Sunday, August 4, 2013

Reflecting on reconciliation.




"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

As broken and estranged from God and from one another, we are in constant need of a savior. In our broken relationships we are in need of the restoration that only He can give.

In the "High Priestly Prayer," (Jn 17), Jesus says, " I am not praying for the world but for those whom You have given me," meaning the believers of that day. Jesus specified to the Father that His prayer was particular to those followers and prayed that they, "may be one, even as We are one." It was His deep desire that Christian's oneness be in Him and in Him alone.  He later extended that prayer to include those who would come later.

So as those who have come later, we are called to oneness with our brothers and sisters in Christ. In Cost of Discipleship,  Dietrich Bonhoeffer says that peacemakers "maintain fellowship where others would break it off." We are called to oneness even when it would feel better to cross someone off of our fellowship list. For the cross and for the sake of the world, we are "partners in Christ's work of reconciliation" to reconcile person to person, people groups to people groups and ultimately people to God. We are called to the one fellowship and thus to the reconciliation found at the cross, where Christ Himself is peace.

I believe that our North Central team has taken the work of reconciliation seriously.  Last year, our motto, "unscripted" led us into unfamiliar territory as we set out to see what God was already doing in Honduras and to participate in it fully. We were lead to connect three groups, La Vega church, Solidaridad and the Isopo community to partner together to bring the gospel while empowering the Isopo community. We had already witnessed God's work in each of the communities, but never could have imagine how lives would change when they united. Because we took that injunction seriously, God has blessed those humble attempts in ways hard to have imagined 12 months ago.

In His prayer in John 17 Jesus prayed preemptively for future Christian believers. I believe he was praying for us, for all Christians who would come beyond his ministry on earth when he prayed for, "those who will believe in me." Quite boldly He asked that we, "may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us..., that they may be one even as We are one, I in them and You in Me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them even as you loved Me." His deep desire is that believers 'be as one.' In repeatedly asking for oneness He is emphatically emphasizing this oneness. But He doesn't stop there for He states the purpose for this oneness and this is, "that the world may know me."  It is for the sake of the world, that we strive toward oneness in Him.

As peacemakers, reconciling human to human and humans to God, this Honduran team from NC are acting, I believe, within the High Priestly prayer, and within the vision of these past two years. 

Peace,
Leslie Kenney




Wednesday, July 24, 2013

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



Tuesday, July 23, 2013

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

Friday, July 19, 2013

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!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

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.


Friday, July 5, 2013

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!


Saturday, June 29, 2013

Making supper for Willington.



Chopping a small head of lettuce, purchased at supermarket for $2.

One of the most special occasions has been for Carmen and me to make a homemade supper for our Ugandan friends in the home of Willington.  Willington is a highly talented man that can be called on for most anything.  He is a very dear friend and brother in Christ.  Over the course of a few trips to Uganda I have gotten to know him well as he has been our driver of the Chariot.  While he could be working, he has chosen to serve the church and drive us to our various activities.  



Here is the spaghetti sauce….It actually was very tasty and the Ugandans loved it…on the Chapoti…  They rolled it up like a burrito.  BTW, the green spots are olives…I like olives in the sauce.

Rebecca and Sheba displaying Chapoti ready to fry in oil.


For beverages, we made Crystal Light that we had brought from home. We added the powder to a bottle of water which turned it pink.  As Willington says, it looks like the color of Petro used in the cars.  As such, we now refer to it as Petro.


As a sign of respect and to honor her guests, Willington’s mother ate her meal while sitting on the floor.  She would not allow us to sit on the floor with her.  This has been very typical in each home we have visited.

Willington and his Mother expressing their gratefulness to God for guests in their home.

Driving in Uganda traffic is a great talent of his.  Anyway, we had the great pleasure of cooking Spaghetti with meat sauce, a fresh salad with homemade dressing, and garlic bread grilled on the stove.  There were about fifteen people in Willington’s apartment including a couple neighbors.  Jimmy, Sheba and Rebecca also taught us how to make a Ugandan daily favorite, Chapoti.  It is like a flour tortilla, but a little thicker and made with oil and butter.  We are looking forward to making them when we get home for our friends and family.

