"Welcome Back!; You are most Welcome!"
Each time we returned from a meeting, the Ugandans in the house would greet us this way. Yes, we are back from Uganda, Africa and blessed for having made the trip and being a part of the ministry there. It hardly seems possible that we returned almost a month ago. I apologize for the delay of this update.We saw over 200 salvation decisions, over 200 dedication decisions, ministered to over 6,000 people, Archbishop Henry Phoebe Orombi, 12 members of Ugandan Parliament, 79 students graduate from Bible School, a pride of 9 lion, herd of 13 giraffe, then more giraffe, elephants, artibeasts, kobb, warthogs, pet goats, chickens (dead and alive), buffalo, sugar cane (with the fields white unto harvest), monkeys, baboons, hunger, poverty, desire, contentment, hard workers, happy children, desperate mothers, orphans, university students, Swiss cheese roads (just pick the pothole you would hit to proceed), jerry cans (for carrying water), huts, villages, casava (potatoes), and so much more.My desire is to share what God has done and how He chose to use us on this trip. So this email may be quite long…just warning you ahead of time, but I don't see how I can keep it short with all that the Lord did. Please click on the above link to see more pictures.The flight to Entebbe takes 2 days. Three weeks went very quickly while we were there.
Lake Victoria Bible School Graduation
Our first ministry opportunity was a 2 1/2 hour drive to the other end of Lake Victoria where in the middle of nowhere (no electricity, no plumbing, no lights) we attended a festive graduation for 79 students. Win Hulbert started the school many years ago and out of it come Portable Bible Schools where the students go back into their villages and continue to teach the Word of God.  On our trips throughout the next few weeks, we would meet at least 4 people who had graduated from this school and were already home evangelizing in their villages. Although already Christians in the audience, it was a chance to encourage a group who would go to the ends of the earth and also speak to their family members in song.
Lira
So many of you gave to this worthy cause. We were able to buy 200 tarps and rope for distribution in Lira. Lira is a small town. When the refugees came from surrounding villages about 5-6 years ago, they flooded the streets of Lira overpopulating the city and paralyzing it to commerce and trade. The government gave the refugees a portion of land for them to inhabit on the outskirts of Lira to maintain the stability of the town. Each family is given about a 14-foot square for a lean-to or mud hut with a tarp for the roof. These people have had to leave their homes about 5 or 6 years ago to protect the members of their villages. There is a tyrant named Coney who invades the villages, kills the men, rapes the women, and steals the children making them part of his army. They've come to Lira to find protection in numbers. The government feeds and clothes them; however, sometimes they have to wait 3-4 days before receiving food. They do have schools for the children, but there is little for the others to do since there is no land to farm and no jobs in town available.The trip took 7 hours and was filled with people all along the roads and villages and children and countryside. We would see school after school of children. The government supplied their shirts/blouses and they were all color-coded. So we knew how far some of them had to walk in order to get to school – some 4-5 miles it seemed. They would yell Mazungo at us as we passed – white person – and wave and yell and smile.As soon as we arrived in the area, word got out that we were doing a program and within 20 minutes about 4,000 people gathered. They didn't speak English well. We had an interpreter and sang songs like “Lord, I lift Your Name on High” and they freely joined in with the motions. We shared God's love the story of salvation with the song and the story of salvation with their flag.

The people who live there Our hearts are dirty with ;Blood shed for their freedom Jesus blood washes away our sin YELLOW The sunshine Streets of gold in Heaven They cheered for their country and their flag and they listened intently about the story of Jesus. That day we had over 200 children come forward and about 20 adults. They are eager to learn. The unfortunate part is that they will listen to anyone who comes through, and the Muslim faith is also very prevalent.We also had the privilege of going to a church in Lira and sharing with the singles there the hope that we have as Christians and the challenge to share Christ to those around them. They already invited us back for a conference in December when thousands come to hear God's Word.Word of Life Thomas Obunde was gracious to invite us to the school where we did a program of about 2 hours with the children. What a wonderful ministry and school he has there & The children are getting a great education and growing up in the knowledge of the Lord as well. We also had the privilege of ministering with Thomas and others at one of the high school rallies that week. There were about 1,000 students within listening range. We sang and shared God's Word, Thomas shared a story from Scripture and gave an invitation…12 came forward to receive Christ. It was at this school that I met Mary. She came up to Angie and I as soon as we arrived and introduced herself. She is also a singer and would like to be able to share Christ through song some day. We have been emailing back and forth and enjoying a new friendship.Orphanage We went to a Catholic baby orphanage and just loved on the children there. Someone from our church gave us many beanie babies and we took them to the children.They loved them. We also had bubbles and the children really enjoyed trying to popping them as well. We were able to bring some supplies to the orphanage like bottles, baby soap and ointment, and a large bag of rice (luxury to these children).Women's Ministry Simultaneously many days the ladies (Paula, Roberta, & Nancy) were leading Pastor wives sessions on Christian Women's Club and Apples of Gold helping the women to learn ways of helping their church members to grow, become accountable, and be bold in sharing Christ with their neighbors.