MISSION REPORT

May – June 2010

     The funding for this year was certainly more challenging, with the down economy and all.

     The pre-trip training went exceptionally well.

     The travel arrangements were made and we were able to take extra baggage (3x 50 pounders per person). Then, a few days before departure, we received a call from our travel agent, the air line workers’ were on strike in London and that was going to affect our travel route. The call went out for prayer.

    Other connecting flights were found, but the extra baggage was in question, another call for prayer went out.

    We repacked our bags, putting in the most essential items: Bibles, first aid and medical supplies, personal clothing ect..  Extra clothes (for the Ugandans) and toys were packed in the other bags as optional.   We boarded the plane and were on our way, still not sure of all the details of the flights and baggage. As usual, God worked out all the details!

    Though the flight path was changed we (the team) and all our luggage even the third 50 pound bag (or box) arrived safely.

     Praise God for His never failing faithfulness!!

     We split up and revisited Kadimucale, Kachumbale and Aminute (our 3 previous church plants), on our first Sunday in Uganda. Kadimucala and Aminute are doing well.

 Kachumbala is struggling because of some ethics problem with the first pastor and the man who was to drill the water well. The water well was never finished, and the money for the widow’s and orphan’s program was used for the pastor’s personal gain and the church was left in a weakend state. Even though both of these men have been dealt with, the money is gone and the reputation of the church was negatively affected.  With the help from other PCU pastors and the presbytery they’re on the road to regaining the ground lost. 

     The work at Omyakelo (our fourth plant) started as scheduled on Monday, although slowed some by mud holes from a rain earlier that morning.

     We found the people to be very receptive, with some bible knowledge, but few with a clear understanding of the gospel and the hope we have in Christ. There were many throughout the week who professed faith in Christ, either through personal contact of the house to house visits, at the medical clinic (Wed. – Fri.) or at the crusades held daily in the afternoon.

    While there were teams in the village, teams daily went to school and prison. The responses in the schools and prisons were very much like that in the village, with children and adults professing faith in Christ!

     On our final Saturday in Uganda, myself and 3 others from our team went to the Mbale garage area. This is where much of the car and truck repair takes place as well as metal fabrication and other industrial work. We were there to present the gospel to a group of men and women who work in this area, and we gave out welding masks and gloves. Though this setting was some chaotic, compared to last year, the message of Christ was shared through personal testimonies and a gospel message, then the supplies handed out. The men were grateful for the supplies. We’ll trust God for the affect of the testimonies and message.

   Penny and I were able on Monday evening to talk to two of the men who are leaders in the metal fabricators group. They were very grateful for the message and the supplies, as were others of their group.

     Throughout the week we gave out thousands of tracts, “Good news, bad news” (from Eventell) and “Good news for a bad news world!” (from Discovery News). Handing out these tracts is always great fun whether in person or from the vans while traveling.  It was encouraging to see many folks young and old taking time to read them.

     And though I believe God used us there in Uganda for His glory, it is great to be home!

     To those who partnered with this year’s team by prayer, encouragement, or finances, please be assured that as a result there were many eternally affected by the effort of all involved.

     Thank God for faithful folks, thank you for supporting those of us who went!

     I would ask that you pray for this new church family at Onyakelo and their pastor, Fred. (pictured with me on attachments).

     Pray also for the church in Kachumbala as they work to overcome the sinfulness of the two men who have hindered the work of the gospel there. The cost of the water well will be $7,000. The monies lost in the widow’s and orphan was $7,500. If you would like to help in any way, please let me know.  

     Again, thank you.

                                                                                                         In Christ

                                                                                                                    Loyal May