Practicing humility in Honduras.

On Sunday we worshipped in Isopo.  The service was held on the Isopo school grounds under a canopy on the soccer field.  The LaVega congregation organized the service, providing the folding chairs and the PA system.  It could be considered by some to be a casual setting.

Phil Banta preached and for the occasion wore a tie.  I don't remember ever seeing Phil in a tie but in Honduras preachers wear ties.

Your reaction may be; "So what?  Wearing a tie isn't a big deal."  Wearing a tie may seem to be a simple action but doing so in a culture that values it illustrates how we can honor others with norms that are different than ours.  Phil submitted to the local custom to honor his brothers.

Do we follow this example? If a brother holds a belief different than ours, how do we react?  Do we, in humility, treat him with respect or do we denigrate his belief (and, therefore, him) to our friends, family, etc? Do we dismiss it out of hand? Or do we consider his viewpoint in how we treat him?

The Bible tells us that the two most important things in life are our relationship with God and our relationships with each other.  Let us not let our lack of humility ruin either of these relationships but, rather, put Paul's words to work in our lives: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself." (Phil2:3)

Jim B

A common goal with La Vega church.

Recently I clearly saw God’s love displayed when God's people from La Vega church came to work along with us in a common goal of providing VBS for the children of Isopo. It was incredible. When we got together on Wednesday to plan the lessons for the weekend we discussed how we would best work together. They took the lead. We would provide activities and would share the responsibilities of leading songs and prayer. Yet after arriving at those awesome plans, God had some that were even better. We held to the plans for the first night, but the second, the people from La Vega completely took over, which was awesome to watch! It was wonderful to get to work along side them and we learned so much from each other. But better than that, we have developed a relationship and have grown to love each other a lot more. Our common goal of loving the children in Isopo brought us together in a love greater than either of our groups could provide alone. 

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8

Joey Paul

Busy in Honduras!

La Vega church welcomes us as we prepare to construct a tent for the meeting that will take place in Isopo on Friday and Saturday. 

We have 3 goals through this Sunday. These goals include campaigning along side BICA students meeting house to house in Isopo, working along side la Vega church to construct a structure for the meeting, and teaching the children in VBS.
This photo shows Joey Paul in Isopo playing with the children while the meeting structure is built on school grounds.

No Steve is not pole vaulting! This photo shows three groups working together to build the structure that will house the meeting this weekend: local Isopans working alongside Christians from La Vega and North Central. This is a very exciting moment as God unites His people in a common goal. 

We're in Honduras!

We're in Honduras and want to thank Amber and the missionaries working with her for waiting for us at the airport.  Amber has been meeting us at airports for most of our trips, even on the other side of Honduras!  She has been and continues to be a blessing to us.
At Baxter we immediately met Pacheco and Oscar and talked at length about what is happening in Izopo.  One thing is sure, there is a lot of excitement here about La Vega's work in Izopo where they have been teaching, visiting villagers in their homes and spreading the Good News wherever they go. Everyone we meet is glad to see us, as we are them, and incredibly encouraging about our work there in Izopo.  We are looking forward to connecting with LaVega and working again with our Honduran brothers & sisters! We're here!

God is Good!

Whenever we visit the home of Rebecca, I indeed feel at home.  Rebecca manages the kitchen at the church and has come from having literally nothing to having a thriving business.  Since 2001. She has purchased property, built a home and now has more property where she has a large garden.  She plans to have an orphanage one day with a school.  We had the joy of picking produce from her garden and then preparing it in her home.

Picking beans off the vines that is growing up the small banana tree.

Sunday was a very special day as several people from the Wakiso church joined in the services at KCC.  The children lead us in songs that were composed by Mr. Mbazira.  The Youth Group leads in more praise songs.  I had the privilege to share communion comments based on scriptures relating to the eternal hope gifted to all of us by God. Next, we were amazed and overjoyed to see two Muslim women commit their lives to Christ and then were baptized in a trough.

Muslim women commit their lives to Christ.

The Women of Grace and I were blessed beyond measure as they received a new second hand sewing machine and knitting machine.  With the proceeds from sale of their beads in the USA, they were able to buy the machines for developing new income through tailoring.  You may wonder why they would need a knitting machine in this tropical climate.  However, somehow the Ugandan’s actually feel cold at times.  The children even wear sweaters to school.  The women see a great opportunity in sewing school uniforms including knitting the sweaters…as well as other products in need of by Ugandan’s.

Here are just a few of them celebrating God’s provisions.

I always enjoy spending a day with Rebecca and Peter (a church guard), cooking in the church Kitchen.  While we had planned a day for the three of us, a few other single men also wanted to learn.  They learned how to make Polish Perogies, and Cinnamon and Rice Soup.  Both dishes are low cost and can be cooked on the coal cookers.   It was fun to see them start experimenting by stuffing the dough with Ugandan foods like beads, rice, and cabbage.

Another great joy is to see the majesty of God through all of His creation. Even greater is seeing the Ugandan’s enjoy seeing God’s creation in their own country.  This time, we were able to bring Terzol, Isaac, Sheba and Able to Queen Elizabeth National Park.  David was our driver.  One animal that I have never seen at the park is the hyena.  Hyena’s are known to be nocturnal, very illusive and are rarely seen.  David was keen on finding one.  Each morning we would ask the park rangers where we might find them.  They would always tell us that they could not pinpoint where they would be next.  Just as we entered the gates one morning, and asked the guards again, we started driving down a long dirt path.  We were just about to pray that God would lead us to the hyena when off in the distance, guess what was running down the road toward us?  A hyena!!  It was amazing, as we drove toward it, it ran toward us.  As we got a good look at it and watched it run, it took off into the field.  A few minutes later we saw another running another direction. Wow!!  It brought to mind the verse, Isa 65:24 - Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”  God is Goooood!