Visiting Christian schools in Uganda.







This week we have been visiting Elishama Primary School, the little school that the church started in Ndejje, a Muslim community.  The little school is on the property of Francis Nsubuga, a very godly man and  leader in the church in Kampala.  The school now has four teachers and about eleven children.  The building where they learn has two nice sized rooms with ahomemade chalk board and all the needed supplies. The teachers are developing the curriculum and adding Bible content.  It is widely known in the community that this is a Christian school and that the Bible is being taught.  There are at least two students who are from Muslim families.  The other children are from families that claim to be Christians usually in name only.  Being a Christian here usually means that you are a good person and maybe come from a family who at least once practiced some form of Christian beliefs from the Bible. Either way, the community is spiritually diverse, yet, living very peacefully together.  As Carmen and I taught classes with content about Jesus on Monday to the children of Elishama, across the street students were learning and practicing the Muslim faith.  As the Chariot (church van) arrived at Elishama, we exchanged waves and greetings  with the Muslim students across the street.





The school has a day care for about 2-3 children, preschool and first grade.  The day care children sat in on the preschool class and got a little sleepy….



The little boy in this picture is a student at Elishama.  Somehow, he is not able to speak.  He can hear and actually do what he is asked. He can make sounds with his voice, but he does not speak at all.  He was in class as we taught English to the preschool students.

Carmen brought jump ropes which provided a fun break from class 








Monday, June 17, 2013

Laundry time in Uganda.


Laundry done by hand and hung to dry. Then every item ironed.
Here is a picture of how we are having our laundry done.  It is always done by hand and then dried on the line.  Once dried, every piece must be ironed to kill any bugs that may have made a home in the fabric.  Terzol, Abel and Peter, the church guards, needed a new iron, so we provided them with one.  The bottom of one they were using had dropped out and another was leaking water.  Both of them sounded dangerous to use.  They typically would iron their clothes on their beds, so we also provided them with a new ironing board.  We’ll be teaching them how to iron with the board this evening.  It is amazing how we as Americans have adjusted to so many little things that make our days a little more simple ... like a good iron and board.

June 17, 2013
It is Monday morning and I got up early to have coffee with Terzol before he left for school at 7:30am and to pray with him.  It is quiet here in the mornings.  Able made fresh coffee for us and now we are sitting here reading the paper and chatting.  Joseph came in early and we also had a chance to talk and pray.  I am also reflecting on the weekend.
Carmen and I had a chance to meet again on Saturday with the Women of Grace.  One idea that was shared last week was to think of ways to incorporate the handmade beads into other kinds of products, like purses.  Perusi, who is very creative, took the idea and gave it a try.  She made about four sample and showed them to a shop in town.  She immediately sold the first two that she had made. 
Beads added to purses.

We also discussed a list of ideas that the ladies had about how to meet the mission of Women of Grace, develop a source of income, and have an impact on the community.  Several ideas were brought forward, but the one they landed on was learning to sew.  They decided that if they had a sewing machine and a knitting machine, as a team, they could sew and make sweaters for the school children.  All schools wear uniforms, so making the uniforms and mending old ones could be a source of income.  Many men and women wear African outfits and are made locally…another way to market their services.  Many other marketing ideas were discussed and therefore convinced the ladies that this would be a good new opportunity.  Because, I had brought with me money that came from the recent sales of their beads, they decided to use it to buy new manual sewing machines that do not required electricity.  They are getting quotes and we hope to buy them shortly and put them in the container on the church property where they were making beads.  Our first project will be making tie/die and batik fabric and then sewing new curtains and seat cushions for thechurch to spruce it up.  Seth will teach them how to tie/die and batik the fabric.  Annette and Perusi will teach them to sew.  We are all very excited.
For the rest of our day today, we’ll be headed to Ganda where one of the church plants is.  We’ll also stop by some of the properties that were donated to the church to consider them for future school locations.  God is good and is helping us to discern His direction!
Blessings and Love, Nancy

Thanking God for Fathers.


