The Least of These

It has been a hectic few days and I have not had access to the internet.  I am sorry for the delay in giving an update on the ministry here in Kitgum.  It is not for lack of desire that is for sure.

We journeyed north from Kitgum on Tuesday to the northeastern part of Uganda.  It was a long trip and the roads are...challenging to say the least.  We passed through a number for small towns which were camps set up by the government during the war a few years ago.  The government required the people to move from their villages to these areas which basically became overcrowded refugee camps.  They are now trying to direct the people back to their villages, but that has proven a bit difficult.

The village where we spent our time ministering is Latotore (pronounced Law-tow-tow-ray with the emphasis on the second syllable).  The ladies did a Bible school for the children which numbered about 150.  Julius, one of the brothers from Kitgum that accompanied us, led the kids in worship.  There was a lot of energy in that place!  Gloria taught the gospel message to the kids through the Wordless Book bracelet and then the kids practiced sharing the message with us.  They were then sent home to share with their families.  Just think of it.  150 missionaries set loose to carry the message of the gospel. 

While the kids ministry was ongoing, we went into the village and shared the gospel.  A young lady named Atim (Ah-teem) Janet accepted that Lord.  That was so cool to see.  She has six children and now a new life in Christ to share with her kids.  Her brother was there when she prayed.  Although he was not ready to receive Christ, he said that if Jesus could change "this woman" (his sister...ha) he would accept Christ too.  Pray for them.


Oh, did I mention that is was about 115 degrees.  The heat here is amazing.  I know it is cool somewhere, but it is not here.  Wow! 

We completed the Bible school and then started the medical outreach.  Our focus was the children. The people of the village had not had any medical treatment for at least a year.  The health issues are many, but we concentrated on worms, ringworm and fungus problems.  We were able to treat the children that attended the Bible school plus others that came in later.  The need is daunting, but we are called to care for one person at a time.  Jesus was always reaching out and touching children and we had that privilege this week.  I was blessed to watch as

Gloria, Sabrina, Therese, Julius, Ryan and the others loved on and cared for these children.   Pray for these kids and their families.  May they come to Christ and become  instruments in His hands to impact northern Uganda.  The needs are many as you can see from these photographs.  I am reminded of the many blessings that we have in the place where we live.  We often take these things for granted having had them all of our lives.  My prayer is that we can use those blessings in the coming days to minister into the lives of these kids and the many just like them around the world.  Time is short folks and it is time to get about the business of the Kingdom.
 
  Ryan's House (on the right!)

We also spent time on the farm here.  The ministry has forty acres which they are developing into a fully operational farm.  It requires much work.  But, the Lord is bringing fruit.  They are harvesting papayas, sunflower seed (for oil) and sorgum.  They have also planted teak trees for future harvesting and orange trees for fruit production.  They are also growing chickens and goats and hope to have milk cows sometime in the future.  We slept in one of the huts on the property.  I was joined by a furry friend during the night.  But, a quick leg sweep sent him flying against the wall, not to be heard from again.  Thank the Lord!  I must be related to Bri-RatSlayer!

Shower Facility

Kitchen facilities

Ryan, one of the staff members, has been in Uganda for around ten years.  He recently joined Zane and Summer in ministry here in northern Uganda.  He is living at the farm in a temporary home while his is being constructed.  They are building one of the earth bag homes for him.  He is overseeing the farm ministry and outreach to the surrounding villages.  He is doing a great job.  Pray for him as he settles in and embraces this new calling in his life.


Thanks again to all of you who are praying for the McCourtney family and us during this season.  Please keep it up!  We can feel the effects.  I will write more later.  Blessings to you all.