, and someone has just knocked on the gate to come in.  Mornings in Kampala are  special, dusty, but special.  When the sun comes, you are welcomed by Africa.

I'm re-reading a book I purchased a while back called "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years".  Donald Miller, most famous for his book, "Blue Like Jazz", says, "That it's hard for a person to write great stories when they are living one."  Not sure if that's my excuse for not writing lately, but I'm wondering if there is some truth Don has uncovered.  He also goes on to say that, "People need to be forced into a good story, something needs to happen to change their current course or story." For example, getting fired from or quitting your job, selling your house, a death of a loved one, a life threatening accident, your parents divorcing, the list is endless.  Which brings me to a question I would like to propose on those that care to read this blog...What are you living for?  Seriously, what makes you get up in the mornings and do what you do?  Is it a mortgage, car payment, school loans, pressure from society, your kids, your spouse, that next vacation or holiday, (and by the way, none of these are bad things to get up for).  But I ask you, what story are you living, is it boring, or is it one that would make an amazing movie?  Think about it...most of us live for stuff, really, at the end of the day, what have we accomplished?  Donald Miller writes, "Imagine going to see a movie about a guy that has a house, drives a Volvo, wife, two kids, goes to work M-F, works for the weekends, goes to church then gets older, has grand kids, gets cancer then dies.  Honestly, what kind of movie or story would that be?  Don't know about you but I would ask for a refund.  But this is exactly the kind of stories most of us tend to live.  What makes a great movie or story? risk, tension, faith, the unknown, passion, determination, fight?  All the above.  Yet most of us are content with driving a Volvo.  

Now, I can't tell you how much I would love some normalcy, things to be even remotely predictable for  even one day.  Maybe in chapter 2 God will write a few normal paragraphs for us, but for now we continue to trust.

Wendy was asked to teach Kindergarten (the same school the girls go to) on a Saturday, and started on the following Monday.  Can you say, predictable?  She loves it.  It's definitely had its challenges, but God has led her through them.  Oh, and the girls are doing so well.  Our days begin before sun up, around 5:15 am, and are out the door by 7:05 for the 20-30 minute commute, depending on the "jam" (that's traffic for all those who want to know).  Can you believe that I am the first one up...trust me, it's something that still surprises me and WENDY!  Lucy found a friend named Dawn.  I asked her this morning what she liked most about Dawn and she replied, "She is still black." (Have no idea where this came from, but she had just woken up.) Yes, Lucy is getting crazier and funnier with each passing day.  Emma is growing up in front of our eyes, she's beginning to be a real young lady...and responsible!  Don't know where she gets it.  Annie continues to be miss fashion, adapting her style to the Ugandan culture...her room is the cleanest and most organized, even more than mom and dads.

FNC Base Camp is looking AMAZING!  You all should see it for yourselves...you would be proud!  The paint is almost complete, and some new desks and chairs have been purchased and are in place.  The recording/rehearsal room (the blue room) has found a partner and has agreed to help us with the equipment part of things until we can afford to attain our own.  Just last week I posted on Facebook that FNC had it's first decision for Christ right outside my office window.  And the best part, I had nothing to do with it!  Martha, our new admin, shared with me the news that our painter, Pastor Dan, (yes he really is a Pastor at a near by church) struck up a friendly conversation with the gentleman that served the staff lunch earlier in the day, and before he was done, he asked Jesus to come into his heart.  Honestly, I am in awe of the work that God is doing, even today as we are just moving into our
campus!

Some prayer requests I want to ask you all for...

1.  God would make MARCH 1st (our first FNC Night) what He intends for it to be.  That those who need to be there, will be there.

2.  Continued health, physically and spiritually for The Gilliland's

3.  Provision for FNC rent and salaries.  Rent is $400/mo, Salaries are $800/mo

4.  Wisdom for FNC, that God would make his perfect will clear to the leadership.

Thanks once again for all the prayers and support, they really do help and go a long way here in such a far away place.  For the readers that took my earlier paragraph regarding "story" offensive, please accept my apologies in advance.  My heart desires people to live the life that God desires, a life that is full, a life that Jesus calls us to.  God's story is amazing, the best story lived in history, a story that is still told even after 2000 years, a story that continues to be lived through His people, a story that saves.  When Jesus returns and the lights come up, I want to see my name listed as the credits roll.

For UPDATED PICS of the BASE CAMP and FNC Band...please visit out PICS page.

 





                

GOD IS MOVING...

God is moving and the ride seems to be getting faster and faster.  We have certainly had our challenges with many more to come, but when God decides to move, He moves, and nothing can stop His amazing will.  In just over two and a half months, God has blessed us with not only a house, but now He has decided to bless us once again with a Base Camp for Friday Night Church!  I'll have to admit, with the budget we were starting with, I really thought we were only going to be able to afford a small rehearsal room or office, and for that I would have been most satisfied.  But when God moves, He not only moves, He provides!