Spotting a hyena at Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Great is our God for always providing!

This week was filled with time at Elishama Junior Academy, the new primary school in Ndejje, and planning for its growth.  Carmen was there every day helping to teach the children.  I was able to spent two days with them, but had been more focused on working with the school leaders and teachers developing plans.  It was a pleasant experience to sit under the mango tree and discuss future needs and possibilities.

As plans for Elishama continue, it has become the site for learning.  As we learn, we are documenting and creating tools needed for future school locations in Wakiso, Ganda, Kasangiti and Wabigalo.  Kasangiti and Wabigalo churches are actually meeting at school locations, but the schools are not Christian based and the quality can be improved.  Mr. Mbaziira and Mr. Sebagala have reconfirmed the desire to donate property to KCC for the purpose of churches, schools and community development projects, so, further discussions were held to determine the next steps.  The KCC leaders are pleased with the progress being made.

Near Elishama, is the church chicken project managed by Francis and on his property.  He works hard to keep 500 chickens healthy and producing eggs.

Terzol used one our first cloths as a bandana…

On another note, Africa is known for its beautiful fabrics.  Many fabrics are colored by Tie/Die or Batik techniques.  These fabrics are used for clothing, purses, curtains, and beautiful wall hangings. Seth Sez and I had a chance to work on creating some Tie/Die fabrics with the intent to use it for new church curtains.  The curtains would hang on a rod by strands of paper beads made by the Women of Grace. We are all looking for other ways to use the beautiful beads…  Once we have a good example made, we want to teach the techniques to the ladies for future ways to make an income.  Some of the ladies already know how to sew, so, they can actually turn the fabric into new curtains and other products.  Because they will need a sewing machine, and have been wanting one for a while to make school uniforms, they have decided to use some of the Women of Grace money that I brought with me from sales in the USA, to purchase a new second-hand sewing machine.  They hope to buy it soon, however, the shops have been closed in Kampala due to vendors going on strike.  Vendors are striking because of the government allowing suppliers to pass on poor quality products from China.  Uganda has very limited regulations on imports.

Anyway, I was also able to share a couple more new crafts with the ladies, weaving and cake decoration.  Using cardboard, pins and yarn, then made beautiful designs to enhance the products that they will sew or make for wall hangings.

Cupcakes are called queencakes in Uganda.  Many will serve them at parties, weddings and special events.  Several ladies learned the art, as well as a few on-looking men who also wanted to give it a try.

Yesterday morning, we were blessed to visit Sanyu’s Baby Home.  This orphanage takes care of babies from new borns to about 3 years old.  They have on an average of 45 babies at one time.  I was able to spend only about an hour feeding and holding them, but Carmen stayed for a few hours to help do laundry and change beds.  Volunteers are tremendously needed.  Sheba is one who weekly volunteers and shows a great compassion for the children.

In so many ways, we have seen how the Lord has provided, not only for us on our trip, but also to the people of Uganda.  Great are His blessings and faithfulness.

Love, Nancy

Church plants are growing in Uganda.

Today, we enjoyed a day trip to Mityana where BlazaBlaza is doing an internship for the district public works department.  He is doing very well and has engaged the other interns in daily devotionals and prayer to start their days.  They have nicknamed him Pastor!  We also stopped to see his Grandmother and where he grew up, then we went to see his mother and brothers near Kampala. 

What a great week!  We have been focusing on visiting the various church plants.  Our first visit was in Ganda where there had been a lot of witchcraft until people starting being converted to Christianity.  When asked how Christianity has helped the community, the sad that people can sleep better at not because they no longer fear curses being put on them.  We visited the nearby home of some of the members who were once involved in witchcraft.  The house was once a shrine where the witch doctor used to live.  Like last year, we had an opportunity to pray for the people living there.  The church is doing well and continues to grow.  They are starting to build a more permanent structure behind where they worship today which is in a tent.  I had an opportunity to speak to them concerning 1 Chronicles 17 where David wanted to build a house for God.  He realized he was living in a nice cedar house, but they had made only a tent for God.  God told David that He did not need a house built by man and pointed out that He had always been present and among them.  Now because of Jesus, God has made His house in us!

After the church updates and performances and prayers, Mr. Mbazira auctioned off bananas from his property as a fund raiser for the school building.

 After Ganda, we visiting Willington’s property where we were honored to plant the first fruit trees for him.

 It was a wonderful day out in the village area of Wakiso on Mr. Mbazira’s property.  We met under a big tree since the old church tent had been blown down.  The church is now planning to build a school with a church sanctuary in the middle.  There are many orphans in the area that need a place to go to school.  We’ll be discussing this as a leadership team on Saturday.  The children gave a grand performance and sang typical Ugandan songs.  The women share their crafts with us as we admired them so much. Yesterday, we went to Kasangiti for another inspirational service and performance by the children.  We also had the great experience of visiting and meeting the people of four different Life Care Groups in the area.  They are very strong and active.  One Life Care Group is considering starting a new church plant in their area.

 He also picked and share the biggest and best papayas I have ever seen and eaten!