“Women of Excellence” – We had an all day women's conference opened to over 15 churches. It was great to see them all come together to learn about the Lord. We had over 120 women attend. It was so encouraging to see how spiritually hungry they were.We had a Fruits of the Spirit Fashion Show as well. It was a blessing to be with the women.Another evening we had a single women's conference. There were about 46 ladies in attendance. We filled the room that was available to us. I shared on singleness, contentment, and commitment to the Lord to serve Him wherever He takes us. The life expectancy for Ugandans is about 46 I'm told…so at the age of late 20's or 30's, the ladies are still wondering what kind of plan God has for them and why they are not married. It was a pleasure to share my testimony and share how many ways the Lord has allowed me to have ministry. We opened the evening to questions and answers and they had some deep ones. We were all able to share answers or suggestions based on God's Word. We saw 4 salvations and many more commitments to purity, sharing Christ, and living strong lives for the Lord.Archbishop Henry & Phoebe Orombi“Women of Vision” – We were given an audience with the Archbishop's wife and about 12 other women from Parliament.  Present were many elected officials, the secretary to the President, and the wife of the General of the Army. They were unsure of why they were invited to the Bible study but by the end of the 2 hours we were sharing and praying together and wishing the day would not end. The women expressed the loneliness of being in a position of authority with no other to share with and encourage one another in their faiths. We hope this was an event that is carried out many more times.After that event, we were invited back to meet the Archbishop himself.We were given time with him and had the privilege of hearing his vision for the church there. What a joy to see the lack of barriers through denominations. All that he shared was so solid on God's Word. His vision for the salvation and growth of the people of Uganda is powerful and inspiring. We hope that some day he will accept the invitation to come to First Baptist of Naples and share that vision with us.Bahati Secondary School Although some of the students had already gone home, we were able to minister for about 2 hours with about 50 students. Again, the songs and stories were similar and so was their response. They were excited to hear from us, hear from God's Word and learn some new fun songs. These students spoke English very well. We were able to leave booklets on the 4 spiritual laws with them and gained some friendships as well.It was so interesting to see so many people with cell phones, and everywhere we went they asked for our emails.It's been great to even have the opportunity corresponding with many over the miles even while I've been home. I'm thankful for their friendships that will last a long time.University Community Fellowship Church. What a great ministry they have. To the left of the church are the slums and watering hole. To the right is the campus and hostels of University students.One day we were able to go door to door and share about the church and ask the students if they knew about the Lord.We just knocked on the doors and if they invited us in, we could talk about anything. So many were open and were interested in coming to the events at the church each week.  It was this day that we met Stella. She had never asked Jesus into her heart, but was willing to do so this day. So we prayed with her.Angie and I had the privilege of ministering here 2 Sundays and both times were able to minister with some or all of the music ministry Ugandans there. The unity was wonderful. We sang many times while there with our new friend Maria. What a heart she has for the Lord and a beautiful voice as well.On the final day that we were leaving, we had some candy leftover and decided we would go to the watering hole near the church and give it out to the children who came by. Ronnie and some of the others from church came with us and interpreted. They sang a song, “Baby Jesus” for us…to keep the order and to get some candy.“Baby Jesus, Baby Jesus, I love you, I love you. You are my Savior, You are my Savior; every day, every day.” We told the story of Jesus coming to save our sins and at least 53 of the children prayed out loud with their hands folded and heads bowed to receive that Baby Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We then brought them back to the church and played games with them for another hour or so. Ronnie at the church tells me that many of the children have come back to the church on Sundays and are even bringing some of their friends to tell them about Jesus.I returned from Africa on Thursday to Ft. Myers and left again on Saturday back to the New Jersey area for a concert at First Baptist Church Hackensack over Memorial Day weekend. Again, what a wonderful time there to see friends and catch up on the news of the year and to have the opportunity of sharing Christ with the surrounding area.  This is the yearly concert that's on the lawn of the church and so many come to the adjacent park and “hang out” or open their windows and listen in curiosity. We never know how God's Word will be heard and the effect that it will take.Coming Up: Have had much traveling for work in the month of September and am now home for a few days before going to Living Waters in Maine for the Columbus Day weekend and Family Conference there. I would again appreciate your prayers for safety guidance for that weekend coming.As I mentioned in the past, I have been asked to assist with the planning of the Living Christmas Tree. That has become a larger task than many of us realized as some who have been a part of the production for many years have decided not to participate this year. So one of the main areas that has needed attention is the drama production. We have had auditions and are well on our way to a great cast.& We are also thankful for those who are continuing in the areas that they have been in for years and for new volunteers who have made themselves known and desire to be a part of sharing Christ with the Southwest Florida community. We would all appreciate your prayers in preparation for this great church outreach.& Dates: December 1,2,4,8,9,11 www.fbcntree.com (cick to view information on the Living Christmas Tree)