Bethel Christian Academy is a small, but growing school of 65-70 students strong.  So strong they are having to move into a larger facility.  Reba Rwothumio, Micah Rwothumio's daughter, (my long time friend and Pastor of UCF) had been attending this school for more than a year.  Emma, Annie and Lucy were invited to come and visit the school the last few days of the term back in December.  The last day they were there, the school performed their annual Christmas play/musical with all the parents in attendance.  It was a blast, and for the first time since we left the states, I sensed a small slice of normal.  During the play I leaned over to Micah and asked how much this place would cost to lease, all the time thinking the property would be way over our meager budget, not to mention it probably not being available.  Micah said, "Probably around a million shillings or so per month", which is around $400.  I'm not sure if Micah saw my eyes, but they for sure got bigger.

Two days went by before I got up the nerve to go and meet with Miss Esta, the principal and director of Bethel Christian Academy.  She was happy to talk with me and even called the landlord of the property before we were finished.  I wasn't shocked to hear that 7 other people had called regarding the compound, but something still told me not to give up.  Then Miss Esta revealed to me what they were paying in rent...one million shillings!  I just about hit the floor, the exact number that Micah had guessed.  Honestly, this property is worth three times that, and maybe more...but we were a long way off, or it least I thought, from getting this compound.  Miss Esta gave us the landlords number and told us to call him, that he was waiting for our call.

Godwin's has been my friend and right hand man since we arrived.  Our relationship began up country back in April of this year, when Micah decided I needed to see the "REAL UGANDA".  We had discussed going to see the wild kingdom many times over the years, but I guess this time Micah ran out of patience.  Godwin's or Gody, was a last minute addition to the trip, and boy I'm glad that he joined us.  Gody is coming to 30 years and was recently married to a wonderful Kenyan lady named Nancy...we love Nancy and we love her smile...Gody certainly married UP!

So I asked Gody to call and set up a meeting with the Landlord.  Gody is the one that found and negotiated the deal for our home.  After meeting with the owner, Gody not only got us the property, but negotiated the rate at 1.1 million shillings!  Just 35 dollars over what the school was paying!  The Landlord knows Jesus, and he knows that Jesus will be shared in his property.  Though he didn't say it, I think that's why he chose us over the rest.  God bless this man.

So that's the story of how God gave us this compound...honestly, words or even pictures can't describe how amazing this new campus is.  It's HUGE, with way more space than we ever imagined having at this point in the ministry, and the location couldn't be more perfect.  Just a 12 minute drive from my home and just 15 minutes from UCF (our home church).  But God is helping us plan well.  The first thing we are doing is painting the place inside and out.  We have already hired 4 people to help us facilitate the property.  First, a Care-taker, his name is Alfred.  Second, a night guard, his name is Sam.  Third, an administrator, her name is Nancy, and fourth, a foot soldier or property manager of the compound, and his name is Godwin's!  All four are sold out to Jesus and can't wait to see what God is going to accomplish here at FNC Base Camp.

WE NEED YOUR HELP...if you've taken the time to read this story of how God is moving amongst the ministry of Friday Night Church, would you please take a moment and ask yourself if you could help us with not only your prayers but a financial gift?  Now is the time. For most of you, I've not up to this point asked you point blank to help support this ministry, but God is moving, and we need your help.  One time gifts are great, but what we really need are monthly commitments...commitments that will not only support FNC, but families that are employed by FNC.  God has provided, He is providing and He will provide.

Entering the compound from the main gate...

Main house and Welcome center/ Admin Offices...

Green space...

Outside of BLUE ROOM or Recording Studio...

Housing for Alfred and Sam...

Entering main house, welcome center...

Inside BLUE ROOM or recording studio...

Hallway from the welcome center to the offices...

Kitchen area...

Inside classroom for The School of Creative Arts...

Office #1

Outside of the compound/base camp

Office #2

   

OUR FIRST AFRICAN CHRISTMAS

The day has finally come...we shift our belongings to our much anticipated house.  It's been almost 5 months since all of us have slept in our own beds, and tonight, Lord willing, we will do just that!  For the past two months, the girls have shared a room, and for the most part have done rather well.  In fact, I over heard Annie mention she wasn't sure about sleeping in a room all by her lonesome, but I think she'll get over that idea rather quickly.  Wendy is ready to use her own kitchen utensils, and to unpack all of her home decor.  For me, I'm just ready to make new memories in a new home...seems like we've been waiting to do this for quite a long time.  I think we're all ready for a place we can hang our hats for years to come.

I want to take just a moment to thank a few people here that have been instrumental in our home endeavor...to Michael, our contractor...brother you hit the mark and got us in before Christmas, thank you for that...to Godwins, for finding this house in the first place, and so much more my friend, you and Nancy are truly family to us...to Micah,Grace and Reba for all their support, especially keeping us for the first few weeks AND allowing us to store our belongings at your home...to Ruth, for watching our girls while Wendy and I planned and worked on the house, you are now Auntie Ruth...and to all who have prayed here and back in the states, you have given us the encouragement to keep on, THANK YOU!