Today is Father’s Day in the USA.  Carmen and I are thanking God for our Fathers and an opportunity to talk with them this evening.  There are so many children without Fathers here in Uganda, that we are deeply reminded of the great blessing of having a Father who is living, well and loves the Lord.

Many were at church today including some that I was not able to see last week.  Vital and his family are a family that I hadn’t seen for a while. When I was here with the Wilkins and the Whittington’s, Vital and his wife Safi  were just in the process of being married.  We attended some of the “wedding meetings”  where funds were raised in a fun and creative way.  Anyway, since then, Vital who had been a Congolese refuge, now goes back to the Congo every three months to work in a gold mine.  He is very interested in starting a church within the camp where he stays while working.  We have exchange email addresses and I hope to encourage him.  He has been a great encouragement to the church in Kampala and considers this his home.

Yesterday, we took a walk to the store and passed a young man sleeping in the dirt alongside the street.  His feet had been removed.  He was sleeping under a piece of cardboard with flies all over him.  I am very troubled by seeing this.  I don’t even know how to help someone like this.  All I could think of was to put a bag of peanuts in his hand.  He didn’t even move when I opened his hand.  I am so thankful that this life is short compared to eternity.  I am very grateful that while this life does not always present hope, we can have hope in our future and our eternal life. 

As Isaac always says, “God is Good.”
Nancy

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Carmen hugging the orphaned children at Bungoma.

June 14
We love Jesus!


Yesterday  we drove to see Kimalili and today we saw Bungoma.  We are finding that all of the schools are located in Christian friendly communities, were started by a single individual with a heart for children, and are now owned by boards of directors with the same goals.  It seems that someone in the community usually wants to help the orphans who are running around trying to survive.  Once the school starts, the school social workers help to find the families of the orphans or will help to attach the children with a family.  At the Bungoma school, there are 200 children of which 150 are orphans.  About 50 of the orphans have no family ties at all and stay at the school even through holiday breaks.  The common benefit to the communities is that the children are being taken care of and they are learning about Jesus.

Beans corn and onions being prepared over a wood fired stove for the children.

Dining out in Africa!
On another topic, let me tell you a little about what it is like to have a dinner in a poor country.  Last night we were told that the hotel restaurant would be open by 7:00 pm for dinner.  We arrived promptly at 7:00 pm feeling very hungry from a long day and noticed a few other folks already having dinner.  As in the USA, our drink orders were first taken.  For the party of eight, this took about 45 minutes as it took a while to understand the options and what was really available off the menu.  Once we were served basically soda and chai tea, our dinner orders were taken … over the next hour.  

The menu was very long with many choices and everything sounded good.  However, the restaurant did not have everything on the menu and the waitress could not tell us what the kitchen really had available.  Because the culture is to please, she would rather hope that we would ask for something that they had than to just tell us they were only serving chicken, fish and fries.  Soup sounded good to me and there were about six choices.  Every time I asked for a certain soup, she would go away and come back several minutes later to tell me they did not have it.  On my last try, she finally revealed that the store across the street did not carry the soup.  Apparently, they buy many of their ingredients from the store across the street as the customer orders from the menu. 

After about an hour and a half, Isaac decided it would be good to check on the progress. With a firm declaration he said he was going to find out what was happening and why the preparations were taking so long.  As he got up from his chair with great confidence, he slowly walked toward the kitchen door.  As he approached, he became more timid.  Then a tall Kenyan lady appeared at the door with a great big smile and you could see Isaac crumble.  Without a word spoken, he scrambled back to the table with no report.  Greeted with a lot of laughter from our table, he sat back down and decided to be patient. So, after two hours in total we were finally served.  We also learned that the main chef did not come in that evening, so the hotel staff was cooking our meal.  When the meal was served you could see how proud they were to have accomplished it.  We gave the staff a nice tip for their perseverance and teamwork!!

On the way back to Kampala, we made it through the border very easily.  We are praising God every moment for His protection and Goodness to us!