Christmas is here and will be gone in just 6 days.  It's the first Christmas I can remember that I haven't thought much about gifts, but in all fairness, finishing a house can be a pretty large distraction.  Wendy and I have purchased a few gifts here, but nothing like we would have back home.  Not that we are now somehow against buying gifts for our girls; we are not above spoiling them.  But it just seems things are different this year for us.  I'm not sure how to put it into words only to say, we have each other, and right now in this present moment that is truly sufficient.


     

PASSION/CHRISTMAS WORSHIP NIGHT PICS

Back in September, UCF (The church that we are partnering with) hosted PASSION 2012, with Chris Tomlin and Christy Nockles.  Over 35,000 people attended, the largest crowd ever recorded for a PASSION event!  This was the second time UCF had hosted a PASSION event, the last one being in 2008.  Since then, UCF has regularly hosted local PASSION WORSHIP nights, having one per semester of school.  I have had the opportunity to help lead these events in the years past.  But this one was a bit different, mixing Christmas songs with current worship songs.  We called it PASSION CHRISTMAS WORSHIP.  It was a hit, and God was truly glorified that evening. Below are some of the pics Wendy and I took during the event.  Enjoy!!!  

The Girls having their pre-Christmas/Passion dinner

Choir/Band prayer circle prior to the event

Todd, trying to get creative

Hope, leading O Holy Night

Passion/Christmas crowd

Patrick leading a super fun Africa Christmas song!

Grace and Ruth, loving it...

The BAND

Ivan leading WHITE FLAG

Todd leading HOW HE LOVES

Pastor Micah giving us the message for the evening

More worship...

CONTAINER UNLOADING PICS

It was August the 3rd when we last saw our container and all of it's contents roll away from our home in Mt Sterling, IL.  Honestly, my hopes weren't to high of it even making the journey successfully, let a lone arriving with almost everything completely intact!  You should have seen our faces when that ugly red container showed up...  Unfortunately, Wendy, Annie and Lucy couldn't be there for the unloading.  With lots of help from Micah's family and friends from the church, the unloading was a real success. As promised, here are several pics revealing the much anticipated arrival of the container.  Oh, and thank you Micah for allowing us to disturb THREE rooms in your home!  I'm still in shock...

SMALL TALK MAKES ME NERVOUS...

Why is it so hard for real people to talk about real things?  I’ve never been very good at small talk, at least I don’t think so.  Small talk makes me nervous.  What I mean is, I always feel pressure to contribute to a conversation that virtually is meaningless.  But in order to get to the “real stuff” I’ve found that small talk is very necessary for breaking the proverbial ice.  So I’m working on my small talk skills!  It seems though, people, especially many churched people, rarely get past the small talk.  Oh, they’ll converse about other peoples quote on quote problems or concerns, but getting them to turn the corner on themselves becomes more of a challenge. 

Was Jesus good at small talk?  I’m not sure if He was or wasn’t, not everything he said or did is completely recorded.  When I read the gospels, it seems like Jesus is always trying to make a point, constantly in a state of teaching even amongst His small talk, especially with his disciples.   And what about all the encounters with not yet believers, John 4 (woman at the well), Luke 19 (story of Zacchaeus), John 3 (Nicodemus, ok so Jesus was probably a bit tired for small talk in this one), and the list goes on and on…  Point being, Jesus went straight for the jugular, He wasted no time talking about the weather or the latest Soccer or NFL standings.  In every encounter He ever had with a not yet believer, Jesus’ one desire was to set them free from their burdens and chains. 

Now, we all are wired differently, some more bold or timid than others, and for that I am grateful.  But God never intended for His creation to just be a bunch of small talkers, never getting into the lives of those around us.  Small groups or community groups are fine and well, but why have we stopped there?  Whether it’s here in Uganda or back in the States, one thing seems to be scary for us to do, and that is to find that special individual and develop a one on one relationship, sharing in what God is doing in our lives and also the challenges that we are up against.   Proverbs 27 says it best when it says “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”  Jesus chose twelve, and from the twelve he intentionally spent one on one time with three.  The twelve were His small group. The three were His inner circle.  You and I are here today because Jesus decided come down from Heaven to live life with twelve guys, and pour intimately into three of them, and one of the three Jesus built His church upon.  Jesus kept it simple. 

Spiritual adoption seems to be the latest buzz-word for making disciples.  I’m not against the phrase, but I do think it leaves a lot of life out of the equation of making disciples.   Years ago, I ministered at a church that taught me the phrase, “Doing life together”.  Wendy and I long for that once again, to do life together with a group of believers, to share life, the good and bad and everything in between.  But even more, we desire intimacy with a few, to be able to share the deepest parts of our being with a friend that will listen and will love us for who we are, not for who we should be.  Yes, I believe deep down, every single person desires to be loved as they are.  Have you found that someone to do life together, and I mean really do life?  If so, you know how exhilarating it is.  If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?       

PICS!!!

OK, so we have gotten several requests for pictures.  Here are a few that we have taken through out the past several weeks...Enjoy & more to come!

Bon Voyage!

Girls, posing on the balcony of our very first apartment in Africa

Yes, home schooling is going well!

Our family van...w/ Emma and Lucy acting tough!

Baptism Sunday...23 total!

Our neighborhood...